Anthony Mackie is now one of the most important actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as he officially takes on the mantle of Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. While he’s most recognizable for his longstanding superhero career, he has numerous other notable works to his name, including starring alongside Eminem in 8 Mile, helping bring the socially and politically relevant The Hate U Give to life, and starring in the influential war film The Hurt Locker.
Mackie has wowed audiences with his incredible range, seamlessly transitioning between comedies, political thrillers, and superhero action films. Our guide can help viewers delve deeper into his career by recommending his best movies, which are ranked based on film quality and Mackie’s performance and available to stream on platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and more.
The best Anthony Mackie movies
The Hurt Locker
The Hurt Locker is one of Mackie’s most critically acclaimed films. The Oscar Best Picture winner follows Sergeant JT Sanborn (Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) as they operate as part of a U.S. Army explosive ordnance disposal unit under an erratic new leader, Sergeant First Class William James (Jeremy Renner). The film boasts powerful performances, a dark, suspenseful premise, and a thought-provoking character study as it juxtaposes Renner’s thrill-seeking James with Mackie’s disillusioned Sanborn.
The Hate U Give
The Hate U Give tells the powerful story of Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), whose life changes when she becomes the key witness in the fatal police shooting of her best friend. She struggles to find her voice as she faces threats from gang leader King (Mackie) and is caught in town-wide protests. While Mackie boasts only a minor role, The Hate U Give is one of his most significant movies, as it’s a stunning adaption of a timely bestseller, raises awareness for racial injustice, and is further bolstered by Stenberg’s raw and fierce performance.
Captain America: Civil War
Mackie has donned the Falcon mantle in multiple MCU films, but Captain America: Civil War marks both one of his most significant roles and best movies. The Falcon plays a vital role in the film as he’s torn between loyalty to his best friend, Captain America (Chris Evans), and his consciousness as Cap’s feud with Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) turns into a superhero civil war. Not only does Mackie’s Wilson start taking shape as a potential successor to Captain America, but Captain America: Civil War is a thrilling, exceptionally made superhero/political thriller and must-see for MCU fans.
Brother to Brother
Brother to Brother is the film in which Mackie truly proves his versatility and leading-man potential. The film centers on Perry Williams (Mackie), a young, down-on-his-luck man who befriends an older poet, Bruce (Roger Robinson), and realizes how their experiences with racism and homophobia parallel each other. Mackie’s performance is sensitive and intriguing, and Brother to Brother is a thought-provoking film about the complicated overlap of civil rights and LGBT equality.
8 Mile
8 Mile marks Mackie’s film debut. The film is a semi-autobiographical story of rapper Eminem’s life, which follows Jimmy (Eminem) as he struggles to get his rapping career off the ground while facing adversity in his personal and professional life. It’s hard to tell this is Mackie’s film debut as he shines as Papa Doc, the formidable rival to Jimmy, who faces off with Enimen in a climactic rap battle. Meanwhile, 8 Mile is an inspiring, entertaining, and grounded retelling of Enimen’s personal story.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Captain America: The Winter Soldier marked Mackie’s MCU debut as Sam Wilson (a.k.a. Falcon). In the film, Captain America recruits Wilson to help him uncover a Hydra conspiracy. The pair develops a close relationship, relating to one another through their war experiences and trauma. Mackie quickly establishes himself as a noble and inspiring hero. Meanwhile, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a top-notch political spy thriller with stunning visuals and solid performances.
Half Nelson
Half Nelson follows the unlikely friendship that blossoms between Dan (Ryan Gosling), a history teacher who struggles with substance abuse, and Drey (Shareeka Epps), a thirteen-year-old student who struggles with family problems and the influence of drug dealer Frank (Mackie), who wants to recruit her. Mackie shines as the complicated, charming villain, though the film's real appeal is its powerful commentary on loneliness and human nature.
Synchronic
Synchronic is an underrated mind-bending sci-fi movie that centers on paramedics Steve (Mackie) and Dennis (Jamie Dornan), who are befuddled by a mysterious new drug wreaking havoc in New Orleans. As the pair begin investigating the drug, they’re shocked to learn it has reality-defying abilities. Synchronic boasts a trippy, unsettling, and thought-provoking premise, with added emotional depth from Mackie’s raw performance as a man experimenting with time.
If You Were the Last
If You Were the Last follows astronauts Adam (Mackie) and Jane (Zoë Chao), who slowly start to fall for one another while stranded in space. With their palpable chemistry, Mackie and Chao are the highlight of the movie. Overall, If You Were the Last is a unique, slow-burn romance with an interesting commentary on love and human connection.
Detroit
Detroit is a powerful historical drama that sees security guard Melvin Dismukes (John Boyega) swept into the race riots in Detroit, MI, in 1967 and the aftermath when police officers respond to the civil unrest with violence. Mackie stars in the film as a key witness, Karl Greene (based on Robert Lee Greene). Detroit unforgettably dramatizes the dark Algiers Motel Incident, proving to be a profound, lasting, and timely movie.
Where to watch all of the best Anthony Mackie movies streaming online
Check out our list below to find out where to watch all the best Anthony Mackie movies online in the U.S.!
