Kickboxer

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2:10

Kickboxer

R

Released Sep 8, 1989

1h 45m

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

36%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

65%

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

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

Jan 11, 2018

Full Review

Chris Willman

Los Angeles Times

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

Jan 11, 2018

Full Review

Geoff Andrew

Time Out

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

Feb 9, 2006

Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

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

Rated: 2.5/5

Jan 7, 2025

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

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

Rated: 2/10

Sep 6, 2020

Full Review

TV Guide

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.

Rated: 2/4

Jan 11, 2018

Full Review

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Darren P

Van Damme does the the 2nd best Martial arts films after Bruce Lee. This is legendary film the training scenes are Great

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/25

Full Review

Otávio A

This is my favorite JCVD movie, great fight scenes and remarkable characters, the only problem is some sequence errors, for example, when Kurt is talking to his brother in front of a type of hotel, there is a car that appears and disappears in the cut sequence!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/25/25

Full Review

tommy J

An iconic classic film. A peice of cinematic history.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/28/25

Full Review

Arky.H G

An '80s classic. It's not the great film you'll see... but it's entertaining enough to enjoy in an afternoon. I've seen many see it as a copy of The Karate Kid, with a Rambo feel. Well, yes. That's how training used to be. Not every movie has to be a masterpiece to entertain you. A well-told story, and a good soundtrack for both the training and emotional moments. I give this movie 3 stars for entertainment. ⭐⭐⭐

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/26/25

Full Review

Steven D

Classic Van Damme. Though it's basically Bloodsport done with more focus on Van Damme vs another imposing foe to fight. And some grueling training regimens. But it's top 5 Van Damme movie for sure.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

Full Review

Matt L

Don't make movies like this anymore. Watched it at a very young age but definitely set me on the road to wanting to train and do martial arts. One of Van Dammes finest moments. Typical 80s humour and story line but done well for that time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

Full Review

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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

2:56

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Round One

3:50

Kickboxer: Official Clip - You Bleed Like Mylee

2:03

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Disco Dancing

3:07

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Mylee Is the Way

1:21

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Helping Hand

2:40

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Kick the Tree

3:16

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Stone City

2:20

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Tong Po Triumphant

2:30

Kickboxer: Official Clip - Nok Su Kow!

4:02

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Kickboxer: Trailer 1

2:10

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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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