Five Movies You Totally Forgot Laurence Fishburne Was In

Okay, let's talk about Laurence Fishburne. This guy is a legend. He’s got that booming voice, that serious presence, and he's been in some absolutely massive movies. We're talking The Matrix, Boyz n the Hood, Apocalypse Now. You know them, you love them.

But here’s the thing. Sometimes, even the biggest stars have those little gems, or maybe not-so-gems, that just… slip through the cracks of our movie-loving brains. It’s like they’re hiding in plain sight! I’ve been doing some deep dives, and I’ve unearthed some absolute surprises. Get ready to have your mind blown. Or at least, mildly surprised.

So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to exclaim, "Wait, he was in that?" I’ve rounded up five movies that feature our man Fishburne that you’ve probably completely forgotten about. Don’t worry, it’s not your fault. These are the cinematic equivalent of finding a forgotten twenty-dollar bill in a coat pocket from last winter – a pleasant, if unexpected, discovery.

Movie Number One: When a Kid Found a Big Red Dog

First up, we have a trip back to our childhoods. Remember that giant, loveable, and impossibly big red dog? Yep, Clifford the Big Red Dog. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Was Laurence Fishburne in the movie?” The answer is a resounding, albeit slightly bizarre, yes!

He wasn’t a talking dog, thankfully. Fishburne lent his voice to the character of Clifford himself. Imagine that! That deep, resonant voice… narrating the adventures of a dog the size of a small building. It’s a role that, looking back, feels almost… cosmically funny. He brought gravitas to a giant, fluffy canine. Who knew?

It's a delightful bit of trivia that almost feels too good to be true. If you ever rewatch it, pay close attention. You might just hear that familiar rumble, reminding you that even in animated family films, Laurence Fishburne is there, silently judging the questionable life choices of children and their colossal pets.

Movie Number Two: A Musical Journey You Might Not Recall

Next, we’re heading into the realm of music and… well, a bit of heartbreak. This next movie is a musical, and it’s one that, for many, has faded into the ether. I’m talking about Once on This Island.

Now, this was a pretty popular Broadway show. And yes, it was adapted into a movie. And yes, Laurence Fishburne was in it. He played a character named Gendarme Louis. It's a much smaller role than what we usually associate him with, which is probably why it’s so easy to forget.

He’s there, looking stoic and probably dispensing some quiet wisdom. It's a world away from Neo’s red pill or Morpheus’s sunglasses. This role is more about understated presence. It’s a reminder that even actors of his caliber have played supporting roles in films that might not be on everyone’s top ten list. Think of it as a hidden track on a great album.

Movie Number Three: When Superheroes Were… Different

Alright, prepare for another shocker. We’re going to revisit the superhero genre, but not in the way you might expect. Forget the cape and cowl for a moment. Think more… dystopian and slightly unsettling. I’m referring to Fantastic Four from the year 2000.

Yes, that Fantastic Four. The one that wasn't exactly a box office smash. And yes, Laurence Fishburne was in it. He played none other than The Silver Surfer. Wait, what? I know, right?

This was a low-budget production, a passion project for director Roger Corman. Fishburne, at this point, was already a seasoned actor, but perhaps this was a moment where he took on a role that was more experimental. His performance as the cosmic herald is surprisingly effective, even with the limited resources. It’s a testament to his talent that he can elevate even the most obscure projects. You might not remember the movie, but you should remember his Surfer.

Movie Number Four: A Thriller with a Twist (and Fishburne!)

Let’s dial up the intensity a bit. This next film is a thriller, and it’s one that might have a few of you nodding along with a vague sense of recognition. It’s a movie called Event Horizon.

Now, Event Horizon has developed a bit of a cult following over the years. It’s dark, it’s scary, and it involves a spaceship that goes missing and then reappears with a whole lot of spooky baggage. And guess who’s on the rescue mission?

Laurence Fishburne plays Captain Miller, the commander of the rescue vessel. He brings that signature intensity and leadership to the role. You’ll see him, looking worried, trying to figure out what the heck happened on that doomed ship. It’s a role that really showcases his ability to command the screen, even in a horror setting.

It’s the kind of movie that, once you see it, you might not want to rewatch it too often because it’s that unsettling. But if you ever happen to catch it, you’ll see Fishburne being his usual, brilliant self, guiding his crew through a nightmare. You just might forget he was the captain who had to deal with all that cosmic horror.

Movie Number Five: When He Was Just a Young Kid in a Classic

Finally, let’s go way, way back. Before Morpheus, before Othello, before all the iconic roles we know and love, there was a young actor with a bright future. And he was in a film that is considered an absolute masterpiece of cinema.

I’m talking about Apocalypse Now. Yes, the Apocalypse Now. Francis Ford Coppola’s epic Vietnam War film. And believe it or not, a very young Laurence Fishburne is in it.

He plays a character named Clean, a young soldier. He’s in the background for much of the film, a part of the crew on Colonel Kurtz’s riverboat. You’ll see him, looking so young, so full of potential. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-him kind of role, but it’s incredibly significant.

This was one of Fishburne’s very first film roles, at the tender age of just 14. It’s a testament to his talent that he was even considered for a film of this magnitude at such a young age. It’s a powerful reminder of his journey, from a young soldier in a legendary war film to the commanding presence we know today. You might have seen the film a dozen times and never realized that budding legend was right there, on the screen.

So there you have it. Five movies where Laurence Fishburne pops up, and you might have just completely blanked. It’s a fun exercise in appreciating the breadth of an actor’s career. Next time you’re scrolling through a streaming service, keep an eye out. You never know what forgotten Fishburne gem you might uncover!