Though he is iconic in the music world,
Ice Cube
Some of his top films showcase the remarkable acting journey he’s undertaken throughout the years, leading to several enduring masterpieces. Born O’Shea Jackson in Los Angeles, California, on June 15, 1969, Ice Cube became renowned as part of the pioneering and impactful hip-hop collective N.W.A., along with artists like Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. With rising stardom, Cube redirected his skills toward acting and emerged as one of the most accomplished rapper-to-actor transitions.
Ice Cube made his notable acting debut in the critically acclaimed drama.
Boyz n the Hood
, establishing his screen presence. He continued to surprise people with a variety of roles over the years in all kinds of different genres. He showcased his comedic side in the likes of
Friday
and
21 Jump Street
He transformed into an action hero.
xXx: State of the Union
and
Ghosts of Mars
. Cube even starred in a number of family-friendly movies, including
Are We There Yet?
Decades into his acting career, Cube continues to show new sides of his talents in great movies.
Anaconda (1997)
As Danny Rich
Ice Cube appeared alongside Jennifer Lopez and several dangerous snakes in the thriller film.
Anaconda
. Cube and Lopez star as members of a documentary film crew who travel into the Amazon jungle for a new feature. However, when they pick up a stranded and eccentric man seemingly marooned in the jungle (played by Jon Voight), the crew unwittingly become part of his hunt for a rare and dangerous snake.
While certainly not one of the most critically acclaimed movies in Cube’s career,
Anaconda
is one movie that has remained part of the pop culture consciousness
, to an even greater extent compared to some of his other ventures. There is even a
comedy version of
Anaconda
on its way
, featuring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. This film is highly entertaining as long as you approach it without taking things too seriously; its impressive box office earnings of more than $130 million demonstrate just how much enjoyment audiences derived from it.
Ride Along (2014)
Det. James Payton
Although Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson have formed a beloved movie duo, the dynamic between Hart and Ice Cube has also proven successful in creating an appealing on-screen partnership.
Ride Along
a tremendous hit. Hart plays Ben, a security guard eager to demonstrate his worthiness to his girlfriend’s unimpressed police officer sibling, James (played by Cube). During a 24-hour period,
Ride Along
As he travels through Atlanta, he encounters far more peril than anticipated, with the duo finding themselves embroiled in one hazardous predicament after another.
Ride Along 3
had been planned but without any update on when it could occur.
Ride Along
delivers a comically twisted take on
Training Day
Hart plays the role of the inexperienced passenger alongside Cube’s daunting police officer character. Their partnership proves highly effective, with Cube showcasing his ability to deliver humor effectively. Despite
Ride Along
was dismissed by critics, audiences showed their love for Cube and Hart’s pairing, with the movie becoming a surprise box office hit and earning a sequel.
Higher Learning (1995)
As Fudge
After making his acting debut in John Singleton’s
Boyz n the Hood
, Ice Cube reteamed with the filmmaker for another hard-hitting drama.
Higher Learning
examines issues of racial dynamics and cross-cultural encounters set against the backdrop of higher education. Featuring actors such as Omar Epps, Jennifer Connelly, Cole Hauser, and Regina King, this film delves into the lives of multiple individuals navigating through a university environment, grappling with their identities, forming relationships, and facing the challenges of growing up in today’s society.
The cube plays a supporting character in theensemble cast but grabs attention frequently with their portrayal of Fudge, a politically consciousstudent who adherestohis personal principles. Althoughthe film might not packas powerfula punch as
Boyz n the Hood
It remains a intricate and captivating tale that leads the viewers to unforeseen destinations.
It has increasingly earned greater appreciation over time.
, with its
Rotten Tomatoes
The audience rating stands at 74%, significantly outscoring the critics’ rating of 46%.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
As Superfly
The latest film by Ice Cube is among his finest works, offering something unusual for his audience—a voice acting role in animation.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutation Mayhem
is the most recent addition to
the
TMNT
franchise
and has been called the best movie to date featuring the heroes in a half shell. The animated film explores the Ninja Turtles as actual teenagers, struggling with growing up, unable to interact with people above the surface. However, their world is opened up more with their friendship with April O’Neil as well as the discovery of more mutants.
Although he plays the antagonist in the film, Cube manages to portray Superfly as both sympathetic and humorous.
Ice Cube delivers a terrific voice performance as Superfly, the leader of a group of mutant creatures looking to take revenge on the human world that rejected them. While he is the villain of the movie, Cube is able to make Superfly sympathetic and funny. The film’s vivid animation style makes it a visual treat, while
it is also laugh-out-loud funny and a true love letter to these beloved characters.
22 Jump Street (2014)
As Captain Dickson
22 Jump Street
Capitalizing on the unexpected popularity of the initial film, the sequel manages to be almost as impressive as its predecessor. This highly awaited continuation features Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum reprising their roles as undercover cops and close buddies, Schmidt and Jenko. Now infiltrating a university setting, they aim to thwart an emerging drug ring. Yet, their bond faces challenges as each officer drifts apart and forges fresh relationships.
Ice Cube returns in a hilariously expanded role as Captain Dickson, contributing significantly to one of the movie’s most amusing moments. This occurs when it becomes clear that the classmate who has gotten involved with Schmidt is actually Dickson’s daughter. The follow-up was even more successful financially than its predecessor, pulling in over $300 million at the box office.
via
Box Office Mojo
),
reaching the top as Cube’s most financially successful movie to date
.
Barbershop (2002)
As Calvin Palmer
Ice Cube initiated yet another comedy series with
Barbershop
while also incorporating some strong dramatic components.
Barbershop
Stars Cube portrays Calvin Palmer, who manages a local barbershop passed down from his father. As he contemplates selling the shop, Calvin endures a challenging day at work among the vibrant staff members and frequent clients.
Barbershop
turns a straightforward concept into something quite delightful
. The movie does well to capture how these small barbershops can be central to a neighborhood as a place where people talk about everything from politics to music to life in general. Where the film truly excels is in the scenes of these conversations. It became a surprise box office hit and spawned two solid sequels as well as the spinoff,
Beauty Shop
.
Three Kings (1999)
As Sgt. Chief Elgin
While still relatively early in his acting career, Ice Cube held his own, starring alongside some legitimized movie stars in one of his most critically acclaimed movies.
Three Kings
was a breakout movie for director David O. Russell and takes place during
the First Gulf War
Cube plays alongside George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg as soldiers near the end of the conflict, discovering Saddam Hussein’s hidden trove of gold in the sands with intentions to seize it for themselves.
Mark Wahlberg was previously involved in rap music before transitioning into acting.
The cast, including Cube, does an outstanding job maintaining the distinctive tone of the movie as it blends irreverent comedy and intense action sequences with more profound themes. This combination places it among the top rankings.
One of the most critically acclaimed films in Cube’s career, achieving a 94% rating.
Rotten Tomatoes
It stands out as one of the most distinctive and thrilling war films ever created.
21 Jump Street (2012)
As Captain Dickson
numerous people were skeptical about rebooting the teenage crime drama series
21 Jump Street
It was a solid concept, yet the comedy film turned out to be an enormous hit. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum lead the cast in this surprising triumph.
21 Jump Street
As a pair of unlikely partners assigned to go undercover in a high school posing as students, their mission is to uncover a burgeoning drug ring.
Ice Cube grabs numerous moments in the humor with his outrageously bold acting.
As Captain Dickinson, their commanding officer.
As the first live-action project from directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller, this zany comedy retains their signature irreverent touch and distinctive visual flair. The unexpected chemistry between Hill and Tatum adds considerable humor, and the film joyfully satirizes conventions typical to action movies with affectionate wit.
21 Jump Street
was a box office hit, grossing over $200 million worldwide (
via
Box Office Mojo
), and launched a franchise that nearly included a
21 Jump Street/Men in Black
crossover
.
Friday (1995)
As Craig Jones
Friday
Not just did this film reveal fresh dimensions of Ice Cube’s acting prowess, but it also demonstrated his skillful penmanship behind the screenplay. This cult classic follows Cube playing Craig, an individual navigating through his day trying to secure employment, flirt with potential love interests, and raise funds owed to a regional pusher—all while spending time around his hood with his sidekick Smokey (played by Chris Tucker). As Craig, Cube crafts a character who is both humorous and endearing throughout their escapades.
Chris Tucker did not come back for any of the sequels.
Friday
sequels.
Friday
Not only was it well-received by both critics and audiences when it first came out, but its appeal has also increased significantly over the years. This film played a key role in launching a comedy series in which Ice Cube went on to appear.
every
Friday
movie
So far, with plans for a fourth and final installment still underway.
continues to be cherished as an integral part of popular culture
With numerous quotes still being referenced today, including Cube’s iconic line, ”
Bye Felicia!
”
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
As Darin “Doughboy” Baker
Even though Ice Cube has produced numerous great movies throughout his career, his first one continues to be considered his finest work. In his starring role in the highly impactful drama, Cube showcased exceptional talent.
Boyz n the Hood
from John Singleton
This film examines the lives of three young friends coming-of-age in South Central Los Angeles as they navigate through various challenges within their neighborhood, such as police brutality and gang-related violence. Ice Cube plays Doughboy, one of the trio who appears likely to succumb to the allure of joining a local gang.
Cube manages to embody a character similar to the tough and fearsome youth he rose to fame portraying. Nevertheless, he adds complexity to this role, revealing that Doughboy regrets the decisions he’s made and wishes his peers could discover an alternative route away from their neighborhood. The film unexpectedly performed well at the box office and garnered attention.
earned two Oscar nominations, including Best Director
This makes Singleton the youngest nominee in his category and also the first African-American to receive such a nomination.