A tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
Directed by Spike Lee
prison
new york city
police brutality
beach
assassination
muslim
police
ku klux klan
boston, massachusetts
prison cell
koran
jail guard
bible
civil rights
islam
biography
martin luther king
nation of islam
mekka
pilgrimage
cabriolet
historical figure
based on memoir or autobiography
john f. kennedy assassination
1960s
mecca
african american history
inspirational
informative
Rank
#2 in 1992·#67 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Where to Watch
Cast
Denzel Washington
Malcolm X
Angela Bassett
Betty Shabazz
Albert Hall
Baines
Al Freeman Jr.
Elijah Muhammad
Delroy Lindo
West Indian Archie
Spike Lee
Shorty
Theresa Randle
Laura
Kate Vernon
Sophia
Lonette McKee
Louise Little
Tommy Hollis
Earl Little
James McDaniel
Brother Earl
Ernest Lee Thomas
Sidney
Crew
Spike Lee
Director
Spike Lee
Screenplay
James Baldwin
Screenplay
Terence Blanchard
Original Music Composer
Barry Alexander Brown
Editor
Ernest R. Dickerson
Director of Photography
Spike Lee
Producer
Robi Reed
Casting
Alex Haley
Book
Wynn Thomas
Production Design
Malcolm X
Book
Ruth E. Carter
Costume Design
Popular Reviews
1500 reviews
Arlo
10.0★ · 05/26/25
"We didn't land on Plymouth Rock. Plymouth Rock landed on us!"
Malcolm X,, directed by Spike Lee, is a powerful and moving film that brings the life of one of America’s most influential figures to the screen. Denzel Washington gives a career-defining performance as Malcolm X, capturing his transformation from a troubled youth to a revolutionary leader. The film blends historical events with personal reflection, giving a deep look at his complex evolution. Lee’s direction, along with Ernest Dickerson’s striking cinematography and Terence Blanchard’s emotional score, makes the film visually and emotionally gripping. While the pacing can feel slow at times, and its nearly three-hour length is pretty daunting, it’s an important and impactful portrayal of Malcolm X’s life and legacy that I think everybody should watch at least once in their life.
"We didn't land on Plymouth Rock. Plymouth Rock landed on us!"
Malcolm X,, directed by Spike Lee, is a powerful and moving film that brings the life of one of America’s most influential figures to the screen. Denzel Washington gives a career-defining performance as Malcolm X, capturing his transformation from a troubled youth to a revolutionary leader. The film blends historical events with personal reflection, giving a deep look at his complex evolution. Lee’s direction, along with Ernest Dickerson’s striking cinematography and Terence Blanchard’s emotional score, makes the film visually and emotionally gripping. While the pacing can feel slow at times, and its nearly three-hour length is pretty daunting, it’s an important and impactful portrayal of Malcolm X’s life and legacy that I think everybody should watch at least once in their life.
