Will Smith is one of the most successful movie stars of the last couple of decades. His Hollywood filmography boasts of everything from action films to heavy emotional dramas. The actor has come a long way from his The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air days. One has to give credit to Smith for constantly upgrading himself as he moved across genres and his recent stint of Disney's Aladdin is proof of that.  Bad Boys for Life Trailer: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Return with Guns, Cars, Swagger and We Stan (Watch Video).

Smith is also the only actor to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million at the US box office, which certainly shows how big a star he is. Not just this, the actor has also been ranked as the most bankable star worldwide by Forbes. As Smith turns 51 on September 25, we look at some of his must-watch movies, the films with career-defining roles.

1. Men In Black 

Out of the many films Smith has done in his career, this is the one that surely pops up in your head first. Who knew Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones wearing black shades, dark suits would give them a film that could become a landmark in the sci-fi, action-comedy genre. The 1997 original remains the best film in the franchise.

2.  Independence Day

Smith is huge 4th of July star thanks to films such as this. This is an iconic sci-fi ensemble film. Smith played the character of Captain Steve Hiller, a Marine pilot who must work with others stuck in the Nevada desert after the world has been attacked by extraterrestrials. While the plot may not seem interesting, it is Smith who brings a lot to the table to raise this film's epic quotient.  Gemini Man New Trailer: Will Smith Tries to Save Will Smith as Jaden’s Song 'Icon' Plays in the Cool New Footage (Watch).

.3. Ali 

This film won him an Academy Award nomination. While the film bombed at the box office, there was never a doubt about Smith's performance in it. It was a tough job as Smith essayed the role of the real-life, famed boxer Muhammad Ali who between 1964 and 1974won the heavyweight title against Sonny Liston, converted to Islam and also criticized the Vietnam War.

4. I Am Legend

This is another iconic films of the actor in the sci-fi genre. Smith plays U.S. Army virologist Robert Neville in this post-apocalyptic sci-fi horror drama film, which is based on the novel of the same name by Francis Lawrence.

5. The Pursuit Of Happyness

This is one of Smith's most heart-warming performances.  This film is a biopic, based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner and his year spent homeless. Smith co-starred with his real-life son Jaden Smith in this emotional drama. He also received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for the role.

If you haven't watched any of the above films, do catch them because Smith is simply amazing in them. Celebrate his birthday by catching up on some of this best films

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 25, 2019 10:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).