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A talented actor, Anthony Mackie made his film debut alongside Eminem in 8 Mile and immediately gained recognition. The actor has starred in diverse movies like The Manchurian Candidate, Eagle Eye, and The Night Before
While the actor achieved breakthrough success by playing Captain America in the movies Captain America: Civil War and Captain America: Winter Soldier, and will be the new Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World, the actor has already starred in a range of movies that highlighted his talent.
Here is a list of five such movies by Anthony Mackie, that viewers should watch before the latest MCU movie hits the screens on February 14, 2025.
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**Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.**
The Banker, Half Nelson, and other movies of Anthony Mackie
1) 8 Mile - Amazon Prime Video
The movie in which rapper Eminem made his film debut, 8 Mile, is a drama movie directed by Curtis Hanson and it is also the movie in which Anthony Mackie made his film debut. The movie is inspired from Eminem’s life and is about the rapper’s struggles as he tries to enter the genre of hip-hop that is dominated by African Americans.
The movie was a smash critical and commercial hit and its tale about an underdog rising above the hardships and pursuing his dream won acclaim. The film’s soundtrack was a success and Mackie gained fame by playing the role of Papa Doc, the leader of a rival rap group.
2) The Banker - Apple TV+
Based on the life of Joe Morris and Barnard Garrett, the first African American bankers in the US, The Banker, is a period drama directed by George Nolfi. Anthony Mackie stars alongside Samuel L. Jackson, where Mackie plays the role of Garrett, and Jackson essays the role of Morris.
The movie looks at the duo’s rise to success during the 1960s when racial tensions were high. The film is about their fight against financial and systemic racism as the two want equal access to the American dream and housing integration. Mackie offers a compelling portrayal in this serious drama.
3) Half Nelson - Amazon Prime Video
Starring Ryan Gosling and Anthony Mackie, Half Nelson, is a drama movie directed by Ryan Fleck that got Gosling a nomination for Best Actor at the Oscars. The movie is about a middle school teacher (Gosling) who is quirky and engaging in the classroom but has a drug habit.
But he soon begins to form an unlikely friendship with one of his students and the two share a warm bond. Mackie plays the role of a local drug dealer and embodies the role perfectly. The film is one of the earlier projects from Mackie’s oeuvre and he shows his range brilliantly in this film.
4) The Hurt Locker - Amazon Prime Video
Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Evangeline Lilly, and others, The Hurt Locker, is a war action thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow. The movie is one of the few war movies that provides a realistic look into how war affects the psyche of soldiers.
The movie is set during the Iraqi war and follows an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team that is targeted by enemies and begins to get psychologically affected. The film covers how the group’s sergeant and his juniors begin to have friction over work. The movie helped Mackie become a known star with serious acting skills.
5) The Night Before - Netflix
Directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie, The Night Before, is a stoner comedy movie that is set around Christmas. Mackie shows his range by playing a comedy role superbly.
The movie is about three childhood friends who come together every Christmas Eve to search for the best party in town. The film is raunchy and no holds barred. The film also pays homage to many classic Christmas movies.
Viewers are welcome to go through the list and choose an Anthony Mackie movie of their liking.
