Denzel Washington’s prolific career continues to resonate with audiences, and a critically acclaimed film from his past has recently returned to a major streaming platform. ’s Glory, the historical war drama that earned Washington his first Academy Award, is now available on Netflix – though with a caveat for some subscribers.
Glory tells the powerful story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units in the Union Army during the Civil War. The film stars Washington alongside Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, and Andrew Braugher. It focuses on the experiences of Captain Robert Gould Shaw (Broderick) and his command of the regiment. While a moderate box office success upon its release, Glory garnered widespread critical acclaim and ultimately received five Academy Award nominations.
Washington’s performance as Private Trip earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The win marked a significant milestone in his career and cemented his status as a leading actor in Hollywood. The film itself is widely considered one of the best Civil War movies ever made, praised for its historical accuracy and compelling portrayal of the challenges faced by Black soldiers during the war.
However, access to Glory on Netflix isn’t universal. Subscribers with the streaming service’s ad-supported plan are currently unable to view the film. A message displayed to these users indicates that due to licensing restrictions, some movies and TV shows are not available on ad-supported plans.
This highlights the evolving complexities of streaming rights and the tiered access models increasingly employed by platforms.
Washington’s filmography is extensive and varied, encompassing a wide range of genres and roles. He began his career on stage before gaining recognition on the NBC drama series St. Elsewhere. He has since starred in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including A Soldier’s Story, Glory, Training Day, Cry Freedom, Malcolm X, and Fences. He’s also proven adept at action thrillers, with roles in The Equalizer trilogy, Safe House, and Man on Fire (2004), where he plays former CIA agent John Creasy tasked with protecting a young girl in Mexico.
Beyond acting, Washington has also taken on roles as a producer and director, demonstrating his multifaceted talents within the industry. His contributions have been consistently recognized with numerous awards, including the Cecil B. DeMille Award in , the AFI Life Achievement Award in , the Honorary Palme d’Or in , and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, also in .
Netflix currently offers a selection of Washington’s films, including Hard Lessons (), originally titled The George McKenna Story. This biographical film chronicles the experiences of George McKenna (Washington) as he navigates the challenges of being a principal at George Washington Preparatory High School in South Los Angeles. The film depicts his efforts to transform the school from a site of gang violence into a reputable learning environment, aided by educator Bobbie Maxwell (Lynn Whitfield).
The return of Glory to Netflix, even with limited access, provides an opportunity for both longtime fans and new viewers to experience a landmark film in Washington’s career. It’s a reminder of his enduring talent and the power of storytelling to illuminate important historical narratives. The licensing restrictions impacting ad-supported subscribers, however, underscore the ongoing shifts in the streaming landscape and the challenges of content accessibility.
While some recent Denzel Washington films have seen mixed reception – one crime drama from is being revisited as potentially underrated despite initial box office struggles – his consistent ability to deliver compelling performances ensures continued interest in his work. The availability of titles like Glory and Hard Lessons on Netflix allows audiences to explore the breadth of his career and appreciate his contributions to cinema.
