01of 09
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.NBCUniversal via Getty
Smith played a fictionalized version of himself on the beloved sitcom that ran for six years. Will, a streetwise kid from Philly, was sent to live with his wealthy Uncle Phil, Aunt Viv, cousins Hilary, Carlton and Ashley in Bel-Air, and the rest was history.
02of 09Bad Boys (1995)Martin Lawrence and Will Smith inBad Boys.Who better to catch some bad guys thanBad BoysMarcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey? Smith, as Detective Lowrey, won over all the ladies with his undeniable swagger and made audiences belly laugh as he bantered with costar Martin Lawrence (Burnett) throughout the film. The two leading men went on to take their blockbuster film success to future filmsBad Boys IIandBad Boys for Life. Plus, there’s more to come: aBad Boys 4is now in the works.
02of 09
Bad Boys (1995)
Martin Lawrence and Will Smith inBad Boys.
Who better to catch some bad guys thanBad BoysMarcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey? Smith, as Detective Lowrey, won over all the ladies with his undeniable swagger and made audiences belly laugh as he bantered with costar Martin Lawrence (Burnett) throughout the film. The two leading men went on to take their blockbuster film success to future filmsBad Boys IIandBad Boys for Life. Plus, there’s more to come: aBad Boys 4is now in the works.
03of 09Independence Day (1996)EverettHollywood heavyweights Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman played second and third fiddle to Smith, who stole the spotlight as Capt. Steven Hiller with classic lines like “Welcome to Earth,” and “Now that’s whatIcall a close encounter.” Plus, who could forget his steamy kiss with Vivica A. Fox.
03of 09
Independence Day (1996)
Everett
Hollywood heavyweights Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman played second and third fiddle to Smith, who stole the spotlight as Capt. Steven Hiller with classic lines like “Welcome to Earth,” and “Now that’s whatIcall a close encounter.” Plus, who could forget his steamy kiss with Vivica A. Fox.
04of 09Men in Black (1997)Columbia/EverettThe successful, action-packed comedy launched Smith into superstardom, and also led to two more installments of the franchise. Smith, as Jay, kicked alien butt alongside Tommy Lee Jones, who plays Kay in the ’90s classic.Smith also wrote the accompanyingMen in Blacksingle, andshot a videofor the film which won a Grammy in 1998.
04of 09
Men in Black (1997)
Columbia/Everett
The successful, action-packed comedy launched Smith into superstardom, and also led to two more installments of the franchise. Smith, as Jay, kicked alien butt alongside Tommy Lee Jones, who plays Kay in the ’90s classic.
Smith also wrote the accompanyingMen in Blacksingle, andshot a videofor the film which won a Grammy in 1998.
05of 09Ali (2001)Frank Connor/Columbia/Kobal/ShutterstockTo take on the life of one of the most prolific figures in history is not an easy feat. However, Smith honored boxing legend and civil rights icon Muhammad Ali with a striking performance that captured the charisma, intelligence, power and fearlessness the late icon, who died in 2016, shared with the world.
05of 09
Ali (2001)
Frank Connor/Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock
To take on the life of one of the most prolific figures in history is not an easy feat. However, Smith honored boxing legend and civil rights icon Muhammad Ali with a striking performance that captured the charisma, intelligence, power and fearlessness the late icon, who died in 2016, shared with the world.
06of 09
Hitch (2005)
Columbia Pictures
The classic ’00s romcom is still a fan favorite, and the sight ofSmith’s character having an allergic reactionremains forever etched in our minds.
07of 09
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Not only did Smith act alongside real-life son Jaden, the star also took on the inspirational role of entrepreneur and motivational speaker Chris Gardner. The 2006 film told the story of how Gardner overcame unfathomable odds to provide for his son and build a successful career.
08of 09
I Am Legend (2007)
09of 09
Hancock (2008)
Frank Masi/Relativity Media/Overbrook/Kobal/Shutterstock
source: people.com
