Will Smith is one of a handful of actors that pulls viewers into his dramatic performances just as easily as he makes them laugh out loud. Smith rose to fame as a young man and his ability to command the screen grew with him. He’s become a veritable force at the box office thanks to a career full of memorable roles that have resonated with audiences worldwide.

Swipe ahead for the most amazing Will Smith performances.

Men in Black (1997)

Men in Black managed to walk a delicate balance between comedy, horror and science-fiction. In the 1997 film, Smith infused the sterile secret agency with some much-needed humor — the perfect balance to Tommy Lee Jones’ stoicism. As if that wasn’t enough, he also makes that suit look good.

Photography: Columbia Pictures

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Smith’s dramatic acting abilities shine in this emotional tale of a homeless single father who works as a salesman. Smith’s depiction was powerful enough to land him his second Academy Award nomination in 2007, even though he lost to Forest Whitaker. The movie also introduced his son, Jaden Smith, to film fans worldwide.

Photography: Columbia Pictures

Bad Boys (1995)

Smith already had success in music and television, but Bad Boys made him an undeniable movie star. Michael Bay’s action classic paired a suave Will Smith with a fast-talking Martin Lawrence when they were both in their prime. The result was movie magic that spawned two sequels with a third in development.

Photography: Sony Pictures

Independence Day (1996)

When aliens threatened to destroy civilization as we know it, Captain Steven Hiller answered the call to save the day. This epic creature feature shattered box office records thanks to jaw-dropping visual effects and a little comic relief from Will Smith every time things got too serious. It also has the single greatest speech from a fictional president in cinematic history.

Photography: 20th Century Fox

Ali (2001)

Will Smith didn’t just portray Muhammad Ali, he became the iconic athlete for this gripping biopic from Michael Mann. Smith’s critically acclaimed performance got him an Oscar nomination, but even the champ couldn’t compete with Denzel Washington in Training Day. Smith brought a rich complexity to Ali’s life that will continue to tell his story for generations to come.

Photography: Columbia Pictures

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990)

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air brought Will Smith’s magnetic personality into every living room in America. Smith got the show because of his successful music career, but Fresh Prince elevated his stardom to a whole new level. The series remains an iconic 90’s sitcom that still delivers laughs for audiences of all ages.

Photography: NBC

Wild Wild West (1999)

Wild Wild West is a bizarre steampunk western that chose style over substance at every turn. The reason it’s so enjoyable is Will Smith’s infectious charm that’s only exceeded by his ridiculous outfits. The movie’s titular song, performed by Smith himself, is guaranteed to have you dancing during the credits.

Photography: Warner Bros. Pictures

King Richard (2021)

King Richard tells the story of a flawed man and reminds audiences that questionable actions can still come from the best intentions. This emotional role finally got Will Smith his Academy Award.

Photography: Warner Bros. Pictures

Six Degrees of Separation (1993)

Smith’s role in the adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play was early in his career, but it’s one of his most impactful performances to date. Smith plays a con-artist who claims to be Sidney Poitier’s son in this captivating entry into queer cinema. Even as a young actor, Smith still held his own on-screen with titans like Ian McKellen and Donald Sutherland.

Photography: MGM