Action Comedy / Martial Arts
1980
The Young Master
The Young Master: heroism and courage, and why this 1980 movie still matters.
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Explore the genre
Martial Arts movies from the 80s
Martial arts movies brought speed, physical skill and spectacular fight choreography to 1980s screens, crossing into action, crime, comedy and tournament stories.
From Hong Kong action to Hollywood fighters and underdog stories, the decade helped introduce wider audiences to stars and styles that would influence action cinema for years.
17 movies so far
Martial Arts movies
Action / Martial Arts / Crime
1981
An Eye for an Eye
An Eye for an Eye: courage and authority, and why this 1981 movie still matters.
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Action / Martial Arts / Thriller / Crime
1983
Lone Wolf McQuade
Lone Wolf McQuade: heroism and parents protecting their children, and why this 1983 movie still matters.
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Romance / Drama / Teen / Martial Arts / Coming-of-age / Action
1984
The Karate Kid
A teenager, a handyman, and the long, strange apprenticeship that taught a generation how to stand up for themselves.
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Martial Arts / Action / Ninja
1985
American Ninja
American Ninja: family and courage, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
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Action / Thriller / Spy / Propaganda / Martial Arts / Christmas / War
1985
Invasion U.S.A.
Invasion U.S.A.: fear and authority, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
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Action Comedy / Martial Arts / Crime / Police
1985
Police Story
Police Story: freedom and authority, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
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Action / Martial Arts / Drama
1985
The Last Dragon
The Last Dragon: courage and power, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
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Action / Thriller / Martial Arts / Buddy Cop / Comedy / Drama / Detective
1985
The Protector
The Protector: family and parents protecting their children, and why this 1985 movie still matters.
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Action / Fantasy / Martial Arts / Comedy
1986
Big Trouble in Little China
A swaggering trucker, ancient sorcery and a Chinatown that hides a very odd basement — this is John Carpenter being playful and dangerous at the same time.
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Romance / Drama / Teen / Martial Arts / Coming-of-age / Action
1986
The Karate Kid Part II
A seaside sequel about duty, dancing and learning when not to fight.
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Action / Martial Arts / Crime
1988
Above the Law
Above the Law: freedom, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
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Action / Thriller / Spy / Martial Arts / Drama
1988
Black Eagle
Black Eagle: courage and parents protecting their children, and why this 1988 movie still matters.
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Action / Martial Arts / Biographical
1988
Bloodsport
Kumite, loyalty and a very particular kind of 80s machismo.
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Action / Martial Arts / Drama
1989
Best of the Best
Best of the Best: mortality and lifespan and family, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
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Action / Thriller / Rape And Revenge / Martial Arts
1989
Kickboxer
Kickboxer: heroism and courage, and why this 1989 movie still matters.
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Action / Thriller / Martial Arts / Drama
1989
Road House
Stoic bouncer, small-town chaos and very particular rules about where to throw a punch.
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