The 10 Most Underrated Jennifer Lopez Movies, Ranked (From Least to Most Underrated)

Jennifer Lopez has acted in a wide range of films, from musicals based on her life to stylish crime thrillers and sweet love stories. While some of her biggest movies get all the attention, she’s consistently proven her acting ability in other projects. This list highlights some of those films – ones that might not be as well-known, but still involved talented people, strong performances, and fascinating behind-the-scenes details.

We’re getting ready to reveal our number one pick, and along the way, we’ll cover the key parts of the story, the main cast and crew, and interesting details like how well the movie did in theaters, any awards it received, and what happened during production. If you’re looking for movies beyond the usual recommendations, this will be a helpful guide to discover more.

10. ‘El Cantante’ (2006)

Jennifer Lopez stars alongside Marc Anthony in ‘El Cantante’, a movie based on the life of salsa legend Héctor Lavoe. Lopez plays Puchi, Lavoe’s wife, who also tells the story. The film follows Lavoe’s journey to fame in New York’s Latin music world, his work with Willie Colón, and the personal difficulties that impacted his life and marriage. Directed by Leon Ichaso, the movie authentically recreates the concerts, recording sessions, and style of the Fania Records period.

The film debuted at a prominent summer film festival before being released in theaters, where it proved popular with fans of Latin music both in the US and abroad. Jennifer Lopez was also a producer on ‘El Cantante’, and the movie’s soundtrack features fresh recordings of classic salsa songs that match key moments in the life of singer Héctor Lavoe.

9. ‘Enough’ (2002)

In the movie ‘Enough,’ Jennifer Lopez stars as Slim, a mother who flees when she uncovers her husband’s dangerous and abusive side. The film centers on her attempts to shield her daughter, create new identities while moving from state to state, and prepare for a final showdown. Michael Apted directed the film, which also features Billy Campbell, Juliette Lewis, and Noah Wyle.

The movie ‘Enough’ had a successful theatrical release, boosted by a marketing campaign that emphasized its thrilling themes of preparation and survival. Filmed in various locations across the U.S. to show characters traveling, the home video release includes bonus features showcasing the intense fight choreography and the actors’ training.

8. ‘The Mother’ (2023)

I just finished watching ‘The Mother,’ and Jennifer Lopez is fantastic as a highly-trained operative who’s forced out of hiding to protect the daughter she gave up years ago. It’s a really compelling story directed by Niki Caro, blending intense action with a surprisingly emotional core – it really digs into themes of motherhood, identity, and the consequences of a life lived in the shadows. The supporting cast is solid too, with great performances from Joseph Fiennes, Omari Hardwick, and Gael García Bernal. Definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for a thrilling and heartfelt action movie.

Okay, so this movie was made specifically for streaming, and it blew up almost immediately – the numbers were huge! They really went all out with the production, filming in a bunch of different countries. They needed those locations for some intense scenes – think snowy survival stuff and fast-paced city chases. And the action? Forget about big explosions, they focused on really gritty, close-up fights, with a lot of hand-to-hand combat and impressively accurate gunplay. It felt super realistic.

7. ‘Marry Me’ (2022)

In the romantic comedy ‘Marry Me,’ Jennifer Lopez stars as Kat Valdez, a famous pop star who spontaneously proposes to a fan during a concert after a very public split from her fiancé. Owen Wilson plays the lucky fan, and Maluma appears as Kat’s fellow music superstar. The movie, directed by Kat Coiro, incorporates original songs through scenes of rehearsals, performances, and public appearances.

The movie ‘Marry Me’ had a special release, debuting in theaters and on streaming services at the same time during a busy weekend for films. The movie’s soundtrack featured songs performed by Jennifer Lopez that connect to key moments in the story. Filming took place in real concert venues with live audiences to make the concert and red-carpet scenes feel authentic.

6. ‘Shall We Dance?’ (2004)

Jennifer Lopez stars alongside Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon in ‘Shall We Dance?’, a charming romantic comedy about a Chicago lawyer who starts taking secret ballroom dance lessons. Lopez plays Paulina, a skilled dance instructor who is more comfortable teaching than opening up personally. The film, directed by Peter Chelsom, is an American adaptation of a popular Japanese movie.

As a movie buff, I loved how much detail went into ‘Shall We Dance!’ They didn’t just *pretend* the characters knew how to ballroom dance – they brought in actual competitive dance experts to choreograph the waltzes, tangos, and quicksteps. It’s fun to see in the behind-the-scenes footage just how much work went into those routines. And the movie was a hit, which was great because it really brought ballroom dancing back into the spotlight. Plus, the costumes were fantastic – those flowing gowns and perfectly fitted practice clothes really showed off the movement and energy of the dances.

5. ‘Angel Eyes’ (2001)

‘Angel Eyes’ is a dramatic story about a Chicago police officer, played by Jennifer Lopez, and a puzzling man, played by Jim Caviezel, who connect following a difficult experience. The film, directed by Luis Mandoki, focuses on healing, strained family relationships, and finding a new normal after loss. Terrence Howard and Sonia Braga also star in important roles.

The film feels authentic thanks to its use of real neighborhood spots, diners, and police station interiors, and the music complements the story’s thoughtful mood. The initial marketing highlighted the main actors and the central idea of a chance meeting. The DVD and Blu-ray release featured extra content, including discussions about finding the right filming locations and how the filmmakers realistically depicted the lives of emergency workers.

4. ‘Second Act’ (2018)

Jennifer Lopez plays Maya in ‘Second Act’, a film about a hardworking store manager who gets a surprising opportunity to climb the corporate ladder. With a little help from her friends-who revamp her resume and online presence-Maya lands a high-profile job. Directed by Peter Segal, the movie is a funny and heartwarming story about starting over, exploring your past, and finding a new career path. The cast also includes Vanessa Hudgens, Leah Remini, Milo Ventimiglia, and Treat Williams.

Filmed in New York City, the movie uses famous offices, neighborhoods, and ballparks to show Maya’s career and personal growth. ‘Second Act’ came out during the busy holiday season and did well for a comedy with a moderate budget. The marketing focused on funny situations Maya finds herself in at her new job and her changing sense of style as she enters the corporate world.

3. ‘The Cell’ (2000)

In ‘The Cell,’ Jennifer Lopez plays Catherine Deane, a child psychologist who uses cutting-edge technology to explore the mind of a comatose serial killer. She’s trying to find a missing victim by venturing into his subconscious. The film, directed by Tarsem Singh, is visually striking, famous for its detailed sets, impressive practical effects, and surreal dreamlike sequences that depict changing mental states. Vince Vaughn and Vincent D’Onofrio also star.

Eiko Ishioka’s costume designs and the film’s overall look have been much admired by designers, particularly the way the sets shift between sterile, realistic environments and dreamlike, psychological landscapes. The film was initially released in late summer, performed well in its first few weeks, and eventually became a classic of the stylish science fiction thriller genre on DVD and Blu-ray.

2. ‘Out of Sight’ (1998)

In the film ‘Out of Sight’, based on a novel by Elmore Leonard and directed by Steven Soderbergh, Lopez stars as U.S. Marshal Karen Sisco. The story centers on the complicated relationship between Sisco and professional bank robber Jack Foley (played by George Clooney) during a risky heist with his team. The film also features strong performances from Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Steve Zahn, and Catherine Keener.

‘Out of Sight’ is known for its unique, non-traditional storytelling, its realistic filming in Miami and Detroit, and a cool, rhythmic soundtrack that perfectly complements both the planning of the heist and the suspenseful chase scenes. Despite a moderate budget, the film was a box office success and received praise for its script, editing, and acting, significantly boosting Jennifer Lopez’s career and establishing her as a star in crime and romance films.

1. ‘Selena’ (1997)

The movie ‘Selena’ tells the story of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, played by Jennifer Lopez. It follows her journey from playing in her family’s band, to her dreams of reaching a wider audience with both English and Spanish music, and her most memorable concerts. Director Gregory Nava worked closely with the Quintanilla family, who helped shape the movie’s story and choose the music, and the film features recreations of Selena’s famous performances and studio recordings.

The movie was popular with audiences both in the U.S. and internationally, playing in a variety of theaters. The soundtrack features well-known songs that complement the movie’s scenes, and the filmmakers used historical footage to accurately recreate the look of Selena’s performances, including her costumes and stage designs. Jennifer Lopez’s performance brought Selena’s story to a new generation and continues to be a key part of discussions about Tejano music in film.

Let us know your top picks from this list in the comments, and tell us about any lesser-known favorites you think people should check out.

2025-09-27 15:42