Anthony Mackie has become a pivotal figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, officially donning the mantle of Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. While he's widely recognized for his superhero performances, Mackie boasts an impressive array of other significant roles, including starring alongside Eminem in 8 Mile, bringing to life the socially relevant film The Hate U Give, and featuring in the influential war movie The Hurt Locker.

Mackie consistently impresses audiences with his extraordinary range, effortlessly shifting between comedy, political thrillers, and superhero films. Our guide offers viewers the opportunity to delve deeper into his career, highlighting his most acclaimed movies, ranked by both film quality and his standout performances, all available for streaming on platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and more.

The Best Anthony Mackie Movies

The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker stands as one of Mackie's most critically acclaimed works. The Oscar-winning film follows Sergeant JT Sanborn (Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) as part of a U.S. Army ordnance unit under an unpredictable new leader, Sergeant First Class William James (Jeremy Renner). With powerful performances and a dark, suspenseful storyline, the film contrasts Renner's thrill-seeking James with Mackie's more disillusioned Sanborn.

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), whose life is upended when she becomes the key witness in the fatal police shooting of her best friend. She struggles to find her voice amid threats from gang leader King (Mackie) and a town-wide protest. Although Mackie's role is minor, The Hate U Give is impactful, raising awareness about racial injustice and bolstered by Stenberg's fierce performance.

Captain America: Civil War

Mackie takes on the Falcon persona in several MCU films, but Captain America: Civil War is one of his most pivotal roles. As the Falcon, he faces loyalty conflicts between his best friend, Captain America (Chris Evans), and his conscience as Cap's feud with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) morphs into a superhero civil war. Mackie's Wilson begins to emerge as a potential Captain America successor in this thrilling superhero/political thriller.

Brother to Brother

In Brother to Brother, Mackie demonstrates his versatility and leading-man potential. The film follows Perry Williams (Mackie), a young man who befriends an older poet, Bruce (Roger Robinson), seeing parallel experiences of racism and homophobia. Mackie's performance is intriguing, and the film is a thoughtful exploration of civil rights and LGBT equality.

8 Mile

8 Mile marks Mackie's film debut, a semi-autobiographical account of rapper Eminem's life, where Jimmy (Eminem) endeavors to launch his rap career while facing personal and professional challenges. Mackie shines as Papa Doc, the formidable rival to Jimmy, culminating in a climactic rap battle. 8 Mile is an inspiring and grounded retelling of Eminem's story.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Mackie's MCU debut occurs in Captain America: The Winter Soldier as Sam Wilson (Falcon). Captain America recruits Wilson to uncover a Hydra conspiracy, forming a close bond through shared wartime experiences. Mackie establishes himself as an inspiring hero in this top-notch political spy thriller.

Half Nelson

Half Nelson explores the unexpected friendship between Dan (Ryan Gosling), a teacher grappling with substance abuse, and Drey (Shareeka Epps), a student struggling against drug dealer Frank (Mackie). Despite being portrayed as a complex villain, Mackie's performance is compelling, and the film's true appeal lies in its commentary on loneliness and human nature.

Synchronic

Synchronic, an underrated sci-fi film, features paramedics Steve (Mackie) and Dennis (Jamie Dornan), who investigate a mysterious drug causing havoc. The drug's reality-defying qualities shock them, and the film offers a trippy and thought-provoking narrative, enhanced by Mackie's raw performance.

If You Were the Last

If You Were the Last follows astronauts Adam (Mackie) and Jane (Zoë Chao) as they begin to fall for each other while stranded in space. Their chemistry is the movie's highlight, complemented by its unique, slow-burn romance and reflection on love and human connection.

Detroit

Detroit, a gripping historical drama, explores the race riots in Detroit in 1967, with Mackie playing a key witness, Karl Greene. The film unforgettably dramatizes the dark Algiers Motel Incident, offering a profound and timely narrative.