Will Smith's 7 Most Underrated Performances

Will Smith is one of the lucky few actors to be both a major box office draw and a respected dramatic performer. But even though Smith is still one of the biggest movie stars around, not all of his film roles get the love they deserve. Here are nine performances that warrant a second look.

Paul in 'Six Degrees of Separation' (1993)

Moviegoers didn't take much notice of Smith until mid-'90s blockbusters like "Bad Boys" and "Independence Day," but he was already proving he had serious acting chops with this 1993 drama. In this adaptation of the 1990 stage play, Smith plays a con artist named Paul who charms his way into the lives of a wealthy Manhattan family. It was one of many times where Smith's innate charisma would serve him well.

Robert Clayton Dean in 'Enemy of the State' (1998)

While hardly Smith's biggest box office hit in the '90s, "Enemy of the State" served as an early showcase for his dramatic talents. It allowed him the opportunity to play an everyman hero rather than a musclebound action star for a change. Having Gene Hackman as a foil certainly didn't hurt Smith's prospects in this slick thriller.

Himself in 'Jersey Girl' (2004)

Not only does Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff's "Parents Just Don't Understand" appear on the soundtrack for "Jersey Girl," but Smith has a cameo as himself in the film. The scene where Smith warmheartedly bonds with Affleck's character (not knowing that same character once publicly badmouthed him seven years before) may well be the most charming and Kevin Smith-worthy scene in an otherwise formulaic romantic comedy.

Robert Neville in 'I Am Legend' (2007)

Hollywood has yet to give us the definitive take on Richard Matheson's classic horror novel, but this 2007 adaptation comes the closest so far. So much of that comes down to Smith's electric performance as the last surviving man in a world overrun by vampires. He's required to put on a one-man show here, and he's more than up to the challenge.

Agent J in 'Men in Black III' (2012)

No one would ever accuse "Men in Black III" of outdoing the original film, but it's certainly a step above the disappointing "Men in Black II." It helps that Smith has a new comedic foil in the form of Josh Brolin as the younger Agent K. Their hilarious dynamic does more than anything else to reinvigorate a troubled franchise.

Nicky Spurgeon in 'Focus' (2015)

Smith seems to have a real knack for playing con artists, as he oozes charisma no matter what role he happens to be playing. This film banks heavily on that talent, as well as the excellent chemistry between Smith and costar Margot Robbie, who plays a con-woman-in-training who develops feelings for her mentor. The plot in "Focus" may be a little twist-happy for its won good, but the two leads keep the movie anchored throughout.

Deadshot in 'Suicide Squad' (2016)

The DC Extended Universe has been plagued with problems in its first five years of life. "Suicide Squad" may actually be the worst of these movies to date, but that's certainly not Smith's fault. He captures that necessary balance between danger, charisma and likability when playing master assassin Deadshot. It's just a shame the movie around him is so terrible. But great actors suffering through lousy movies is kind of the DCEU's whole shtick.