From Musicals to Action Thrillers, 21 of Jamie Foxx's Most Iconic Film Roles

Published on Aug 9, 2022 at 4:15 PM

Jamie Foxx got his start on the beloved sketch-comedy series "In Living Color," but in seemingly no time at all, the comedian made a name for himself on the silver screen, appearing in action flicks, tense dramas, and laugh-out-loud comedies. One of his first cinematic breakout moments came with the 1999 football drama "Any Given Sunday," and just five years later, Foxx won the Oscar for best actor for his work as Ray Charles in the biopic "Ray." Foxx's filmography has included award-winning films like "Dreamgirls" and "Django Unchained," action flicks like "White House Down" and "Robin Hood," and animated movies like "Rio" and "Soul." He also joined the MCU in 2021's "Spider-Man: No Way Home."

One of Foxx's daughters, Corinne, has even followed him into the acting business. She appeared in 2019's "47 Meters Down: Uncaged" and 2020's "Safety" and will appear in the upcoming movie "All-Star Weekend," which her dad is starring in and producing. She also appeared in season two of "Dollface" and cohosts "Beat Shazam" with her famous father.

Back in 2019, Corinne told Variety that her dad gives the "worst" acting advice. She said that he FaceTimed her constantly while filming "47 Meters Down: Uncaged" and told her, "It's so easy, anyone can do it." She told him, "You won an Oscar, of course it's easy for you."

But Corinne added, "I grew up being on set with my dad and going with him to premieres. So for me to finally have my own and him coming to my premiere it is so full circle to me."

Read on to revisit some of Foxx's most iconic film roles.

"Spider-Man: No Way Home"

Foxx was one of many previous Spider-Man movie villains who reprised their roles for 2021's "Spider-Man: No Way Home." The actor played Electro.

"Valentine's Day"

Foxx plays a local news anchor in 2010's ensemble romantic comedy "Valentine's Day."

"Ray"

Foxx won an Oscar for his portrayal of the iconic musical artist Charles in 2004's "Ray."

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2"

Foxx made his debut in the Spider-Man universe as Electro in 2014's "The Amazing Spider-Man 2." It's the second film to star Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.

"Baby Driver"

In 2017's "Baby Driver," Foxx joins an ensemble that also include Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm, Lily James, Jon Bernthal, and Kevin Spacey.

"Django Unchained"

Foxx plays Django Freeman in 2012's "Django Unchained." The film also stars Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson. The movie won two Academy Awards — best supporting actor for Waltz and best original screenplay for director and writer Quentin Tarantino.

"Soul"

Foxx voices the main character, Joe, in Disney and Pixar's 2020 film "Soul." The film won best animated feature and best original score at the Oscars in 2021.

"Rio"

Foxx voices Nico the bird in 2011's "Rio."

"Rio 2"

Foxx reprised his role as Nico for 2014's "Rio 2."

"Annie"

Foxx plays William Stacks in the 2014 reboot of "Annie," opposite Quvenzhané Wallis in the titular role.

"Robin Hood"

Foxx stars as Little John in 2018's action film "Robin Hood." Taron Egerton plays the titular hero.

"Horrible Bosses"

Foxx plays Dean "Motherf*cker" Jones in "Horrible Bosses," a "murder consultant" who helps the three main characters — played by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis — try to kill their bosses.

"Horrible Bosses 2"

Foxx reprises his "Horrible Bosses" role in the 2014 sequel, "Horrible Bosses 2."

"Dreamgirls"

Foxx stars alongside Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, and Jennifer Hudson in 2006's "Dreamgirls."

"Just Mercy"

"Just Mercy," released in 2019, tells the true story of defense attorney Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan), who was dedicated to fighting bias in the criminal justice system. Foxx plays Walter McMillian, who Stevenson represents.

"White House Down"

Foxx teams up with Channing Tatum in 2013's "White House Down." Foxx plays the fictional president, and Tatum is a veteran and Capitol police officer.

"Project Power"

Foxx stars alongside Joseph Gordon Levitt in 2020's "Project Power." The science-fiction film was released on Netflix.

"A Million Ways to Die in the West"

Foxx makes a brief cameo as Django Freeman in 2014's "A Million Ways to Die in the West."

"Any Given Sunday"

One of Foxx's earliest film roles is as Willie Beaman in the 1999's "Any Given Sunday." The movie, directed by Oliver Stone, also includes Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, and LL Cool J.

"Due Date"

Foxx joins Robert Downey, Jr. and Zach Galifianakis in 2010's "Due Date," a road-trip comedy about an unlikely duo trying to make it to Los Angeles for Downey's character's child's birth.

"Day Shift"

"Day Shift," released on Netflix on Aug. 12, unites Foxx with Dave Franco and Snoop Dog. Foxx plays a pool cleaner who finds out his employers are actually a union of vampire hunters.