1 | Kickboxer

The 1989 martial arts classic is widely considered the film that cemented Jean-Claude Van Damme's status as a global action star. Shot on location in Thailand on a modest budget of $2.7 million, it went on to gross over $50 million, proving the massive appeal of its "revenge-and-redemption" formula. The Story: A Quest for Vengeance

The narrative follows (Van Damme), who travels to Bangkok as the cornerman for his brother, Eric Sloane, the reigning American kickboxing champion. Despite warnings about the local fighting style, Eric faces the ruthless and undefeated Tong Po (played by Michel Qissi). Kickboxer 1

Kickboxer is perhaps most famous for its grueling and occasionally bizarre training sequences, which have become staples of the genre: Kickboxer (1989) Movie Review The 1989 martial arts classic is widely considered