Summary
For the last ten years, mixed martial arts (MMA) has increased in popularity, making this sport a global phenomenon. Holywood has a significant role in this rise withfamous actorslike Tom Hardy, the main lead fromWarrior(2011), Michael Jai White from theBoykaseries, and the timeless Jean-Claude Van Damme who starred inBloodsport(1988).
These movies are entertaining and feature a variety of combat styles, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, boxing, and kickboxing.
9Flashpoint (2007)
The Best Action Choreography Winner
Flashpointtells the story of Inspector Jun Ma (played by the talented Donnie Yen), who’s on the search for a violent Asian gang. Interestingly, Yen was the one responsible for thefight choreographyand masterfully integrated mixed martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and Judo, ensuring realistic fight sequences.
Only actual martial artists were part of the choreographers to add authenticity. As a result, the movie was awarded in 2008 with the Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Most mixed martial arts fans would agree thatFlashpointis a must-watch due to the realistic hand-to-hand combat and brilliant performances of supporting actors likeCollin Chouand Louis Koo.
8Boyka: Undisputed IV (2016)
The Best Fight Award Winner
Boyka: Undisputed IV, released in September 2016, is the last film from theUndisputedseries. The story follows the MMA fighter Yuri Boyka (played by Scot Adkins), who’s dealing with guilt after killing an adversary inside the ring. Determined to make up for the opponent’s family, Yuri goes on a journey to support them and redeem himself.
Some of the martial arts combined in this film are Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, and kickboxing. Viewers can enjoy acrobatic stunts, fast strikes, and realistic fight sequences. As a result of the battle scenes, this movie won the Best Fight Award at the 2017 Shangai Film Festival.
7Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016)
Starring Dave Bautista—A Former WWE Superstar
Kickboxer: Vengeanceis a remake of the martial arts movie from the 1980s—Kickboxer,starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. The modern adaptation focuses on Kurt Sloane (played by Alain Moussi) seeking revenge after his brother’s death. His master is played by Van Damme, giving flashbacks to the original film. Another great addition to the film is Dave Bautista, a former WWE wrestler.
The movie combines mixed martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai—a Thai boxing style. The fight scenes are top-tier and realistic, but the storyline could be better.
6Undisputed Two: Last Man Standing (2006)
Michael Jai White VS Scott Adkins
Undisputed II: Last Man Standingis the second film from theUndisputedseries and the sequel to the 2002 film—Undisputed.Starring Michael Jai Whiteas the Iceman, a heavyweight champion wrongly accused in Russia where he needs to participate in brutal MMA fights with the undefeated fighter Yuri, played by Scott Adkins.
The mixed martial arts in this film include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, and kickboxing. Reviews mention the impressive choreographed fights, adrenaline-pumping scenes, and the athleticism and technical skill of the main cast, resulting in a7.0/10 rating on IMDb.
5Bloodsport (1988)
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s First Movie
Bloodsportis a timeless classic that made Jean-Claude Van Damme aninternational icon. It is, until today, one of the best mixed martial arts movies that showcase a variety of combat styles, such as kickboxing, karate, and Kung-Fu. The fight choreography shows high kicks, one-to-one fights, and quick strikes.
Not only did this film bring attention to the martial arts genre, it also influenced the next generation of fighters. Needless to say, fans of Jean-Claude Van Damme shouldn’t miss this one.
4Blood And Bone (2009)
A Must-Watch For Mixed Martial Arts Fans
Blood and Bone, released in February 2009 and directed by Ben Ramsey, stars Michael Jai White, a convict who ends up entering underground fights to avenge the murder of his friend. Some highlights of this film include White’s screen presence, intense fights, and skilled performances from the cast.
Some of the mixed martial arts in this film include kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The impressive acting and fight choreography portray a realistic vision of street fighting.
3Never Back Down (2008)
Featuring Intense MMA Fight Sequences
Never Back Down, directed by the American screenwriter Jeff Wadlow, was released in November 2008, and the plot tells the story of Jake Tyler (played by Sean Faris), a troubled high schooler who, after moving to a different town, ends up in an underground fight club.
While the storyline is a little teenager-style, the intense MMA fight sequences make the movie stand out. The mixed martial arts viewers can see are boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai.
2Warrior (2011)
Two Brothers, One MMA Tournament
Warriorstars Tom Hardy, an ex-marine, andJoel Edgerton, a struggling schoolteacher, as two siblings who fight in a high-stakes MMA tournament. Their father,played by Nick Nolte, is a recovering alcoholic who is trying to redeem himself for all the years lost. His performance earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Warriors' combat styles include wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other Thai techniques. This action-drama has an incredible rating of 8.1/10 on IMDb and71/100 on Metascore, and many consider it one of the greatestmixed martial arts moviesever made.
Jake Gyllenhaal VS Conor McGregor
Road Houseis aremake of the 1989 filmstarring the incomparable Jake Gyllenhaal, and it tells the story of a former UFC fighter who accepts a job as a bouncer. However, the job comes with challenging events that put the UFC fighter to the test. To make the film more authentic, some fight scenes were filmed during real UFC events, like when Gyllenhaal fought in the Octagon.
Mixed martial arts fans will love the realism and intense fights in this film, which features brilliant performances from the real UFC champion, Conor McGregor. The film showcases martial arts styles like kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, blending Gyllenhaal’s acting with McGregor’s authentic fighting expertise.
