Kickboxer

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2:10

Kickboxer

R

1989

1h 45m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

36%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Eric Sloane (Dennis Alexio) is an American kickboxing pro, helped by his brother, Kurt (Jean-Claude Van Damme), in his quest for glory. But when the two go to Thailand to take on legendary Tong Po (Michel Qissi), the opponent viciously beats Eric and leaves him paralyzed. Swearing vengeance, Kurt tracks down master Xian Chow (Dennis Chan) and begins learning the sport himself while also getting caught up in criminal intrigue involving thuggish crime boss Freddy Li (Ka Ting Lee).

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Variety Staff

Variety

Jan 11, 2018

Combine Karate Kid and Rocky with a bit more blood and gore, dull direction and a smattering of inept actors and you have Kickboxer.

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Chris Willman

Los Angeles Times

Jan 11, 2018

This may not be the dumbest action picture of the year, but it's not for lack of trying.

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Feb 9, 2006

Don't see it for psychological complexity, social comment, acting, plot or humour; go, if you must, just for kicks.

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Jan 7, 2025

2.5/5

Kickboxer delivers classic martial arts action with cheesy dialogue, over-the-top fight scenes, and unforgettable 80s charm.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Sep 6, 2020

2/10

The final moments of the match are so poorly edited and ludicrous in structure that they contribute to unintentional, laugh-out-loud hilarity.

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TV Guide

Jan 11, 2018

2/4

Kickboxer deviates little from genre formula in its story of a peace-loving martial artist who is pushed too far and goes on a maniacal rampage in the last reel.

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Robert P

@Superbad 6 days ago

Kickboxer is a *3* star Movie!

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Jason R

@JasonLovesMoviesForever Aug 6, 2026

Another Van-Damme classic that I would recommend to anyone to watch! This first installment of the Kickboxer Series began a legendary classic series that every martial arts film maker should learn from to make even better.

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Cristian B

@icebad Jul 17, 2026

JCVD at its finest. A groundbreaking action film, with beautiful fights, music that fits the genre perfectly, and sleazy acting that gets the job done. A must-see!

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Julian C

@juliancooper_12 Jun 27, 2026

A beloved film right behind Bloodsport, JCVD gives a great performance yet again, stamping himself as a 90s action hero.

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Joseph R

@RT84582694 Jun 15, 2026

This and Bloodsport are the pinnacles of the "emotionally driven story about a martial artist fighting for more than himself" genre that was so popular in the 80s. This films succeeds not in spite of its flaws but because of them. Don't get me wrong, nothing is bad, but everything is just off enough to give the film TONS of character. The dialogue is kinda cheesy. The acting is kinda bad. The plot is kinda silly. Kinda, but not really. You smirk at this and chuckle at that, but before you know it, you're fully invested. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing soundtrack and cinematography which were the glue of the film.

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Keith B B

@Okbullard Feb 5, 2026

It was pretty good but let's face it there's only one Rocky!! I'd never bother watching it again.

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Mark DiSalle

Director

David Worth

Director

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Kurt Sloane

Dennis Alexio

Eric Sloane

Dennis Chan

Xian Chow

Michel Qissi

Tong Po

Kickboxer: Official Clip - The Tao of Tong Po

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Round One

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - You Bleed Like Mylee

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Disco Dancing

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Mylee Is the Way

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Helping Hand

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Kick the Tree

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Stone City

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Tong Po Triumphant

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Kickboxer: Official Clip - Nok Su Kow!

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Synopsis

Eric Sloane (Dennis Alexio) is an American kickboxing pro, helped by his brother, Kurt (Jean-Claude Van Damme), in his quest for glory. But when the two go to Thailand to take on legendary Tong Po (Michel Qissi), the opponent viciously beats Eric and leaves him paralyzed. Swearing vengeance, Kurt tracks down master Xian Chow (Dennis Chan) and begins learning the sport himself while also getting caught up in criminal intrigue involving thuggish crime boss Freddy Li (Ka Ting Lee).

Director: Mark DiSalle, David Worth
Producer: Mark DiSalle
Screenwriter: Glenn A. Bruce
Distributor: Cannon Films
Production Co: Kings Road Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 8, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 4, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.2M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Surround

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