Sambo, a martial art and combat sport developed in the Soviet Union, has found its way into the heart of action cinema, offering viewers a unique blend of grappling, striking, and ground fighting. This curated list of 10 films not only showcases the raw power and technique of Sambo but also provides a thrilling cinematic experience. From intense fight scenes to compelling narratives, these movies are a must-watch for fans of martial arts and action-packed storytelling.

Red Heat (1988)
Description: This classic buddy cop film features Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Soviet cop who comes to Chicago to track down a drug lord. While not exclusively about Sambo, the film showcases elements of the martial art in its fight scenes, reflecting the Soviet influence.
Fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger trained with real Sambo practitioners for authenticity in his fight scenes.


The Bourne Identity (2002)
Description: Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon, uses a mix of martial arts, including Sambo, to navigate his mysterious past. The film's action sequences are grounded in realistic combat techniques, with Sambo being a notable influence.
Fact: The fight choreography was designed to reflect real-world combat training, including Sambo.


The Protector (2005)
Description: Tony Jaa's character uses a mix of martial arts, including elements of Sambo, in his quest to retrieve stolen elephants. The film's action is breathtaking, showcasing the versatility of Sambo in combat.
Fact: Tony Jaa, known for his Muay Thai skills, also incorporated other martial arts like Sambo into his fighting style for this film.


The Equalizer (2014)
Description: Denzel Washington plays a former black ops operative who uses his extensive combat training, including Sambo, to help those in need. The film's fight scenes are gritty and realistic, showcasing Sambo's practical application.
Fact: Denzel Washington underwent extensive training to perform his own stunts, incorporating Sambo techniques.


The Mechanic (2011)
Description: Jason Statham's character uses a variety of martial arts, including Sambo, in his role as a professional assassin. The film's action sequences are intense and showcase the efficiency of Sambo in real-world scenarios.
Fact: Jason Statham, known for his martial arts skills, incorporated Sambo into his character's fighting style.


The Raid 2 (2014)
Description: While primarily known for its Silat, this film includes a character who uses Sambo in a brutal prison fight scene, demonstrating the art's effectiveness in close combat.
Fact: The film's fight choreography was influenced by various martial arts, with Sambo being one of them, to create a realistic and intense fight scene.


The Salvation (2014)
Description: While primarily a Western, the film includes a character with Sambo skills, highlighting the art's adaptability in different settings. The fight scenes are raw and intense, reflecting the brutal nature of Sambo.
Fact: The film was shot in South Africa, but the fight choreography was influenced by various martial arts, including Sambo.


Hardcore Henry (2015)
Description: This unique first-person action film features a protagonist with cybernetic enhancements, including Sambo training, as he fights his way through a dystopian world. The film's non-stop action is a testament to Sambo's effectiveness.
Fact: The film was shot entirely from the first-person perspective, making the action sequences even more immersive.


Undisputed III: Redemption (2010)
Description: Scott Adkins stars as Yuri Boyka, a Russian convict who uses his Sambo skills in underground prison fights. This film is a direct showcase of Sambo's effectiveness in close-quarters combat.
Fact: Scott Adkins, who plays Boyka, is a martial artist himself and has trained in various martial arts, including Sambo.


Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011)
Description: This sequel focuses on a group of fighters who use various martial arts, including Sambo, in an underground fight club. The film highlights the versatility and effectiveness of Sambo in mixed martial arts settings.
Fact: The film was shot in Louisiana, but the fight scenes were choreographed by experts in various martial arts, including Sambo.
