Renowned for his flawless comedic performances,Martin Lawrencebecame one of theleading actors of the 1990sfollowing his 1987 debut. Before his acting career took off, Lawrence utilized his funny bone to thrive as a stand-up comedian, performing on shows in Washington, D.C. He also joined the Improv Comedy Club, where he further honed his skills. After getting scouted by Columbia Pictures Television executives during his time onStar Search, Lawrence began his acting career as Maurice Warfield on the sitcomWhat’s Happening Now!!
Subsequently, he got his breakthrough, appearing in career-defining projects such asDo the Right Thing, theBig Momma’s Housefranchise,House Party, and its sequel,House Party 2. Lawrence was propelled to international prominence through his iconic role in theBad Boysfilm series. After over three decades in the industry, the Frankfurt-born actor has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. While Lawrence has numerous rewatchable movies, the following entries stand out from the cache.
10’House Party' (1990)
Directed by Reginald Hudlin
House Party is one of the early notable film projects that brought Lawrence to the big screen. He portrayed Bilal in the American comedy film just after his 1989 breakout role as Cee inSpike Lee’sDo the Right Thing. Starring the hip-hop duo Kid ‘n PlayChristopher “Kid” ReidandChristopher “Play” Martinin their film debut,House Partychronicles the wildest night of high school friends as their party of the year gets out of control. Lawrence also reprized his role in the 1991 sequel,House Party 2.
Grossing over$26 millionat the box office, the film attained cult classic status and has been preserved in the United States National Film Registry. While he played a supporting role in the critically acclaimed film, Lawrence’s witty one-liners and unique talent added major comedic relief to theHouse Partyfilms. His overall performance as a standout cast member contributes to the film’s rewatchability.
House Party
9’Big Momma’s House’ (2000)
Directed by Raja Gosnell
Lawrence has a knack for captivating audiences with physical comedy, and he pulled all the stops in hisBig Momma’s Houseperformance. He appeared in the crime comedy film as FBI agent Malcolm Turner who goes undercover as Hattie Mae ‘Big Momma’ Pierce to find an escaped convict and his loot. His perfect portrayal of a grandma brought Lawrence’s hilarious antics to the fore. As such, the film is always worth an extra watch.Big Momma’s Housealso starsNia Longas Sherry Pierce,Paul Giamattias Agent Jonathan “John” Maxwell,Terrence Howard as Lester Vesco, andAnthony Andersonas Nolan.
Big Momma’s Housegarnered mostly negative reviews but became a commercial success, grossing over$174 millionat the box office. The success inspired a franchise that spawned two sequels -Big Momma’s House 2(2006) andBig Mommas: Like Father, Like Son(2011) with Lawrence reprising his role. He also doubled as executive producer for the first two films. Lawrence’s iconic performance in the 2000 film earned him major nominations, including the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance and the Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor.
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8’Wild Hogs' (2007)
Directed by Walt Becker
Lawrence’s depiction of Bobby Davis inWild Hogsis one of the reasons the comedy film is considered a light-hearted and entertaining piece.Wild Hogsfollows four middle-aged men in search of some fun to escape their routine lives in a Cincinnati suburb. Their road trip as a motorcycle club, the Wild Hogs, takes viewers on an adventurous ride through different cities.
Wild Hogsalso starsJohn Travoltaas Woody Stevens,Tim Allenas Dr. Doug Madsen, andWilliam H. Macyas Dudley Frank. While it was critically panned, receiving a low %14 score onRotten Tomatoes, the film was a massive commercial success, ranking #1 in box office sales with $39.7 million on its opening weekend. Subsequently,Wild Hogsbecame a blockbuster, ultimately pulling in$253.6 millionworldwide against its $60 million budget.
7’Nothing to Lose' (1997)
Directed by Steve Oedekerk
Filled with hilarious moments,Nothing to Loseis a uniqueblend of action and comedy. The film stars Lawrence as a petty criminal named T-Paul who tries to rob advertising executive Nick Beam (Tim Robbins) and ends up getting kidnapped by his supposed victim. After bonding over a botched robbery attempt, the two men ally to rob the man Nick’s wife is having an affair with, culminating in several misadventures.
The ensemble cast also includesJohn C. McGinleyas Davis “Rig” Lanlow,Giancarlo Espositoas Charles “Charlie” Dunt,Michael McKeanas Philip “P.B” Barrow, andKelly Prestonas Ann Beam. Grossing over$44 millionagainst its $25 million budget,Nothing to Losedebuted at #4 at the North American box office and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. However, the chemistry between Tim and Lawrence’s characters is undeniable.
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6’Life' (1999)
Directed by Ted Demme
After hisouting withEddie Murphyin the 1992 romantic comedy filmBoomerang, the hilarious duo collaborated on their second project inLife. With Lawrence playing Claude Banks while Murphy portrays Rayford “Ray” Gibson, the film chronicles the journey of two men serving a life sentence for a murder they didn’t commit. Their epic escape in the end builds up excitement that sticks with viewers for a long time.
Despite its humble beginning, Murphy and Lawrence’s fans gradually turnedLifeinto a cult classic. The film also received nominations at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards for Favorite Comedy Team and NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.Lifedid not just cement Lawrence’s status as a versatile actor, he showcased his authentic and compelling comedic timing in the film.
5’Blue Streak' (1999)
Directed by Les Mayfield
From jewelry thief to detective,Blue Streakshowcases Martin Lawrence’s impeccable comedic timing, effortlessly blending elements of crime and humor. This 1999crime comedy filmfeatures Lawrence as Miles Logan, a jewel thief disguised as Detective Malone in his quest to recover his loot hidden within an LAPD station. The flawless mingling of laughs and suspense makesBlue Streaka standout.
In addition to Lawrence,Blue Streakboasts an ensemble cast featuringLuke Wilsonas Detective Carlson,Dave Chappelleas Tulley, andPeter Greeneas Deacon. The film debuted at #1 in North America and finished its theatrical run with over$117 millionworldwide against a $36 million budget. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, with comparisons toBeverly Hills Cop.
Blue Streak
4’National Security' (2003)
Directed by Dennis Dugan
A twisted buddy cop comedy fare showcasing Lawrence’s sharp wit at its best,National Securitystars him andSteve Zahnin the leading rolesof Earl Montgomery and Hank Rafferty respectively. After meeting under unconventional circumstances that cost Steve his job as a cop, the two men form an unlikely partnership to solve a crime. Lawrence also serves as the executive producer of the hilarious action comedy.
ThisDennis Dugan’s 2003 action-comedy boasts an impressive supporting cast that includesBill Dukeas Lieutenant Washington,Eric Robertsas Nash, andColm Feoreas Detective Frank McDuff. Despite garnering mixed reviews from critics and viewers, the cast performances take credit for makingNational Securitya rewatchable piece. The film is also considered one of Lawrence’s best movies.
National Security
Directed by Michael Bay
Perhaps his most iconic role, Lawrence became a household name following his performance as Detective Marcus Burnett in thefirst installment of theBad Boysfilm franchise. Lawrence stars alongsideWill Smithas Mike Lowrey, Marcus' partner in the Miami police department. The narcotics detectives dish out side-splitting humor while navigating the investigation of the $100 million stolen packs of heroin and the protection of a murder witness.
The film didn’t just become one of thegreatest action comedies ever made, it spawned a popular franchise that has stood the test of time. The 1995 film marked the beginning of Lawrence’s career as a leading man and earned him an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best On-Screen Duo alongside Smith. Their unmistakable chemistry and groundbreaking performances contributed to the film’s success with over$141 millionin box office earnings.Bad Boyswas also nominated for the MTV Movie Award for Best Action Sequence.
Nearly a decade after the first film, Smith and Lawrence return as Mike and Marcus for thesecond installment of theBad Boysfilm franchise. Their palpable onscreen chemistry also earned a nomination for the MTV Movie Award’s Best On-Screen Duo.Bad Boys IIfollows the two narcotics cops as they investigate a Cuban drug cartel to burst the flow of ecstasy into Florida.
The dynamic duo delivered a more action-packed performance with thrilling comedic moments. Lawrence’s effortless sarcasm and humorous antics contributed to the film’s success, ultimately justifying the franchise as a fan favorite in cinematic history. Though critically panned,Bad Boys IIwas a commercial success, grossing$273 millionworldwide against a $130 million budget.
Bad Boys II
Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
After four films, theBad Boysfilm franchise still holds sway in the action genre. The 2024 sequel reunites Smith and Lawrence in a triumphant return. The plot follows wisecracking detectives Lowrey and Burnett as they embark on a dangerous mission to clear the name of the late Captain Conrad Howard who was wrongfully linked to drug cartels. In a review forScreenRant, Robert Pitman described the film as"one of the biggest hits of 2024 so far,“suggesting a future crossover with the iconicBeverly Hills Cop.
The second film directed by the dynamic duoAdil & Bilallin the franchise,Bad Boys: Ride or Die, didn’t disappoint fans with the action sequences and breathtaking stunts. So far, the film is the most successful installment in the franchise, grossing$379 millionworldwide against its $100 million budget. Like most of Lawrence’s performances, this entry reinforces his status as a comedy legend.
