Most Famous Black Actors of the 2010s

The 2010s brought a surge of global visibility for Black male actors across blockbuster franchises, prestige dramas, and breakout indie hits. Many of these performers anchored box-office juggernauts, headlined acclaimed television series, and collected major awards, shaping the decade’s cultural landscape. From established stars expanding their legacies to new talents breaking through, their work spanned superhero epics, historical biopics, sharp thrillers, and heartfelt character pieces. Here are names whose screen presence defined that ten–year stretch.

Denzel Washington

Throughout the decade, Denzel Washington delivered commanding performances in films like ‘Flight’, ‘Fences’, and ‘The Equalizer’. His portrayal in ‘Fences’ earned widespread recognition, including top-tier awards nominations, and he also directed the film adaptation. He took on legal drama with ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ and continued collaborating with leading filmmakers. Washington’s sustained box-office draw and awards pedigree kept him at the forefront of studio and prestige cinema.

Will Smith

Will Smith remained one of the era’s most bankable stars, leading films such as ‘Men in Black 3’, ‘Focus’, and ‘Suicide Squad’. He explored dramatic territory with ‘Concussion’ and returned to family–friendly adventure with ‘Aladdin’. Smith also embraced streaming originals like ‘Bright’, expanding his reach beyond theatrical releases. His decade was marked by global hits, varied genres, and continued star power.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson solidified his status as a franchise cornerstone, appearing as Nick Fury across Marvel titles including ‘The Avengers’ and related entries. He tackled bold roles in ‘Django Unchained’ and joined large–scale spectacles like ‘Kong: Skull Island’. Jackson’s filmography in the 2010s spanned action, westerns, and thrillers, often in high–profile ensemble casts. His consistent presence connected multiple cinematic universes and major studio projects.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx balanced action and drama with standout turns in ‘Django Unchained’, ‘Baby Driver’, and ‘Just Mercy’. He played a comic–book villain in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ and took on music–infused storytelling with projects that tapped his performance background. Foxx also worked across television and film, maintaining a steady release cadence. His roles showcased range—from courtroom advocacy to high–octane heists and genre fare.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba led the critically praised series ‘Luther’ while headlining films like ‘Pacific Rim’ and portraying Nelson Mandela in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. He contributed voice performances to animated hits including ‘Zootopia’ and ‘The Jungle Book’. Elba’s Marvel run as Heimdall continued through several franchise installments, reinforcing his blockbuster credentials. He also garnered acclaim for the harrowing drama ‘Beasts of No Nation’.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali became one of the decade’s most decorated actors with Academy Awards for ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. On television, he earned recognition for ‘House of Cards’ and led ‘True Detective’ in a haunting turn. Ali expanded into superhero territory with ‘Luke Cage’, crafting a nuanced antagonist. His choices reflected a steady focus on character complexity across film and TV.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman embodied trailblazing figures in ’42’ and ‘Get on Up’ before leading Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’. He introduced the character in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and returned in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, anchoring key franchise arcs. Beyond superhero work, he pursued legal and crime dramas like ‘Marshall’ and ’21 Bridges’. Boseman’s impact in the decade extended from cultural landmark releases to biographical storytelling.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan earned breakout acclaim with ‘Fruitvale Station’ and launched a new boxing saga in ‘Creed’. He portrayed a memorable antagonist in ‘Black Panther’, adding depth to a major Marvel entry. Jordan also appeared in projects like ‘Chronicle’ and continued working with director Ryan Coogler on multiple collaborations. His filmography blended indie credibility with blockbuster resonance.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya surged to prominence with ‘Get Out’, earning top awards recognition for a tightly wound, socially charged performance. He joined ensemble hits like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Sicario’, and impressed in the heist drama ‘Widows’. Kaluuya’s roles often combined genre storytelling with layered character work. His ascent marked one of the decade’s clearest breakout trajectories.

John Boyega

John Boyega became a global name through the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, starting with ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. He led ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ and tackled historical drama with ‘Detroit’. Boyega balanced franchise responsibilities with independent and mid–budget projects. His visibility grew through press tours, fan engagement, and a slate of international releases.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle continued as James “Rhodey” Rhodes across Marvel entries like ‘Iron Man 3’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. He headlined the sharp, fast–talking series ‘House of Lies’, earning critical recognition. Cheadle also explored biographical storytelling with ‘Miles Ahead’, which he directed and starred in. His decade reflected versatility across blockbuster action, television satire, and passion projects.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker delivered gravitas in films such as ‘The Butler’, ‘Arrival’, and ‘Black Panther’. He appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ universe with ‘Rogue One’, adding a seasoned presence to the rebellion’s lore. Whitaker’s roles frequently centered on moral weight and political stakes. His body of work in the decade bridged prestige dramas and expansive franchises.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Sam Wilson in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and subsequent ensemble chapters. He starred opposite ensemble casts in ‘Avengers’ films and branched into sci–fi and drama beyond the franchise. Mackie’s television work later extended that character’s arc, while his film choices included indies and thrillers. The decade established him as a key figure in superhero storytelling and genre cinema.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown became widely known for the family drama series ‘This Is Us’, earning major awards for his performance. He appeared in high–profile films like ‘Black Panther’ and led projects across crime and action such as ‘The Predator’. Brown’s stage–trained precision translated into emotionally detailed screen work. His presence on television and in features made him a central name of the era.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart dominated comedy box office with ‘Ride Along’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and the ensemble adventure ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. He also fronted successful stand–up films and specials including ‘Kevin Hart: What Now?’. Hart expanded into producing and voice acting, broadening his entertainment footprint. Frequent collaborations with major co–stars kept him at the center of mainstream comedic releases.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman continued appearing in wide–release thrillers and dramas, including ‘Now You See Me’, ‘Olympus Has Fallen’, and ‘Lucy’. He returned to franchise storytelling with further entries tied to his secret–service action roles. Freeman also contributed voice work and narration, maintaining a presence across documentaries and animated features. His collaborations with major studios kept him visible to global audiences throughout the decade.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne balanced franchise action and television drama, showing up in ‘John Wick’ entries while anchoring network TV with ‘Black-ish’. He participated in superhero storytelling via ‘Man of Steel’ and related projects. Fishburne also produced and acted across limited series and TV movies that highlighted historical and biographical subjects. His slate reflected a mix of ensemble blockbusters and character-driven television.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor earned major acclaim for ’12 Years a Slave’ and followed with high-profile work in ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘The Martian’. He explored science fiction and dystopian themes with titles like ‘Z for Zachariah’. Ejiofor expanded into directing with ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’, also appearing on screen. His choices often centered on complex, ethically charged characters across multiple genres.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo drew widespread attention with ‘Selma’, portraying a pivotal civil-rights leader in a historically focused drama. He led thrillers and mysteries such as ‘A Most Violent Year’ and ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’. Oyelowo also worked extensively in voice roles and family adventures like ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. His decade combined prestige cinema with genre experiments and international productions.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover headlined the acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’, which he also created and wrote, expanding his influence behind the camera. On the big screen, he appeared in ‘The Martian’ and took on a major franchise role in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. Glover provided celebrated voice work in ‘The Lion King’, reaching a broad audience. His multidisciplinary approach linked television innovation with blockbuster visibility.

John David Washington

John David Washington broke out on television with ‘Ballers’ before leading the crime drama ‘BlacKkKlansman’. He later transitioned into large-scale action with ‘Tenet’, cementing his status as a film lead. Washington also took roles in smaller dramas, emphasizing dialogue-heavy storytelling. His rapid move from TV ensemble to feature headliner marked a notable 2010s ascent.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield emerged through distinctive roles in ‘Short Term 12’ and continued with ‘Get Out’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’. He joined ensemble crime stories like ‘Knives Out’, showcasing dry wit alongside veteran casts. On television, he became a core part of ‘Atlanta’, contributing to the show’s offbeat rhythm. Stanfield’s filmography favored inventive projects that blended genre elements with social commentary.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry gained broad recognition as a lead on ‘Atlanta’, then moved into features including ‘Widows’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. He added voice work to his portfolio with ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. Henry consistently appeared in supporting roles that left a strong impression across drama, crime, and comedy. His transition from stage and TV to high-profile films accelerated during the decade.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito cemented his presence on prestige television with ‘Breaking Bad’ and returned in the follow-up ‘Better Call Saul’. He contributed to genre series and streaming hits such as ‘The Mandalorian’. Esposito also took roles in video games and animation, expanding into voice acting. His precise, controlled character work made him a go-to figure for cerebral antagonists and authority figures.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright balanced large franchises with cerebral television, appearing in ‘The Hunger Games’ films while leading ‘Westworld’. He took on historical and literary adaptations, maintaining a steady presence in prestige cinema. Wright’s voice acting extended to animated features and superhero-related projects. His decade showcased a blend of blockbuster involvement and philosophically tinged storytelling.

Trevante Rhodes

Trevante Rhodes broke through with ‘Moonlight’, earning widespread recognition for a nuanced performance. He shifted into genre territory with action and sci–fi titles like ‘The Predator’ and ‘Bird Box’. Rhodes also explored biographical drama on television in ‘Mike’. His career in the 2010s charted a path from indie discovery to mainstream visibility.

Omar Sy

Omar Sy became an international star with ‘The Intouchables’, then joined Hollywood ensembles in ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. He continued to work across French and American productions, maintaining bilingual appeal. Sy brought charisma to action-comedies and adventure films while appearing in dramatic roles. His cross-border success set up later television prominence.

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael Kenneth Williams carried his reputation from earlier television into 2010s projects like ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and limited series such as ‘The Night Of’. He appeared in films including ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘When They See Us’, often portraying layered, conflicted characters. Williams worked across genres, from crime sagas to historical dramas. His performances were frequently central to ensemble storytelling on premium television.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson fronted the family-sitcom hit ‘Black-ish’, guiding multiple spin-offs and shaping network TV’s conversation around family and culture. He continued film appearances and hosted award shows and specials. Anderson’s comedic timing anchored long-running television success while collaborating with a wide cast. His profile in the 2010s was driven by steady broadcast visibility and franchise-building TV work.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews starred as a core ensemble member on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, blending action persona with comedic warmth. He took roles in films like ‘The Expendables’ series and family comedies, maintaining a broad audience reach. Crews also hosted and judged competition shows, extending his presence beyond scripted work. His mix of comedy, action, and unscripted television kept him highly visible across the decade.

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou moved fluidly between superhero franchises and prestige projects, appearing in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, ‘Captain Marvel’, and ‘Furious 7’. He turned up in adventure fare like ‘The Legend of Tarzan’ and delivered voice and motion–capture work across animated and fantasy titles. Hounsou also worked in television with projects such as ‘Wayward Pines’. His reliable presence in global releases made him a frequent part of big studio ensembles.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes returned to major studio action with ‘The Expendables 3’ and later drew notice for his scene-stealing turn in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’. He collaborated with auteur filmmakers on projects like ‘Chi-Raq’, showing range beyond pure action roles. Snipes also headlined network television with ‘The Player’. His decade underscored a successful on-screen resurgence across action, satire, and comedy.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. earned renewed attention portraying a central figure in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. He added feature roles in dramas such as ‘The Butler’ and entries in thriller and action categories. Gooding Jr. continued working across independent films and television movies, maintaining a steady profile. His work reached large audiences through high-visibility limited series and ensemble films.

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge delivered key supporting turns in ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and ‘Hidden Figures’, aligning with critically praised ensemble casts. He led historical drama on television with ‘Underground’, emphasizing resilience and tactical intelligence. Hodge balanced film with prestige cable projects such as ‘City on a Hill’. His choices consistently blended socially resonant stories with tightly constructed genre work.

Stephan James

Stephan James broke through with the civil-rights biopic ‘Race’ and then starred in the acclaimed romance ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. He led the psychological thriller series ‘Homecoming’, expanding his footprint in streaming television. James also appeared in political and sports dramas that emphasized determination and poise. His roles often centered on perseverance within complex institutional settings.

Ashton Sanders

Ashton Sanders drew early acclaim as part of ‘Moonlight’ before taking on action–thriller terrain in ‘The Equalizer 2’. He headlined the literary adaptation ‘Native Son’ and portrayed a pivotal figure in ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’. Sanders gravitated toward projects that explored identity, ambition, and social pressure. His film and television choices highlighted a willingness to take challenging, character-forward parts.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke made an immediate impression with ‘Black Panther’ and continued that arc through ensemble superhero entries. He co-led the horror hit ‘Us’, showcasing physicality and nuanced tonal shifts. Duke also appeared in action and adventure projects that capitalized on his commanding presence. His swift rise connected cultural touchstones with crowd-pleasing genre fare.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II moved from musical drama in ‘The Get Down’ to blockbuster territory with ‘Aquaman’. He joined the ensemble of ‘Us’ and earned major recognition for his complex role in ‘Watchmen’. Abdul-Mateen II brought intensity and range to both film and limited-series storytelling. His work spanned comic-book mythology, social allegory, and stylized genre pieces.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance garnered significant acclaim for ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. He appeared in studio releases such as ‘The Mummy’ and contributed voice work to ‘Isle of Dogs’. Vance continued turning up in dramas and limited series that emphasized legal, political, and historical stakes. His performances were marked by crisp authority and layered restraint.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo stood out in ensembles like ‘Selma’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. He anchored apocalyptic drama on television with ‘Fear the Walking Dead’, evolving from supporting player to central figure. Domingo also worked in stage-rooted adaptations and indie dramas that highlighted his command of dialogue. His decade reflected a steady climb through critically regarded projects.

Michael Ealy

Michael Ealy balanced romantic comedy and thrillers with films such as ‘Think Like a Man’, ‘About Last Night’, and ‘The Perfect Guy’. On television, he led the sci–fi drama ‘Almost Human’ and recurred across crime and mystery series. Ealy’s screen roles often paired charm with tightly wound suspense. His steady output kept him visible across multiplex and network platforms.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry sustained a prolific run of ‘Madea’ features while stepping into auteur-led projects like ‘Gone Girl’. He popped up in action-adventure with ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows’ and portrayed national-security leadership in ‘Vice’. Perry expanded studio operations behind the camera even as he continued acting. His cross-over presence linked mainstream comedy, drama, and production leadership.

Barkhad Abdi

Barkhad Abdi earned widespread recognition with ‘Captain Phillips’, then continued with tense military and espionage stories like ‘Eye in the Sky’. He appeared in the science-fiction sequel ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and worked in prestige television including ‘Fargo’. Abdi’s roles frequently engaged with moral ambiguity and high-stakes conflict. His screen persona lent authenticity to contemporary geopolitical narratives.

André Holland

André Holland featured in the acclaimed ensemble of ‘Moonlight’ and later headlined ‘High Flying Bird’. He delivered a key performance in the period medical drama ‘The Knick’, collaborating with a major filmmaker. Holland also took roles in psychological and genre television like ‘Castle Rock’. His work emphasized precise character study across film and serialized storytelling.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome appeared in ‘Moonlight’ before leading the limited series ‘When They See Us’ to extensive recognition. He worked in crime drama on television with ‘Mr. Mercedes’, showing versatility in tone and pacing. Jerome’s performances often focused on youth navigating systemic pressure and trauma. His rise showcased careful project selection and emotionally detailed screen work.

Share your picks and favorite performances from the 2010s in the comments.