10 Underrated Martin Lawrence Movies You Must See

Martin Lawrence has built a filmography that reaches from buddy cop action to family adventures and voice work in animation. Alongside blockbuster franchises he has headlined original stories and ensembles that show his range as a lead, a partner and a voice actor.

This list spotlights ten features that are often overshadowed by his biggest hits and presents a wide view of his roles across genres. It includes a directing credit, ensemble collaborations and a lead voice performance that together reflect the breadth of his on screen and voice work.

‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’ (1996)

Martin Lawrence made his directorial debut with ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’, playing nightclub manager Darnell Wright. The story follows his pursuit of a successful businesswoman named Brandi, played by Lynn Whitfield, which leads to a dangerous turn when their relationship unravels. Regina King appears as Mia, a longtime friend who sees the warning signs, and Bobby Brown appears in a supporting role.

The film blends a romantic plot with thriller elements and uses settings around Los Angeles nightspots and homes. It was released by New Line Cinema and marked Lawrence’s move behind the camera in addition to the lead role.

‘Nothing to Lose’ (1997)

In ‘Nothing to Lose’ Martin Lawrence teams up with Tim Robbins for a road crime caper that begins with a botched carjacking. Robbins plays an advertising executive who believes his life has fallen apart, and Lawrence plays a small time thief who becomes his unlikely partner as they set off across the desert.

Steve Oedekerk directed the film and filled it with set pieces that move from city streets to remote gas stations and warehouses. The cast includes John C McGinley and Giancarlo Esposito in antagonistic roles and the soundtrack leans on hip hop and R and B cuts.

‘Blue Streak’ (1999)

Les Mayfield directed ‘Blue Streak’, where Martin Lawrence plays a jewel thief who hides a diamond in a building during a hurried escape. After release from prison he discovers the site has become a police station, so he poses as a detective to get back inside.

Luke Wilson plays a rookie officer who becomes his partner and Dave Chappelle appears as an old accomplice named Tulley. The film was released by Columbia Pictures and features set pieces across downtown offices, freeways and the precinct bullpen.

‘Life’ (1999)

In ‘Life’ Martin Lawrence stars as Claude Banks opposite Eddie Murphy as Ray Gibson in a story about two men wrongly convicted after a chance meeting in Mississippi. The plot traces their time together in a state prison as they forge a bond while planning ways to regain freedom.

Ted Demme directed the film with a large ensemble that includes Bernie Mac, Anthony Anderson and Bokeem Woodbine. Makeup and production design track the characters through changing decades and the story uses a framing device narrated by an older inmate.

‘Black Knight’ (2001)

‘Black Knight’ follows a theme park employee named Jamal who falls into a moat and wakes up in medieval England. Martin Lawrence plays Jamal as he navigates court politics and village life while looking for a way home.

Gil Junger directed the film and staged large crowd scenes with armor, horses and tournament fields. Tom Wilkinson and Marsha Thomason co star, and the production mixes modern slang and music cues with period costumes and castle sets.

‘What’s the Worst That Could Happen?’ (2001)

Based on a Donald E Westlake novel, ‘What’s the Worst That Could Happen?’ centers on a professional thief who is caught during a robbery at a tycoon’s home. Martin Lawrence plays the thief whose lucky ring is taken by the businessman, played by Danny DeVito, which sparks an escalating series of counter moves.

Sam Weisman directed the film with a supporting cast that includes John Leguizamo, Glenne Headly and William Fichtner. The story moves through offices, mansions and auctions as both men try to outwit each other using crews and elaborate schemes.

‘National Security’ (2003)

‘National Security’ pairs Martin Lawrence with Steve Zahn as two security guards who get drawn into a smuggling investigation. The setup begins with a public altercation that costs Zahn’s character his badge and pushes both men into reluctant partnership.

Dennis Dugan directed the film with action sequences set at warehouses, ports and freeways around Los Angeles. The cast features Colm Feore as a crime figure and Bill Duke as a stern police official, and the plot leads to a shootout involving contraband shipments.

‘Open Season’ (2006)

In the animated feature ‘Open Season’ Martin Lawrence voices Boog, a domesticated grizzly who is released into the wild just before hunting season. Ashton Kutcher voices Elliot, a talkative deer who becomes Boog’s guide through the forest.

It was the first theatrical release from Sony Pictures Animation and features a stylized North American woodland with broad comedy and chase scenes. The voice cast also includes Debra Messing, Gary Sinise and Jon Favreau, and the film led to home entertainment sequels that continued the adventure.

‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’ (2008)

‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’ stars Martin Lawrence as a successful talk show host who returns to his Southern hometown for a family reunion. The visit forces him to reconnect with relatives and rivals while navigating expectations built around his media persona.

Malcolm D Lee directed the ensemble which includes James Earl Jones, Mo’Nique, Cedric the Entertainer, Michael Clarke Duncan and Joy Bryant. The story uses reunion events, competitions and childhood flashbacks to set up comic conflicts across the extended family.

‘College Road Trip’ (2008)

In ‘College Road Trip’ Martin Lawrence plays James Porter, a protective police chief who plans a series of campus visits with his daughter. Raven Symoné plays the daughter who wants to tour schools on her own terms, which turns the trip into a cross country itinerary with mishaps along the way.

Roger Kumble directed the movie with a family friendly tone and included musical bits and guest appearances from Donny Osmond and Molly Ephraim. Scenes move through campus tours, hotel stops and travel detours that test the father daughter relationship.

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