Will Smith Reveals His Best And Worst Movie Roles

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For years, people have been asking Will Smith similar questions about his priorities. They’re curious to know what’s most important to him and what he’s willing to let go of. This is significant because his work includes a wide range of projects – from big science fiction movies to heartwarming stories about families.

He often responds with a knowing smile, hinting at his awareness of which films continue to be discussed by movie fans. Some movies become massive, widely-quoted successes, while others are more ambitious attempts that didn’t quite resonate with audiences. When he reflects on his work, he considers the artistry involved, how audiences reacted at the time, and how well the films have held up over the years.

He was direct this time. When asked about the roles he’s most proud of, he highlighted the original ‘Men in Black’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. He explained, “I think those two-the first Men in Black and Pursuit of Happyness-are almost perfect, but for different reasons.” As for a film he considers a misstep, he immediately mentioned ‘Wild Wild West’, saying, “I don’t know, Wild Wild West is a thorn in my side.”

It’s not surprising to hear him mention ‘Men in Black’. The part of Agent J transformed a likable television actor into a major movie star, and his natural comedic delivery perfectly complemented the film’s quirky and unusual atmosphere. It’s a performance often cited as a prime example of excellent comedic timing in film. Furthermore, it established a style for popular movies of the late 1990s that still feels fresh today.

The reference to ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ feels different now. That movie challenged him to simplify his performance and embrace quiet moments of hardship. He portrayed Chris Gardner with subtle emotional depth, allowing small actions to convey powerful feelings. The outcome resonated with viewers authentically, without relying on easy tricks. It’s understandable why he consistently highlights it among the films he considers complete and meaningful.

Then there’s ‘Wild Wild West’. While the steampunk western has gained a playfully ironic following over time, Will Smith has always been open about how uncomfortable it is to look back on. It’s not the inventive gadgets or elaborate sets that people remember most. It’s the leading man in cowboy attire, appearing as if he’d prefer to be doing anything else. When he refers to the film as a ‘thorn,’ you can sense both the humor and the lingering pain.

The reason his choices connect with people is because they reflect the two distinct parts of how he presents himself on screen. He often plays the fast-paced, adventurous hero who embraces disorder with a smile. But he also portrays the more serious, emotional lead who isn’t afraid to show weakness. These two sides are present throughout his work, and they’re the key reasons why audiences enjoy his films, no matter the genre.

You know, when Will Smith talks about his best and worst roles, and singles out Wild Wild West as the one he’d trade, it doesn’t feel like just a ranking. It feels like he’s sharing a story about how he’s grown as an actor. He’s still judging his work by the impact a movie has on audiences, still thinking about whether his choices felt true to the character *and* gave people what they wanted. But honestly, what I love most is that he’s willing to poke fun at his mistakes – that’s just so Will Smith, isn’t it?

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2025-10-05 12:16