7 most underrated Jean-Claude Van Damme movies worth watching

Jean-Claude Van Damme is an American and Belgian actor who became widely known for his roles in the films Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Double Jeopardy. However, his acting career also includes many films that did not become as popular, although in vain.

On October 18, the action star turns 64 years old. OBOZ.UA has put together a selection of the most underrated films starring Van Damme. Maybe the fact that they didn't become popular is just a coincidence and you'll want to watch them.

Black Eagle (1988)

This movie is a thrilling action movie depicting the East vs. West long-term battle. Van Damme plays a Russian agent, Andrei, who is tasked with retrieving a secret device from a crashed American airplane. His opponent in the movie is martial artist Sho Kosugi, who plays a CIA agent with a similar goal. The role of the ruthless antagonist allows Van Damme to explore the negative emotions. However, his martial arts skills can also be appreciated during the intense fighting scenes with Kosugi. Black Eagle is one of the least known works in the actor's filmography, although it deserves more attention.

Nowhere to Run (1993)

In this movie, Van Dam plays Sam Gillen, an escaped convict who protects a widow and her children from unyielding developers. His role in this movie allows him to explore drama moments. By combining action with poignant moments, Van Damme's character appears more multifaceted and sensitive than everyone is used to seeing him on screen. And the palpable chemistry between Van Damme and Rosanna Arquette, who plays the female lead, as well as the interesting plot, make this movie something more than the usual action one.

Sudden Death (1995)

In this film, Van Damme plays former firefighter Darren McCord, who confronts a group of terrorists who have taken his daughter hostage. The protagonist fights against time to prevent a devastating explosion in a crowded arena. Both his fatherly feelings and the actor's fighting spirit are well revealed here. However, the movie did not receive wide recognition. Sudden Death combines classic action and emotional intensity, and this makes it an important work in the actor's filmography, showing the feelings of an ordinary person in difficult circumstances.

Legionnaire (1998)

In the movie Legionnaire, Jean Claude Van Damme played the role of French boxer Alain Lefèvre, who joined the Foreign Legion in the 1920s. The film shows the basics of survival, loyalty and redemption in the harsh desert environment. This film did not become popular, although it reveals a different Van Damme - his character here is unusually reserved as he tries to escape his troubled past.

Knock Off (1998)

Set in Hong Kong, Van Damme plays fashion designer Marcus Ray, who is involved in a jeans counterfeiting operation that is part of a larger terrorist plot. Van Damme has a mixed role here, but his willingness to play in a comedic action movie confirms his versatility as an actor. He delivers a brilliant performance, keeping the audience on their toes throughout the movie.

Replicant (2001)

In this film, Van Damme plays two roles: a brutal serial killer and his genetically engineered clone, created to track down the protagonist. The movie tells the story of how the clone, studying human emotions, tries to stop his killer double. It's a challenging acting role that Van Damme has done a great job with, portraying two completely different characters at the same time. The clone demonstrates vulnerability and innocence in contrast to the cold cruelty of the killer.

In Hell (2003)

A tough, tense movie about survival in a Russian prison, where Van Damme plays an American, Kyle LeBlanc. The film's protagonist avenged the death of his wife and was imprisoned. In an effort to survive, Kyle becomes part of a brutal underground fight club in prison. The movie shows the ability of the human spirit to withstand even the most severe circumstances. The film is worth watching just for Van Damme's emotionally charged performance - the look of his character, overcome with grief and anger, adds depth to this sad but convincing story.

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