Top 10 Blair Underwood movies, ranked from worst to best

Blair Underwood has spent decades building a film career that is steady and varied. He has taken on roles in courtroom dramas, psychological thrillers, romantic comedies, you name it. Most people recognize him from television shows like L.A. Law or Quantico, but his movie work often flies under the radar.

That is surprising because he has delivered strong performances in film for years. He can play a smooth romantic lead, a determined lawyer, or a man under pressure without missing a beat.

Some of his movies became box office hits, while others gained a following later. He has shared the screen with big names like Sean Connery, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Laurence Fishburne, and he never fades into the background. He moves easily between serious films and more commercial projects without getting typecast.

This list focuses on films in which Underwood’s acting left the strongest impression and where he showed exactly why he deserves more credit as a film actor.

---

Blair Underwood movies, ranked from worst to best

10. Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003)

Blair Underwood plays Tom Gibbons in Malibu’s Most Wanted. He is a professional PR consultant brought in to fix the image of a privileged kid who thinks he is a rapper. He keeps the story grounded while others lean into the comedy.

It ranks tenth because it never gave Underwood enough space to stretch his abilities. The role is entertaining but surface-level. His character exists to push the plot along rather than shape it. It is enjoyable but does not reflect the full range of what Underwood can do.

---

9. Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day (2012)

Underwood plays David Ames in Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day. He is a successful man whose carefully built life starts falling apart when his daughter is kidnapped. The film follows him as he searches for answers and uncovers secrets about his family.

His performance adds tension and emotional weight to an otherwise familiar thriller plot. It is ninth on the list because while the story feels predictable, his portrayal of a desperate father stands out. Underwood holds the film together and gives it an edge that keeps it from fading into typical thriller territory.

---

8. Mistrial (1996)

In Mistrial, Underwood plays Lieutenant Mike DeSantos. He is caught in a hostage standoff that unfolds inside a courtroom. Underwood’s role pushes the moral questions that drive the film. His character brings calm authority and forces the audience to question justice and law enforcement.

This is a TV movie, but Underwood keeps the stakes believable. It ranks eighth because while the production is simple, his performance stays sharp. He keeps the film from falling flat and adds weight where needed.

---

7. Soul of the Game (1996)

Underwood takes on the role of Jackie Robinson in Soul of the Game. The film follows Robinson’s early years before breaking baseball’s color barrier. Underwood plays him as quiet, determined, and torn between personal ambition and loyalty to his teammates.

His performance captures the pressure Robinson faces from all sides. It ranks seventh because Underwood balances history and character without overplaying either. He lets the weight of the moment come through naturally. The film itself focuses on a crucial chapter in sports history, and Underwood’s role keeps it grounded and respectful without slipping into overdone biopic territory.

---

6. Asunder (1999)

Underwood plays Chance Williams in Asunder. His character loses his wife and spirals into obsession with his best friend’s wife. The story follows his descent from grief into dangerous fixation. Underwood’s shift from sympathetic to menacing shapes the entire film.

Every scene centers on how far Chance will fall. It ranks sixth because Underwood carries the weight of the story from start to finish. Without him, the tension would not hold. The film may not be widely known, but his performance makes it a standout psychological thriller and shows exactly how much range he brings to darker roles.

---

5. Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)

Blair Underwood plays Carlos Armstrong in Madea’s Family Reunion. He enters the story as Vanessa’s fiancé, who appears supportive and dependable. As Vanessa deals with family trauma and personal struggles, Carlos stays consistent, offering stability without overshadowing her journey. Underwood makes Carlos believable, never turning him into an unrealistic hero.

It ranks fifth because the film became a box office success, and Underwood’s role resonated with audiences who wanted to see a positive male figure handled without exaggeration.

---

4. Rules of Engagement (2000)

Underwood plays Captain Lee in Rules of Engagement. He is a military officer who becomes central to the investigation of a controversial mission in Yemen. His character acts as a measured voice, balancing the aggressive personalities of the lead characters.

Underwood’s performance stays controlled giving the courtroom scenes credibility without stealing focus. Although the film revolves around Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L Jackson, Underwood’s role holds key importance. He helps underline the moral complexity at play.

---

3. Deep Impact (1998)

In Deep Impact, Underwood plays Mark Simon, a NASA astronaut tasked with a mission to stop a comet from destroying Earth. He spends much of the film preparing for what becomes a suicide mission. Underwood’s role focuses on the human cost behind the disaster setup. While the film jumps between politicians, scientists, and civilians, his character keeps the emotional thread intact.

It ranks third because Underwood makes his limited screen time count. His presence strengthens the ensemble without fading into the background.

---

2. Just Cause (1995)

Underwood plays Bobby Earl Ferguson in Just Cause, a man sentenced to death for a crime he claims he did not commit. The story follows Sean Connery’s character as he reopens the case and questions the evidence. Underwood’s role drives the plot, forcing the audience to constantly question whether Bobby Earl is innocent or manipulating everyone.

It ranks second because Underwood plays both sides convincingly. His performance shapes every twist without giving away the ending too early. Sharing scenes with Connery and Fishburne, Underwood holds attention and makes the film’s final reveal land harder than expected.

---

1. Set It Off (1996)

Underwood plays Keith Weston in Set It Off, a bank manager who becomes romantically involved with Jada Pinkett Smith’s character, Stony. Amid the chaos of the heist plot, Keith represents the one honest and stable presence in Stony’s life.

Underwood’s role is about giving the film an emotional anchor. It ranks first because his chemistry with Pinkett Smith stands out and because his character adds heart to a tense storyline.

He balances out the violence and desperation without feeling forced.

---

Follow SoapCentral for more stories.