Last updated on: July 31, 2025
Duane Martin may not always be the first name that pops up when you think of iconic Hollywood actors, but his filmography proves he’s been a quiet powerhouse in the industry. Whether he’s playing a street-smart baller, a charming romantic lead, or diving into horror and satire, Martin brings charisma and authenticity to every role. Over the years, he’s built an impressive lineup of performances across a variety of genres—from cult classics like White Men Can’t Jump to dramatic gems like Any Given Sunday. In this article, we’re counting down Duane Martin’s Top 10 must-watch movies—films that highlight his range, talent, and on-screen charm. Let’s dive into the hits that made him a fan favorite through the ’90s and early 2000s.
1. Any Given Sunday (1999)
IMdb Rating: 6.9/10
In Any Given Sunday , Duane Martin plays Willie Beamen, a young quarterback with talent to spare. When the team’s star QB gets hurt, Willie steps up. He’s fast, flashy, and full of confidence. But the spotlight is heavier than he thought.
The movie shows what it’s really like in pro football. Not just the hits and tackles, but the pressure, the drama, and the choices players make when no one’s watching. It’s about how one moment can change everything.
Willie starts off thinking it’s all about him. But as the game tests him, he learns what it means to be part of a team. His journey isn’t easy, but it feels real.
Oliver Stone directed this film. You’ll see big emotions, hard hits, and moments that feel raw and true. Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, and LL Cool J are all in it too. Each brings something strong to the story.
This is more than just a sports movie. It’s about pride, pressure, and growing up under the lights. Duane Martin plays his role with energy and heart. He’s not perfect, but that’s what makes him real.
People still talk about this film years later. It made over $100 million worldwide. Critics liked its bold style and gritty look at the game. Fans remember the passion and the pain it showed behind the scenes.
One cool thing: The name “Willie Beamen” caught on so much, it became a song in the movie. It’s catchy—and it stuck with people.
If you want to watch it, you can find Any Given Sunday on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, or other major streaming services. It’s worth a watch, especially if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make it in the NFL—on any given Sunday.
2. Above the Rim (1994)
IMdb Rating: 6.6/10
In Above the Rim , Duane Martin plays Kyle Watson. He’s a high school baller with dreams as big as the net is high. College and the NBA are calling, but life keeps throwing him tough shots off the court.
Kyle’s got game. No doubt about that. But he’s also stuck between two worlds. One path is led by his coach, who believes in him. The other is pulled by Birdie—his old friend turned street guy, played powerfully by Tupac Shakur.
This film is more than just dunks and jump shots. It’s about choices. Loyalty. Right versus wrong when the pressure’s on. Kyle’s story hits close to home for anyone who’s ever been torn between what feels good and what’s actually good for you.
Duane Martin brings real heart to the role. You can see the fire in his eyes, the love for the game, and the stress of trying to do right by everyone. His moves on the court? Totally real. Dude played college ball before acting took over.
The movie blends sport and drama like few others. Some scenes make your pulse race—the kind where the buzzer’s ticking and the crowd’s roaring. Others hit quiet and deep, showing how fast life can change.
It came out in the ’90s and made around $16 million. Not bad for a sports flick back then. Fans loved it. Critics called out the strong acting—especially from Duane and Tupac. Even today, people say it’s one of the best hoop films ever made.
Oh, and here’s a cool piece of trivia: Duane didn’t fake his basketball skills. He was the real deal long before the cameras rolled.
You can catch Above the Rim on HBO Max or rent and buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and more.
If you’re into stories where the stakes are high and the truth runs deep, this one’s for you. It’s not just about basketball—it’s about life, and how one bounce of the ball can change everything.
3. Scream 2 (1997)
IMdb Rating: 6.3/10
In Scream 2 , Duane Martin plays Joel, a cameraman who works with the bold and fearless reporter Gale Weathers. Joel’s not looking for danger. He’s just doing his job—recording what’s happening, even when things get scary.
He’s got a cool head and a quick sense of humor. When Ghostface shows up again, Joel reacts like most of us would—he gets nervous, he asks questions, and he tries to stay out of harm’s way.
The story picks up after the first movie. Sidney Prescott is in college now, hoping for peace. But trouble finds her fast. A new killer in town starts scaring students. No one feels safe. Everyone could be hiding something.
Joel isn’t trying to be a hero. He’s just trying to survive. At one point, he even thinks about quitting. Who wants to film murders for a living?
This movie works because it mixes fear, mystery, and a bit of fun. It’s smart and spooky at the same time. Duane Martin fits right in. His reactions feel real. You believe he’s part of this world.
Scream 2 did great when it came out. It made more than $170 million. Fans loved how it kept the thrill of the first movie alive. Critics said it was clever—and they were right.
One cool thing: Joel is one of the few characters who decides to leave before things go from bad to worse. Most people in horror films stick around too long. Not him. That small choice makes him stand out.
You can watch Scream 2 on Paramount+. Or rent and buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other big platforms.
If you’re into movies that scare you but also make you laugh once in a while, give this one a try. It’s got brains, chills, and some solid moves from Duane Martin.
4. White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
IMdb Rating: 6.8/10
In White Men Can’t Jump, Duane Martin plays a basketball player who shows up during the streetball scenes. His role isn’t huge, but it’s super cool to spot him in a movie that’s all about the game. He brings real skill and style to the court, which makes sense—Duane played college basketball in real life!
The movie follows two guys, Billy Hoyle (played by Woody Harrelson) and Sidney Deane (played by Wesley Snipes), who hustle other players on the basketball courts of Los Angeles. Billy doesn’t look like a great player, which they use to their advantage. The two form a tricky friendship, full of laughs, challenges, and a lot of basketball.
This film is a must-watch because it mixes sports, comedy, and heart in a fun way. It shows how basketball is more than just a game—it’s about trust, teamwork, and sometimes, a little trickery. The scenes are exciting and the characters are full of personality. Even though Duane Martin’s role is short, his appearance adds to the energy of the basketball scenes.
White Men Can’t Jump was a big hit at the box office, earning over $90 million. People loved its mix of smart humor, streetball action, and strong acting. Critics said it was funny and sharp, and audiences still enjoy it today.
Fun fact: Duane’s quick role in the movie helped show off his basketball talent before he got bigger roles later on. It’s like a sneak peek at what was coming!
Streaming availability: You can stream White Men Can’t Jump on Hulu and rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other platforms.
If you love basketball movies or funny buddy stories, this one is a classic. And keep your eyes open—you’ll spot Duane doing what he does best on the court!
5. The Faculty (1998)
IMdb Rating: 6.6/10
In The Faculty , Duane Martin plays Mr. Lewis, a teacher at Herrington High. His part’s not big, but it fits just right in this wild, strange story. He’s one of the grown-ups who starts acting real weird when something creepy rolls into town.
This movie is about high school—but not the usual kind. One day, teachers start changing. They get cold. Distant. Not like themselves. A group of students—jocks, brains, outsiders—figure out it’s not just mood swings. Something else is taking over.
They’ve got to stick together and fight back. The aliens are smart. Sneaky. And they don’t care who they hurt.
The Faculty mixes sci-fi with teen life in a way that’s fun and scary. It’s like The Breakfast Club meets something from outer space. You never know what’s coming next.
Even though Duane’s not on screen much, seeing him there makes you smile. He’s calm, cool, and part of the early clues that things aren’t right.
When it came out, the film made around $40 million. Not too bad. Over time, people started loving it even more. It became one of those movies you watch again and again because it’s just plain fun.
Robert Rodriguez directed this one. Yep, same guy who did Desperado and Spy Kids . He’s good at making stories feel wild and real at the same time.
Cast includes young faces you’ll recognize—Josh Hartnett, Elijah Wood, Jordana Brewster. All before they blew up big.
You can stream The Faculty on Paramount+. Or rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other places.
If you like your horror with a side of school drama and alien danger, give this one a shot. It’s spooky, slick, and sometimes silly in the best way. And yeah, Duane Martin as a teacher? Pretty cool sight.
6. Down Periscope (1996)
IMdb Rating: 6.2/10
In Down Periscope , Duane Martin plays LT. Pascal, a sharp and serious young officer on a submarine crew full of wild characters. He’s trying to do things right, but everyone around him is loud, goofy, and always up to something strange.
The story follows Commander Dodge, played by Kelsey Grammer. He’s given an old, beat-up sub and told to train a bunch of misfits. Their mission? Take on a top-of-the-line enemy ship in war games. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s where the fun starts.
LT. Pascal tries to stay focused while chaos rolls all around him. You can’t help but laugh watching him deal with it all. The movie mixes teamwork, laughs, and some real heart under all the silly moments.
It’s not one of those heavy films. It’s light. Funny. Easy to watch and enjoy. Duane fits in well. He brings calm and cool to a cast that’s mostly wild and weird.
When it came out, Down Periscope made about $37 million. Critics were split—some liked it, others didn’t. But people kept watching it. Over time, it became one of those movies you pull out when you want a good, easy laugh.
Here’s a neat detail: The submarine used in the film was real. An actual Navy boat! And the cast includes Rob Schneider, Lauren Holly, and Rip Torn—each bringing their own flavor of funny to the screen.
You can stream Down Periscope on Hulu or rent/buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other services.
If you like comedies with a military twist—or just enjoy watching folks mess up in hilarious ways—this one’s worth a watch. And seeing Duane Martin hold his own among clowns? That’s part of the charm.
7. Deliver Us from Eva (2003)
IMdb Rating: 6.0/10
In Deliver Us from Eva , Duane Martin plays Tim. He’s one of three husbands who’ve had it with Eva and her nonstop advice. He’s married to one of her sisters and just plain worn out from being told what to do.
He’s not mad. Just tired. And a little funny about it all. Duane plays him with real charm—like the kind of guy you’d want to have a beer with after a long day of listening to his mother-in-law.
Eva, played by Gabrielle Union, is smart, strong, and always in charge. She means well. She loves her family. But she also thinks she knows best. Always. So the husbands team up and come up with a plan: hire a smooth guy named Ray (LL Cool J) to keep Eva busy—and maybe even get her to fall in love.
Sounds like a solid idea. Until it backfires. Because Eva and Ray actually hit it off. Now, things go from tricky to full-on wild.
This film mixes laughs, love, and a whole lot of drama. It’s got heart. It’s got jokes. And it’s got Duane Martin right in the middle of it, bringing that cool, grounded energy to the group.
You can tell everyone on set was having fun. The chemistry feels real. The jokes land. And the story keeps you watching.
At the box office, it made around $17.6 million. Not huge numbers, but enough. Critics didn’t go wild for it, but fans loved it. A lot still do. Gabrielle Union shines here. Her role gives her room to be tough, loving, and soft—all in the same scene.
Here’s something neat: This movie is based on The Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare. Yep, that old play. But this version moves it to modern neighborhoods, where big families still stick their noses into your life.
You can stream Deliver Us from Eva on Peacock or rent/buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other platforms.
If you like romantic comedies with strong women, funny men, and a little bit of chaos, give this one a try. It’s got everything—love, laughs, and a few surprises along the way.
And hey, if nothing else, it’s always good to see Duane Martin doing what he does best—keeping it cool while the world goes a little crazy around him.
8. Woo (1998)
IMdb Rating: 4.2/10
In Woo , Duane Martin plays Tim Jackson—a quiet, shy guy who’s about to get thrown into the wildest night of his life. He gets set up on a blind date with Woo, played by Jada Pinkett Smith. She’s loud, bold, and full of fire. Tim? Not so much.
He’s calm. Careful. The kind of guy who thinks twice before crossing the street. Watching him try to keep up with Woo is like watching a turtle in a dance-off—funny, sweet, and kind of inspiring.
The movie follows their wild night out in New York City. At first, they seem like total opposites. She’s all energy and attitude. He’s polite, nervous, and trying not to mess up. But as the night rolls on, they start seeing each other in a new way. Turns out, maybe opposites don’t just attract—they might even understand each other.
Woo is more than just laughs. It’s about love. About giving people a chance. And sometimes, letting go of your fears and just going with it.
Duane brings real charm to Tim. You feel for him. Root for him. Even laugh at him a little—but in a kind way. His performance shows he can be funny, soft, and strong all at once.
It didn’t blow up big when it came out. Made some noise, but not huge box office numbers. Still, over the years, it found its fans. A lot of folks still enjoy it as one of those ’90s rom-coms that didn’t follow the same old rules.
Here’s something cool: This was one of Duane’s early leads. It showed he could carry a film. Showed he had what it takes to play the kind of guy you want to see win in the end.
You can stream Woo on BET+ or rent/buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other places.
If you like love stories where the two leads don’t start off as a perfect match—where things are messy, real, and full of heart—this one’s worth a watch.
And if nothing else, it’s always good to see Duane Martin doing his thing—playing regular guys who turn out to be pretty special after all.
9. The Inkwell (1994)
IMdb Rating: 6.3/10
In The Inkwell , Duane Martin plays Harold Lee. He’s smooth, cool, and full of that summer charm. He’s spending the season on Martha’s Vineyard with his family and trying to help his cousin Drew fit in and figure out girls.
Drew is shy. Quiet. Not sure where he belongs. The summer hangs heavy, and so does that feeling we all had—like everyone else knows the rules but you.
Harold tries to give him tips. Some are good. Some? Not so much. But Duane plays him with that real, laid-back style. Funny. Smooth. Always got a line ready—even if it doesn’t always land right.
The movie takes place in 1976. It’s got bell-bottoms, soul music, and that slow summer pace. Drew spends his days at the Inkwell, a beach where Black families have come for generations. He’s around people, but still feels alone. That changes through the summer. He finds friends. Maybe even love. And learns a little about who he wants to be.
This film is more than just a throwback. It’s about growing up. About finding your voice when the world keeps talking over you. Duane’s character adds flavor. A little swagger. A few laughs. And some moments that stick with you long after the screen fades.
It didn’t make big waves when it came out. But over time, folks found it. Loved it. Now, it’s seen as part of something bigger—a piece of African-American storytelling that feels real and true.
Here’s a cool note: The movie was filmed in the ’90s, even though it’s set in the ’70s. So everyone dressed the part. Big glasses. Wide collars. Retro kicks. And the Inkwell? That’s a real place. Rich in history. Full of meaning for the community.
You can stream The Inkwell on Hulu or rent/buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other services.
If you like summer stories that feel deep, not just sunny—ones that mix fun with growing pains—this one’s worth your time.
And if you’re watching for Duane Martin, well—he’s got that early role shine. You can already see the star starting to rise.
10. The Seat Filler (2004)
IMdb Rating: 5.3/10
In The Seat Filler , Duane Martin plays Derrick—a law student trying to make ends meet. He’s got big dreams but not much luck. So, he takes a side job as a seat filler at big award shows. You know, the people who sit in empty seats so the cameras don’t catch blanks.
One night, he meets Jhnelle—played by Kelly Rowland—a huge pop star. She thinks he’s some big music executive. Instead of telling her the truth, he lets her believe it. Big mistake. Or maybe… the start of something good?
What follows is a sweet, funny mess. Derrick tries to keep up the act while falling for her. He’s just a regular guy caught in a Hollywood whirlwind. And you can’t help but root for him.
This film is light. Romantic. Full of laughs and heart. It’s like a fairy tale with real-life struggles mixed in. Duane brings charm and honesty to Derrick. You feel his stress. His hopes. And yeah, his dumb decisions too.
He doesn’t just act here—he also co-produced. That tells you how much he believed in this story. Kelly Rowland adds real sparkle. Her singing background gives Jhnelle that extra glow.
It didn’t blow up when it came out. Didn’t need to. Over time, folks found it. Liked it. Shared it. Now, it’s one of those low-key gems people watch when they want something cute, fun, and full of good vibes.
Here’s a cool detail: The movie feels like a love letter to dreamers. To people chasing goals while trying not to trip over their own lies.
You can stream The Seat Filler on BET+ or rent/buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other platforms.
If you’re into stories where the average Joe gets a shot at love and life under the lights, this one’s for you.
And if you’ve ever liked Duane Martin? Well, this role just adds another reason why. Smooth moves. Real charm. And a little bit of magic from sitting in the right seat at the right time.
And there you have it—Duane Martin’s top 10 movies that show off his range, charm, and talent on the big screen. From heartfelt romances to hilarious comedies and powerful dramas, he’s delivered some unforgettable performances. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering his work, these films are definitely worth adding to your watchlist. Now we’d love to hear from you! Which Duane Martin movie is your favorite? Did we miss any gems? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re excited to see what you think!
