Steven Seagal Movies A Complete List: The Karate Legend’s Cinematic Journey from Action Icons to Cult Filmmaker

Steven Seagal’s name is synonymous with high-octane martial arts films from the late 1980s and 1990s, where gritty fighters clashed in exotic locales under Seagal’s disciplined choreography. Though best known for his self-styled action roles and divisive critical reception, his filmography offers a rich, evolving narrative spanning over two decades. This comprehensive list traces Seagal’s on-screen career across more than 50 feature films, capturing not only his evolution as a performer but also his influence on on-screen martial arts cinema.

🔢 **Seagal’s Filmography: A Numbered Timeline of Key Releases and Iconic Roles** Seagal’s involvement in movies began with *Darak fissury* (later retitled *Hard to Kill*, 1988), a low-budget debut that established his signature style. However, the titles quickly multiplied, forming a cinematic roster that blends cult classics with underappreciated cult gems. Below is a structured breakdown of his major films, organized by decade and thematic exploration.

### The Genesis: Early Action Roots (1988–1994) The first wave of Seagal’s filmography emphasized fast-paced fight sequences and moralistic plots, often cast as a stoic warrior confronting corruption. - *Hard to Kill* (1988) – *Hard to Kill* serves as the cornerstone, introducing Seagal’s trademark one-eye stare and relentless hand-to-hand combat. The film set the tone for future entries, blending gritty realism with melodramatic storytelling.

- *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (unauthorized cameo, 1989) – While not a full-length film, Seagal’s unexpected cameo underscored his rising industry presence. - *Everlasting Strike* (1988) – Often dubbed an end-of-1980s flagship, this film paired Seagal with Chawa Makadi, expanding his martial arts repertoire with Nigerian-inspired weaponry. - *Fire in the Night* (1991) – Not to be confused with other titles, this entry reported on Seagal’s shift toward more psychologically complex antagonists.

- *ReTC: Reversal of Fate* (1993) – A misattributed release in some forums, Seagal’s actual role in *Revenge* (1993) cemented his status as a martial arts antihero, though actual credit varies in unofficial listings. - *Hard to Kill 2: The Rat War* (1990) – Though never officially released under that name, fan and bootleg circles reference a sequel informal in scope, reflecting early audience demand. ### The Golden Era: Cult Stardom (1995–2006) Seagal’s peak coincided with a surge in international co-productions and direct-to-video releases, where his films found steady audiences, especially in Asia.

- *Under Siege* (1992) – A pivotal collaboration with Jean-Claude Van Damme, directed by John McTiernan; though Seagal was not the lead, his cameo highlights cross-genre influence. - *The Last Action Hero* (1993) – Not to be confused with the CGI-heavy Tom Brady-starring film, Seagal’s *The Last Action Hero* (1993) was a low-budget action thriller showcasing his versatility beyond martial arts. - *Hard to Kill: Diaspora* (1995) – A sequel embedded in fan communities, often cited as an unofficial "expansion" in bootleg lists.

- *Under Pressure* (1996) – A psychological thriller that marked a departure from muscle-bound roles, revealing Seagal’s attempt to diversify. - *Bound by Honor* (2000) – A testament to his endurance, this film reflected Seagal’s transition toward directing and producing, even as gross returns plateaued. - *Darak Shura* (2005) – A rare international project filmed across Thailand and Japan, blending local martial arts traditions with Seagal’s signature style.

- *Darak Shura 2: The Last Custodian* (2008) – Following a decade-long hiatus from leading roles, this entry revived his mythic persona, appealing to cult investors. ### The Director Emerges: From Actor to Filmmaker (2007–Present) As his acting prominence waned, Seagal pivoted to behind-the-camera work, directing, co-writing, and producing a wave of self-involved yet formally deliberate films. - *Under Siege: Evolution* (2016) – A reboot of the 1992 formula, rebranded under Seagal’s direction, blending nostalgia with modern visual effects.

- *Under Pressure* (2016) – A remake that reframed the psychological thriller under his production banner, releasing directly to streaming platforms. - *Organized Crime* (2022) – Widely regarded as his breakthrough as a director, this gritty crime drama fused martial arts precision with crime noir, earning acclaim at major genre festivals. - *The Eagle* (2023) – Returning to action with a historical twist, *The Eagle* showcased improved production values and narrative cohesion, positioning Seagal as a minimalist auteur.

- *Stranger in the Jungle* (2024) – A genre hybrid rooted in survival and redemption, highlighting his evolving storytelling maturity. ### Notable Themes and Style Evolution Across 350+ films (including cameos and co-productions), Seagal’s performances are defined by: - **Minimalist Intensity:** A deliberate withdrawal from bombastic delivery, favoring stoic expression. - **Martial Precision:** Choreographed combat rooted in real-world systems, influenced by Krabi Krabong and traditional Japanese martial arts.

- **Moral Ambiguity:** Characters often straddling hero and rogue, reflecting real-world conflict without easy resolution. - **Cultural Blending:** Frequent collaborations with Asian crews, infusing projects with transnational flavor uncommon in early 90s Hollywood. 537 entries populate Seagal’s filmography, yet only a fraction appeared in mainstream U.S.

circuits; many thrive in global markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where direct-to-video and streaming have sustained his legacy. From martial arts showpieces to self-directed grittier reflections, Seagal’s body of work reveals a career built less on box office supremacy and more on relentless reinvention—fueled by passion, controversy, and an unwavering commitment to his distinctive cinematic voice. Whether judging from critical reception or fan devotion, Steven Seagal remains a polarizing but undeniably influential figure in action cinema, his filmography serving as both a personal archive and a lens into the global evolution of martial arts storytelling.