Ice Cube. The most badass actor Hollywood has seen. He may have limited acting skills, but with his brilliant comic timing, he has won a tremendous number of followers, including me. Coming from a humble background, Ice Cube aka O’Shea Jackson Sr led the revolution of gangsta rap and then made his career in Hollywood. Here’s the list of top Ice Cube films ever selected from his impressive filmography. You can watch some of these best Ice Cube movies on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
9. Barbershop 2 (2004)
The sequel to sleeper hit Barbershop was certainly not as good as the original, but just because of the camaraderie between the people at the Barbershop, it merits a watch. This movie revolves around how Calvin tries to save his business from getting hijacked by Gina while also saving his shop from the clutches of property developers. Funny in parts, this movie is definitely better than some of the other nonsense Ice Cube has done( read: Next Friday and Friday After Next)
8. Ride Along 2 (2016)
Another mediocre sequel. Kev Hart, Ice Cube and Kim Jeong save this damp squib from being a disaster. The bond between Hart and Ice Cube is simply hilarious. While this one tried to focus more on the plot than on gags, the first one was way better. However, you can be assured thaty you will be thoroughly entertained after this. Cube as Payton, the no-nonsense cop, is absolutely brilliant and some of the scenes with Kevin Hart are the bright spots in this dull movie.
7. Three Kings (1999)
One of the few really good movies in Ice Cubes career, Three Kings had a brilliant cast comprising Clooney, Wahlberg and Ice Cube as U.S. soldiers who chance upon information about hidden gold near their base and how they try to find it. David O’Russell aced it in this one combining elements of drama and comedy with panache to deliver this gem of a movie set in the Gulf War.
6. Barbershop (2002)
Though it isn’t rated very highly, Barbershop is a movie which has got its heart in the right place. It is a heartwarming and funny tale of adversity, cooperation and teamwork. Based in a barbershop in Chicago, this movie was praised for its honest portrayal of the bonding taking place between members of a community. Ice Cube is sincere in this movie, and Cedric The Entertainer too got his comic timing spot on. It is one movie which we could be rewatched plenty of times.
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5. Boyz In The Hood (1991)
Ice Cube’s debut film easily ranks amongst his best films. This coming of age drama set in the ‘hood is brilliant because of it’s unflinching portrayal of the adversities and struggle the people living there have to go through. It is the story of three childhood friends who learn a lot about life as they cope up with the struggles of the ‘hood. Ice Cube gives a very natural performance and is the highlight of the film.
4. 22 Jump Street (2014)
Despite not having a major role in both the films, Ice Cube definitely left an impact because of his impeccable comic timing. I always have considered the Jump Street series to be one of the better comedy films of the 21st century. This sequel is outrageous, hilarious and downright entertaining. After Schmidt falls for Dickson’s daughter Maya, the movie becomes even more hilarious especially the scene where Maya makes Schmidt meet her dad.
3. 21 Jump Street (2012)
Ice Cube has even lesser to do in this one than in the sequel, but he is still brilliant. 21 Jump Street easily ranks among the best comedies of the 21st century. Revolving around two newbie cops who are out to bust a drug ring, Tatum and Hill share such amazing camaraderie. Their friendship is hilarious yet really heartwarming. Though I personally don’t like Channing Tatum at all, this is one movie where he genuinely shines.
2. Ride Along (2014)
Do not go by it’s IMDb rating. It is way more funnier than what its rating implies. Kevin Hart and Ice Cube share outstanding bonding. When a no-nonsense cop meets a bumbling, aspiring cop, you know what to expect. Total disaster. Both actors just make this experience so much more memorable. I have seen this movie multiple times and I can vouch that I have laughed on almost all the gags each time.
1. Friday (1995)
Dayummmmm! This movie is easily the best Ice Cube movie to have come out. Though Chris Tucker somewhat overshadows Ice Cube with an absolutely outrageous performance, Ice Cube holds his own in this comedy set in the ‘hood. Two friends smoke up the weed they are supposed to sell and they try and recover the money to pay their dealer. This movie is in a different league from the other ‘hood movies. Just this absolutely batshit insane plot is enough to make you want to see this film and as I write this article I can sense my fingers reaching for the remote to put this movie on.
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