Lundgren's true breakthrough came as the opponent of Sylvester Stallone's character in "Rocky IV"; he reportedly bested 5000 other hopefuls for the role of Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, despite being initially written off as being too tall. The film made over $300 million, making it the most successful film that Lundgren has ever appeared in.

Having displayed his chiseled physique prominently for his last couple of films, Lundgren starred in his own workout video, covering everything from bodybuilding to yoga. It remains unremembered in most circles, but was directed by producer John Langley ("Cops") and features Frank Zagarino ("Convict 762") as one of Lundgren's workout partners.

In the first of two film adaptations, Lundgren is Mark Castle: policeman-turned-vigilante dispensing justice amidst a turf war between the Yakuza and the American mafia. Co-stars Louis Gossett, Jr. ("An Officer and a Gentleman") and Kim Miyori ("Metro"). Though poorly received in its time, the original "Punisher" has since become a cult favorite, and helped secure Lundgren's status of action hero.

In this independently-produced action/thriller, Lundgren stars as an investigative journalist who seeks the uncover those responsible for an attack on an overseas naval base. Co-stars Louis Gossett, Jr. for the pair's second and final team-up. Also features John Finn ("Cold Case") and Lisa Berkley in her sole theatrical role.

Often considered Lundgren's definitive action feature, he stars alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme ("Timecop") as one of two reanimated 'super soldiers' overriding their programming to resume an old feud. Directed by Roland Emmerich ("Independence Day"). The film was the most successful action movie that Lundgren has ever starred in, topping $102 million.

An East German Olympic gold medalist (Lundgren) escapes to freedom in the US, only to be pursued by his sadistic ex-coach (David Soul, "Starsky and Hutch"). Also features Gerald Hopkins ("General Hospital"). The movie is generally identified as both anti-Communist propaganda and one of Lundgren's worst films.

Lundgren co-stars to Keanu Reevers ("The Matrix" trilogy) in a sci-fi thriller about a "mnemonic carrier" dodging assassination for carrying a dangerous bit of data inside of his head; Lundgren is a deranged street preacher hired his assassination. The film was generally panned for lacking coherence and substance, but has since been named a cult favourite in cyberpunk circles.

Lundgren plays a top political assassin teamed with a rookie spotter (Gina Bellman, "Coupling") to gun down a critical target, but when emotions begin to cloud his thoughts, it sets off a series of events leading to the climax of kill or be killed. Also stars Christopher Heyerdahl ("Stargate: Atlantis") and Conrad Dunn ("A Nero Wolfe Mystery"). Directed by Russell Mulcahy ("Highlander").

After gaining a phobia of the color white, an ace bodyguard (Lundgren) is assigned to protect a young fashion model from a murderous stalker who is all too aware of her protector's handicap. Directed by John Woo ("Face/Off"), "Blackjack" was Lundgren's third film to premiere on television, after "Army of One" and "Silent Trigger.

After a US senator is killed by an advanced land mine from Angola, a demolitions expert (Claire Stansfield, "The Outpost") is sent to recover one of the native explosives abroad, where she is aided by a former humanitarian minesweeper (Lundgren) mourning the death of his son. Also stars Bruce Payne ("Passenger 57"). Directed by Keoni Waxman ("I Shot a Man in Vegas").

Air Force pilot Jack Holloway (Lundgren) is falsely accused and convicted for the theft of a prototype military aircraft. En-route to prison, he escapes to recover the plane from a conspiring group of mercenaries, clear his name, and gain his freedom. Also stars Robert Miano ("Devil's Highway"). Directed by Anthony Hickox ("Waxwork").

After a massive earthquake destroys Los Angeles, a new order is formed, but disagreement among the ranks leads to more war and disruption, and the "Last Patrol" - headed by Lundgren - must bring order if there's to be any hope for the future. Co-stars Sherri Alexander ("Layover") and Joe Michael Burke ("Hollywood Safari"). Directed by Sheldon Lettich ("Double Impact").

When an ex-government agent's (Lundgren) protection program is infiltrated by a mysterious hit man, he must work through a network of associates to find out what went wrong. Also stars Maxim Roy ("ReGenesis") and Ted Whittall ("The State Within").

Policeman Frank Gannon (Lundgren) is being hunted by his fellow officers after they learned he betrayed the brotherhood and exposed the wide-scale corruption of the LAPD. He has one day left to prove his case and survive. Also stars Polly Shannon ("Men With Brooms"). Directed by Sidney Furie.

Lundgren's directing debut: he stars as an American patriot at odds with himself for having to protect a man who embodies everything he stands against - a global terrorist. Also stars Jerry Springer and Shakara Ledard ("Full Clip"). The film was to be directed by Sidney Furie, who left production following concerns for his health.

An Italian religious adventure-drama co-starring Lundgren in which a Roman tribune is sent to Palestine to investigate the death and supposed resurrection of a certain Jesus from Nazareth, for one truth could destroy an empire... Also stars Daniele Liotti ("Mad Love") and Mónica Cruz ("Last Hour").

A down-on-his luck mercenary (Lundgren) is hired to protect an expedition searching for a Buddhist artifact worth millions of dollars in the mountains of Mongolia. Also stars Yu Nan ("Tuya's Marriage") and Raicho Vasilev ("The Russian Specialist"). Lundgren directed the film and was attached to star in a sequel, but bowed out after producers recut "Dogs" to its current state.

An American prisoner (Lundgren) in a Russian prison is given a chance at freedom if he can rescue a kidnapped American woman (Gina May, "Undressed") from the clutches of a vicious warlord (Bashar Rahal, "Target of Opportunity") - unaware that freeing her will release a new world of danger on him. Also stars Michael Paré ("Streets of Fire"). Directed by Danny Lerner ("Finding Rin Tin Tin").