(Credit: Gage Skidmore)

When you have played a superhero, a con artist, a grieving father, a genie, and the literal embodiment of charisma in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, how do you choose a favourite? For Will Smith, a man who has balanced box-office swagger with deeply emotional performances, the answer is surprisingly honest and down-to-earth.

In a recent interview, Smith revealed, “I think it’s a tie between the first Men in Black and The Pursuit of Happyness. For different reasons, those are the two almost perfect movies”. And honestly, that tracks. One made us believe aliens could be charming, and the other made us bawl our eyes out at the unwavering nature of the human spirit.

Let us start with The Pursuit of Happyness, the 2006 drama where Smith plays Chris Gardner, a struggling single father trying to build a better life for his son, played by Smith’s real-life son, Jaden. It is the kind of film that sneaks up on you. The pacing is quiet, the scenes are often subtle, but by the time Smith breaks down in that subway bathroom or holds back tears during a job interview, it is game over emotionally. It is raw, human, and deeply personal.

The actor has often discussed how playing Gardner challenged him on every level. It was not just about acting, it was about understanding real hardship and the quiet resilience people carry every day. The performance earned him an Oscar nomination, but more than that, it gave us one of the most vulnerable portrayals of fatherhood in mainstream Hollywood.

Then there is Men in Black, the total opposite in tone, yet just as defining. Smith as Agent J is slick, hilarious, and effortlessly cool. The timing, the one-liners, and the way he made fighting space roaches look like a walk in the park—both instalments cemented Smith as a true blockbuster star. It was fun, fresh, and somehow remains timeless.

In many ways, these two roles show the full range of what Will Smith does best. He can carry a comedy with ease, and he can shatter you with a look. He can be the everyman or the guy who saves the day. Both movies are completely different, but together they reflect his most powerful tool, empathy.

In a separate conversation, he also mentioned I Am Legend and King Richard as two more of his most personal and rewarding roles. The former was intense and nearly wordless for long stretches, and the actor held the entire film on his shoulders: just a man, a dog, and a ruined world. The isolation in that world and performance still hits hard years later.

Then came King Richard, which earned Smith his long-awaited Oscar. Playing the determined and complicated father of Venus and Serena Williams, Smith offered a performance that was bold, raw, and layered. It was not about being perfect; it was about being human.

But despite the acclaim, the box office wins, and the awards, it is telling that The Pursuit of Happyness and Men in Black remain closest to his heart. One let him show his soul, while the other let him play around and laugh a little. Together, they remind us why Will Smith has stayed relevant for so long for he knows how to get us in the feelings.

Whether he is chasing a dream down crowded streets or cracking jokes with a talking pug, he brings something deeply human to every role. His best performances are not just entertaining but also comforting, which is why they stay with us and him.