It goes without saying that Chuck Norris is a legend when it comes to action films that combine martial arts with gun power. With a black belt in Tang Soo do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and judo, Norris followed in the steps of Bruce Lee to become a popular action movie star on the big screen. Over the years, Norris has combined his martial arts skills with his acting skills to give the audience unforgettable performances. Here are some of the most iconic Chuck Norris moments in movies:
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9 Good Guys Wear Black: Parking Lot Fight
American Cinema Releasing
When Good Guys Wear Black initially came out, Norris was still a new name in the industry. Despite it being just his second feature film, it’s considered his breakthrough film. Good Guys Wear Black follows Norris, an ex-US Army commando, as he tries to figure out why comrades from his unit are mysteriously being murdered. The fight scene in the parking lot between Norris and the government officials is a memorable scene. The best part about this particular scene is that there’s no frenetic fighting choreography, or any shaky camera work that makes it tough to keep up with the action. The audience gets a glimpse of Norris’ martial arts techniques unfiltered, making it an essential scene to watch.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
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8 Hellbound: Norris Battles Demon in a Tomb
Cannon FilmsMotion Picture Company of Australia LimitedWarner Home Video
A little different from the usual films that Norris goes for, Hellbound is a supernatural thriller film. The movie follows two Chicago cops as they encounter an ancient demon while investigating a murder case. The time traveling, along with the ancient scriptures and the supernatural elements, make this film gimmicky. Hellbound is different because Norris’ signature martial arts moves don’t get much screen time. However, the scene where Norris and his partner enter the tomb to rescue Leslie (portrayed by Sheree J. Wilson) is one of the most action-packed scenes in the film. Not only does Norris squeeze in a couple of kicks and punches, but there’s also a gunfight.
7 Firewalker: Goodnight Coyote
The Cannon Group, Inc.
Firewalker is not only another one of Norris’ classic works, but it was also his first comedic project. The film has an Indiana Jones-esque narrative, with Norris and his group trying to track down the hidden treasure, only with sprinkles of comedy. Perhaps one of the more intense moments of the film is when a woman, sent by El Coyote, breaks into the place where Norris and his group are staying. The woman drugs Norris’ character, Max, and attempts to murder him. Tall Eagle’s chanting wakes up Patricia, who along with Leo, ends up saving Max. The struggle between Patrica and the strange woman is quite intense, as it’s hard to tell who would win. The scene concludes with Will Sampson’s Tall Eagle saying “Goodnight Coyote”.
6 The Expendables 2: Norris Takes Down a Tank
Lionsgate Films
Simon West’s 2012 action film, The Expendables 2, brought together an ensemble cast. Consisting of Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and Chuck Norris, to name a few. The film follows a mercenary group, “the Expendables”, as they seek to avenge the murder of one of their comrades. Norris portrays retired military operative Booker; the name being a homage to Norris’ character in Good Guys Wear Black. The first scene when Norris is introduced to the audience is perhaps the most iconic. Ambushed by the Sangs, Barney and his team are barely able to hold, as not only are they outnumbered and running low on ammo, but their opponents also have a tank. Fortunately, the group is saved when someone shoots all the Sangs’ gunners and even manages to demolish the tank.
The scene is quite iconic as the camera focuses into the distance to reveal Norris walking towards the team, armed with guns and a pair of sunglasses, as western music plays in the background. Talk about a badass entrance! Fans of Norris are especially fond of the scene, as it has various references to the actor’s older roles. Brownie points for anyone who can identify all the Easter eggs.
5 Missing in Action: Watery Vengeance
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, Missing in Action is an action film that centers around the Vietnam War POW/MIA issue. This was one of Norris’ earlier projects with Golan-Globus, and would mark the start of a long professional relationship. Despite the unfavorable reception from critics, Missing in Action was not only a commercial success, but is also recognized as one of Norris’ best works. One of the best scenes in the film is when Norris’s character, Braddock, and his friend Tucker, are stuck on a speed boat as Vietnamese soldiers open fire on the two. At one point, one of the soldiers fires a rocket launcher and the boat sinks. The Vietnamese soldiers celebrate, only to stop mid-laugh as Norris emerges from the water. It’s quite iconic to see Norris take down a whole group of soldiers in a matter of minutes.
4 Code of Silence: Norris Fights an Entire Gang
Orion Pictures
Andrew Davis’ 1985 crime-action film follows Norris as Sgt. Eddie Cusack, as he takes down a crime czar responsible for harming officers. At the time the movie first came out, it was an unusual pick for Norris, as he was more known for starring in martial arts-focused action movies. That isn’t to say that Code of Silence didn’t take advantage of Norris’ martial arts skills. One of the most iconic moments is when Norris fights an entire gang. He’s horribly outnumbered, but that doesn’t stop him from landing a bunch of kicks and punches, leaving multiple opponents bloody and bruised.
3 Forced Vengeance: Briefcase Battle
Directed by James Fargo, Forced Vengeance is an action film that follows Chuck Norris as Josh Rendall, who is sent to exact revenge for the murder of his employer, friend, and mentor. As far as Chuck Norris films go, this one doesn’t rank very high. However, it’s hard to deny that it does have quite a memorable fight scene. When Norris visits Diamond to collect money, he’s attacked by one of Diamond’s henchmen. It doesn’t take long for Norris to gain the upper hand as the other guy is eventually thrown into the swimming pool. What makes this scene truly iconic is Norris’ weapon of choice for this particular fight; a suitcase.
2 Lone Wolf McQuade: Final Fight Scene
Steve Carver’s western film Lone Wolf McQuade follows Norris as Texas Ranger J.J. McQuade, as he aims to take down a drug lord. Norris’ Texas Ranger is one of his most well-known characters, and is often described as the role that captures the essence of the type of roles the actor usually portrays. The final fight scene in the film is perhaps the most iconic, as both J.J., and Wilkes (David Carradine) throw away their weapons and decide to fight against one another solely using their martial arts skills. After an intense fight, Norris’s J.J. is able to knock out Wilkes, only for the latter to pull out a gun to shoot at Norris. Lola gets shot when she steps in between to save Norris. The final scene is iconic as Norris dodges multiple bullets and finally throws a grenade to kill Wilkes.
1 The Way Of The Dragon: Chuck Norris vs Bruce Lee
Orange Sky Golden Harvest
Written, co-produced, and directed by martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, The Way of the Dragon is an action-comedy. It centers around a man, Tang, portrayed by Bruce Lee, from Hong Kong, who visits his family in Italy to help defend them from the local gangsters. Norris portrays Colt, a world-class martial artist hired by the gangster leader to take down Tang. The fight scene between the two martial arts legends is every martial arts action film fan’s dream. It’s a 10-minute scene that starts with the two warming up to fight. This particular fight scene really shows that the film was directed by someone who knows and appreciates martial arts, as there are no camera shakes or blurs. The scene’s main focus is highlighting the martial artists and their skills. Even when Lee defeats Norris by snapping his neck, he respectfully lays down Norris’ body, covering it with his gi and black belt as a gesture of respect. One can’t be a fan of Norris’ work and not have seen this iconic fight scene.
