Forest Whitaker’s Top Movies

“Vantage Point” (2008):

Believable as an everyman, Whitaker plays a tourist in Spain who witnesses an assassination attempt on the American president in this “Rashomon”-like thriller.

“The Last King of Scotland” (2006):

Whitaker took every film honor in sight, including an Academy Award, for his riveting portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

“Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai” (1999):

Under the direction of indie-film favorite Jim Jarmusch, Whitaker is great as a professional killer who operates under his own strict code.

“Phenomenon” (1996):

Empathy is represented beautifully by Whitaker, playing a shoulder for an overnight genius (John Travolta) to lean on.

“Waiting to Exhale” (1995):

He doesn’t act in it, but Whitaker distinguishes himself in his feature directing debut with the stories of four female friends and their romances.

“The Crying Game” (1992):

As a British soldier captured by the IRA, Whitaker is pivotal to the big surprise in director Neil Jordan’s drama.

“Bird” (1988):

Thanks to director Clint Eastwood, Whitaker attained stardom in the biography of brilliant, troubled jazzman Charlie Parker.

“Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987):

Whitaker started proving his sidekick value as a crony of a military disc jockey (Robin Williams).

“Platoon” (1986):

Whitaker has his moments as a soldier in the superb actor ensemble gathered by director Oliver Stone.