Wrong Bet is a 1990 American action film directed by Sheldon Lettich, starring martial arts legend Jean-Claude Van Damme . The film is known by multiple titles across different regions — including Lionheart (the original US theatrical title), A.W.O.L.: Absent Without Leave, Full Contact, and Leon . If you have trouble finding Wrong Bet, searching for Lionheart will yield the same film.
The 105-108 minute movie follows Lyon Gaultier (Van Damme), a French Foreign Legion paratrooper stationed in Djibouti, North Africa . When his brother Francois is brutally murdered by a drug-dealing gang in Los Angeles, Lyon deserts the Legion and makes his way to America . Penniless and hunted by two Legion officers sent to bring him back, he enters the brutal underground street-fighting circuit to raise money for his brother’s widow and young daughter . The supporting cast includes Harrison Page, Deborah Rennard, Brian Thompson, Lisa Pelikan, and a young Ashley Johnson .
The film was made on a budget of $6 million and grossed approximately $24.3 million worldwide . Director Sheldon Lettich has stated that Lionheart (also known as Wrong Bet) was the first movie to demonstrate that Van Damme was “more than just a flash-in-the-pan ‘Karate Guy'” . The film is rated equivalent to R (age 16+ in some regions) for violence .
Free Streaming Options (With Ads)
Currently, Wrong Bet (also searchable as Lionheart) is not widely available on major free ad-supported platforms like Tubi, Plex, or The Roku Channel based on available data. Free streaming options may appear periodically as licensing rotates.
Subscription Streaming Options
Subscription availability for Wrong Bet varies significantly by region.
- United States: The film (under the title Lionheart) is not consistently available on major subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Paramount+ based on current data. It may appear on Amazon Prime Video periodically, so checking your local Prime Video library is recommended.
- Netherlands (Pathé Thuis): One search result indicates that Wrong Bet is available to stream on Pathé Thuis, a Dutch subscription/transactional service .
- Belgium: According to streaming aggregators, the film is not currently available on major Belgian subscription services, though physical DVD copies can be purchased .
Rent or Buy Digital Options
For viewers who prefer to own the film or watch it without advertisements, digital rental and purchase options are the most reliable path forward.
- Amazon Prime Video: The film (as Lionheart) is typically available for rent or purchase in HD across multiple regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, and various European markets. Rental prices typically range from $2.99 to $3.99, with purchase prices between $9.99 and $14.99.
- Apple TV (iTunes Store): Lionheart is available for rental or purchase on Apple’s platform in most regions.
- Google Play Movies & YouTube: Rental and purchase options are available through Google’s storefront.
- Pathé Thuis (Netherlands): Available for streaming rental through this Dutch platform .
Standard rental terms apply across all platforms: you have approximately 30 days to begin watching after your rental purchase, and once you start playback, you have 48 hours to complete viewing before the rental expires. Purchasing the film grants permanent access to your digital library.
Physical Media Options
For collectors or viewers without reliable internet access, Wrong Bet is available on DVD in multiple regions.
- DVD (Region 2): A Dutch DVD release is available with English audio and Dutch subtitles . This version has a runtime of approximately 100 minutes and includes Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.
- Australian Video Release: The film was released in Australia under the title Wrong Bet by Palace Entertainment in its full unedited version on video .
- Region 1 DVD: The film is available under its US title Lionheart on DVD in North America through various distributors.
For secondhand options, eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and local library systems may carry copies.
Regional Availability Summary
Film Details at a Glance
Viewer Reception and Legacy
Wrong Bet is regarded by many Van Damme fans as one of his essential films . Unlike his more fantastical martial arts movies like Bloodsport or Kickboxer, this film focuses on gritty, realistic street fighting rather than tournament-style martial arts .
Reviewers have noted that the film balances brutal action with genuine emotional weight — the storyline involves Lyon fighting not for glory but to support his dead brother’s widow and daughter . One reviewer called it “surprisingly dramatic” and stated that Van Damme “proved he is good at” dramatic acting, even suggesting it might be his best film, “better than Bloodsport” .
The final fight sequence has been described as “surprisingly vicious and tense” . Viewers who appreciate Golden Age action films from the late 80s and early 90s will find much to enjoy here.
Final Recommendation
For most viewers, the most reliable way to watch Wrong Bet is to search for its primary US title Lionheart on digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. Rental prices are affordable (typically $2.99–$3.99), and the film is widely available across regions.
If you are in the Netherlands, Pathé Thuis offers another streaming option . For collectors or those who prefer physical media, the Dutch DVD release (Region 2) is available with English audio .
Before making any purchase, it is recommended to use tracking tools like JustWatch or Reelgood to confirm current availability in your specific region, as streaming rights for catalog titles frequently change. Simply search for Lionheart (1990) rather than Wrong Bet for the most accurate results.