Action Addicts Network

Does Scott Adkins really need an introduction? Well just in case you’re new to this genre, Scott is a British actor and martial artist known for his incredible skills in the realm of action cinema, our friend Mike Scott labelled him “the human special effect” for a reason. With his impressive athleticism, Adkins has captivated audiences with his high-energy performances and intense fight sequences for decades. Here, I give you my picks for the top 10 Scott Adkins movies that showcase his martial arts prowess and establish him as a formidable force in the action genre.

1. Undisputed III: Redemption (2010): In this thrilling instalment of the Undisputed series, Adkins reprises the role of Yuri Boyka, a tenacious fighter seeking redemption in a brutal prison tournament. Adkins’ exceptional athleticism and martial arts mastery shine through in every action-packed scene, making this film a standout in his career.

2. Ninja: Shadow of a Tear (2013): Adkins portrays Casey Bowman, a skilled martial artist driven by revenge after the murder of his wife. With lightning-fast moves and jaw-dropping fight choreography, Adkins delivers an electrifying performance, cementing this movie as a fan-favourite in his filmography. Special mention has to be given to just how broken Scott was during filming. With several moves needing to be reworked to accommodate his injured knee and back, you’d never be able to tell. Especially with the jaw dropping finale alongside Kane Kosugi.

3. Accident Man (2018): In this darkly comedic action film, Adkins plays Mike Fallon, a hitman known for making his killings look like accidents. Adkins’ versatility shines as he seamlessly blends martial arts with witty banter, creating a unique and captivating character. The film is also a who’s who of martial arts pedigree, making it a treat in of itself to see Scott take on the likes of Michael Jai White, Ray Park and Amy Johnston, in between a few nameless thugs of course.

4. Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012): Adkins joins forces with action legends Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren in this gritty instalment of the Universal Soldier series. As John, a man seeking vengeance against rogue Universal Soldiers, Adkins showcases his dynamic fight skills alongside a gripping and complex narrative. We are also treated to some of the biggest budget fight scenes of Scott’s career. Beautifully shot and hauntingly memorable, regardless of what you think of it I promise you it isn’t a film you’ll forget 5 minutes after watching.

5. Avengement (2019): Adkins delivers a tour de force performance as Cain Burgess, a hardened criminal seeking retribution against those who wronged him. With a raw intensity and physicality, Adkins brings this gritty and violent tale of vengeance to life, leaving audiences mesmerized. This one is a great demonstration of how Adkins can adapt his on screen physicality to fit a totally new type of role, there’s no perfect spin kicks here. Just hard hitting brutality.

6. The Debt Collector 2 (2020): Reprising his role as a martial arts expert turned debt collector, Scott Adkins delivers another hard-hitting performance in this action-packed sequel. With relentless fight sequences and a gritty narrative, Adkins showcases his prowess as both an actor and a martial artist, solidifying “The Debt Collector 2” as a must-watch film for fans of intense action cinema. This entry is also lighter in tone than the original, making it a more easily digestible popcorn film without losing it’s gritty edge.

7. Ninja (2009): In this martial arts extravaganza, Adkins stars as Casey Bowman, a Westerner who trains in the ancient art of Ninjutsu. With awe-inspiring fight sequences and stunning visuals, Adkins proves his dedication to the craft and solidifies his status as a martial arts action star. Full disclosure this film is a very mixed bag and not one I personally enjoyed the first time around. As the years have gone by however the fight scenes still hold up, if you just want to see Scott take out a whole room full of “ninjas” then that alone might be worth sticking it on!

8. Savage Dog (2017): Adkins portrays Martin Tillman, a former boxer imprisoned in Indochina, in this gritty and violent action film. With a relentless display of fighting skills and a captivating performance, Adkins delivers an intense and brutal portrayal that showcases his versatility as an actor. This is also the first time that Scott would work with director Jesse V. Johnson who would go on to be one of his most frequent collaborators.

9. Boyka: Undisputed IV (2016): Returning to his iconic role as Yuri Boyka, Adkins delivers another knockout performance in this thrilling installment of the Undisputed series. With breathtaking fight choreography and a compelling redemption arc, Adkins reaffirms his position as one of the most formidable martial arts actors of our time. Made all the more notable with the absence of Undisputed 2&3 director Isaac Florentine yet still delivering on what fans expect.

10. Eliminators (2016): In this action-packed thriller, Adkins plays a former federal agent forced to protect his family from a group of dangerous criminals. With relentless action sequences and intense fight scenes, the film is also notable for bringing Stu Bennett (I Am Vengeance), credited here as Wade Barrett, out of the wrestling ring and into the DTV action scene. Adkins and Wade both bring a dynamic energy to the film, solidifying its place in the top 10.

From the gritty world of underground fighting to the shadowy realm of ninjas and assassins, Scott Adkins has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the action genre. Through his exceptional martial arts skills, raw physicality, and captivating performances, Adkins has enthralled audiences in each of the top 10 movies on this list. Whether it’s his breakout role as Yuri Boyka or his portrayal of vengeful anti-heroes, Adkins continues to push the boundaries of action cinema, leaving us eagerly anticipating his next thrilling endeavour.

Now it’s time to have your say. Feel free to tell me how wrong I am in the comments below and let me know what some of your favourites are!