The Greatest Chuck Norris Movies of All Time

Chuck Norris has always amazed me as a big fan of action movies and martial arts films. In the 80s, his movies were a big part of my life, always delivering excitement and amazing fights. His work in shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and movies like The Delta Force and Lone Wolf McQuade has truly shaped the film industry.

Let's go on a trip down memory lane and discover the best Chuck Norris movies ever made. No matter if you love his work or want to learn more, this Chuck Norris biography will be fun and inspiring. We'll cover his most iconic movies, from Missing in Action in Vietnam to the epic Invasion U.S.A. in America. These films have made him a legend and set the bar for action heroes. So, let's start our journey through the top 20 Chuck Norris movies!

Introduction to Chuck Norris: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

I'm sure Chuck Norris is a name everyone knows. Even if his action flicks aren't your thing, you're aware of what they're about. He's known for his tough-guy roles in action movies. Norris is a martial artist who's starred in many films since the 80s.

But, Chuck Norris is more than a movie star. He was a champ in world karate. In the 80s, lots of people went to see his action flicks. Plus, he became famous online as a meme in the early 2000s. Now, people see him as a symbol of being super tough. His name is linked to being almost invincible and to funny, over-the-top jokes.

Even though he hasn't been in many new films, Chuck Norris's fame keeps growing. Those popular internet jokes and memes have a lot to do with it. They're all about making fun of how unbeatable he seems. Through jokes and memes, he's become a big deal in pop culture.

Let's dive into Chuck Norris's most famous movies in the next part. We'll look at the films that made him a top action star. And how they still shape his image today as a true legend in the movie world.

Early Action Roles: Building a Reputation

In the late 1970s, Chuck Norris started becoming known for his starring roles in action films. He showcased his martial arts skills and tough-guy persona constantly. These roles helped him become a star in the 1980s, solidifying his place as one of the greatest action heroes on screen.

Good Guys Wear Black (1978)

In Good Guys Wear Black, Chuck Norris is John T. Booker, a former Vietnam War POW. He uncovers a conspiracy against his old squad. This 1978 film gave Norris his first lead role. It made him popular as an action star. It mixed martial arts with American patriotism. This style became a blueprint for many of his later movies.

A Force of One (1979)

A Force of One was released in 1979. It boosted Chuck Norris's career as an action hero. Here, he's Matt Logan, a karate champion helping police solve murders of martial artists. Norris's signature look in the movie included sunglasses, a hat, and an all-black suit. This look became a key part of his image. The film showed off his martial arts skills. It helped him win over fans who loved thrilling action and fight scenes.

The 1980s: Chuck Norris's Golden Era

The 1980s was truly Chuck Norris's golden age in action movies. Films like The Octagon and An Eye for an Eye made him a sought-after star. Norris played heroes who fought terrorists and drug cartels. His movies kept us all on the edge of our seats and dazzled us with martial arts mayhem.

The Octagon (1980)

In The Octagon, Norris is a former martial arts champ facing global terrorists. This film introduced audiences to Norris's amazing fighting skills. It marked the start of a decade of action-packed hits.

An Eye for an Eye (1981)

An Eye for an Eye is set in San Francisco and features Norris as a never-say-die cop. He takes on drug gangs after quitting the police force. Though not as well-known as other San Fran action movies, Norris's performance makes it a must-watch.

Silent Rage (1982)

Silent Rage is a unique Norris film, mixing sci-fi and horror with his action role. Norris stars as a sheriff fighting an unstoppable murderer with a healing factor that would make Deadpool blush. This mash-up was a hit with fans looking for something different from Norris, and contained a fair bit of horror elements as well.

Forced Vengeance (1982)

Forced Vengeance takes Norris's skills to Hong Kong, the erstwhile home of his old friend Bruce Lee, making it a standout film. Norris is at his best, showcasing his martial arts moves flamboyantly. The film also includes funny, memorable one-liners and wisecracks from Norris himself. Kudos to the scriptwriters on this one.

Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)

Lone Wolf McQuade showcases Norris as a Texas Ranger battling an arms dealer played by Kill Bill star David Carradine. It has Western vibes and creative action sequences that verge on the epic at times. This movie is often linked to his later TV success, Walker, Texas Ranger, and possibly inspired the character.

Missing in Action Series: Chuck Norris Takes on Vietnam

The Missing in Action series, starring Chuck Norris in Vietnam, is possibly Norris' biggest hit for its intense, action-packed style. These 1980s movies focus on Norris as a tough guy on a mission to save tortured POWs.

The first movie, Missing in Action (1984), introduces us to Norris as Colonel James Braddock. He's back in Vietnam after the war to save American soldiers who went missing in action. Norris's character faces incredible odds but relentlessly pursues his mission.

This series is all about big, intense action scenes where Norris fights dozens of enemies as a one-man army. The films are known for this and how they represent the 1980s love for extreme over-the-top action.

In every movie, Norris's character is deeply affected by the time he spent as a POW, and contains introspective flashback sequences. This gives the story some visceral emotion and makes Norris's character more than just an action star.

The Chuck Norris Vietnam War films in the series made Norris a huge name in action movies. They highlighted his fighting skills and popularized his tough-guy persona. Even though some people find the movies too simple or violent, they're still very popular for their adrenaline-filled action setpieces.

The Best Chuck Norris Movies: Invasion U.S.A. (1985) and The Delta Force (1986)

Two of the top Chuck Norris movies from the mid-1980s are Invasion U.S.A. (1985) and The Delta Force (1986). These films are filled with action. They show Norris fighting tough enemies and performing exciting martial arts. These movies highlight Norris's career at its peak.

Invasion U.S.A.: Chuck Norris vs. Soviet Terrorists

Invasion U.S.A. shows Chuck Norris at his toughest (and meanest). In this 1985 film, he takes on Soviet guerrilla forces trying to invade America, and mercilessly mows them down. What's special about this movie is that Norris helped write it. This ensured the fight scenes were huge, authentic, and thrilling.

Invasion U.S.A. stands out for its fast pace and scenes of epic destruction. Norris battling the Soviet terrorists single-handedly is a thrill to watch. It shows off his incredible martial arts skills and how he owns the screen.

The Delta Force: Elite Counterterrorism with Lee Marvin

The Delta Force, from 1986, is about a counter-terrorism team fighting terrorists who hijacked a jet, and was inspired by the real-life hijacking of Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight 847 in 1985. Chuck Norris co-stars in this film with the great Lee Marvin. Norris is the team's deputy commander and Marvin is the commander. Together, they make the movie an epic must-watch suspense fest.

Seeing Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin work together in The Delta Force is a real joy. It's a singular film, and is rightfully considered one of the greatest 1980s action movies. Plus, this movie was Lee Marvin's final role.

Invasion U.S.A. and The Delta Force are my personal favorite Chuck Norris films. They offer everything you want - action, strong martial arts, and great performances. These movies helped cement Chuck Norris as one of the four biggest action stars of the 1980s, along with Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Van Damme.

Chuck Norris's Iconic Martial Arts Showdown with Bruce Lee

In the classic martial arts movie "Way of the Dragon" (1972), Norris was pitted as a karate master and overall tough guy against Bruce Lee, who wrote and co-produced. Their iconic fight in the Colosseum in Rome has since become legendary.

The story in "Way of the Dragon" is about Tang Lung (Bruce Lee) helping a Rome restaurant owner to fend off gangsters. Norris, as Colt, is hired to stop Tang Lung. Their fight at the Colosseum is unforgettable.

Norris's role in this movie is praised a lot. The movie is a classic of its kind. It shows Bruce Lee as both a great actor and fighter. Norris used this chance to show off his fighting skills, and laid the groundwork for his eventual full-time career as an actor.

Way of the Dragon (1972): A Memorable Fight Scene

This fight scene is near perfect. Many have copied it in shows and movies. It shows the lasting appeal of Lee's martial arts films.

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Firewalker (1986): A Rare Action-Comedy Role

In the 1980s, many movies tried to copy Raiders of the Lost Ark's success. Chuck Norris joined the trend with Firewalker in 1986. This adventure movie, like Indiana Jones, shows Norris , along with partner Louis Gossett Jr, looking for a hidden Aztec treasure.

Firewalker stands out because of its endearing humor. It's not your usual serious Norris action film. Here, he adds comedy by cracking constant jokes and not just being the resident tough guy. His teamwork with Gossett Jr. brings laughs and thrills on their path to eventually finding the treasure.

Even though it's not his most famous film, Firewalker is a fun change. It proves Norris is not just about action but can do even comedy well. If you're a fan of action comedy films, this one should be on your bucket list of must-watch movies.

Code of Silence (1985): Chuck Norris as a Chicago Cop

In 1985, Chuck Norris starred in Code of Silence as a hard-as-nails Chicago cop, Eddie Cusack, known for dispensing justice with no excuses. The movie was directed by Andrew Davis, who later made hits like The Fugitive and Under Siege.

Cusack, Norris's character, faces a complex story: he fights crime and corruption within the police force. During his investigation of drug murders, he uncovers a shocking truth. A fellow officer is breaking the law for personal gain, forcing Cusack to act alone.

The movie shows the dark side of Chicago and the problem of corrupt cops, reminding me a bit of Dirty Harry. However, Code of Silence is unique due to Norris's action style mixed with frequent martial arts takedowns. Instead of a gun, Cusack fights crime with his hands and kicks, bringing his unique brand of justice to the streets of the Windy City.

Code of Silence is seen as one of Norris's most believable and engaging roles. It dives into real-world police issues and the struggles officers often face. Andrew Davis’s skilled direction and pacing add quality, making the movie a standout in its genre.

Code of Silence is an essential Chuck Norris film, mixing his unique action skills with a rugged city backdrop. It draws some parallels to Dirty Harry but stands out with Norris and its take on police corruption. With Andrew Davis steering it and Norris at his prime, the movie is a highlight in Norris's storied action career.

Walker, Texas Ranger: Chuck Norris's Small Screen Success

Chuck Norris also shined on TV. The show Walker, Texas Ranger was a huge hit.

Playing the Texan Ranger Cordell Walker, Norris did what he does best. He mixed quick justice with his famous roundhouse kicks. The show lasted a long time, totaling eight seasons. This made Norris a big name in the TV action world.

Later Career and Cameos: The Expendables 2 (2012)

The Expendables 2, from 2012, is seen as the best in the series by many fans. It stars action legends Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham, and Jet Li. But, the true surprise is Chuck Norris, who has a memorable cameo.

Chuck Norris fits well in The Expendables 2 with its crazy action and madcap one-liners. The mix of nostalgia and action made The Expendables 2 a hit. Norris's cameo is one of the many things that make it all come together.

To sum up, Chuck Norris lights up The Expendables 2 with his short but fun role. His famous invincible joke is used well in the film. This makes the movie a must for action fans. Norris shows he can still wow the crowd, even late in his career.

The Wrap-Up: Chuck Norris's Legacy in Action Cinema

Some people see Norris's movies as dated or even unwatchable. But I protest and maintain that they are great for an action movie night with friends. The wild stunts, funny lines, crazy kicks, bloody action, and Norris always being serious and stoic all add to their charm. It's an adrenalin rush, no question, and these flicks should be lauded by more action fans.

So here's to you, Chuck. May your unique cinematic contributions never be forgotten ;)