If you’re like me, then around the same
time that you realized your yen for direct-to-video karate flicks, you found
out that you faced a mountain of material. Many of the movies of this label
aren’t very good, and while I had the opportunity to slog my way through
several decades’ worth of schlock, I realize that a few bad initial experiences
may be enough to dishearten a prospective fan – after all, movies cost money,
and why bother when all you’re coming up with is trash? To help orient newcomers,
I’ve put together a list of some of the most essential features in this
subgenre. Not all of these movies are necessarily great, but they’re among the
most-referenced and/or valued ones. They’ll give you some perspective of the subgenre as a
whole, and they’re probably the ones other fans will hope you have seen.

1. China
O’Brien (1990)

Why: Cynthia Rothrock is one of the most
consistent contributors to the DTV realm, and her movies are unavoidable. You’ll
have a sizable library to dig into if you enjoy her work, and the best way to
find out if you do is via this Robert Clouse-directed cult vehicle.

If you like this, check out: China O’Brien 2 (1990), Sworn to Justice (1996)

2. The
King of the Kickboxers (1990)

Why: A stylistic continuation of the
mostly-theatrical No Retreat, No Surrender
series, this movie mixes an exotic location with a standout cast of fighters
and stellar action. Like several other entries on the list, its lack of Region
1 DVD availability merely enhances its gem status.

If you like this, check out: No
Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers (1990), Bloodmoon (1997)

3. Martial
Law II: Undercover (1991)

Why: Enter Jeff Wincott, the DTV
realm’s most fondly-remembered action star of the ‘90s. This is his first martial arts movie,
and it catches his best side. Add some strong characters and arguably the best
cast of supporting villains ever assembled, and this one’s hard not to like.

If you like this, check out: Mission of Justice (1992), Martial Outlaw (1993)

4. Shootfighter:
Fight to the Death (1993)

Why: Here’s a fight flick with an
edge. This brawl-packed tournament film is great for viewers who like their matches
gory; it will expose them to a slew of lesser-known performers. Fans of Bolo
Yeung will appreciate his sizable role.

If you like this, check out: Firepower (1993), Ring of Steel (1994)

5. Drive (1997)

Why: Some of the best American
indies are powered by international talent, and such was the case when Japan’s
Alpha Stunts group got the means to make a feature with actual production values.
The great action is complemented by a fun screenplay and excellent chemistry
between Mark Dacascos and Kadeem Hardison.

If you like this, check out: Extreme
Heist (2002), Contour (2006)

6. Undisputed II: Last Man Standing
(2006) & Undisputed III: Redemption
(2010)

Why: The Undisputed sequels are milestones. Last Man Standing saw director Isaac Florentine turn up his game as
an action director and flaunted the realized potential of Michael Jai White and
Scott Adkins as leading men. Redemption
made Adkins the “it” performer of the martial arts scene and set the bar for
fight choreography worldwide.

If you like these, check out: Ninja II: Shadow of a Tear (2013), Falcon Rising (2014)

7. Broken Path (2008)

Why: If you value brutal karate
action over all other aspects, this Alpha Stunts rarity will be a dream come
true. It’s an intense adventure that focuses all its production power on fight
scenes.

If you like this, check out: Kill ‘Em
All (2014), Die Fighting (2014)

8. Blood and Bone (2009)

Why: Aside from being a good fight
flick and the premier vehicle of Michael Jai White, this film uses a great cast
and excellent production values to attain the elusive status of being just as
palatable to viewers outside of the martial arts fan base.

If you like this, check out: Never
Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011), The
Girl from the Naked Eye (2012)

9. Universal Soldier: Regeneration
(2009) & Universal Soldier: Day of
Reckoning (2012)

Why: With its decidedly dark
presentation and gritty action, Regeneration
proved that a low-budget sequel could outclass its mainstream predecessors. Day of Reckoning demonstrated a new potential
for style and ambitious storytelling on the DTV circuit. Many people seem to
prefer the first to the second, but you’d do well to regard the two as a set.

If you like these, check out: Angel
of Death (2009), Dragon Eyes
(2012)

[Trigger potential: I recommend you investigate the IMDb page of any given film and review the “Plot Keywords” and “Parents Guide” sections for possible triggers.]