If you're a fan of the action-packed, Cold War-era thriller 'Red Scorpion' (1988), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same adrenaline rush, political intrigue, and explosive combat. Whether you're drawn to gritty mercenary tales or high-stakes espionage, this list has something for every action enthusiast.
Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
Description: Features a reclusive Texas Ranger taking on a powerful criminal organization, blending western motifs with modern action and martial arts.
Fact: The film is considered a precursor to the 'Walker, Texas Ranger' TV series. It was one of the first movies to mix martial arts with the western genre.
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Missing in Action (1984)
Description: Centers on a hardened military operative embarking on a solo mission to rescue POWs, showcasing intense combat scenes and a gritty, no-nonsense protagonist.
Fact: The film was inspired by the controversy surrounding American POWs left in Vietnam. It was one of the first movies to tackle the subject post-Vietnam War.
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American Ninja (1985)
Description: A soldier with exceptional martial arts skills battles a private army, combining military action with ninja combat in a jungle setting.
Fact: The movie was part of the 1980s ninja craze in Hollywood. It was a surprise hit and led to several sequels.
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Commando (1985)
Description: Features a lone, highly skilled soldier taking on overwhelming odds with a mix of brute force and tactical ingenuity. The film is packed with explosive action sequences and a straightforward revenge plot.
Fact: The movie was shot in just 35 days. The famous scene where Arnold Schwarzenegger carries a tree trunk was improvised.
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Death Wish 3 (1985)
Description: Focuses on a vigilante cleaning up a crime-ridden neighborhood with extreme prejudice, highlighting urban decay and brutal justice.
Fact: The film was shot in London, doubling for New York City. It features one of the most over-the-top body counts in the series.
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Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
Description: Follows a super-soldier on a covert mission behind enemy lines, emphasizing survival skills, guerrilla warfare, and a high body count in a politically charged setting.
Fact: The film's success led to the term 'Rambo' entering the lexicon as a synonym for extreme toughness. It was the highest-grossing movie of
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Cobra (1986)
Description: Stars a rogue cop taking on a cult of serial killers, featuring stylized violence, a lone-wolf protagonist, and a dark, urban atmosphere.
Fact: The movie was heavily edited to secure an R rating. The original cut was much more violent and longer.
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Iron Eagle (1986)
Description: Combines military action with a personal vendetta, featuring aerial combat and a young protagonist defying authority to save a loved one.
Fact: The movie was made in response to the popularity of 'Top Gun' but focused on the Air Force instead of the Navy. It spawned several sequels.
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Tango & Cash (1989)
Description: Pairs two rival cops forced to work together, blending high-octane action with buddy-cop humor and elaborate set pieces.
Fact: The film was notorious for its troubled production, including conflicts between the stars and the director. It was a box office success despite the issues.
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The Expendables (2010)
Description: A throwback to 80s action films, it features a team of mercenaries on a dangerous mission, with over-the-top action and a focus on camaraderie among tough guys.
Fact: The film was conceived as a tribute to the action movies of the 1980s and 1990s. It brought together some of the biggest names in action cinema.
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