This content, originally published by the Marvelous Videos channel on August 28th, 2020, lists and presents nine movie gems from Cannon Films, briefly discussing works that, to a greater or lesser degree, became synonymous with that era — one so full of ballsy, defiant heroism and no-frills action, the way it should be.
In fact, the rise and fall of the mighty Cannon Group were more dramatic than their films. While I could credit at least part of the downfall of the eighties to them — due to their excesses, bad investment decisions and reckless overuse of the tropes popular at the time — producers Golan and Globus still put together an inspiring success story in the early days of their production house, paving the way for their dominance in the VHS era that would soon follow.
Anyway, throughout the 80s, they delivered some of the biggest hits, packed with hardcore action and starring legends like Chuck Norris, Charles Bronson, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Sylvester Stallone. Critics rarely appreciated their over-the-top exploits — often for their own hidden agendas — but their popularity soared through the roof. In the video, and in the text you are about to read, we revisit these gems that never get old, no matter what, or get to know them, if that’s the case!
Cyborg (1989)
Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by some plague, Cyborg follows a group of scientists in Atlanta working on a cure. A cyborg named Pearl holds vital information, but a dangerous gang wants the cure for themselves. A skilled martial artist becomes her protector, which naturally leads to an intense showdown.
Jean-Claude Van Damme shines with his kicks, including a memorable scene involving a knife hidden in his boot. Vincent Klyn plays the gang leader with a remarkable menacing charisma. The film’s meticulous production design, from costumes to apocalyptic city sets, and its thrilling martial arts sequences, make it a must-watch cult classic. Trivia: Van Damme accidentally blinded a co-star during filming, resulting in a legal settlement. That’s ****** up…
Trailer
Lifeforce (1985)
This cult classic Lifeforce begins when a space shuttle encounters three humanoid beings in caskets near Halley’s Comet. Brought to London, they start draining life from humans, creating a zombie apocalypse. Toby Hooper, director of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeist, showcases his skill in sci-fi horror, blending eerie visuals with low-budget ingenuity.
Matilda May, despite limited screen time, delivers a striking performance. Over-the-top body explosions, possessions, and bizarre narrative elements make it a wild, popcorn-ready ride — especially in the director’s cut.
Trailer (4k)
Runaway Train (1985)
In Runaway Train, two hardened convicts escape an Alaskan prison and jump onto a freight train, only to face a speeding engine headed for disaster. Pursued by the prison administrator, with a female railway worker caught in the mix, survival becomes a desperate gamble.
Based on a script by Akira Kurosawa, who was unable to direct due to snowstorms, the film features powerful performances by Jon Voight and Eric Roberts, earning Oscar nominations. Also, the always beautiful Rebecca De Mornay makes her strong presence. It’s worth noticing that a helicopter crash during filming added real-life stakes. Its tense, relentless pacing makes Runaway Train a rare masterpiece from Cannon. Also, we glimpse a scenario one of the leads is all too familiar with — not just some John Voight’s car.
Trailer
Breakin’ (1984)
Breakin’ captures the vibrant dance and street culture of the 80s, revolving around young dancers trying to make it big. With energetic choreography, colorful visuals, and a pulsing soundtrack, it’s a joyful time capsule. The film balances humor, romance, and performance energy, making it a quintessential urban dance movie.
To be honest, I don’t like this kind of theme (dancing) and I think we should have Cobra (1986) here instead, but that’s what the original video, “Top 9 Forgotten Movie Gems From The Cannon Films”, gave us, and nobody will be able to forget the Stallone’s classic, ever.
Trailer
Over The Top (1987)
Now we’re talking. In Over The Top, Lincoln Hawk, a struggling trucker, aims to mend his relationship with his stranded son and start a trucking business by winning the World Arm Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas. Sylvester Stallone shows both his brawn and his emotional side, with memorable moments of father-son bonding.
The film is cheesy at times, which is a Cannon’s lack of touch in that phase, but it’s undeniably heartwarming and remains a classic crowd-pleaser, blending action, sentimentality, and over-the-top competition. It should also be noted that the dude Stallone faces in the arm wrestling final could hardly be beaten — even if we used both arms and both legs against him.
Music video
Bloodsport (1988)
Now let’s continue talking. American martial artist Frank Dux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) defies army orders to compete in an underground martial arts tournament where participants risk serious injury or death. Facing the lethal champion Chong Li, one of the most iconic and formidable roles by the always intimidating Bolo Yeung, Frank trains for the ultimate showdown.
Van Damme’s fighting sequences in Bloodsport are breathtaking and brutal. Supporting performances by Ray Jackson, Donald Gibb, and Forest Whitaker elevate the stakes. Bloodsport epitomizes the good formula: raw action, dramatic tension, and unforgettable combat. We should also remember that one of the other contestants, Suan Paredes, is played by Michel Qissi, no one than Tong Po, from Kickboxer (1989), another hardcore Van Damme’s opponent.
Trailer
Allan Quartermain and The Lost City of Gold (1986)
In the great Allan Quartermain and The Lost City of Gold, Allan Quatermain ventures into the African wilderness in search of his missing brother and a fabled lost city of gold. Alongside Jesse Huston, he faces an evil ruler and dangerous obstacles, from lions to treacherous landscapes.
Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone reprise their roles, and they are great in this blend of adventure, humor, and light romance. While not Oscar material, it’s a fun, easy-going adventure that still delivers plenty of thrills that won’t disappoint you, especially if you are looking for something Indiana Jones-wise.
Trailer
American Ninja (1985)
Martial artist Joe joins the army and is stationed in the Philippines, where rebels kidnap the colonel’s daughter. Joe must use his ninja skills to rescue her and thwart the enemies. This is the plot of American Ninja, one of the most emblematic Ninjutsu-themed titles from the 80s.
Michael Dudikoff and Steve James deliver energetic performances, including sword fights, motorcycle chases, and a variety of martial arts stunts. Cheesy special effects only add to the fun. Over a hundred on-screen deaths and nonstop action make it a thrilling guilty pleasure. I should also mention that Dudikoff became a martial artist AFTER American Ninja, which is pretty cool on his part. Also, the film went on to spawn a five-movie series — and some installments even feel like live-action beat ’em ups, so nothing wrong with that.
Trailer
Invasion USA (1985)
Things get serious here, lad. Invasion USA stars none other than Chuck Norris, who stars as a former CIA agent confronting a mercenary-led invasion in the southern
America, where realism takes a backseat to explosive action, as bullets fly, rockets launch, and buildings crumble.
Norris performs daring stunts, from hanging off vehicles to intense gunfights. While story details were streamlined to highlight him, the gamble paid off. Invasion USA remains a cult classic, showcasing the sheer entertainment power of Cannon Films. Don’t mess with Chuck.
Trailer
That’s it.
This lineup of Cannon Films gems demonstrates that even amid critical dismissal, the studio delivered unforgettable, audacious, and wildly entertaining movies that defined an era.
I tend to agree with the list in most parts. But what would you say? Leave your considerations in the comments, please. I think it would benefit everyone.
Cheers!
More lists
Details
- Length: 16:24
- Channel: Marvelous Videos
- Categories: Lists, Movies, Videos
- Views: 9