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Chuck Norris has carved out a reputation for starring in some of the best action movies of all time, particularly his groundbreaking work in the 1980s that put gritty action thrillers into the mainstream. Perhaps he is known predominantly now as a folktale legend told through jokes and memes about his physical prowess and athletic abilities, but these all started with a genuine origin. Like many martial arts film stars, Norris' fighting ability came first before his venture into Hollywood, with a martial arts background that saw him secure several championships and develop skills in multiple disciplines.
Some of Norris' best films show him as a one-man army fighting against forces of evil, but he is just as comfortable in an ensemble cast that band together to get the job done. His role as the iconic J.J. McQuade in Lone Wolf McQuade showcases the blend of individual bravado and exceptional combat skills, while a long-running series like his portrayal in Walker, Texas Ranger shows his versatility as a martial arts star with a multitude of co-stars and plotlines. Though he has a tenured and iconic career spanning many decades, the 1980s was the sweet spot for his own unique brand of action hero.
10 The Octagon (1980)
As Scott James
Scott James, once a renowned martial artist, is haunted by the discovery of a terrorist training facility called The Octagon. As he is pulled back into a battle he thought he had left behind, Scott's investigation leads him to an unsettling revelation that will leave him wrestling between duty and family.
Director Eric Karson
Release Date August 14, 1980
Studio(s) American Cinema
Writers Leigh Chapman , Paul Aaron
Runtime 103 minutes
Eric Karson's The Octagon, is a martial arts action film that stars Norris as Scott James, a retired martial arts champion who responds accordingly to a new call to action. James must stop a group of terrorists, trained in the way of the ninja, who are threatening the security of the nation. The leader of the terrorists is James' own foster brother Seikura (Tadashi Yamashita), who was disowned by the family at a young age, adding a personal layer to the action-packed narrative.
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While not being one of Norris's most popular or critically acclaimed films in his career, The Octagon was a trailblazing foray into many aspects of action cinema. It has been praised for its unique use of an internal monologue voice-over for Norris's character, which gave an inventive insight into his inner workings and thought processes. The ninja-themed martial arts, costumes, and fight choreography set the trend for the rise in popularity of this genre in the late 80s and early 90s. The combination of innovative aspects weaved with a brutal, intense combat narrative makes this an underrated gem in his career.
9 Hero And The Terror (1988)
As Detective Danny O'Brien
Hero and the Terror is a 1988 action thriller featuring Chuck Norris as Danny O’Brien, a Los Angeles cop celebrated for apprehending the infamous serial killer Simon Moon, known as The Terror. When Moon escapes and resumes his reign of terror, O’Brien must once again confront him to protect the city.
Director William Tannen
Release Date August 26, 1988
Writers Dennis Shryack
Runtime 96 minutes
Hero And The Terror is an action-thriller that continued Norris's illustrious run in the 1980s of accomplished, leading roles. The story follows detective Danny O'Brien, played by Norris, who succeeds in apprehending notorious serial killer Simon Moon, colloquially referred to as 'The Terror.' O'Brien, happy with his new 'Hero' moniker, is soon led into a labyrinth of violence and fear as 'The Terror' escapes from prison, resulting in the detective playing a new cat-and-mouse game with the murderer.
Hero And The Terror is an adaption of author Michael Blodgett's 1982 novel of the same name.
Hero and the Terror was one of Norris's first film roles that attempted to distance himself from solely traditional martial arts portrayals. As Danny O'Brien, Norris was able to show a more introspective and haunted side to his acting style, which also infused elements of humor, romance, and vulnerability not often shown in some of his more famous depictions. While the film still falls under the action genre and the fighting sequences are intense, it's the more layered and nuanced performance from Norris that makes this one a stand-out.
8 Silent Rage (1982)
As Sheriff Daniel "Dan" Stevens
Silent Rage, directed by Michael Miller, follows a small-town Texas sheriff as he confronts a mentally ill killer who gains superhuman strength following an experimental medical procedure intended to revive him after being fatally wounded by police.
Director Michael Miller
Release Date April 2, 1982
Writers Joseph Fraley , Edward Di Lorenzo
Runtime 103 Minutes
Set in a small town in Texas, sci-fi action horror Silent Rage is a unique departure from many of Norris's more traditional martial arts films. It sees Norris portray Sheriff Dan Stevens, a law enforcement officer who has to try and take down a mentally ill murderer who is saved from death by doctors and geneticists who inject him with a formula that makes him basically invincible. It is a unique combination of martial arts, science fiction, and supernatural elements that make it an intriguing and unique concept in Norris's storied filmography.
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It's easy to typecast Norris as someone who plays consistent martial arts-based roles in more predictable action films, and while he has made many incredible films with this formula, it's films like Silent Rage that show his willingness to take chances. Combining martial arts and horror with science fiction elements may seem more common now, but back in the 1980s, for a traditional action star to experiment with new characters and genres was a lot rarer and should be commended. Norris still exhibits his karate skills to the fullest but in a more horror-focused plot that really hits the mark.
7 The Delta Force (1986)
As Major Scott McCoy
Major Scott McCoy leads the Delta Force, an elite military unit, in a desperate rescue operation to save hostages on a hijacked plane.
Director Menahem Golan
Release Date February 14, 1986
Studio(s) Cannon Group , Golan-Globus Productions
Distributor(s) Cannon Group
Writers Menahem Golan , James Bruner
Runtime 129 minutes
In the 1986 action film The Delta Force, Norris stars as the co-leader of the Delta Force unit, Major Scott McCoy. Teaming up with the legendary Lee Marvin, the two lead an elite counter-terrorism unit who have to rescue a group of hostages from aboard a hijacked plane and take down the terrorists responsible. Based on the real-life U.S. Delta Force Unit, the film is a step back into Norris's usual stomping ground of a group of mercenaries who will do whatever it takes to stop the bad guys and complete their mission.
Known for many roles as a literal 'lone wolf' hero, it is captivating to see Norris work in an ensemble cast of acting heavy-hitters. He nails his role as McCoy, showcasing his trademark tenacity and proclivity for portraying charismatic, military-based roles. While the film's narrative is fairly straightforward and to the point, it is filled with epic action sequences and energetic fighting scenes that really propel the story forward and show Norris's commitment to his physical abilities and genuine fighting talents.
6 An Eye For An Eye (1981)
Detective Sean Kane
An Eye for an Eye is a 1981 action film directed by Steve Carver, starring Chuck Norris as Sean Kane, a former undercover cop seeking justice for his partner's murder. The film blends martial arts and detective elements, following Kane's quest to uncover a conspiracy involving corruption and crime. Richard Roundtree and Christopher Lee also feature in supporting roles, enhancing this 1980s action narrative.
Director Steve Carver
Release Date August 14, 1981
Writers James Burner , William Gray
Runtime 106 Minutes
In the crime action film An Eye for an Eye, Norris plays the role of police officer Sean Kane, whose life and career are turned upside down after his partner is murdered by an Asian drug syndicate. Seeing his objectivity slip, his superior officers take him off the case, so Kane is forced to leave the force in order to exact the kind of vigilante revenge he wishes to inflict. The narrative weaves an intricate story of murder, revenge, and loyalty, with Kane going above and beyond to get justice for his partner.
The Octagon (1980) | 5.1/10 |
Hero and the Terror (1988) | 5.2/10 |
Silent Rage (1982) | 5.4/10 |
The Delta Force (1986) | 5.6/10 |
An Eye for an Eye (1981) | 5.5/10 |
Invasion U.S.A. (1985) | 5.4/10 |
Forced Vengeance' (1982) | 5.5/10 |
Missing in Action (1984) | 5.4/10 |
Code of Silence (1985) | 6.0/10 |
Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) | 6.3/10 |
Similar to his portrayal in Hero and the Terror, An Eye for an Eye is another venture into a more traditional action movie while still executing his signature blend of martial arts with an authority figure role. The pure, authentic martial arts scenes are less frequent, instead replaced with more character-driven plot points and action sequences involving more typical fighting techniques. His intense portrayal of a man duty-bound to avenge his partner is masterfully constructed, and this film firmly cements his place as one of the top action stars of the 1980s.
5 Invasion U.S.A. (1985)
As CIA Agent Matt Hunter
Invasion U.S.A.
Director Joseph Zito
Release Date September 27, 1985
Runtime 107 minutes
Showing unparalleled confidence in Norris' star power and acting ability, Invasion U.S.A. was the first of a six-film contract between the martial arts legend and production company Cannon Films. Invasion U.S.A. sees Norris play the leading role of retired CIA Agent Matt Hunter, who is forced out of retirement when an old Soviet enemy re-emerges from his past. Mikhail Rostov (Richard Lynch) and his regime execute terrorist acts across the country in order to exact revenge on the one man who brought him to justice, and only Hunter knows the carnage that could be caused if Rostov is not stopped.
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Like many of Norris' films, there is an unbridled and unapologetic theme of patriotism and love for one's country that weaves and envelopes almost all of his film's narrative. He is back to his best as the man on a mission who has to face a looming enemy force against overwhelming odds, and he once again solidifies himself as a fearless and iconic action star. The action sequences are beautifully over-the-top and perfectly shot, with a classic good vs bad storyline, and Norris's commanding performance makes this a quintessential '80s action film.
4 Forced Vengeance (1982)
As Chief Joshua Harrin "Josh" Randall
Forced Vengeance is a 1982 action film featuring Chuck Norris as a casino security guard in Hong Kong. The narrative follows his character as he is compelled to adopt violent measures to protect his friends from the threat posed by the local mob.
Director James Fargo
Release Date July 30, 1982
Writers Franklin Thompson
Runtime 90 minutes
Forced Vengeance is one of Norris's most underrated works of the '80s, and is another role that helped further cement his status as one of the 'go-to' action stars of his generation. The film sees Norris play casino security expert Josh Randall, who ends up embroiled in a brutal and gruesome battle between his casino employers and a ruthless Hong Kong-based syndicate. The movie is celebrated for its high-intensity action and Norris's trademark martial arts sequences, which helped make him an icon of the genre.
His continued ability to convey both strength and vulnerability is what takes the film to the next level, and his physicality and presence in the fighting scenes are what make him one of the most recognizable genuine talents in martial arts cinema.
Potentially, the most violent and vicious portrayal in Norris's repertoire, Forced Vengeance, is only matched in brutality by the frequency of the fighting sequences. Norris delivers a nuanced and credible performance of a loyal foot soldier who will go to any lengths to avenge the murder of his employer, even up to his own destruction. His continued ability to convey both strength and vulnerability is what takes the film to the next level, and his physicality and presence in the fighting scenes are what make him one of the most recognizable genuine talents in martial arts cinema.
3 Missing In Action (1984)
As Colonel James Braddock
Colonel James Braddock is a hardened Vietnam War veteran who learns that American POWs are still being held in Vietnam. To save them, Braddock returns to the jungle terrain he knows all too well against his C.O.'s orders to save his fellow soldiers.
Director Joseph Zito
Release Date November 16, 1984
Studio(s) Cannon Group
Writers James Bruner , Arthur Silver
Runtime 101 minutes
Joseph Zito's Missing in Action is another collaboration between Norris and the famous director, who would work together again in Invasion U.S.A. a year later. Set in the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Norris portrays former POW Colonel James Braddock, a veteran who escaped a POW camp 10 years before. Braddock is tasked to return to Vietnam in order to confront his own demons and help rescue the remaining American soldiers who are still held captive. The film deftly portrays the political and societal tension in the post-Vietnam War years and the conflicting feelings of the U.S.A. as a whole.
The concept of the film was adapted from James Cameron's ( Titanic , Avatar ) treatment for the iconic film Rambo , which explains the similar characters and narrative structure.
Though not one of Norris's more notable, critically acclaimed films, Missing in Action was a hit with the general audiences who pushed it to successful, cult classic status, allowing it to spawn two sequels in the coming years. Norris is nearing the peak of his powers as he delivers one of the most captivating and awe-inspiring performances of his career as a man haunted by past traumas but who has the tenacity and bravery to complete his mission for his country and his fellow soldiers in what perfectly encapsulates a 'Chuck Norris' film.
2 Code Of Silence (1985)
As Sergeant Eddie Cusack
Police officer Eddie Cusack's reputation is dashed when a drug bust involving two feuding gangs spirals out of control, resulting in the death of a young bystander. Isolated by his co-workers and targeted by both cops and criminals, he must rely on his cunning and a newly assigned robotic police unit to fight back and bring peace to his community.
Director Andrew Davis
Release Date May 3, 1985
Studio(s) Raymond Wagner Productions , Orion Pictures
Distributor(s) Orion Pictures
Writers Michael Butler , Dennis Shryack , Mike Gray
Runtime 101 minutes
Code of Silence is an action thriller and features one of Norris's most iconic performances of his career in one of his most celebrated films. Norris stars as police sergeant Eddie Cusack, a no-nonsense authoritative figure in Chicago who is respected on both sides of the law. As the plot progresses, he is caught in the middle of a brutal gang war between the Colombians and the Mafia while also facing internal issues in his own department, in a narrative that devolves into violence, betrayal, and corruption.
Norris's role in Code of Silence received critical acclaim for its authenticity and gritty depiction of an officer who takes on those who are fighting against the system and the corruption of the system itself. Sergeant Cusack marked another pivotal moment in Norris's career to further showcase his acting range beyond heavy-handed martial artist. In what feels like Dirty Harry on steroids, Norris's performance blows the generic 1980s cop action tropes out of the water and, when combined with expertly shot action scenes and heavy-duty stunts, it makes for one of his best-ever films.
1 Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
As Ranger Jim "J.J." McQuade
J.J. McQuade is a reclusive Texas Ranger known for his rough and unconventional methods and penchant for working alone. His world is turned upside down when his daughter is kidnapped by a notorious arms dealer. Forced to collaborate with a by-the-book FBI agent, McQuade heads off on a warpath of revenge to save his daughter.
Director Steve Carver
Release Date April 15, 1983
Studio(s) 1818 Productions , Orion , Top Kick Productions
Distributor(s) Orion Pictures
Writers B.J. Nelson
Runtime 107 minutes
In a 1980s action movie for the ages, Lone Wolf McQuade sees Norris take on the titular role of Texas Ranger J.J. McQuade. The plot follows McQuade as he is brought into an intense case, finding out who hijacked a U.S. Army convoy and injured a state trooper's daughter. McQuade, the state trooper, and an FBI agent all join forces to track down the culprit, drugs and arms trafficker Rawley Wilkes (David Carradine), and bring him to justice after further illegal activities and the murder of a federal agent.
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In what can only be described as Norris's best action movie of the 1980s, or as just one of the best action movies of all time, Norris plays the quintessential action star who seamlessly blends martial arts with Western machismo. Though titled Lone Wolf McQuade, Norris and his co-stars all elevate each other and share incredible chemistry throughout the film. Chuck Norris and Carradine's climactic fighting sequence is the perfect culmination of the memorable martial arts, graphic action, and gritty storytelling that make the film stand out as the best, even in a landscape filled with 1980s action classics.
Chuck Norris
Discover the latest news and filmography for Chuck Norris, known for Walker, Texas Ranger and The Delta Force.
Birthdate March 10, 1940
Birthplace Ryan, Oklahoma, USA
Height 5 feet 10 inches
Professions Martial Artist , Actor , Film Producer , Screenwriter , Author
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English (US) ·