Nelson Mandela In Movies [Watch]: Idris Elba, Morgan Freeman, Terrence Howard, & More Playing President Of South Africa [Videos]

A day of service is celebrated on Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18. In honor of Mandela's birthday, let's watch the high caliber actors, from Sydney Poitier to Morgan Freeman, who have given powerhouse performances on the big screen playing the former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

Biopics are a difficult form of artistry in Hollywood. The films have to celebrate the larger-than-life legend, and yet have to honor the flawed human being. It's no easy order when an actor has to play the outlaw, the convict, and the lawyer all in one role.

Freeman, Poitier, Terrence Howard, Idris Elba, and Dennis Haysbert have brought to life a remarkable heroic figure, as well as memorable movie character.

5) Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom

In this film, Elba (Pacific Rim) recreates the painful moments of Mandela's time in prison. Serving 27 years could have broken a weaker mind apart, but he continued to fight while locked in his cell.

4) Invictus

Freeman injects Mandela's speeches with gentleness and intensity. Sports can bring a country together and bring pride to its citizens.

3) Winnie Mandela

This biopic takes a look at history through the eyes of Winnie Mandela (Jennifer Hudson). Howard continues to deliver the cinema streak with his own memorable performance.

2) Goodbye Bafana

Haysbert played David Palmer, the first black President of the United Sates, in the action-packed series, 24. We can tell the Heat actor injected a bit of Mandela after playing him.

1) Mandela & De Klerk

Poitier is incredibly stoic as an isolated prisoner who can only communicate to the outside world with a pen and letter. This is another must-see performance. 

Morgan Freeman, Sydney Poitier, Terrence Howard, Idris Elba, and Dennis Haysbert have brought to life Nelson Mandela on the big screen. Readers, do you have a favorite among this list?