Top 10 Jamie Foxx Performances
#10: James W. Sawyer “White House Down” (2013)
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Roland Emmerich-directed films aren’t always known for putting the acting first, but Jamie Foxx does what he can in this all-out action thriller about terrorists attempting to seize the White House. Foxx plays James W. Sawyer, the President of the United States, and fictional analogue to real-life President Obama. He takes the role seriously and avoids going through the motions of just playing a character in a high-octane blockbuster.
#9: Det. Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs “Miami Vice” (2006)
Top 10 Jamie Foxx Performances
Somewhat darker than its ‘80s TV counterpart; this crime drama updates the series with Foxx as Tubbs and Colin Farrell as James “Sonny” Crockett. As the clever, nonchalant, practical one, Foxx does deliver a satisfying performance as an undercover police detective just trying to make the grade. Critics may’ve given the film mixed reviews, but “Miami Vice” is still one of Michael Mann’s biggest commercial successes.
#8: Staff Sargeant Sykes “Jarhead” (2005)
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In the world of the U.S. Marine Corps, Foxx plays a no-nonsense staff sergeant and ‘lifer’ whose devotion to the American armed forces is absolute. He captures the essence of military life with the role, radiating an air of quiet determination and discipline. His believable portrayal of a man who has sacrificed a normal life for his country even earned him a nomination for a Black Movie Award.
#7: Drew Bundini Brown “Ali” (2001)
In this biopic about heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, Foxx plays Ali’s corner-man and trainer. Though the film’s main focus is its titular character, it wouldn’t be what it is without its supporting cast. As junkie Drew Bundini Brown, Foxx manages to shine through with his solid and engaging effort.
#6: Nathaniel Ayers “The Soloist” (2009)
Foxx stretches his acting muscles in this drama based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers. Playing a musician who becomes homeless after developing schizophrenia, Foxx takes on the daunting challenge of having to switch in and out of moods that range from quiet lethargy to paranoid delusion. Thanks to his strong performance, we get an unnerving sense of someone struggling to stay sane, yet who has long since sworn off civilized society.
#5: “Steamin’” Willie Beamen “Any Given Sunday” (1999)
In this American drama, Fox once again showcases his talent for layered performances. As Willie Beamen, he plays a third stringer quarterback who gets a shot at glory when his two star teammates are injured. The result is a slippery slope from self-doubting rookie to obnoxious superstar. Willie’s inflated ego begins to take its toll on the rest of the team and their hard-boiled coach, which allows us to watch him on his journey of self-realization.
#4: Curtis Taylor, Jr. “Dreamgirls” (2006)
Foxx shows off his singing talents as a wheeler-and-dealer named Curtis Taylor, Jr. in this musical drama. At first likeable enough, Foxx’s slick and ambitious record producer slowly sours the audience with a ruthless and often downright mean disregard for the people around him. And the actor makes this smooth transition from loveable to intolerable with masterful ease.
#3: Max Durocher “Collateral” (2004)
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No matter where he goes, Foxx seems to get caught up in all kinds of exciting situations. In “Collateral,” he’s Max, a put-upon, daydreaming cabbie who’s just trying to finish his day. These plans are put on hold when Tom Cruise’s cold-blooded assassin gets in at the last minute and demands to be driven to each of his marks. Viewers really get the sense that Foxx is a down-to-earth Joe who’s trying to stay alive in extreme circumstances.
#2: Django Freeman “Django Unchained” (2012)
In this dream-team collaboration, Foxx stars opposite Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio. The Quentin Tarantino-helmed western has the actor playing a slave-turned-bounty hunter searching for his lost love. Very much a man of few words, Django has Foxx exuding an imposing coolness that pervades every scene. Meanwhile, Django’s willingness to learn and his readiness for violence captivates audiences.
Honorable Mentions
- Ed “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” (1996) - Special Agent Ronald Fleury ”The Kingdom” (2007) - Nick Rice “Law Abiding Citizen” (2009) - Dean “Motherfucker” Jones “Horrible Bosses” (2011) - Darryl Johnson “Due Date” (2010)
#1: Ray Charles “Ray” (2004)
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In this masterful biopic, Foxx plays legendary soul-singer Ray Charles Robinson. His performance not only manages to capture the essence of Charles’ magnetic character but also injects a poignant sense of tragedy into the singer’s troubled and often troubling life. The result is an emotional roller coaster with an unavoidable conclusion and an Oscar-worthy performance. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favourite Jamie Foxx performance? For more epic Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com
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