Jaden Smith Movies: A Complete List

What's up, movie buffs! Ever wonder about the filmography of one of Hollywood's most talked-about young actors? Jaden Smith has been gracing our screens for years, starring in everything from heartwarming dramas to mind-bending sci-fi flicks. If you're looking to dive into his cinematic world, you've come to the right place! We're breaking down every single Jaden Smith movie so you can have a binge-watching marathon or just find that one specific flick you've been trying to remember. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's explore the amazing movie journey of Jaden Smith!

The Karate Kid (2010)

Let's kick things off with a bang! The Karate Kid, released in 2010, is arguably the movie that put Jaden Smith squarely on the map. In this flick, he plays Dre Parker, a Detroit kid who moves to China with his mom and faces bullying. Talk about a tough transition, right? But don't worry, he finds an unlikely mentor in Mr. Han, played by the legendary Jackie Chan. This film is a fantastic reboot of the classic 80s movie, bringing a fresh perspective and a whole lot of heart. Jaden really shone as Dre, showing off his acting chops and even his martial arts skills. He trained hard for this role, and it totally paid off! The movie was a massive box office success and received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising Jaden's performance and the chemistry between him and Chan. It’s the kind of movie that inspires you to stand up for yourself and reminds you that sometimes, the best way to fight is with discipline and inner strength. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? It's a must-watch for any Jaden Smith fan and a solid family film to boot. The story of overcoming adversity, learning a new skill, and finding your voice is timeless, and Jaden brings a youthful energy and sincerity that makes Dre Parker incredibly relatable. Plus, who doesn't love a good underdog story? The iconic crane kick, the intense training montages, and the powerful message all combine to make The Karate Kid a standout in Jaden's career and a memorable film for a whole new generation. It really set the stage for what Jaden could do as a leading man in Hollywood.

After Earth (2013)

Next up, we have After Earth, a science fiction adventure film from 2013. In this movie, Jaden stars alongside his dad, Will Smith. The story is set 1,000 years in the future, where humanity has abandoned Earth after a cataclysmic event. Jaden plays Kitai Raige, a young ranger who crash-lands on a dangerous, post-apocalyptic Earth with his father, Cypher (Will Smith). Stranded and injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to find a rescue beacon while facing mutated wildlife and harsh environments. This film explored themes of bravery, survival, and the complex relationship between a father and son. It was a pretty ambitious project, with a unique visual style and a focus on the psychological aspects of survival. While the movie didn't quite hit the mark with critics and audiences as much as some hoped, it was still a significant role for Jaden, showcasing his ability to carry a film and his commitment to intense physical roles. He really had to tap into a different kind of performance here, dealing with isolation and fear. The film’s world-building was quite interesting, creating a vision of a future Earth that’s both alien and eerily familiar. It’s the kind of movie that sparks conversation, even if it wasn’t universally loved. Think about the challenges Jaden’s character faced – he had to overcome his own fears and prove himself, not just to his legendary father, but to himself. That's a heavy burden for any young actor, and Jaden definitely gave it his all. The movie definitely pushed him into a more mature acting space, and it’s worth checking out to see his development as an actor. It’s a big-budget sci-fi flick with a focus on character development, which isn't always common, and Jaden's performance is central to that.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Before he was saving the world or learning karate, Jaden Smith made his acting debut in a truly inspiring film: The Pursuit of Happyness, released in 2006. This biographical drama stars his real-life dad, Will Smith, as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman trying to build a better life for himself and his young son. Jaden plays Christopher Gardner Jr., Chris's son. This movie is an absolute tearjerker and a powerful testament to perseverance. Jaden’s performance here was incredibly touching and mature for such a young actor. His chemistry with Will Smith is undeniable, bringing a real authenticity to their father-son dynamic on screen. You can feel the love and the struggle between them. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor at the Oscars. Jaden himself received an MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Performance for his role. It’s a story that really sticks with you, showing the hardships Chris Gardner faced and his unwavering determination to escape homelessness and provide for his son. Jaden’s innocence and earnestness as Christopher Jr. perfectly complement Will’s intense portrayal of a father fighting against all odds. It’s a performance that truly warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide and proved that Jaden had a natural talent for acting from a very young age. Watching him interact with his father on screen, you’d almost forget they were acting – their bond felt that real. This film is a masterclass in storytelling and acting, and Jaden’s contribution is absolutely pivotal to its emotional impact. It’s a story about hope, resilience, and the strength of family, and Jaden’s presence makes it all the more moving.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

In 2008, Jaden Smith took on a role in the science fiction remake The Day the Earth Stood Still. He plays,''Jacob Benson,'' the stepson of a scientist, Helen Benson (played by Jennifer Connelly), who encounters an alien visitor named Klaatu (played by Keanu Reeves). Klaatu comes to Earth with a mission to save the planet from environmental destruction, but his methods are drastic. This movie explores the urgent theme of environmentalism and humanity's impact on the planet. Jaden's character, Jacob, is one of the few humans who initially connects with Klaatu and tries to understand his message. He’s a bit of a troubled teen, dealing with his own issues, which makes his interaction with the alien visitor quite significant. The film offered a modern take on the classic 1951 movie, focusing more on the ecological message. While the remake received mixed reviews, Jaden’s performance was noted for bringing a youthful perspective to the unfolding global crisis. He plays a key role in bridging the gap between the alien and human perspectives. The film's visual effects were quite impressive, and the underlying message about taking care of our planet is more relevant than ever. It’s a thoughtful, albeit sometimes somber, film that encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature. Jaden's character, Jacob, is the audience's surrogate in many ways, experiencing the awe and terror of Klaatu's arrival and the subsequent events. His journey is one of awakening to the severity of the situation, and Jaden embodies that transition effectively. The movie might not be his most famous, but it’s a significant entry in his filmography that shows his willingness to engage with thought-provoking themes.

Men in Black 3 (2012)

Who could forget Men in Black 3? In this 2012 blockbuster, Jaden Smith has a guest appearance as a younger version of Agent J, the character played by his father, Will Smith. While not a starring role, it was a cool moment seeing Jaden step into the MIB universe, even if it was just for a brief, yet memorable, sequence. This film takes Agent J back in time to the 1960s to team up with a younger Agent K. Jaden appears in a flashback scene, showing Agent J as a young boy, interacting with Agent K. It’s a fun nod to the legacy of the franchise and provides a glimpse into Agent J’s past. The Men in Black series is known for its humor, action, and unique alien designs, and MIB3 delivered all of that with a compelling story about Agent J’s origins. While his role is limited, Jaden's presence adds a personal touch to the narrative, connecting the past and present of the iconic character. It's always a treat when actors involved in major franchises can pass the torch or connect their characters’ histories in such a direct way. Even though it’s a smaller part, it’s a noteworthy inclusion in his filmography, especially given the star power of the franchise and his father’s central role. It shows his early involvement in big Hollywood productions and his ability to fit into established universes.

The Get Down (Netflix Series, 2016-2017)

Okay, technically this is a TV series, but it's such a massive and important project for Jaden Smith that we have to include it! The Get Down is a fantastic musical drama series created by Baz Luhrmann that premiered on Netflix in 2016. Jaden stars as Ezekiel 'Zeke' Figgins, a talented young poet and aspiring rapper trying to make his mark in the Bronx during the birth of hip-hop in the late 1970s. This series is an explosion of music, dance, and raw energy, capturing the gritty, vibrant culture of New York City at a pivotal moment in history. Jaden poured his heart and soul into this role, delivering a performance that was both charismatic and deeply felt. He really got to explore character depth, dealing with themes of ambition, loyalty, and the struggle for identity. The show itself was critically acclaimed for its innovative direction, incredible soundtrack, and authentic portrayal of the era. Jaden’s performance was praised for its intensity and emotional range, showing that he's more than capable of carrying a complex character arc. He really transformed into Zeke, and you could see his passion for the music and the story. It's a shame the series was only two seasons, because it was truly something special. If you're into music, history, or just killer storytelling with incredible visuals, you absolutely need to check out The Get Down. It’s a passionate love letter to the roots of hip-hop, and Jaden’s performance is a huge part of its success. He brought such a unique vibe to Zeke, and his journey through the burgeoning music scene is captivating. It’s a role that allowed him to showcase his artistic talents beyond just acting, delving into the creative spirit of the time.

Jackson (Short Film, 2008)

Going back a bit, Jaden also appeared in the short film Jackson in 2008. While short films often fly under the radar, they can be crucial for actors developing their craft. This film, though brief, allowed Jaden to explore a different kind of narrative. Details about