Skip to content
MovieCove
Damian Chapa

Damian Chapa

Actor, director, writer and producer, also cinematographer and editor · Born October 29, 1963 (62) · Dayton, Ohio, USA

Damian Robert Chapa (born October 29, 1963) is a Native-Latino American actor, film director and film producer. Chapa was born in Dayton, Ohio, USA. He was briefly married to Natasha Henstridge. Among his earlier notable film roles are one of the leads in Taylor Hackford's Blood In Blood Out and the part of Ken in the film adaptation of Street Fighter. Subsequently, Chapa has directed and produced, in addition to starring in, his own films. These movies include 1998's Kill You Twice, 2000's The Lonely Life of Downey Hall, 2002's Man of Faith, 2004's Shade of Pale, 2004's El Padrino, and 2006's I.R.A.: King of Nothing. Chapa co-wrote and directed Polanski Unauthorized, a biopic of Roman Polanski, in which he played the title role. It was released on February 13, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. Chapa will begin filming the only film about Marlon Brando ever to be made, in June 2010 called Brando Unauthorized. He followed this with "Vatos Locos", starring himself. Albert Pyun was supposed to direct, but left the project following a dispute over his salary, so Chapa directed himself. The film is about the Chinese mafia in Los Angeles and how the Mexican gang boys, known as "vatos," fought back and defeated the Chinese gang-bangers. As of 2011, Chapa has yet another project in development, an indie drama titled "The Best So Far," which takes place in the late 80's, about a small-town Canadian girl who loves Judo and dreams about being one of the finalists at the '88 Olympics. The ensemble drama follows the lines of Rocky, in the sense that it's not about winning, but going the distance and getting your life back. Chapa, who wrote the drama, will play the widowed father, who does his best to make life easier for his daughter. Although the film is in its very early development stages, Chapa hopes the script will attract the interest of talented artists such as Ellen Page for the main role and Jennifer Connelly for the supporting role, this being the part of the final, toughest competition Page's character faces off during the '88 Olympics and gets defeated by. Although not winning, she gets her sense of victory be offering a brave stand against the better fighter, and both discover, in the process, they are quite simillar, despite their differences. Insiders who had a chance to read the script stated that it is one of the finest not-yet-filmed scripts they had ever seen. Acclaimed director David Cronenberg asked for New Line to bid for the script, but Chapa wouldn't sell it, because of his determination to direct the picture himself. The project is slated to be shot sometime in mid-2012, for tentative release in 2013 at the Sundance Film Festival. Description above from the Wikipedia article Damian Chapa, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia​

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
October 29, 1963 (62)
From
Dayton, Ohio, USA
Works as
Actor, director, writer and producer, also cinematographer and editor
Titles
27 on MovieCove · 63 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Down 27% in 30 days

What are Damian Chapa's films like?

Across their 21 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Survival.

Genres

Action15 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 10th percentile
: browse their Action movies
Drama2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 27th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
39%
Survival
27%
Bonds
22%
Self
9%
Power
3%
Family bonds10 titles, browse their movies with this themeSurvival7 titles, browse their movies with this themeRevenge7 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice7 titles, browse their movies with this themeTrauma3 titles, browse their movies with this themeLoyalty4 titles, browse their movies with this themeDeception2 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 21 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 5 · Serious 6 · Dark 10

Grounded: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their grounded movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 16 · Stylized 3 · Heightened 2

Intense: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their intense movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 0 · Charged 10 · Intense 11

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 7 · Shifting 11 · Whiplash 3

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 15 · Some laughs 5 · Funny 1

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 5 · Even-paced 15 · Relentless 1

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 10 · Engaged 11 · Full focus 0

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

Easy watch 7 · Affecting 10 · Heavy 4

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 15 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 2

Roles they play

18 analyzed roles

Usually the Hero: 8 of 18 analyzed roles.

Hero
8 of 18
Ally
4 of 18
Shadow
4 of 18
Shapeshifter
2 of 18
Show the 18 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
21
Thrilling
9
Dread
6
Melancholic
5
Absurd
4
Other
4

How their films linger

Unsettling9 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCathartic4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 3 with a twist

  • Happy5
  • Bittersweet11
  • Tragic2
  • Ambiguous3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Damian Chapa's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 20 of their 27 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (14).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Damian Chapa's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

63 credits, 27 with a MovieCove page.

  • Last Kiss in Paris (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2024)

    Director · Lyricist · Writer · as David

  • Born Into a Dream (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Director · Writer · as Scribe Of Dreams

  • Mexican Connection (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Director · Producer · as Anthony D'Angelo

  • Mexican Gangster 2: Venganza (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Director · Editor · Producer · Writer · as Johnny Sun

  • Iron Cross: The Road to Normandy(2022)

    as Brahms

    Midcredits score: 1st percentile of all films

  • The Devil's Ring(2021)

    as Mr.Deville

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Dark Light (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    Director · Writer · as Agent Sonny Pietra

  • Latin Hitman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    Director · as Ramos

  • Rifkin's Festival(2020)

    as Festivalgoer

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films

  • Pistolera(2020)

    Director · Producer · as Rico

    Midcredits score: 1st percentile of all films

  • FBI: Most Wanted(2020)

    Show 1 episode · as Warden Smith

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all shows

  • Adam Weishaupt: The Illuminati (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Director · Writer · as Marquis de Sade

  • Luz (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Director · Cinematographer · Editor · Producer · Writer · as Michael

  • Proof of the Illuminati (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Director · Writer · as Self

  • Enemy Within(2016)

    Director · Producer · Writer · as Nick

    Midcredits score: 2nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • To Live and Die in Amsterdam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Director · Actor

  • New York Murder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Director · Actor

  • Streets of East L.A.(2016)

    Director · Cinematographer · Editor · Producer · Writer · as Mickey Solis

    Midcredits score: 4th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • La Rancherita (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Director · Cinematographer · Producer · Writer · as Mr. King

  • Father Rupert Mayer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Director · Cinematographer · Producer · as Capitan Paintsville

  • Love, Hate & Security (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Director · as Nick

  • Mafia Man: Robstown Gangster(2012)

    Director · Cinematographer · Producer · Writer · as Eduardo

    Midcredits score: 5th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Red Rose of Normandy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as Brahms

  • Brando Unauthorized (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Director · Producer · Writer · as Marlon Brando

  • Killer Priest (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    Director · Cinematographer · Producer · Actor

  • Vatos Locos(2011)

    Director · Cinematographer · Producer · Writer · as Mickey Solice

    Midcredits score: 17th percentile of all films

  • Dark Crossing (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Director · Producer · as Jack O'Reilly

  • Bad Cop (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Director · Producer · as Angel Almaraz

  • Bobby Fischer Live (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Director · Writer · as Bobby Fischer

  • Death of Evil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Director

  • Polanski Unauthorised (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Director · Writer · as Roman Polanski

  • Vampiro (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

    Producer · as Casanova

  • Mexican Gangster(2008)

    Director · Producer · Writer · as Johnny Sun

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all films

  • Chicano Blood (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Associate Producer · Producer · Writer · as Gabriel Bentez

  • El Padrino II: Border Intrusion (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Director · Writer · as Kilo

  • Fuego (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Director · Producer · Writer · as Fuego

  • I.R.A. King of Nothing (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    Director · as Bobby O'Brien

  • Mexican American(2007)

    Director · Producer · Writer · as Tony

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • The Switch (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Director · Actor

  • Shade of Pale (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Director · Producer · Writer · as Thomas

  • El padrino(2004)

    Director · Producer · Screenplay · Story · as Kilo

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • The Calling (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Director · Writer · as Leroy Jenkins

  • Betrayal(2003)

    as Tony

    Midcredits score: 5th percentile of all films

  • U.S. Seals II(2001)

    as Chief Frank Ratliff

    Midcredits score: 24th percentile of all films

  • Facade(1999)

    as Raul Belliard

    Midcredits score: 10th percentile of all films

  • Cypress Edge (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Beau McCammon

  • Hitman's Run (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Paolo Catania

  • Sometimes They Come Back... for More(1998)

    as Dr. Carl Schilling

    Midcredits score: 1st percentile of all films

  • Exposé(2000)

    as Jason Drake

    Midcredits score: 1st percentile of all films

  • Kill You Twice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    Director · Writer · as Mickey

  • Money Talks(1997)

    as Carmine

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Midnight Blue (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Martin

  • On Seventh Avenue (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Anthony Occipente

  • Street Fighter(1994)

    as Ken

    Midcredits score: 5th percentile of all films

  • Saints and Sinners(1994)

    as Pooch

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills(1994)

    as Lyle Menendez

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all films

  • Dead Connection(1994)

    as Det. Louis Donato

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films

  • Walker, Texas Ranger(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Santiago 'Santos' Perez

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all shows

  • Blood in Blood Out(1993)

    as Miklo

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Under Siege(1992)

    as Tackman

    Midcredits score: 61st percentile of all films

  • Melrose Place(1992)

    Show 3 episodes · as Josh Laughlin

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all shows

  • Married... with Children(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Police Officer

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Night Bird (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    as Jack Kennedy

Career shape

Star power in the 94th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 63 titles, 62 of them dated from 1987 to 2024; peak year 1992.

Biggest box office

Under Siege (1992)

$157M worldwide

Highest rated

Blood in Blood Out (1993)

Midcredits 97th

Most popular right now

Street Fighter (1994)

Film career

19872024

Peak 1992 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Top draw in 1 MovieCove title. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1992Screen debut· Under Siege
  • 1993First top-billed film· Bound by Honor

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting61 of 63: 25 only acting, 36 with another role · typical Midcredits score14thDirecting36 of 63: 1 only directing, 35 with another role · typical Midcredits score6thWriting22 of 63: 0 only writing, 22 with another role · typical Midcredits score15thProducing15 of 63: 0 only producing, 15 with another roleCinematography4 of 63: 0 only cinematography, 4 with another roleEditing2 of 63: 0 only editing, 2 with another role

63 titles, 37 with more than one role — acting and directing overlap on 34 of them.

By decade

1980s1 · acting1990s17 · 17 acting · 1 crew2000s17 · 16 acting · 15 crew2010s16 · 15 acting · 15 crew2020s11 · 11 acting · 7 crew

Billing

usually 4th · top billed in 25% of 8 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do Damian Chapa's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 10th percentile, the median of all 23; across their 21 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 9th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

9thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 21

Approval · how many liked their films

11thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 21

Reach · how many have seen their films

38thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 21

Midcredits score across 27 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up2
  • 50th to 74th4
  • 25th to 49th2
  • Below 25th19

Shape of the crowd

10 of their 27 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved1
  • Universally Panned4
  • Divisive6
  • Crowd Pleaser5
  • Broadly Agreed1
  • Mixed10

Most divisive · actor

The Devil's Ring (2021)

97th percentile spread · 54% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Blood in Blood Out (1993)

Midcredits 97th · 88% liked

Reviewers score the acting 39/100 in their films, across 15 reviewed titles; fans 66, detractors 25. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Damian Chapa's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 3 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Violence & Gore3 titlesmedian 88 · severeMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity3 titlesmedian 51 · moderateMedian of all films: 32
Profanity3 titlesmedian 76 · intenseMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs3 titlesmedian 27 · mildMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense3 titlesmedian 63 · intenseMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Damian Chapa work with?

People who share at least 2 of Damian Chapa's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Stephen Presley shares the most, 5.

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Producers

Mixed roles