Top 35 Best Morgan Freeman Movies [Ranked]

 

You will recognize this legendary American actor simply from his voice whose suave cadence and deep growly pitch have been mimicked, emulated, revered, and celebrated over the years. As an accomplished actor, Morgan Freeman has worked in a great many hit-making movies.

 

His artistic work extends to television (shows for children) and the stage (Shakespearean plays). He won a “Best Supporting Actor” Oscar for his role in “Million Dollar Baby”. But his character in “The Shawshank Redemption” (for which he was Oscar-nominated) was what truly earned him the respect and admiration of fans.

 

Let’s explore all the movies that make Morgan Freeman an illustrious artist and movie icon.

 

 

 

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

 

 

This movie exceptionally portrays the friendship, over the course of several years, between two men in jail. Everyday acts of courtesy, humility, and kindness help them discover personal redemption, somethign that most prisoners in high-security jails fail to experience in a lifetime.

 

This movie is based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel after the same name. The plot captures the dark side of incarceration, including the toll it takes on the minds of prisoners.

 

An innocent banker (Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins) finds himself trying to survive a dangerous system. As time goes, he finds and befriends a fellow prisoner (Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding, played by Morgan Freeman) who makes his life behind bars a tad tolerable.

 

Other artists like Clancy Brown, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, and Gil Bellows help enrich the plot.

 

 

 

2. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

 

 

An aspiring boxer is willing to do whatever it takes to win. This remarkable and motivating story is based on actual people and events. Hilary Swank plays Maggie Fitzgerald to outstanding effect.

 

She turns to Frankie Dunn (played by Clint Eastwood) to help train and prepare her for a series of matches that will define her career. Dramatic ups and downs gradually follow, seeing Maggie eventually acquiring the determination, willpower, and reliable technique needed to make herself and her trainer proud.

 

Working in the same gym where she trains is Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris, played by Morgan Freeman, who gives a moving and pivotal performance. His empathy and dialogues more than balance the plot.

 

Notable artists like Mike Colter, Anthony Mackie, Margo Martindale, Jay Baruchel, and Michael Peña add to the brilliant performances in this movie.

 

 

 

3. Se7en (1995)

 

 

An amateur and a veteran, both detectives, are paired up and tasked with hunting down a twisted serial killer who doesn’t seem to know when to stop or with whom. This killer is cunning in the way he sets up each murder, one for each of the “seven deadly sins” (pride, gluttony, greed, wrath, lust, envy, and sloth) as listed in the Christian bible.

 

This gripping mystery sees Morgan Freeman playing the veteran detective, Somerset. The rookie he has to work with is Mills, played by Brad Pitt. They both find themselves contending with the depraved killer known simply as John Doe, expertly portrayed by Kevin Spacey.

 

Skilled artists like Daniel Zacapa, Gwyneth Paltrow, Richard Roundtree, John Cassini, and Reg E. Cathey enhance the script.

 

 

4. Transcendence (2014)

 

 

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.

 

 

5. Invictus (2009)

 

 

This biography is a dramatized take on one of the greatest world leaders who ever lived. The story sees Morgan Freeman tackling the complex role of the one and only Nelson Mandela.

 

Freeman was later nominated a “Best Actor” Oscar for his performance as the reputed President of South Africa. The plot sees Nelson Mandela facing up to the Apartheid scourge in his country and cleverly using the national sports team to spread a message of peace, that too during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

 

Other superb artists in this script include Matt Damon, Adjoa Andoh, Julian Lewis Jones, Danny Keogh, Bonnie Mbuli, and Penny Downie.

 

 

6. Nurse Betty (2000)

 

 

A Kansas City waitress named Betty (played by Renée Zellweger) unwittingly develops a post-traumatic obsession with a soap star. Before her husband was murdered and she became a widow, Betty nurtured dreams of becoming a nurse.

 

One thing leads to another and she becomes so delusional from the shock that she believes herself to be the fiancé of her favorite soap opera star. In her mind, the TV series is absolutely real, prompting her to go to LA to find the cardiologist she loves.

 

Her husband’s killers are after his stolen stash of drugs, which Betty accidentally drives off with. Playing a hitman tasked with retrieving the goods is Morgan Freeman’s Charlie. Endearing artists like Chris Rock, Greg Kinnear, Aaron Eckhart, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Mitchell, Crispin Glover, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Harriet Sansom Harris add to the drama and hilarity in this production.

 

 

7. Glory (1989)

 

 

Based on true historical events, this Morgan Freeman war movie sees the man playing Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins alongside excellent artists like Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes, Bob Gunton, and Andre Braugher.

 

The movie portrays a dramatized version of how Robert Gould Shaw led the North American Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company against the Confederates while experiencing racial tension from his own Union faction.

 

 

8. The Bucket List (2007)

 

 

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.

 

 

9. Gone Baby Gone (2007)

 

 

Two detectives in Boston are tasked with investigating the kidnapping of a little girl. They have little experience handling such cases, though. Before long, they experience personal and professional crises that promise to leave an indelible mark on their souls.

 

Morgan Freeman’s Jack Doyle and Ed Harris’s Remy Bressant give moving performances in this crime drama. Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Amy Ryan, Amy Madigan, Titus Welliver, and Michael Kenneth Williams further enrich the plot.

 

From moral dilemmas and professional blunders to drug dealers and paedophiles, this movie portrays Morgan Freeman in one of his most inspiring roles.

 

 

10. The Dark Knight (2008)

 

 

This outstanding “Batman” movie stars Christian Bale as the titular ‘Dark Knight’ and Heath Ledger as the Joker – whose performance is still one of the most golden in the franchise.

 

Playing Bruce Wayne’s tech expert (at Wayne Enterprises) is Morgan Freeman who gives the character Lucius Fox an elegant and tech-passionate spin. Brilliant artists like Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Cillian Murphy, Eric Roberts, and Nestor Carbonell help make this “Batman” movie one to remember.

 

Morgan Freeman also plays Lucius Fox in both “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight Rises”.

 

 

11. Deep Impact (1998)

 

 

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.

 

 

12. Unforgiven (1992)

 

 

Retired gunslinger William “Bill” Munny (played by the inimitable Clint Eastwood) is cornered into taking up one last job. He turns to his former partner Ned Logan (played by Morgan Freeman) and later drags in a young hand known as the “Schofield Kid” to help him accomplish his goal and be done with his former career.

 

Quality artists like Jaimz Woolvett, Frances Fisher, Saul Rubinek, Richard Harris, and Gene Hackman play important roles in this “Wild West” script.

 

 

13. Wanted (2008)

 

 

With the incomparable Angelina Jolie in the lead, this heart-racing action-crime movie unearths mysteries, conspiracies, and more in what some fans consider bold and audacious storytelling. Morgan Freeman expertly portrays Sloan alongside Angelina Jolie’s Fox and James McAvoy’s Wesley.

 

Superb talents like Terence Stamp, Common, Thomas Kretschmann, Kristen Hager, David O’Hara, Konstantin Khabenskiy, Marc Warren, and Chris Pratt play key roles in this under-rated production.

 

 

14. Bruce Almighty (2003)

 

 

In this outstanding Jim Carrey movie, Morgan Freeman has the privilege of playing god himself. Carrey shines as Bruce Nolan in this unforgettable comedy about a dissatisfied New York news reporter who miraculously receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be god for a while.

 

Nolan’s life is in shambles, but his newfound powers make him (quite literally) feel on top of the world. Enchanting artists like Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Steve Carell, Tony Bennett, Timothy Di Pri, Sally Kirkland, Eddie Jemison, Catherine Bell, and Lisa Ann Walter add to the fun-funny madness in this movie.

 

Morgan Freeman later reprises his role in the 2007 sequel “Evan Almighty” which stars Steve Carell in the lead.

 

 

15. Amistad (1997)

 

 

The year is 1839, and captives from the revolt of Mende find themselves aboard a Spanish slave ship, which later becomes the source of a deep conspiracy when it gets captured off the Long Island coast in the United States of America.

 

American courts take it upon themselves to judge whether the slaves are legally free or still contractually enslaved to the Spaniards. Outstanding artists like Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Nigel Hawthorne, Stellan Skarsgård, Anna Paquin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and David Paymer play key roles in this Steven Spielberg movie.

 

Morgan Freeman shines as Theodore Joadson and helps tell this powerful based-on-true-events drama.

 

 

16. The Maiden Heist (2009)

 

 

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.

 

 

17. Lucy (2014)

 

 

An unconventional and at times unnerving Sci-Fi movie, this story deals with conspiracies, synthetic drugs, futuristic tech, and a woman who is less human than anyone ever thought possible. The titular character is played by the inimitable Scarlett Johansson.

 

Morgan Freeman fills the shoes of Professor Norman and gives a neat performance. Noteworthy artists like Choi Min-sik, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Pilou Asbæk, and Amr Waked make this complex and credible plot a thrill to watch.

 

 

18. Kiss the Girls (1997)

 

 

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

 

 

19. The Comeback Trail (2020)

 

 

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.

 

 

20. Last Vegas (2013)

 

 

A group of four childhood friends make plans to throw their last single buddy a memorable bachelor party in Las Vegas. Billy (played by Michael Douglas), Paddy (played by Robert De Niro), Sam (played by Kevin Kline), and Archie (played by Morgan Freeman) don’t yet realize that in their attempts to relive the glory days, the Sin City will test their friendship and create whole new memories for them.

 

Superb artists like Mary Steenburgen, Roger Bart, Michael Ealy, and Jerry Ferrara play key roles in this comedy-drama.

 

 

21. Along Came a Spider (2001)

 

 

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.

 

 

22. High Crimes (2002)

 

 

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.

 

 

23. Flights Up (2014)

 

 

One of the most enchanting on-screen pair-ups, Morgan Freeman acts alongside Diane Keaton in this comedy-drama about a longtime married couple who has been living in the same NYC apartment for 40 years.

 

However, when they plan to move, a slew of real estate and personal problems rise to the surface and start to overwhelm them. Cynthia Nixon, Carrie Preston, Josh Pais, Claire van der Boom, and Korey Jackson further enrich the script.

 

Media-generated chaos, a failing family dog’s health, a pushy niece who is also the realtor, and strange open-house guests all add to the hotpot of madness and amusement in this Morgan Freeman comedy.

 

 

24. Now You See Me (2013)

 

 

Morgan Freeman plays an interesting character named Thaddeus Bradley in this thrilling movie about stage magic gone wrong. The FBI and Interpol observe a team of illusionists. A series of bank robberies happen in the same locations where the group hold public events.

 

In what appears to be ‘Robin Hood’ style heists, the illusionists give their audiences free money whose source remains a mystery. Suspicions arise and tensions too in this crime-thriller that features remarkable artists like Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Michael Caine, Michael Kelly, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Common, and Woody Harrelson.

 

Freeman later reprises his role in the 2016 sequel “Now You See Me 2”.

 

 

25. The Code (2009)

 

 

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.

 

 

26. Oblivion (2013)

 

 

This Sci-Fi action-adventure movie stars superb talents like Tom Cruise, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Andrea Riseborough, and Olga Kurylenko. Morgan Freeman’s contribution is the character Beech. Decades of war with an alien race known simply as the Scavs leave Earth a veritable ruin where a handful of drone repairmen work to take measurements so their higher-ups can monitor important occurrences.

 

Before long, Tom Cruise’s Jack comes upon a spacecraft that leads him to question everything he knows is true. The moment inadvertently places the fate of humankind in his hands.

 

 

27. Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021)

 

 

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.

 

 

28. Going in Style (2017)

 

 

This story stars a bunch of old-timer characters in a surprisingly inspiring movie that is equal parts entertaining, funny, and criminal. Eager to ensure the happiness of their loved ones and to be able to pay their bills, three senior citizens who’ve been friends for decades decide to risk everything by executing a bank heist.

 

They don’t choose just any establishment, but the same one that stole their hard-earned savings. Willie Davis (played by Morgan Freeman) is one of the friends. He holds his own alongside veteran legends like Michael Caine and Alan Arkin.

 

Skilled performers like Joey King, Maria Dizzia, Matt Dillon, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Peter Serafinowicz, Kenan Thompson, Ann-Margret, and Christopher Lloyd (the one and only) play important parts in this funny and emotional story.

 

 

29. The Sum of All Fears (2002)

 

 

This script adapts one of the harrowing adventures of the popular fictional CIA analyst Jack Ryan, created by bestselling author Tom Clancy. In this movie, Ryan goes up against a neo-Nazi faction that’s busy instigating a nuclear war between the USA and Russia.

 

A major football game in Maryland soon becomes the hub of a deadly bomb-tastic conflict. Morgan Freeman captivates as DCI William Cabot. Ben Affleck is great as Jack Ryan. Other memorable artists who add to the worth of this action-thriller are Ian Mongrainm James Cromwell, Bruce McGill, Russell Bobbitt, Ken Jenkins, John Beasley, and Philip Baker Hall.

 

 

30. Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

 

 

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).

 

 

31. Dolphin Tale (2011)

 

 

A boy and a dolphin share a powerful friendship in this emotion-packed movie. A trap soon proves deadly and the dolphin loses its tail. The boy helps save its life but also campaigns to get the dolphin a prosthetic tail to help it survive in the wild.

 

Morgan Freeman’s Dr. Cameron McCarthy plays a pivotal role in this heartwarming story. Other amazing artists in this movie include Harry Connick Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Nathan Gamble, and Ashley Judd.

 

 

32. Ben-Hur (2016)

 

 

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.

 

 

33. Under Suspicion (2000)

 

 

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.

 

 

34. Ted 2 (2015)

 

 

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.

 

 

35. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

 

 

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).