The1990smight as well be the crowning decade of the 20th century. And as it drew to a close, one actor’s comedic talents were at their glorious heights, lighting up the silver screen as he went.Martin Lawrencerose to stardom asan undisputed king of comedyin the 1990s by delivering stand-up specials that were packed with his signature raunchy humor as well as movies alongside A-listers like Eddie Murphy and Will Smith.
While he knew just how to make the audiences laugh, he did not hit a home run with every movie. But his misses were still hugely entertaining orsimply guilty-pleasure watches for fans. Looking back on his amazing run during the decade though, nothing quite defined Lawrence’s career as 1995’sBad Boys. As the wisecracking detective Marcus Burnett, he created a character so iconic that his rapid-fire jokes and exaggerated humor makes audiences cackle with joy even today. This list ranks every Martin Lawrence movie of the ‘90s, from stand-up concert films to high-octane action comedies.
10A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996)
Martin Lawrence not only stars in this comedy thriller butA Thin Line Between Love and Hateis also the actor’s feature directorial debut. He plays Darnell Wright, a nightclub manager with a playboy reputation who gets into trouble every now and then. But none are as significant and dangerous as when Brandi Web, one of his love affairs and a realtor businesswoman, gets obsessed with giving Darnell a taste of his own medicine.
Witty and Slightly Suspenseful
In addition to starring in and directing the movie, Lawrence also co-wrote the script with Kenny Buford, Bentley Kyle Evans and Kim Bass.A Thin Line Between Love & Hatewas made on a budget of $8 million, which recouped at the box office by grossing over $34 million. Despite this success, as well as a deft balance between its romantic and thriller elements, the movie was met with poor reviews and is considered rather weak against Lawrence’s other boundary-pushing works.
9House Party 2 (1991)
Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin reunite for the sequel to their 1990 film as the iconic Kid n’ Play duo. This time, the plot revolves around Kid having spent all the scholarship money provided by the congregation of his church even before getting to college. This leaves Play to come up with a plan to raise funds, so he hosts a late-night pajama party.
A Watch Worthy Sequel
Despite not being as much a resounding success as the original movie,House Party 2managed tosecure a spot among the classics of the 1990sby maintaining the same infectious energy and lively humor. Kid n’ Play owned every scene with their effortless charm, but also returning to his electrifying role of DJ Bilal was Martin Lawrence, who emitted this impeccable swag and star power throughout the movie. The loose plot took a back seat and all that was left to captivate was hip-hop and hijinks.
8Boomerang (1992)
Quite underrated regardless of the early response it received,Boomerangis a light-hearted romantic comedy directed by Reginald Hudlin. It stars Eddie Murphy as an uptight advertising executive named Marcus Graham, known for his womanizing ways but never called out for them. When he gets a new boss, Jacqueline Broyer, proved harder to pin down than the rest of his cookie-cutter dates, Marcus realizes what he’s really looking for is love.
Feel-Good Romantic Comedy
Murphy, as usual, steals the show with his boundless energy and perfect comedic timing. From hilarious one-liners to the many ways he tries to get under Robin Givens’ character’s skins, every scene is enhanced with his presence. Martin Lawrence offers great support as Tyler Hawkins, Marcus’ good friend and a pivotal part of his journey from becoming a ladies man to one that seeks passion and connection.
20 ‘90s Box Office Flops That Became Cult Classics
Amidst the glamor and success of some movies, there were others that bombed at the box office upon initial release only to become cult classics later.
7Talkin' Dirty After Dark (1991)
Talkin' Dirty After Darkis basically Martin Lawrence’s first big concert film. It is directed by Topper Carew and follows Terry Lumbar, a struggling comedian who can barely pay his telephone bill of $67. Trying to make his set work at the comedy club called Dukie’s, he ends up developing a romantic relationship with the owner’s wife. What follows is a little bit of action and a whole lot of comedy.
Lawrence Lights up the Stage
Without the safety net of movie-comedy, Martin could really present himself as a raw and unfiltered comedian. His risqué jokes and energetic humor often centered around topics like one-night stands and sex, leaving audiences gasping for breath as he delivered relatable punchline after punchline. Lawrence was accompanied by John Witherspoon and Jedda Jones, who also elevated the comedic factor and madeTalkin' Dirty After Darkdefinitive of the ‘90s.
6You So Crazy (1994)
In the same vein asTalkin' Dirty After Darkbut also entirely different in tone and aesthetic,You So Crazyis a stand-up comedy film where Martin Lawrence gets up on stage in a black leather suit and talks about his experiences. From childhood memories and relationships and everyday life tocoming of age in the comedy landscape and getting his first sitcom, the star leaves no stone unturned.
Showcases Martin Lawrence’s Signature Style
Lawrence is known for his clever observations and reckless abandon. Adapting that tone on stage in front of the crowd comes easy to him.You So Crazyallows him to cut loose and juggle the craziest jokes and most jaw-dropping humor with moments of heart. It showcases his innate ability to combine humor and wit. On Rotten Tomatoes,You So Crazyholds an approval rating of 50% based on 10 critics reviews.
5House Party (1990)
Martin Lawrence was only a supporting cast member inHouse Party, but the movie is responsible for turning him into the most sought-after actor of the 1990s. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the quintessential coming-of-age comedy centers around Kid n’ Play. One half of the duo is grounded by his parents but that does not stop him from sneaking out to attend a big party at the other’s house. What Kid does not know, however, is that there’s a lot of trouble and a wild night in store for him.
Martin Lawrence’s First Shot At Fame
Lauded for its originality, rawness, and an energetic portrayal of teenagehood,House Partyis a fan-favorite Martin Lawrence movie. It holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that describes the movie as “a light, entertaining teen comedy with an infectious energy.” Not only did the movie launch Kid n’ Play into superstardom, but it also made critics and fans recognize Martin as a future standout for his role as “Dragon Breath” Bilal. Lawrence was signed on the self-titled TV show, Martin, right after.
4Nothing to Lose (1997)
At the center ofNothing to Loseis a bored-out-of-his-mind advertising executive named Nick Beam who is cruising through his seemingly perfect life when he gets home one night and discovers that his wife is having an affair with another man. To spite her, Nick abandons his clean-cut life and takes his car and sets off with no destination in mind. He crosses paths with T-Paul, a carjacker, and the two form an unlikely bond.
Lawrence Partners With Tim Robbins
In the road-trip/buddy comedy landscape,Nothing to Loseis a rare entry because of the dynamics that its two characters share. Martin, who plays T-Paul, is a criminal seeking to kidnap Nick, played by Tim Robbins. They have nothing in common. And yet, they light up the screen with their infectious humor andunpredictable chemistry. Critics cheered on the risk that both the stars took by letting their talents go in an uncontrolled direction, and the result, might we say, is pure perfection.
3Life (1999)
Lifeis a prison comedy that reunites Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence seven years after they co-starred inBoomerang. The movie takes place during Prohibition-era in Mississippi and tells the story of Ray Gibson and Claude Banks, two respected New Yorkers who are wrongfully accused of committing a crime and sentenced to life in prison. They spend 65 years behind bars, forming long-term connections with the inmates and learning all there is to learn about life.
A Poignant Prison Comedy
Ted Demme’s heartfelt drama was not an instant hit at the box office, but with time, fans of Murphy and Lawrence dug this gem out from the archives and helped give it the status of a cult classic. The movie tackles complex themes of racism and injustice but remains subtle throughout, focusing only on the fully-realized characters played by the two comedy legends. It earned an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and was praised by critics as a solid cinematic triumph.
’90s Comedy Stars Who Faded Away (And Deserve a Comeback)
With comedic standards evolving during the 1990s, these actors were able to navigate the fluctuating landscape flawlessly and could do so once again.
2Blue Streak (1999)
Blue Streakfeatures Martin Lawrence in his second-best (best for some) role as Miles Logan, a jewel thief who gets released after two years in prison and seeks to retrieve a diamond he hid somewhere. But he finds out that the place has now become the LAPD police station and the diamond is in a duct in the Robbery/Homicide detective bureau. Miles takes on the identity of Detective Malone in order to access the station.
A Smooth Crime Caper
Director Les Mayfield draws direct inspiration from the 1965 comedy,The Big Job, and creates the perfect vehicle for Martin Lawrence for showcasing his comedic timing. The premise itself is so intriguing; it combines elements of crime and humor, spoofs police dramas, and owns its mild grittiness. Lawrence starred alongside Luke Wilson, Dave Chappelle, and Peter Greene, who are at their improvisational best. Overall fun and exciting,Blue Streakmarks the end of an era.
Nothing short of a go-to action comedy when it comes to the 1990s,Bad Boysmarks the feature directorial debut for Michael Bay, who then went on to helm the sequels as well as most of the big-budget high-concept Transformers movies. The plot ofBad Boysrevolves around Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey, two cool-as-a-cucumber Miami detectives as they hotly pursue a case involving $100 million worth of stolen drugs and protect a murder witness.
Lawrence Explodes Into Action
It’s hard to imagine the buddy cop genre without Martin Lawrence and co-star Will Smith’s magnetic turns in Bay’s chaotic debut. Playfully rivaling each other because of their yin-yang personalities, they manage to orchestrate their action and attacks quite seamlessly. The brilliant script paired with the duo’s iconic chemistry is what makesBad Boysso popular.
While critics found flaws, fans could not deny the fact that the bad boys were here to stay. And the movieturned into a franchise that spawned a sequel right afterand was revived 17 years later for two more.
