Over the past four decades, Hollywood and international studios have capitalized on the ninja movie craze, a genre that captured the world's imagination. While ninjas were depicted as Japanese assassins as early as the 1960s in such films as the 007 James Bond classic “You Only Live Twice”, it was the release of Enter the Ninja, based on Mike Stone's original story, that ignited a global phenomenon.

Stone recognized that after the seventies, audiences craved the next big thing in martial arts cinema. Samurai in the '60s, Kung-fu films in the 70s, and ninja films perfectly met this next demand, offering the thrilling and gritty action that viewers were seeking.

Our fascination with these shadowy assassins, who prowl the night wielding exotic weapons, endures to this day. 

In this article, we celebrate the greatest ninja films that have elevated the genre, focusing on movies where ninjas are the true stars, rather than just using the term "ninja" in the title. 

Join us as we delve into the cinematic world of these enigmatic warriors.

Enter the Ninja 

Based on the original story by Mike Stone

Cast: Sho Kosugi, Franco Nero

Director: Menahem Golan 

Hollywood 

Enter the Ninja sparked a wave of ninja-themed Hollywood films in the early 1980s and kicked off Cannon Films' Ninja Trilogy, which also includes "Revenge of the Ninja" (1983) and "Ninja III: The Domination" (1984). This film marked the beginning of Sho Kosugi's career, leading him to star in both sequels and various other 1980s ninja movies and TV shows, such as "The Master" (1984).

Directed by Menahem Golan. The film features Franco Nero, Susan George, Sho Kosugi, and Christopher George. The story follows martial artist Cole (Nero) as he visits his friend Frank in the Philippines, only to discover that Frank is being harassed by wealthy businessman Charles Venarius, who desires Frank's land for its oil reserves. Cole uses his martial arts prowess to protect Frank and his wife from Venarius's schemes. In response, Venarius hires his own ninja (Kosugi) to eliminate Cole.

The film was initially set to be directed by Emmett Alston and star Mike Stone. However, early in production, Golan replaced Alston, who remained as the second unit director, and Franco Nero took over Stone's role, with Stone staying on as the fight double and fight/stunt coordinator.

"Enter the Ninja" elevated the genre by showcasing a unique style of combat and weaponry, distinct from the 1970s Kung Fu craze. This fresh approach captivated audiences, demonstrating that ninja movies could stand on their own as a compelling and dynamic genre.

Ninja 

Cast: Scott Adkins

Director: Isaac Florentine 

Hollywood 

The 2009 film "Ninja" is a 2009 American martial arts film directed by Isaac Florentine, featuring Scott Adkins, Tsuyoshi Ihara, and Mika Hijii.

Casey Bowman played by Adkins is an American orphan, who is adopted into a martial arts dojo in Japan. Due to his perseverance and desire to master bushido, Casey earns the respect of his Sensei Takeda and his daughter Namiko. 

However, the dojo's top student Masazuka becomes bitter over Namiko's friendship with Casey. 

One morning, during a sparring match, Masazuka loses his temper and nearly kills Casey by throwing a katana at him. In self-defense, Casey scars Masazuka below his right eye. As a result of his actions, Masazuka is expelled from the dojo by Sensei Takeda.

Years later, Masazuka becomes an assassin of an organization called "Temple Industries", which itself runs an underground cult known as "The Ring". He returns to his former dojo and claims the succession as sōke, but Takeda turns him down. Anticipating an invasion by Masazuka, Takeda assigns Casey and Namiko to guard an old chest called the "Yoroi Bitsu", which contains the suit and weapons of an ancient Koga ninja. Before Masazuka storms the dojo and murders Takeda, Casey, and Namiko manage to take the "Yoroi Bitsu" to New York City, where they keep it safe at Triborough University's vault with the help of Takeda's friend, Professor Garrison. They are tracked down by Masazuka, who sends Temple's thugs to take down the couple.

Although he had a breakout performance as Yuri Boyka in 2006 in "Undisputed II Last Man Standing." "Ninja" was Adkins's first starring role, delivering a breakout performance that solidified his status as a leading action star. In 2013 he reprised his role as Casey in "Ninja: Shadow of a Tear."

Shinobi Heart Under Blade

Cast: Yukie Nakama, Joe Odgiri 

Director: Ten Shimoyama

Japan 

The 2005 Japanese romantic drama film directed by Ten Shimoyama and scripted by Kenya Hirata. 

This film is an adaptation of Futaro Yamada's novel The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, although it significantly alters the characters. It explores the intense rivalry between two ninja clans, Iga and Kouga, and the destined love between Gennosuke (of Kouga) and Oboro (of Iga). 

Set just after Japan's Sengoku period, the Iga and Kouga clans have been locked in a bitter vendetta for centuries. Around 1614, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's ruler and the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, recognized the threat these clans posed. To solidify his power, he exacerbates their feud by inviting each clan to select their five best warriors to fight to the death. Kouga Gennosuke (Joe Odagiri) and Oboro (Yukie Nakama), secretly married and leaders of their respective clans, are unwillingly drawn into this political scheme, forcing them to confront a heart-wrenching decision.

Shinobi: Heart Under Blade stands out due to its captivating blend of romance, action, and historical intrigue. The film brings a level of artistic excellence that resonates deeply with audiences and adds a dimension normally not seen in martial arts action films. 

American Ninja 

Cast: Michael Dudikoff  and Steve James

Director: Sam Firstenberg

Hollywood 

As an alternative to prison, young American Joe Armstrong is conscripted into the U.S. Army by a judge. While stationed in the Philippines, Joe faces off against the Black Star Order of Ninjas. During his deployment, he rescues Patricia Hickock, the daughter of his commanding officer, Colonel William Hickock, from a kidnapping attempt. However, Joe's actions lead to the annihilation of his platoon by the Black Star ninjas, resulting in his fellow GIs turning against him. 

Meanwhile, the Black Star Master, who leads the ninja order, seeks revenge against Joe, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. American Ninja delivers a riveting blend of martial arts action and dramatic tension, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the genre and a beloved film among martial arts enthusiasts.

The Octagon 

Cast: Chuck Norris, Richard Norton 

Director: Eric Karsen

Hollywood 

The Octagon is an action-packed martial arts film featuring Chuck Norris as retired karate champion Scott James. Despite his retirement, Scott must once again rely on his martial arts skills to dismantle a syndicate of mercenaries trained in the ways of the ninja, led by his estranged half-brother Seikura (Tadashi Yamashita). 

Complicating matters, Scott’s best friend, A.J. (Art Hindle), encounters trouble with the ninjas, forcing Scott to confront his past demons while thwarting the terrorists' plot.

The Octagon features three members of the Norris family: Chuck, his brother Aaron, and Chuck’s son Mike. It also marks the debut of actor and stuntman Richard Norton. Additional cast members include Karen Carlson, Lee Van Cleef, and Carol Bagdasarian, contributing to the film's lasting impact as a martial arts classic.

Azumi 

Cast: Aya Ueto, Yuma Ishigaki, Shun Oguri

Director: Ryûhei Kitamura

Japan

Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, known for the cult film "Versus," "Azumi" is based on the manga of the same name, this 2003 action film follows the adrenaline-fueled exploits of Azumi, a young female assassin wielding a deadly sword. 

Set in feudal Japan, Azumi (portrayed by actress and pop singer Aya Ueto) navigates treacherous landscapes alongside her stern mentor, Master Gessai (played by Yoshio Harada), and a group of male companions who resemble idols from a boy band. 

Trained from childhood by Master Gessai, their mission is to eradicate Japan's warring warlords, prioritizing body count over narrative coherence and moral rationale.

Azumi garnered mixed reviews, yet its departure from traditional samurai-swordsman films through its stylized and somewhat erotic presentation remains a captivating deviation within its genre. 

While some critics may have found fault with its approach, the film's bold aesthetic choices and unique portrayal of its titular character continue to intrigue and engage audiences interested in fresh interpretations of classic narratives.

In other words, s*x does sell. 

Five Elements Ninja

Cast: Tien-Chi Cheng

Director: Chang Cheh 

Hong Kong

Five Elements Ninjas is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by the renowned Chang Cheh. Throughout his illustrious career at Shaw Brothers, Chang directed nearly 100 films, spanning swordplay classics like "One-Armed Swordsman," "The Assassin," and "Golden Swallow"; kung fu masterpieces such as "Five Shaolin Masters," "Five Venoms," and "Kid with the Golden Arm"; modern period dramas including "Chinatown Kid," "Boxer From Shantung," and "The Generation Gap"; and lavish costume epics like "The Water Margin," "The Heroic Ones," and "Boxer Rebellion."

The plot centers on a Chinese martial arts school infiltrated and decimated by ninjas. Tian Hao, one of the few survivors, embarks on a quest to learn the secrets of ninjutsu to defeat the Five Element Ninjas and avenge his family. The five-element fighting styles—based on the Chinese elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth—add a unique twist to the action.

Five Elements Ninjas epitomizes the quintessential Hong Kong action movie, complete with over-the-top and sometimes absurd scenes. 

However, it earns its place on any must-watch list due to its sheer entertainment value and the fascinating blend of martial arts styles.

Where else can you find Kung Fu and Ninjutsu all wrapped into one style?

The Killer Elite

Cast: James Caan, Robert Duvall, Arthur Hill, Bo Hopkins, Mako, Burt Young, Gig Young, Tom Clancy, Tiana Alexandra, Walter Kelley

Director: Sam Peckinpah

Hollywood

Yes, James Caan, the actor we know and love from classics like "The Godfather," "Misery," and "Rollerball," actually made a martial arts action ninja film. What makes it even more intriguing is that it was directed by Academy Award-nominated director Sam Peckinpah, who ranks No. 80 on the American Film Institute's top 100 list.

"The Killer Elite" is a 1975 American action thriller directed by Sam Peckinpah and written by Marc Norman and Stirling Silliphant, based on Robert Syd Hopkins's novel Monkey in the Middle. The film stars James Caan and Robert Duvall as elite mercenaries who become bitter rivals, tangled in a proxy war over a foreign dignitary in San Francisco.

This movie marks the last collaboration between Peckinpah and composer Jerry Fielding and is notable for being one of the first American films to feature ninjas.

The story follows Mike Locken (James Caan) and George Hansen, long-time friends and professional partners at Communications Integrity (ComTeg), a private intelligence agency doing covert assignments for the CIA. After their latest mission, Hansen betrays Locken, killing their client and shooting Locken in the knee and elbow, effectively "retiring" him. 

Following months of painful rehab, Locken, now with metal braces and a cane, moves in with his nurse Amy to continue his recovery. During this time, he undergoes serious martial arts training, mastering his cane, and vowing revenge against Hansen.

"The Killer Elite" received mixed reviews. Some critics felt Peckinpah "sold out" to commercial interests and found the martial arts elements forced. However, others praised his direction and action sequences, viewing the film as a clever, self-aware satire. Despite the mixed reception, we applaud and appreciate the film's bold move to introduce martial arts to Hollywood's big screen, even 50 years ago.

Ninja in the Dragon's Den

Cast: Conan Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Hwang Jang-lee 

Directed by: Cory Yuen

Ninja in the Dragon's Den aka Legend of the Ninja is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Corey Yuen in his feature film directorial debut. Yuen co-wrote the film with Ng See-yuen, who also produced it. The film stars Conan Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Hwang Jang-lee and was released on 24 June 1982.

Set during Japan's Tokugawa Ieyasu period, the story follows a young ninja named Genbu who brazenly kills samurai and government officials, causing his clan to bear the consequences. 

To escape their vengeful kinsmen and to seek revenge, Genbu and his wife Akane flee to China, aiming to find the last man Genbu holds responsible for his father's death.

If you just did a double-take, you read that right. Yes, Hiroyuki Sanada, the same actor who has gained international acclaim for his role in the worldwide hit Shogun, appears in some of his earliest work in Ninja in the Dragon's Den. Long before his celebrated performances in Hollywood blockbusters and critically acclaimed TV series, Sanada was already showcasing his exceptional martial arts skills and screen presence in this 1982 classic. 

Revenge of the Ninja

Cast: Sho Kosugi, Kieth Vitali

Director: Sam Firstenberg

"Revenge of the Ninja" is a 1983 American martial arts–thriller film directed by Sam Firstenberg, and starring martial artist Sho Kosugi, Keith Vitali, Virgil Frye, and Kane Kosugi. The plot follows a ninja trying to protect his only son from a cabal of ruthless gangsters.

The film is the second installment in Cannon Films' "Ninja Trilogy" anthology series, which began with Enter the Ninja (1981) and concluded with Ninja III: The Domination (1984). Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film was a box-office success.

The plot centers on Cho, who, after his family is killed by ninjas in Japan, moves to America with his son Kane to start anew. Cho opens a doll shop, only to discover that heroin is being smuggled inside the dolls without his knowledge. When he learns of his friend's betrayal, Cho must prepare for the ultimate battle to protect his new life and seek justice.

The film also introduced the former world karate champion Keith Vitale in his first starring role.

The film introduced the world to a young Kane Kosugi, who has followed in his father's footsteps and become quite a sensation in Japan as an action star. Kane, the son of martial arts legend Sho Kosugi, showcased his impressive skills and screen presence at an early age in Revenge of the Ninja. 

Over the years, Kane has carved out a niche for himself in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and television series in Japan carrying on the family legacy of the next generation.

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