Anthony Mackie is one of those actor’s who demands your attention whenever he appears on screen. He has a captivating presence and displays an intensity in his roles that is impossible to ignore. His considerable talents have led him from small roles in high-profile films to becoming a genuine cinematic superhero.
His impressive career has resulted in a number of hugely successful films at the box office, but today we’re going to focus on Mackie’s critical success. With a solid filmography under his belt, let’s see which of his films rank the highest with critics. Here are Anthony Mackie’s best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Avengers: Infinity War (85%)
Mackie was already a veteran of the MCU by the time Avengers: Infinity War came around. This was his fourth time playing Sam Wilson aka Falcon but was certainly the biggest of the films he’d been apart of. Mackie doesn’t get a whole lot of screen time due to the film’s huge cast of characters as the heroes of Earth and beyond attempt to stop the Mad Titan Thanos.
The movie was the epic first half of the conclusion to the Infinity Saga. Despite the overwhelming scale, it was a thrilling, funny, and shocking new entry in the MCU.
The Inevitable Defeat Of Mister & Pete (86%)
The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete is probably the smallest film on this list but one that is worth seeking out. The movie follows two young inner-city boys who are left to fend for themselves after their mothers are arrested. Mackie has a supporting role as a drug dealer who runs the neighborhood.
The movie is a unique coming-of-age story featuring touching and entertaining performances from the young leads. The movie is a great urban adventure while commenting on some real-world issues.
All The Way (88%)
It would be daunting for any actor to take on the role of Martin Luther King Jr. no who they are. Mackie had the opportunity to step into that historical role in this HBO film. Bryan Cranston stars as Lyndon B. Johnson who takes over as President of the United States following the assassination of JFK. During his first year, he works with Dr. King to pass the Civil Rights Act.
The movie is an adaption of a stage play that Cranston performed on Broadway. Cranston clearly has a good grasp of the role as he makes for a compelling, funny and powerful Johnson in this solid historical drama.
Half Nelson (90%)
Half Nelson is a movie that made a lot of people sit up and take notice of what an amazing actor Ryan Gosling was. He plays a passionate high school teacher at an inner-city school who struggles with his own drug addiction. As his life spirals out of control, he attempts to help one of his students stay on the right path. Mackie plays a drug dealer who takes the student under his wing.
The movie is a small and heartbreaking drama that will be difficult for some to watch. However, Gosling’s performance, which earned him his first Oscar nomination, is brilliant and the movie itself is a powerful story.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (90%)
Captain America was a fun character in his first couple of MCU appearances, but Captain America: The Winter Soldier showed how great the character could be. The film follows Steve Rogers deals with a new reality in which it’s much harder to tell the friends from the foes. Mackie makes his debut as Sam, who becomes one of Steve’s closest allies.
The movie is a hugely entertaining comic book movie styled after the political thrillers of the 70s. The action sequences are a huge step up from the first film and the Russo Brothers make an impressive MCU debut.
Million Dollar Baby (91%)
Mackie’s talents as an actor have led him to work with some great filmmakers, including the legendary Clint Eastwood. Million Dollar Baby also features one of Eastwood’s greatest performances on film as a bitter old boxing coach who reluctantly begins training a female boxer (Hilary Swank). Mackie plays an arrogant and obnoxious aspiring boxer who trains at Eastwood’s gym.
The movie is a fine addition to the list of boxing movies and offers some surprising moments for this type of movie. The performances are all stellar and the movie will likely leave you with a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes.
Captain America: Civil War (91%)
Sam Wilson became Steve Roger’s right-hand man following The Winter Soldier so, of course, Mackie returns to the role for the third Captain America film. This time, they are joined by a whole roster of super friends as the Avengers deal with the government calling for control over superheroes. The issue creates conflict between the allies with Iron Man and Captain America leading opposite sides of the fight.
While there are a lot more heroes to cram into this sequel, the story remains centered on Cap in a very satisfying way. There are plenty of laughs and great new characters like Spider-Man and Black Panther. But the real surprise is the emotional wallop the film packs.
Avengers: Endgame (94%)
The first chapter in the MCU comes to a close after more than a decade. Avengers: Endgame is set in the aftermath of Thanos’ devastating plan as the remaining heroes deal with the defeat. When an opportunity comes to set things right, they band together for a final mission to save the day, whatever it takes.
Mackie doesn’t have a huge role in the film but he does have some great moments and hints at the future of his character. The film itself is a funny, thrilling, heartbreaking and exhilarating finale that somehow wraps up this massive story in an extremely satisfying way.
The Hurt Locker (97%)
After Million Dollar Baby, The Hurt Locker was the second Best Picture winner Mackie had the honor of being a part of. The Kathryn Bigelow film also starred fellow Avenger Jeremy Renner as a bomb squad expert during the Iraqi War. Mackie plays his squad member who struggles with Renner’s unpredictable style.
The movie was praised as an intense and thrilling modern war film with great performances and stellar direction from Bigelow. It is an interesting look at how some soldiers are drawn to war.
The Hate U Give (97%)
While all of the superhero movies take a lot of attention, Mackie has also starred in many movies about real-world issues. The Hate U Give is a powerful film starring Amandla Stenberg as a high school student who witnesses her childhood friend being killed by police. With the entire community pressuring her to do one thing or the other, she must find her own voice. Mackie plays a local gang leader.
The movie deals with a very timely issue in our society and one that speaks directly to the African American community. It is not always an easy movie to watch but it holds a powerful message.
