On this day August 30 1985, American Ninja premiered in theaters. The low budget action film introduced audiences to Joe Armstrong, a quiet American soldier with deadly martial arts skills, played by Michael Dudikoff. With its mix of military action and ninja mystique, the movie became a cult favorite and launched one of the most recognizable action series of the decade.
Set in the Philippines, the film followed Joe as he uncovered a conspiracy involving corrupt officers and a secret army of ninjas. Packed with fast paced combat, mysterious backstory elements, and plenty of ninja weapons, American Ninja stood out in the crowded mid 80s action scene.
Though critically panned at the time, the film was a box office hit for Cannon Films and found a loyal fan base through home video. It went on to spawn several sequels and cemented Dudikoff as an 80s action star.
80s insight: American Ninja helped fuel the ninja craze of the mid 80s and proved that martial arts films could thrive even without major stars or big studio budgets.
Set in the Philippines, the film followed Joe as he uncovered a conspiracy involving corrupt officers and a secret army of ninjas. Packed with fast paced combat, mysterious backstory elements, and plenty of ninja weapons, American Ninja stood out in the crowded mid 80s action scene.
Though critically panned at the time, the film was a box office hit for Cannon Films and found a loyal fan base through home video. It went on to spawn several sequels and cemented Dudikoff as an 80s action star.
80s insight: American Ninja helped fuel the ninja craze of the mid 80s and proved that martial arts films could thrive even without major stars or big studio budgets.
