Top 35 Best Morgan Freeman Movies [Ranked]

"The Dark Knight" (2008) stands out as a spectacular entry in the "Batman" franchise, with Christian Bale delivering a gripping performance as the titular hero and Heath Ledger’s unforgettable portrayal of the Joker, hailed as one of the finest in cinematic history.

Morgan Freeman shines as Lucius Fox, Bruce Wayne’s ingenious tech advisor at Wayne Enterprises, bringing both elegance and passion for innovation to the role. He’s joined by an impressive ensemble cast, including Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Cillian Murphy, Eric Roberts, and Nestor Carbonell, all contributing to the film’s lasting impact.

Freeman’s portrayal of Lucius Fox extends across "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight Rises," cementing his importance in the acclaimed trilogy.

"The Shawshank Redemption" masterfully depicts a decades-long friendship between two men while navigating the harsh realities of prison life. Through daily acts of kindness, humility, and compassion, they rise above their circumstances and find a sense of personal redemption—something rare behind the walls of a high-security institution.

Based on Stephen King's bestselling novella of the same name, the film delves into the psychological effects of incarceration and exposes the darkness that can pervade prison environments. Its gripping plot shines a light on the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Tim Robbins stars as Andy Dufresne, an innocent banker struggling to adapt and survive in a brutal penal system. Over time, he forms a deep bond with Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding, played by Morgan Freeman, who becomes both his confidant and source of hope inside the prison walls.

The film also features standout performances from supporting actors Clancy Brown, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, and Gil Bellows, each adding depth and nuance to this unforgettable story.

In Unforgiven (1992), Clint Eastwood stars as William "Bill" Munny, a retired gunslinger reluctantly drawn back into his old life for one final job. Munny seeks help from his loyal former partner, Ned Logan (portrayed by Morgan Freeman), and teams up with the eager young "Schofield Kid" in hopes of putting his violent past behind him.

The film features an outstanding supporting cast, including Jaimz Woolvett, Frances Fisher, Saul Rubinek, Richard Harris, and Gene Hackman. Their performances breathe life into this gritty, award-winning Western classic.

"Million Dollar Baby" follows the journey of Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined aspiring boxer portrayed brilliantly by Hilary Swank. Driven to overcome all obstacles, Maggie’s story is inspired by real people and true events, creating a powerfully motivational narrative.

She seeks the guidance of seasoned trainer Frankie Dunn, played by Clint Eastwood, to hone her skills and prepare for a series of crucial bouts. Their partnership leads to gripping highs and lows, with Maggie steadily developing the grit and technique essential for success in the ring.

Within the same gritty gym, Morgan Freeman shines as Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris, delivering a heartfelt and pivotal performance. His wisdom and heartfelt dialogue bring empathy and depth to the film’s narrative.

The supporting cast, including Mike Colter, Anthony Mackie, Margo Martindale, Jay Baruchel, and Michael Peña, further enrich the movie with their memorable performances. "Million Dollar Baby" stands out as a gripping and emotional drama powered by a stellar ensemble.

Inspired by real historical events, "Glory" features Morgan Freeman as Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins, starring alongside a talented cast that includes Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes, Bob Gunton, and Andre Braugher.

The film presents a gripping and dramatized account of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw’s leadership of the first all-black volunteer infantry unit in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It powerfully explores the challenges they faced, including fierce resistance from Confederate forces and deep-seated prejudice within their own ranks.

Set in Boston, "Gone Baby Gone" follows two inexperienced detectives as they investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Their search forces them to confront both personal and professional challenges, leaving them forever changed by the case.

Morgan Freeman excels as Jack Doyle alongside Ed Harris's Remy Bressant, both delivering compelling performances. The stellar cast, featuring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Amy Ryan, Amy Madigan, Titus Welliver, and Michael Kenneth Williams, deepens the film's emotional and dramatic impact.

The film explores tough moral dilemmas, professional missteps, and a criminal underworld populated by drug dealers and child predators. Morgan Freeman's portrayal stands out as one of his most powerful and inspiring roles.

In this riveting thriller, a seasoned detective and his rookie partner are teamed up to track down a sadistic serial killer. Each murder is meticulously designed to represent one of the infamous "seven deadly sins"—pride, gluttony, greed, wrath, lust, envy, and sloth—referenced in Christian tradition.

Morgan Freeman delivers a standout performance as veteran detective Somerset. He is joined by Brad Pitt, who portrays Mills, the determined rookie. Together, they are drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse with the enigmatic killer, John Doe, hauntingly brought to life by Kevin Spacey.

An exceptional supporting cast—including Daniel Zacapa, Gwyneth Paltrow, Richard Roundtree, John Cassini, and Reg E. Cathey—adds depth and intrigue to this unforgettable film.

This biographical drama offers a captivating portrayal of one of the world’s most influential leaders. Morgan Freeman takes on the challenging role of Nelson Mandela, bringing depth and authenticity to the character.

Freeman’s powerful performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The film follows Mandela as he confronts the harsh realities of apartheid in South Africa and strategically unites the nation by supporting the national rugby team during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, spreading a profound message of peace and reconciliation.

The cast also features outstanding performances from Matt Damon, Adjoa Andoh, Julian Lewis Jones, Danny Keogh, Bonnie Mbuli, and Penny Downie, all of whom contribute to the film’s compelling narrative.

In "Nurse Betty," Renée Zellweger stars as Betty, a Kansas City waitress whose life takes a dramatic turn after witnessing her husband's brutal murder. Traumatized, Betty becomes obsessed with a soap opera star and clings to her old aspiration of becoming a nurse.

The shock drives her into a delusional state, convincing her that she is engaged to her favorite TV heartthrob. Mistaking the show for reality, she embarks on a journey to Los Angeles in search of the cardiologist she believes she loves.

Unbeknownst to her, Betty accidentally leaves with a car containing her husband's stolen drugs. Morgan Freeman plays Charlie, a hitman on her trail, tasked with recovering the loot. The film's ensemble cast—including Chris Rock, Greg Kinnear, Aaron Eckhart, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Mitchell, Crispin Glover, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Harriet Sansom Harris—brings both drama and humor to this quirky story.

Set in 1839, "Amistad" tells the gripping story of Mende captives who, after revolting against their captors, find themselves aboard a Spanish slave ship intercepted off the coast of Long Island, sparking an international controversy.

The American legal system is forced to confront pressing questions about slavery and freedom, as the courts must determine whether the captives should be considered free or remain property of the Spaniards. The stellar cast includes Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Nigel Hawthorne, Stellan Skarsgård, Anna Paquin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and David Paymer—each delivering compelling performances in Steven Spielberg's powerful film.

Morgan Freeman stands out as Theodore Joadson, lending depth and gravitas to this unforgettable drama inspired by true events.

In this heartfelt film, a young boy develops a deep bond with a dolphin after it becomes trapped and loses its tail. Determined to help his new friend, he embarks on a mission to save the dolphin's life and advocates for a prosthetic tail that will enable it to thrive in the wild.

Morgan Freeman portrays Dr. Cameron McCarthy, a crucial character who aids in the dolphin's recovery. The movie also features stellar performances by Harry Connick Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Nathan Gamble, and Ashley Judd.

Starring the incomparable Angelina Jolie, "Wanted" (2008) is a fast-paced action-crime film packed with intrigue, hidden conspiracies, and bold storytelling choices. Morgan Freeman shines as Sloan, joining forces with Jolie's Fox and James McAvoy's Wesley to deliver a truly gripping experience.

The film also features an impressive cast, including Terence Stamp, Common, Thomas Kretschmann, Kristen Hager, David O'Hara, Konstantin Khabenskiy, Marc Warren, and Chris Pratt, all of whom make significant contributions to this often underrated movie.

"Lucy" (2014) is an unconventional and often unsettling science fiction film that explores themes of conspiracy, synthetic drugs, advanced technology, and human evolution. The story centers on a woman who becomes something far beyond ordinary human limits, with Scarlett Johansson delivering a powerful portrayal as the titular character.

Morgan Freeman plays Professor Norman, providing a strong and thoughtful performance that anchors the film. Notable supporting actors like Choi Min-sik, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Pilou Asbæk, and Amr Waked contribute to the film’s complexity, making this action-packed thriller both credible and engaging.

"Oblivion" (2013) is a gripping sci-fi action-adventure film featuring a stellar cast, including Tom Cruise, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Andrea Riseborough, and Olga Kurylenko. Morgan Freeman delivers a memorable performance as Beech. The story is set on a devastated Earth, ravaged by decades of war with a mysterious alien enemy, the Scavs. Survivor repair crews roam what remains, maintaining drones and gathering data for their superiors to monitor crucial activities.

The plot intensifies when Tom Cruise's character, Jack, discovers a crashed spacecraft. This discovery causes him to question everything he once believed, setting off a chain of events that ultimately put the future of humanity in his hands.

In the gripping film "Now You See Me," Morgan Freeman takes on the compelling role of Thaddeus Bradley, a skilled magic debunker caught in the midst of a whirlwind of deception and spectacle. The story centers on a team of illusionists whose public performances coincide with daring bank heists, drawing the attention of both the FBI and Interpol.

These mesmerizing magicians pull off elaborate robberies in full view of their audiences, distributing the stolen money in a manner reminiscent of 'Robin Hood.' As suspicion mounts and the investigation intensifies, a star-studded cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Michael Caine, Michael Kelly, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Common, and Woody Harrelson, elevates this crime-thriller to new heights.

Morgan Freeman's intriguing performance was so memorable that he returned as Thaddeus Bradley for the 2016 sequel, "Now You See Me 2."

Adapted from a gripping Tom Clancy thriller, this film plunges viewers into one of CIA analyst Jack Ryan’s most perilous missions. As Ryan, played by Ben Affleck, counters a neo-Nazi group's attempt to spark nuclear war between the United States and Russia, the tension rapidly escalates.

The suspense reaches its peak when a major football game in Maryland becomes ground zero for a catastrophic plot. Morgan Freeman commands the screen as DCI William Cabot. Alongside him, the film features strong performances from Ben Affleck, Ian Mongrain, James Cromwell, Bruce McGill, Russell Bobbitt, Ken Jenkins, John Beasley, and Philip Baker Hall, making this action-thriller a standout in Freeman’s filmography.

"Going in Style" showcases a group of elderly friends who embark on an unexpected adventure, delivering a film that is both heartwarming and witty. The movie blends comedy, crime, and genuine emotion, making it an uplifting watch as these seniors set out to reclaim control over their lives.

Motivated by the need to support their families and cover everyday expenses, the trio of lifelong friends decides to rob the very bank that unjustly took their retirement savings. Morgan Freeman shines as Willie Davis, sharing the screen with the formidable Michael Caine and Alan Arkin.

The dynamic cast is rounded out by talented performers such as Joey King, Maria Dizzia, Matt Dillon, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Peter Serafinowicz, Kenan Thompson, Ann-Margret, and the incomparable Christopher Lloyd, all contributing important roles to this delightful and emotional heist tale.

"Flights Up" (2014) features the delightful pairing of Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton as a married couple who have shared the same New York City apartment for four decades. Their genuine chemistry brings warmth and nuance to this heartwarming comedy-drama.

As they contemplate moving out, a series of personal and real estate challenges begin to surface, making their decision increasingly complicated. Supporting performances from Cynthia Nixon, Carrie Preston, Josh Pais, Claire van der Boom, and Korey Jackson add richness to the story.

The film cleverly mixes humor and chaos with issues like a media frenzy, the declining health of the family dog, a determined realtor niece, and a colorful parade of unpredictable open house visitors, creating a delightful and relatable experience for viewers.

In this remarkable Jim Carrey comedy, Morgan Freeman takes on the iconic role of God. Carrey delivers a memorable performance as Bruce Nolan, a frustrated New York news reporter who is suddenly granted the extraordinary opportunity to wield divine powers.

Bruce’s chaotic life turns upside down as he explores his godlike abilities, leading to hilarious and thought-provoking situations. The film features an engaging ensemble cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Steve Carell, Tony Bennett, Timothy Di Pri, Sally Kirkland, Eddie Jemison, Catherine Bell, and Lisa Ann Walter, all of whom contribute to the film's infectious energy.

Morgan Freeman later returned to his role as God in the 2007 sequel, "Evan Almighty," with Steve Carell stepping into the spotlight as the lead character.

Four lifelong friends embark on an unforgettable adventure as they plan a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last single companion. Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Sam (Kevin Kline), and Archie (Morgan Freeman) set out to relive old times, but soon discover that Sin City presents new challenges and unexpected surprises to test their bond.

This comedy-drama features outstanding performances by Mary Steenburgen, Roger Bart, Michael Ealy, and Jerry Ferrara, further adding to the film's charm and dynamic energy.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman pair up to give their fans some of the most memorable on-screen collaborations in the comedy genre. Talented artists like Sean Hayes, Ian Anthony Dale, Rob Morrow, Rowena King, Alfonso Freeman, and Beverly Todd play key roles.

The story portrays two terminally ill men (Freeman and Nicholson) who make good their escape from a cancer treatment facility and promptly go on a road trip to fulfil their bucket-list aspirations before it is too late.

A prominent and rich San Juan lawyer is called to the police station one day upon suspicion that he's had a hand in certain rapes and murders. All evidence seemingly points to him.

In this crime drama, Morgan Freeman plays Captain Victor Benezet. Great artists like Gene Hackman, Thomas Jane, Miguel Ángel Suárez, Pablo Cunqueiro, and Monica Bellucci add to the suspense and drama.

A series of high-octane action movies can be found in the "Has Fallen" movie franchise. In this first instalment, hit-maker artists like Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, and Angela Bassett play key roles along with talents like Dylan McDermott, Radha Mitchell, Rick Yune, Cole Hauser, and Melissa Leo.

Speaker Trumbull is a pivotal character, and he's played by Morgan Freeman. In this story, terrorist masterminds take over the White House and kidnap the President of the USA. Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (played by Gerard Butler) has to use everything in his arsenal and wits to save the nation from being crushed under the heel of chaos.

Other titles in this movie franchise are "London Has Fallen" (2016), "Angel Has Fallen" (2019), and "Night Has Fallen" (TBA).

Morgan Freeman is interesting as Patrick Meighan in this comedy flick that also stars amazing talents like Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi, Mark Wahlberg, John Slattery, John Carroll Lynch, Liam Neeson, Dennis Haysbert, Tom Brady, Ron Canada, and Patrick Warburton.

Patrick Stewart as the narrator is superb, and Seth MacFarlane as the voice of the teddy bear named Ted is fantastic. This sequel movie sees Wahlberg and Ted going on yet another crazy adventure, only this time Ted is married to Tami-Lynn and has to prove that he's human in court in order to have a baby.

A comet on a collision course to Earth may seem like a cliché, but this 90s Morgan Freeman movie makes it work. Noteworthy Sci-Fi and action-adventure tropes play out in this gripping story in which Freeman fulfils the role of U.S. President Beck. Elijah Wood, Robert Duvall, Vanessa Redgrave, Téa Leoni, Maximilian Schell, James Cromwell, Dougray Scott, and Jon Favreau help enrich the plot in this interesting doomsday movie.

In some ways, this production was ahead of its time, because of how well it detailed the rise of global water levels – a situation we are now facing with the Climate Change emergency.

Morgan Freeman gives a captivating performance as Dr. Alex Cross in this mystery movie where a serial kidnapper finds himself cornered after one of his latest victims escapes to warn the police.

Superb artists like Cary Elwes, Bill Nunn, Brian Cox, Tony Goldwyn, Richard T. Jones, Roma Maffia, Alex McArthur, and Ashley Judd play significant roles. Freeman's acting is impressive as a Washington DC cop and forensic psychologist.

He has an emotional part to play in this story because among the kidnapped women is his niece. Alex Cross is therefore doubly determined to bring the dreaded murderer, who goes by the name Casanova, to justice

Morgan Freeman (as Charles Grimes), Jim Caviezel (as Tom Kubik and Sgt. Ron Chapman), and Ashley Judd (as Claire Kubik) give noteworthy performances in this mystery-crime movie that features the arrest of a successful attorney's husband.

He is charged with the murder of nine villagers in El Salvador back in 1988 when he went by a different name and served as a soldier in the U.S. Army. Claire defends her husband in court while attempting to get to the truth of the matter. Skilled artists like Adam Scott, Bruce Davison, Amanda Peet, and Shannon play important roles in this courtroom drama.

Despite her Secret Service protection detail, a senator's daughter finds herself kidnapped from her private school and held for ransom. Detective Alex Cross (played by Morgan Freeman) is put on the case to find the young girl before it is too late.

With the recent loss of his professional partner still fresh on his mind, Cross strives to maintain professionalism as he inches closer to saving the senator's daughter. Michael Wincott, Monica Potter, Dylan Baker, Anton Yelchin, Billy Burke, Mika Boorem, and Michael Moriarty further enrich the plot.

Based on the immensely popular short story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" written by E. T. A. Hoffmann, this adaptation brings creative twists and thrills galore that capture the essence of this timeless tale while giving it an action-fantasy twist.

Morgan Freeman is memorable as Drosselmeyer (Clara's godfather). Great talents like Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Tom Sweet, Richard E. Grant, Omid Djalilim, Jayden Fowora-Knight, Jack Whitehall, and Misty Copeland play important roles.

In this version, the Nutcracker realm grows unstable, prompting the need to find a special key that promises to set things right. All three realms – Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, and Land of Sweets – gradually unite to face the fourth realm headed by the ruthless Mother Ginger (played by Helen Mirren).

Will Caster is a scientist, brilliantly played by Johnny Depp, in this Science-Fiction movie featuring Artificial Intelligence; particularly its dark side. Engaging artists like Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy, Lukas Haas, Clifton Collins Jr., and Cole Hauser play important roles in the movie.

Morgan Freeman as Joseph Tagger is amazing in the role. The plot cleverly highlights the pursuit of progress, particularly in the AI sector. The creation of sentient machines that possess the complete range of human emotions enriches the plot in relevant and meaningful ways.

Adding to the danger factor are anti-technology extremists and a knowledge-hungry scientist, each of whom aren't keen to stop chasing their own separate goals.

Though this movie pales in comparison to the 1959 original, it still gives fans several memorable moments. Morgan Freeman plays Ilderim in this production along with captivating artists like James Cosmo, Ayelet Zurer, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Moises Arias, Marwan Kenzari, Nazanin Boniadi, Pilou Asbæk, Rodrigo Santoro, Toby Kebbell, and Jack Huston.

This timeless tale features a Jewish-origin prince who is accused of treason by his adopted brother, who serves in a high post within the Roman army. The titular character soon escapes from his homeland and spends years at sea only to return with vengeance in his heart and redemption in his mind.

Bodyguard Michael Bryce (played by Ryan Reynolds) and hitman Darius Kincaid (played by Samuel L. Jackson) enjoy a deadly partnership. This sequel movie adds to their dangerous adventures. Events accelerate when Kincaid's international con artist wife Sonia (played by Salma Hayek) spurs him back into the game.

Before long, they learn of a conspiracy that threatens the integrity of Europe due to the ambitions of a power-mad man. Morgan Freeman plays a captivating character named Senior. Other outstanding names who are part of this production include Antonio Banderas and Gary Oldman.

Plenty of comedy and even more crimes play out in this Morgan Freeman movie in which he stars as Charles Peterson. On-screen with him are captivating artists like Christopher Walken, Wynn Everett, Marcia Gay Harden, Joseph McKenna, and William H. Macy. Three middle-aged museum guards realize that their art wing has been sold off to a private collector. Each of them has their favourite art pieces from which they draw inspiration every day.

The men understand that those pieces will soon be lost to them forever if they don't do something about it. And so they decide to steal and stash each art piece and use clever forgeries to replace them.

Comedic complications unravel as the men try to see the heist through to a successful end.

A little crime, a little comedy. Both make this movie work in several ways. It stars legends like Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones, and of course Morgan Freeman. Insurance scams, filmmaking, and murder define the crux of this story which portrays bizarre friendships, mob-based dangers, and outrageous characters.

Memorable talents like Emile Hirsch, Kate Katzman, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Eddie Griffin, and Zach Braff add to the hilarity of this crazy script.

Morgan Freeman is intriguing in the role of Ripley as he takes his fans into a world of crime and high-octane action. Antonio Banderas adds to the intensity of this movie.

Other notable artists include Robert Forster, Corey Johnson, Radha Mitchell, Rade Serbedzija, Gerrit Vooren, Ivan Petrushinov, Victor Boichev, and Nickolay Hadjiminev. Veteran thief Ripley finds himself roping in a younger criminal to execute one last heist that will set him free from the Russian mob, and clear the debt he owes them.