Jean - Claude Van Damme , wide acclaimed as one of the top legal action stars of the 1980s and 1990s , build his career through martial prowess films likeBloodsportandKickboxer . However , some of his flick have received little care . These less well - cognize whole kit and caboodle also demonstrateVan Damme ’s scrap abilityand versatility , blending legal action with unexpected depth and break a more complex side of his on - screen image .

In addition to his warriorlike arts skills , Van Damme has taken on roles that delve into complex characters and emotional conflicts . His performances in lesser - known film often explore topic of personal buyback , inner turmoil , and the consequence of aggression . These part showcase a more multifaceted actor who take more than just physical agility to the cover .

10Replicant (2001)

Two Can Play That Game

InReplicant , Van Damme takes on three-fold roles , playing both a violent sequential killer and his genetically engineered clone , created to track him down . The movie surveil the battle between the two as the clon learns human emotion while trying to break off his murderous counterpart . The complex story and Van Damme ’s power to depict two distinct characters sic Replicant aside from his distinctive natural process films .

The ringer displays vulnerability and innocence in contrast to the killer ’s dusty brutality .

Despite its challenging assumption , Replicantdidn’t get the attention it deserve . Van Damme ’s public presentation in sci - fi celluloid , particularly in this dual - graphic symbol role , is surprisingly nuanced . The ringer displays vulnerability and innocence in contrast to the cause of death ’s cold viciousness . The film showcases his acting range , prove he can manage more psychologically demanding roles while also deliver intense action sequences .

Jean-Claude-Van-Damme-as-Replicant–Edward-Garrotte-from-Replicant-and-Jean-Claude-Van-Damme-as-Vincent-Brazil-from-Assassination-Games

9Black Eagle (1988)

A Performance That Takes Flight

In the film , Black Eagle , Jean - Claude Van Damme plays Andrei , a unnerving KGB private detective task with call up a classified gadget from a crashed U.S. aircraft . Opposite him is Sho Kosugi , a renowned martial arts figure who playact a CIA agentive role with a similar objective . The motion-picture show award a gripping Cold War narration intertwined with high - Energy Department action chronological sequence , showcasing Van Damme ’s compelling performance as the antagonist .

Van Damme ’s portrayal of a ruthless opposer allow him to present a more sinister persona , while his warriorlike nontextual matter artistry is conspicuously sport in the vivid confrontations with Kosugi .

While not as wide recognise as Van Damme ’s heroic roles , Black Eaglestands out through its beguile action and the compelling East vs. West moral force . Van Damme ’s portrait of a ruthless antagonist reserve him to exhibit a more sinister role , while his warlike arts art is prominently featured in the intense encounter with Kosugi . While it may not be one ofJean - Claude Van Damme ’s top - rated films , this underappreciated yield deserve greater acknowledgement for its well - accomplish action mechanism and commendable performance .

Jean Claude Van Damme in several movies including Expendables 2

8Wake of Death (2004)

A Tale Of Heartache And Revenge

InWake of Death , Van Damme play Ben Archer , a former mob hatchet man whose wife is savagely remove by a Chinese crime mob . Seeking revenge , Ben embarks on a violent and aroused quest for DoJ . The moving-picture show delivers a darker , somber tone than many of Van Damme ’s picture , allowing him to to the full embrace the emotional weight of his part ’s loss and rage .

Jean - Claude Van Damme ’s 8 high Grossing picture show :

Amount Grossed :

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

Kung Fu Panda 2 ( 2011 )

$ 665,700,000

Kung Fu Panda 3 ( 2016 )

Jean-Claude Van Damme from Nowhere to Run

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

$ 521,200,000

The Expendables 2 ( 2012 )

$ 315,000,000

Jean Claude Van Damme with long hair in Replicant holding a gun

Timecop ( 1994 )

$ 101,600,000

Street Fighter ( 1994 )

Jean Claude Van Damme Black Eagle split drums training scene

$ 99,000,000

Universal Solider ( 1992 )

$ 95,000,000

Jean-Claude Van Damme Wake Of Death

Hard Target ( 1993 )

$ 74,200,000

Sudden Death ( 1995 )

Legionnaire 1998 movie image

$ 64,400,000

Wake of Deathstands out despite flying under the radar for its gritty realness and Van Damme ’s intense functioning . His depicting of a grieving husband pushed to his limits offer one of his most raw and worked up office . The movie ’s grounded , visceral action and accent on character exploitation make it a vastly underratedentry in his post-2000s filmography .

7Legionnaire (1998)

Legionnaire Should Have A Legion Of Fans

The movieLegionnaireis set in the 1920s in North Africa and star Van Damme as Alain Lefevre , a French boxer who joins the Foreign Legion after being incorrectly accused by a gangster . The pic focuses on survival of the fittest , loyalty , and redemption in the harsh desert environs . Van Damme ’s operation is more subdued as he portrays a man trying to escape his disruptive past times .

Van Damme originally peddle the story ofLegionnaire(joining the Foreign Legion to escape from the mob ) as a comedy , starring himself alongside comic and actor John Candy .

Despite receiving short aid upon its release , this film offers a different tale for Van Damme . The film stand up out due to itsemphasis on grapheme growing , historical circumstance , and rough landscape painting . Van Damme ’s nuanced portrayal of a piece seeking redemption and the film ’s atmospheric war set up make it an underrated jewel .

Jean-Claude Van Damme in Six Bullets

6Six Bullets (2012)

A Perfect Movies For Fans Of Taken

InSix Bullets , Van Damme ’s nefarious rolestake a backseat , as this metre he plays Samson Gaul , a retired soldier of fortune call back to help rescue a kidnapped girl . The pic is a high - stakes military action thriller , with Gaul battling his demons as he works to track down the traffickers . Van Damme give birth a gritty performance , portraying a man push to do what ’s right and weigh down by guilt .

His delineation of a world - aweary soldier of fortune haunted by past mistakes adds depth to the action - packed story .

Though it did n’t receive widespread recognition , Six Bulletsoffers intense natural action and decisive part moments , with Van Damme giving a grounded and aroused functioning . His portrayal of aworld - weary mercenary haunted by past fault adds depth to the action at law - packed tale . It ’s an underrated precious stone that deserves more attention for its stiff plot line and Van Damme ’s layered performance .

Jean-Claude Van Damme In Hell

5In Hell (2003)

A Gritty, Intense Prison Film

In the filmIn Hell , Van Damme plays Kyle LeBlanc , anAmerican who finish up in a brutal Russian prisonafter obliterate the man responsible for his married woman ’s death . Forced to fight for survival of the fittest , Kyle becomes part of a violent underground fighting circuit within the prison . The motion picture portrays the human spirit ’s ability to savagely endure even the rough circumstances .

Although legal action star Jean - Claude Van Damme made a name for himself as a submarine , he ’s also had some unbelievable nefarious function throughout the year .

While it may not have achieved mainstream success , In Hellstands out for its naked as a jaybird intensity and Van Damme ’s emotionally charge operation . The film ’s darker smell and cruel fight sequences jell it apart from distinctive action fare , spotlight Van Damme ’s willingness to force the limit of his usual role . His portrayal of a humankind consume by brokenheartedness and rage adds depth to this grim but compelling story .

Jean-Claude Van Damme Knock Off

4Knock Off (1998)

Move Over Jackie Chan And Chris Tucker

In the movieKnock Off , set in Hong Kong , Van Damme act Marcus Ray , afashion designer involved in a imitative jeans operation that is part of a large terrorist plot . The plastic film combine action and funniness , with Van Damme moving away from his more intense actions , delivering a brilliant , lightsome performance alongside Rob Schneider .

Van Damme ’s willingness to take on a more comedic function showcases his versatility .

AlthoughKnock Offwasn’t a box - office hit , it is notable for its fast - pace natural action and unique portmanteau word of liquid body substance and thrills . Van Damme ’s willingness to take on a more comedic role showcases his versatility , and the film’sover - the - top action chronological sequence make it an pleasurable , underrated incoming in his life history .

Jean-Claude Van Damme Nowhere To Run

3JCVD (2008)

An Introspective Look

InJCVD , Jean - Claude Van Damme plays a novelise version of himself . He is caught in a money box robbery while dealing with personal and professional struggles . The moving-picture show blends reality with fable , allowing Van Damme to reflect on his career , image , and vulnerabilities . It ’s a raw , introverted functioning that helps him break spare from the activity - hero molding .

Belgian martial creative person - turned - actor Jean - Claude Van Damme has many unbelievable characters , but one of his most fun comes from a fairly silly beginning .

Despite receiving decisive acclaim , JCVDdidn’t accomplish mainstream commercial-grade winner . However , it remains one of Van Damme ’s most powerful performances as he offers an honorable , self - aware depiction of himself . The film ’s combination of bodily fluid , drama , and action mechanism coiffure it apart from his other oeuvre , making it an underrated chef-d’oeuvre for fans and critic alike .

Jean-Claude Van Damme

2Sudden Death (1995)

Trouble On The Ice

InSudden Death , Van Damme plays Darren McCord , a former firefighter who takes on a group of terrorists during secret plan seven of the Stanley Cup Finals . With his girl held hostage , McCord races against the clock to prevent a annihilative explosion inside the mob scene of action . The film delivers high - stake action , with Van Damme skillfully balancing forcible intensitywith emotional exposure as a father desperate to preserve his crime syndicate .

Sudden Deathwas remade asWelcome to Sudden Death , bring on by Universal 1440 and Netflix . star Michael Jai White and Gary Owen , the remaking takes a more comedic approaching while aiming to stay true to the original .

Despite its spellbind plot and hard performance from Van Damme , Sudden Deathdidn’t have the far-flung recognition it deserve . The picture fuse definitive action thrills with suspense , gain it one of the standout entries in his filmography . Van Damme ’s portrayal ofan ordinary adult male in extraordinary circumstancesbrings a ground energy to the role , and the film ’s well - execute stunt should localise it higher on the list of ' 90s action classics .

1Nowhere to Run (1993)

Van Damme’s Most Underrated Film

InNowhere to Run , Jean - Claude Van Damme portrays Sam Gillen , an escaped convict who safeguards a widow , present by Rosanna Arquette and her children , from unyielding land developer . While dodge the authority , Sam forges an improbable connection with the family and assumes the responsibility of harbour them from formidable resister . The moving picture seamlessly blends action chronological succession with affecting moments , allowing Van Damme to delve into a more many-sided and empathetic variant of his on - screen persona .

The pic allowed Van Damme to deviate from the relentless hero stereotype , showcasing his capacity to embody a more contemplative and susceptible hero

Nowhere to Runoften becomes eclipse by Van Damme ’s more volatile films , yet its amalgamation of heartfelt dramatic event and legal action translate it noteworthy . The film allowed Van Damme to deviate from therelentless battler stereotype , showcasing his capacity to incarnate a more contemplative and susceptible hero . The palpable chemical science between Van Damme and Arquette and the compelling narrative elevates this picture beyond a conventional legal action flick .