Ninja have become a staple of action-packed entertainment, offering a unique blend of stealth, deadly combat skills, and mystery. Over the years, several actors have become synonymous with the ninja archetype, bringing these silent warriors to life on the big screen.

Here’s a look at nine people who helped bring ninja to life on screen!

1. Sho Kosugi – The King of Ninja Cinema

Notable Credits: Revenge of the Ninja (1983), Ninja III: The Domination (1984)

Sho Kosugi is often considered the definitive ninja actor. His expertise in martial arts and ninjutsu helped him dominate the 1980s ninja film craze. Kosugi’s performances in iconic movies like Revenge of the Ninja and Ninja III: The Domination solidified him as the face of ninja cinema during the era. His grace, intensity, and martial arts precision made him a lasting influence on the portrayal of ninjas in films.

2. Michael Dudikoff – The "American Ninja"

Notable Credits: American Ninja (1985), American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1986)

Michael Dudikoff starred as Joe Armstrong in the American Ninja franchise, a series that made him a household name in the world of action films. His portrayal of an American who is trained in the ways of the ninja was groundbreaking, offering a fresh take on the genre.

Though he wasn't a traditional ninja by heritage, Dudikoff’s character used stealth, combat, and advanced weaponry to fight against evil forces, solidifying him as one of the most iconic action heroes of the 1980s.

3. Scott Adkins – The Modern Ninja

Notable Credits: Ninja (2009), Ninja: Shadow of a Tear (2013)

Scott Adkins is one of the most prominent martial arts stars of the 21st century, known for his incredible athleticism and flawless fight choreography.

In Ninja and Ninja: Shadow of a Tear, Adkins takes on the role of a warrior trained in the ancient art of ninjutsu, fighting to protect his honor and family. His fast-paced, dynamic fighting style makes him one of the best modern-day action actors, combining classic martial arts techniques with the high-energy seen in contemporary films.

4. Mike Stone – The Martial Arts Legend

Notable Credits: Enter the Ninja (1981), American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987)

Recent Black Belt Hall of Famer Mike Stone, a renowned martial artist, also appeared in ninja films during the 1980s. While he didn’t achieve the same iconic status as Sho Kosugi, Stone’s contributions to the genre are significant.

A real-life black belt in multiple disciplines, Stone brought a level of authenticity and expertise to his roles that made him a key figure in ninja film history. His work both in front of and behind the camera helped influence the visual language of ninja films during their golden age.

5. Stephen K. Hayes – The Real-Life Ninja Master

Notable Credits: Shogun (1980)

Stephen K. Hayes is a martial artist who popularized ninjutsu training and helped the idea of the shadow warriors take root in modern times. After studying under one of Japan’s most famous ninja masters, Hatsumi Maasaki, Hayes became a pioneer in introducing the art of ninjutsu to the Western world.

Hayes’ influence on the perception of ninja is wide-spread, having contributed to the depiction of ninjas on-screen and presence in pop culture as a whole.

6. Rain – The "Ninja Assassin"

Notable Credits: Ninja Assassin (2009)

Rain, born Jung Ji-hoon, played the protagonist in Ninja Assassin, a film that helped reinvigorate interest in ninja movies in the 2000s. In this high-octane film, Rain portrays a shadowy figure trained in the ways of the ninja, bringing his own unique charisma to the role.

The Korean star's portrayal of a silent warrior brought a new level of intensity to the film, making him one of the most memorable "ninja" characters in recent cinema.

7. Chris Casamassa – The Face of Scorpion

Notable Films: Mortal Kombat (1995)

Chris Casamassa brought one of Mortal Kombat's most iconic characters to life with his portrayal of Scorpion in the 1995 film. A skilled martial artist with a background in karate and kickboxing, Casamassa infused the character with both intensity and authenticity, delivering some of the film’s most memorable fight scenes.

Casamassa's portrayal of the vengeful ninja helped cement Scorpion as a fan favorite in the video game-to-film adaptation. The character would later be played in the film's sequel by another great martial artist, who has since transitioned into directing Hollywood hits such as the recently released The Killer's Game, J.J. Perry.

8. Elodie Yung – The Deadly Elektra

Notable Films/Shows: Daredevil (2015–2018), The Defenders (2017)

Elodie Yung brought the fierce and complex character of Elektra Natchios to life in Daredevil on Netflix, blending emotional depth with incredible martial arts skill. Known for her striking physicality and dynamic fight choreography, Yung’s portrayal of the skilled assassin made Elektra a fan-favorite, capturing both her lethal combat abilities and her morally ambiguous nature.

Her intense and memorable performances across Daredevil and The Defenders cemented her as one of the standout characters in the Marvel TV universe.

9. Henry Golding – The Silent Snake Eyes

Notable Films: Snake Eyes (2021)

Henry Golding’s portrayal of Snake Eyes in the 2021 Snake Eyes film reimagined the iconic G.I. Joe character with a fresh and emotionally charged backstory. Known for his charisma and physicality, Golding brought a nuanced performance to the usually silent ninja, blending intense action sequences with a compelling personal journey.

His martial arts training and dedication to the role made his portrayal of Snake Eyes both fierce and authentic, earning praise for his ability to embody the character’s inner turmoil and strength.