Denzel Washington Admits He Doesn’t Watch Movies: “I’m Tired of Movies”
Denzel Washington may be one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, but don’t expect to catch him at the movie theater anytime soon.
The two-time Oscar winner, 69, admitted in a new GQ interview that he doesn’t really watch films—not even his own.
“I don’t watch movies, man. I really don’t,” Washington confessed while chatting with filmmaker Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky during promotion for their latest project Highest 2 Lowest. His blunt honesty sparked laughter from both Lee and Rocky.
The legendary actor doubled down, saying, “I don’t go to the movies. I don’t watch movies.”
When Rocky asked if it’s because he makes them, Washington responded, “Probably. You know, I’m tired of movies.”
Washington’s words might sound surprising, but when you’ve racked up more than 50 films—from Glory to Training Day to the upcoming Gladiator II—it’s easy to see why he might feel burned out.
Spike Lee, who famously directed Washington in Malcolm X and Inside Man, playfully asked how many credits the actor had under his belt. “Too many. I think 50!” Washington replied, though IMDb lists him at well over that number.
This isn’t the first time Washington has taken a step back from Hollywood’s traditional glitz. Earlier this month, he revealed he’s “not that interested” in winning more Oscars, despite already having two on his shelf.
“I’ve been at this a long time, and there’s times when I’ve won, shouldn’t have won, didn’t win, should have won,” he explained. “Man gives the award, God gives the award. I’m not that interested in Oscars. People say, ‘Well, where do you keep it?’ I say, ‘Next to the other one.’”
Even if he’s tired of movies, Washington isn’t slowing down just yet. He stars alongside A$AP Rocky in Highest 2 Lowest, which debuted in select theaters August 15 and hits Apple TV+ on September 5. Later this year, fans will see him in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, one of 2025’s most anticipated blockbusters.
So, while he may not be watching movies, the rest of the world will definitely be watching him.
