Will Smith Doesn’t Even Appear in His Best-Reviewed Movie
Will Smith has become increasingly involved behind the scenes
As Smith’s star has risen, so too has his willingness to get more involved in the creative process. As an actor, he’s known for helping to shape his star vehicles with the writers and directors he works with. But Smith has also developed a second Hollywood career as a producer of films and TV series, mostly through Overbrook Entertainment. Smith co-founded the production house in 1998.
Smith’s producing credits include many of the movies he’s made over the years. Films like I, Robot, Hitch, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Bad Boys for Life all count Smith among their producers. Likewise, the actor’s company is behind such popular TV shows as Cobra Kai. But remarkably, the project of Smith’s with the most critical love isn’t one he stars in.
What is Will Smith’s best-reviewed movie ever?
According to Rotten Tomatoes, Smith’s most critically acclaimed star vehicles are Men in Black, King Richard, and Six Degrees of Separation, all of which have ratings over 85 percent. But four titles trump those fan-favorite movies. Among them is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion, with a perfect 100 percent Fresh rating. Since that’s more of a TV special than a movie, however, the best-reviewed movie bearing Smith’s name in the credits is something else.
Netflix hit To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before — based on the novel by Jenny Han — is actually Smith’s top-rated movie, with a 96 percent Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The 2018 film stars Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, and Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment produced the romantic comedy trilogy. Beyond that, the documentary Dads — in which Smith appears — is next up, followed by the Smith-produced doc, Free Angela and All Political Prisoners.
What is the ‘King Richard’ star working on next?
Following his Oscar win for King Richard, Smith’s fans are curious to see what he’s up to next. Of course, the actor stirred controversy that same evening when he slapped presenter Chris Rock on stage. However, even as the aftermath of that incident continues to clear up, Smith’s next movie is already well on the way.
The actor’s next film role sees him team up with director Antoine Fuqua for Emancipation. Based on a true story, Smith stars as an escaped slave who joins the Union Army. While it’s unclear whether the actor is eligible for another Academy Award nomination, early buzz claims Emancipation could become an awards contender in 2023.
