Laurence Fishburne has always stood out as a remarkably versatile performer, capable of slipping seamlessly into roles that span the spectrum from hero to villain. It all began when a young Laurence Fishburne made a bold move—literally—by stretching the truth about his age to impress none other than Francis Ford Coppola. That gamble paid off big time, landing him a key role in the groundbreaking war epic “Apocalypse Now” (1979). From there, Laurence Fishburne spent much of the next decade navigating smaller parts, searching for that breakthrough moment. And break through he did—with powerful performances that showcased his depth and range.
A turning point came in 1991 with “Boyz n the Hood,” where Laurence Fishburne delivered a grounded, emotionally resonant portrayal of a father determined to protect his son from the dangers of street life. That role marked the beginning of a string of standout performances. In 1993 alone, he impressed critics with layered supporting turns in both “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Searching for Bobby Fischer.” Then, in 1995, Laurence Fishburne made history by becoming the first African-American actor to play the lead in a major Hollywood studio’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Othello”—a milestone achievement that underscored his talent and significance in the industry.
But it was near the end of the decade that Laurence Fishburne truly ascended to icon status. As the calm, enigmatic Morpheus in “The Matrix” (1999), he brought a quiet intensity and philosophical gravitas that became instantly iconic. The cultural impact of the film—and his performance—was enormous, and Laurence Fishburne returned for both sequels released back-to-back, further cementing Morpheus as one of cinema’s most memorable characters.
Even as he embraced blockbuster success, Laurence Fishburne continued to diversify his portfolio. He appeared in films like “Assault on Precinct 13” (2005), “Bobby” (2006), and “Mission: Impossible III” (2006), proving his adaptability across genres. On television, Laurence Fishburne took on the lead role in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS, 2000–2015), bringing a new dynamic to the long-running series. Later, he co-starred in and co-produced the popular ABC sitcom “black-ish” (2014– ), showing yet another side of his creative range.
Throughout it all, Laurence Fishburne has remained a consistent, compelling presence on screen—someone audiences trust, admire, and return to again and again. With a career defined by bold choices and emotional authenticity, Laurence Fishburne has earned his place as one of Hollywood’s most respected and enduring performers.
So, when we take a look at Laurence Fishburne’s filmography, it’s pretty interesting to see how his career has evolved over the years. If you’re curious about Laurence Fishburne’s highest rated movie, it turns out to be Is That Black Enough for You?!? from 2022—a compelling documentary that really resonated with both critics and audiences alike. On the flip side, one of the lower points in terms of ratings is Band of the Hand, which came out way back in 1986. While Laurence Fishburne has had an incredibly diverse and impressive career, these two films definitely stand out when comparing highs and lows. Laurence Fishburne continues to leave a strong mark on cinema, no matter the project.