10 Must-See Chuck Norris Films

      Casey Chong highlights ten essential Chuck Norris films…

      In today's digital age, Chuck Norris has inspired countless memes, largely due to the tough-guy image that characterized his action films of the past. A world champion in Karate, Norris gained prominence in cinema with his iconic fight against Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon in 1972. The 1980s proved to be a crucial decade for the martial arts hero, cementing his status with his signature stoic demeanor and roundhouse kick, which made him a pop culture icon. His recognition surged during the VHS boom, particularly during his collaboration with Cannon Films, yielding some of his most notable action star performances. Here’s a list of ten must-watch Chuck Norris films…

      **Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)**

      Director Steve Carver, who had previously worked with Norris on An Eye for an Eye, collaborated with him again for Lone Wolf McQuade. The film presents a modern, gritty Western that combines elements reminiscent of Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood, infused with an action-movie framework and martial arts displays, resulting in one of Norris's most entertaining performances. He portrays Jim “J.J” McQuade, a former Marine turned Texas Ranger who prefers solitary work, accompanied by a pet wolf. David Carradine plays the cunning main villain, an arms dealer and drug trafficker skilled in martial arts. The film is notable for its well-choreographed action and martial arts sequences, particularly the climactic battle between McQuade and Carradine’s Rawley Wilkes.

      **Code of Silence (1985)**

      Surprisingly, Code of Silence was initially envisioned as a potential fourth installment of the Dirty Harry series before being reimagined as a vehicle for Chuck Norris. The film emerged as one of Norris's finest action movies, blending his tough-guy persona with notably stronger acting than expected, thanks to Andrew Davis’ skilled direction in highlighting his actors' strengths. Davis successfully combines thrilling action scenes with a gritty crime thriller atmosphere, despite the film's modest $7 million budget. The inclusion of a high-tech police robot, The Prowler, equipped with advanced weaponry, feels out of place in the film’s otherwise grounded realism. Code of Silence turned out to be a significant hit for Norris and helped launch Andrew Davis’s career as a notable action director.

      **Invasion U.S.A. (1985)**

      In Invasion U.S.A., director Joseph Zito goes all out, showcasing high body counts and Chuck Norris annihilating enemies. Norris plays a retired CIA agent who is drawn back into action when his Soviet nemesis, Mikhail Rostov (Richard Lynch), orchestrates a terrorist attack on the United States. Norris’s portrayal as a one-man army is a fantasy for action enthusiasts, particularly those fond of 1980s extravagance. The film includes everything from martial arts exhibitions to numerous gun battles, explosions, and chases, with Florida serving as the backdrop for the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Invasion U.S.A. is unabashedly over-the-top, and Zito fully embraces the film’s non-serious nature, offering pure B-movie enjoyment where logic can be easily suspended.

      **Missing in Action (1984)**

      Just a year ahead of Stallone’s return to the Vietnam jungle in the acclaimed Rambo: First Blood Part II, Chuck Norris’ Colonel Braddock embarks on a daring mission to rescue American POWs still in captivity. Directed by Joseph Zito, Missing in Action is a gritty action-war film that does not shy away from its brutal and violent nature. Norris is perfectly cast as a hardened Vietnam War veteran with a traumatic backstory, unwavering in his commitment to his mission, despite the inherent dangers. While the plot may not be the strongest aspect, Zito's direction successfully stages several compelling action sequences, ranging from hand-to-hand combat to gunfights, along with chases and explosions. Missing in Action became a major box-office success for both Cannon Films and Norris, grossing over $22 million against a budget of $2.5 million.

      **Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985)**

      This prequel to the successful Missing in Action showcases Lance Hool’s directorial debut, effectively delivering a captivating war thriller set in the dense jungles of Vietnam. Missing in Action 2: The Beginning follows Colonel Braddock (Chuck Norris) and his men, held captive in a North Vietnamese POW camp under the tyrannical Colonel Yin (Soon-Tek Oh). Soon-Tek Oh’s memorable performance as the sadistic colonel significantly elevates the film. Norris delivers an engaging lead performance while the action provides a blend of gritty war battles and exciting martial arts encounters. Unfortunately, Missing in Action 2: The Beginning did not replicate the success of its predecessor, although it did double its $2.4 million budget.

      **The Delta Force (1986)**

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