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When it comes to sporting cinema, there’s a plethora of options available. Modern streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus have something for everyone. Each site offers up its own collection of boxing, basketball, and soccer movies, but MMA is something that is often overlooked. Following the boom of the UFC, the sport was documented more and more in the movie world, and Asian producers and directors have had their fair share of impressive martial arts-related spectacles over the years. And here are the best of them.
Mortal Kombat (1995)
Talk about a wild ride filled with jaw-dropping action scenes, killer special effects, and an iconic techno soundtrack that still gets stuck in your head for days. Mortal Kombat truly has it all. This flick managed to capture the essence of the legendary video game it was based on, propelling its memorable characters—Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and the thunder god Raiden—onto the big screen. It was one of those campy cult classics that took audiences on a non-stop adrenaline rush, cementing its place as the ultimate guilty pleasure for any ’90s kid seeking a nostalgia trip. Trust me, if you haven’t seen it or even if you just haven’t revisited it in a while, give Mortal Kombat another spin.
Tekken (2010)
Just like Mortal Kombat which came before it, Tekken — as we all know — is also a beloved video game that was turned into a classic movie. The fight scenes in this movie are jaw-dropping and guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, as you follow the journey of Jin Kazama avenging the death of his mother. You don’t even have to be a fan of the game to enjoy it, because the storyline is enthralling and will have you rooting for Jin as he tackles various foes in the brutal Tekken tournament. Trust us, Tekken is a thrilling joyride that you definitely want to add to your must-watch list.
Warrior (2011)
Okay, for this one we cheated. This isn’t an Asian movie, but it is simply brilliant, and it’s a must-see for MMA fans the world over. The movie stars British superstar Tom Hardy in his breakout role. He and his estranged brother both enter the same MMA tournament, a tournament which features former professional wrestler Kurt Angle (starring as a Russian behemoth named Koba) and former UFC middleweight title contender Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson.
