Best Muay Thai Movies You Must Watch (Top 5)
Many martial art fans see Muay Thai as the most exciting standup fighting style. Even though this stays open for debate, we can all agree it has the highest damage per strike ratio. And over the last few decades, we have seen it rising beyond the Thai borders into the western world.
The film industry has been following this rise with many iconic films based on Muay Thai. In fact, martial arts movies are the main reason why Muay Thai has become so popular in the west. And they influenced millions of people to pack their bags and join the Muay Thai gym.
Admit it or not, we all enjoy watching an intense fighting action on the big screens. And this type of genre might be your choice for this Saturday evening. We assure you will not make a mistake watching any movie from our list.
5. Kickboxer (2016)
“Kickboxer: Vengeance” is the remake of the iconic first version of kickboxer that came out in 1989. Even though the remake is not better than the original, it’s still worth your time. The movie includes some very good fighting scenes and a great story.
As in the first movie, Jean Claud van Damme is the leading actor in this one too. And, you can see some other famous MMA faces like the former UFC champs George St. Piere and Cain Valasquez. And of course, kickboxing legends like Joe Valtellini.
We must say kickboxer didn’t live up to its high expectations. But at the same time, people need to realize it wasn’t made to match or be bigger than the original.
4. Muay Thai Chaiya
It’s fair to say that few martial arts fans are familiar with Muay Thai Chaiya. And that’s fine as this movie has never become popular in the western world. But, it offers some pretty good Muay Thai action. And you can even spot the Muay Thai legend, Samart Payakaroon in some scenes.
The story centers on two friends who are both very good Muay Thai fighters. But at one point, their lives go separate ways, with one of them turning into a mobster. But, the sport of Muay Thai unites them once again, but this time in the ring.
The movie doesn’t include high quality production nor it is a piece of art. Yet, it is still worth your time if you are looking for an action-packed drama movie.
3. A Prayer Before Dawn
“A Prayer Before Dawn” is a highly underrated action movie that tells the true story of Billy Moore. For the ones who don’t know, Moore is an English boxer who ended up being locked into two of the most notorious jails in Thailand.
In the movie, Moore receives a chance to earn his freedom by fighting in prison Muay Thai matches. Moore starts to train with some of the best prison fighters and sets off on a mission to earn his freedom. The directors have done a great job of showing all the struggles Moore faced on his quest.
The movie was filmed in a real Thai prison, along with the real inmates standing in the background. It is really authentic as it shows you the harsh reality of prison life. And how the notorious prison fights look-alike in Thailand.
2. Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)
This is one of the most iconic Muay Thai movies and the one you simply have to watch. It was Tony Jaa’s first starting role that made him really famous in the western world.
Many fans believe Ong Bak to be the Thai version of the legendary Kickboxer movie. And Tony Jaa’s performance in this film was equally good as van Damme’s in “Kickboxer”.
One of the best things about this movie are the fighting scenes that look very authentic. This is because Tony Jaa is a very skilled athlete who does all the stunts on his own. Thus, he truly shines in the intense fighting scenes that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
1. Kickboxer (1989)
“Kickboxer” is the most iconic martial arts movie ever and the one most of you have already watched. It is by far the best movie Van Damme has ever made in our opinion and the movie had a huge impact on young people.
It has inspired millions of hotheads like me to stay away from the streets and join martial arts. I mean, everything in this movie is there to hook you on kickboxing. For instance, the scene in which Van Damme is training in the jungle scene will inspire you to get off the couch and join kickboxing classes right away.
The movie also includes some great kickboxers like Dennis Alexio who plays the role of Van Damme’s brother.
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