While some of Will Smith’s movies may fail to hit the mark with critics, they are still enjoyed by audiences and worth watching at least once.

Will Smith has left an indelible mark on Hollywood through his remarkable career, but he hasn’t always won over critics with certain movies, even ones audiences loved. Known for his magnetic on-screen presence, Smith has garnered widespread acclaim for numerous roles, earning praise for his ability to seamlessly transition between genres. From the iconic Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to blockbuster hits like Independence Day, Men in Black, and The Pursuit of Happyness, Smith’s triumphs are undeniable. His portrayal of complex characters in emotionally charged narratives, such as Ali and I Am Legend, showcases his depth as an actor, earning him critical acclaim and prestigious award nominations.

While some entries in Smith’s filmography may not have received universal acclaim from critics, delving into these titles unveils the actor’s commitment to diverse storytelling. Even in films with mixed reviews, Smith consistently brings his A-game, elevating the material and delivering engaging performances. Exploring his less-celebrated works provides a fascinating lens into his evolving craft and the choices he makes as an artist. Even when critics haven’t always loved his work, it’s certainly been well-received by audiences, a testament to his star power.

10. Made in America (1993)

Will Smith as Tea Cake Walters

Made in America follows Zora Matthews after discovering her biological father through a sperm bank mix-up. This leads her to confront Hal Jackson, a flamboyant car salesman, who is unexpectedly white. Despite this, critics majorly criticize the film for its lack of originality and predictable plot, hindering its overall appeal. On the positive side, the movie is praised for the engaging chemistry between Will Smith and Whoopi Goldberg, who play Tea Cake and Sarah Matthews, respectively. In addition, the humor injected into the storyline adds a favorable touch, allowing Zora and her biological father to navigate their relationship and contributing to the film’s entertainment value.

9. Bad Boys (1995)

Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey

Bad Boys follows two Miami narcotics detectives as they investigate a heist. The film received mixed reviews but was a commercial success, grossing $141 million worldwide and spawning multiple sequels, with another Bad Boys installment releasing in 2024. Criticisms center on the cliché plot and excessive violence, with the film accused of sticking too closely to the buddy-cop genre formula. The film’s energetic style and explosive set pieces, however, often overshadow the need for a substantial story. Despite this, the dynamic between Smith and Lawrence is praised, as is the film’s entertaining action. The enduring appeal of the dynamic duo underscores its lasting impact on the action comedy genre.

8. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

Will Smith as Bagger Vance

The Legend of Bagger Vance unfolds as a philosophical sports drama set in 1931 Georgia, following an eccentric cabbie who begins guiding a fallen golfer through a high-stakes tournament. While the film is often praised for its visually appealing cinematography, it continues to be criticized for its pacing issues and a lack of genuine substance. Additionally, it has been accused of employing the magical negro stereotype. While the box office performance fell short of its budget at $39 million worldwide, Will Smith’s charismatic and mysterious portrayal, along with his chemistry with Matt Damon, offers a redeeming quality to the film’s narrative shortcomings.

7. I, Robot (2004)

Will Smith as Detective Del Spooner

 

I, Robot follows Detective Spooner as he investigates the suspected suicide of a robotics founder. The film is set in 2035 when robots serving humans become suspects in a murder investigation. Although it deviates from Isaac Asimov’s original work which has inspired a call for a remake, it explores themes of AI ethics. Despite its $347 million worldwide box office success and being praised for its visual effects and narrative premise, the film faced criticism for a predictable plot and shallow character development. I, Robot has mixed reviews, noting its thought-provoking elements amid blockbuster entertainment along with Will Smith’s skillful portrayal of a cop struggling with distrust and survivor’s guilt.

6. Seven Pounds (2008)

Will Smith as Tim Thomas

Seven Pounds follows IRS agent Tim Thomas, seeking redemption by making life-altering decisions to atone for causing a fatal car crash. The movie is a direct reference to Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, which is tied to Tim’s journey of giving seven gifts for atonement. The movie’s box office success, grossing $169.7 million worldwide, contrasts with its negative reception, with Rotten Tomatoes critics giving it 27%. Despite criticisms for its melodramatic and convoluted plot, Will Smith delivers an emotionally powerful performance, adding depth to its thought-provoking premise. Smith’s portrayal of Tim Thomas as he navigates his redemptive mission showcases the actor’s ability to convey complex emotions.

5. Concussion (2015)

Will Smith as Bennet Omalu

Concussion delves into the discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players and the NFL’s attempts to suppress research. The film received mixed reviews, with a 59% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 71% audience rating. Its biggest criticism revolves around slow pacing, and it’s also accused of having a biased portrayal. On the positive side, Will Smith’s performance is lauded for its compelling nature, addressing a relevant and impactful issue. Concussion is considered one of Smith’s best movies, and his portrayal of Omalu earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Despite its shortcomings, the film sheds light on the serious issue of head injuries in football.

4. Collateral Beauty (2016)

Will Smith as Howard Inlet

Collateral Damage follows Howard Inlet, an advertising executive who, after a personal tragedy, writes letters to abstract concepts like Love, Time, and Death. The film explores themes of grief and human connection. Overall, it received mixed reviews, with a 14% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 64% audience rating. Its biggest criticisms suggest that its plot is contrived and emotionally manipulative, while its praises focus on its ensemble cast including Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, and Helen Mirren. It was also praised for Will Smith’s emotional depth and the film’s unique premise. The box office earnings amounted to $88 million worldwide.

3. Bright (2017)

Will Smith as Daryl Ward

Bright is an urban fantasy film set in a world where humans coexist with magical creatures. It follows an LAPD officer, Daryl Ward, after partnering with the nation’s first orc police officer, Nick Jakoby. While the movie is praised for its unique concept and world-building, criticisms focus on its heavy-handed allegory, social commentary, and messy plot. Bright also received criticism for its choppy editing. Overall, it garnered mixed reviews, with a 27% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84% audience rating. Despite negative critical reception for its supposedly dull plot, audience response was far more positive, and the film became a commercial success on Netflix, with high viewership in its first week.

2. Aladdin (2019)

Will Smith as Genie

Aladdin is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, featuring Will Smith as the charismatic Genie. The film, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, follows the titular character in a vibrant reimagining. Critics (57% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic) appreciated the spectacle but noted it didn’t match the animated original’s splendor. Interestingly, the film’s biggest praise goes to Smith’s performance, for bringing a fresh attitude to the iconic role, while its biggest criticism involves comparisons to Robin Williams, along with concerns over the adaptation’s use of CGI. Despite mixed critical reviews, audience reception was positive, and the film became a box office success.

1. Gemini Man (2019)

Will Smith as Henry Brogan

Gemini Man follows an aging hitman facing his younger clone. The film grossed $173 million globally but fell short of breaking even. Criticisms (26% on Rotten Tomatoes, 38 on Metacritic) cite a weak script and inconsistent CGI. It has also been criticized heavily for depending on science that fails to convince. Despite critically flopping for its subpar and dull narrative impact, Gemini Man continued to dominate Netflix charts. Praise went to Will Smith‘s dual performance and the film’s action sequences, and his portrayal of both characters showcases his acting prowess, contributing to the film’s appeal. The movie’s unrealized potential and technological focus hamper its success, leaving audiences with a mixed response.