At the very end of 1977, George Atkinson opened Video Station in Los Angeles, a turning point that would lead to a completely different way that people consumed media: VHS rentals. The format dominated the market in the ’80s and ’90s, until 2006, when A History of Violence became the last commercially released movie in the format. The format remains popular, and you can still find avid collectors and companies that produce limited runs of new releases on the format.
What made this period so nostalgic, even for those who did not live through it, was the sense of community it created around movies; even early online forums would participate in VHS sales and exchanges, introducing many to foreign cinema for the first time. At the same time, it allowed new studios to emerge, eliminating the need for them to go through theaters to make a profit. Studios with a focus on action, such as AIP, Cannon Group, and PM Entertainment, would thrive during this period through direct-to-market sales, and new action stars would emerge, remaining cult favorites to this day.
To celebrate one of the most exciting periods of action cinema, here are 10 great forgotten gems from the VHS Era.
‘Seven’ (1979)
Set among the luxurious beaches and hippest Tiki bars of Hawaii, Seven revolves around a dangerous cartel that has employed seven different mobsters to assassinate political leaders in a bid to put control of the islands in their hands. To stop them, the government hires Agent Drew Sevano, who in turn recruits several other skilled agents to combat the deadly seven, utilizing everything from high-tech gadgets to martial arts.
Seven V Seven in Hawaii
Director Andy Sidaris would gain cult notoriety with his film Hard Ticket To Hawaii, highlighted by several absurd scenes of violence and a giant toilet snake to cap off its final moments. Yet, the rest of the director’s filmography does not always get the same love. Seven may not have the same flair for absurdity. However, it is still a large-scale action flick, set against the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii, and featuring a cast of regulars who have become their own mini-icons within the director’s work. Sidaris was meant for VHS, as he was all about sensational content, from the poster to him giving his own work the title of BBB films (Bullets, Bombs, and Babes).
‘Raw Force’ (1982)
A group of martial arts students embarks on a trip to a place known as “the forbidden island,” which legend has it hosts a legendary tournament. The opportunity to prove themselves while visiting an exotic location, though, is soon thrown into chaos when they learn that the island is run by cannibalistic monks, who resurrect the dead bodies of disgraced warriors for their entertainment, while also dabbling in human trafficking. The vacation turns into a fight for survival for the martial artists and a handful of tourists lured in with them.
An Entertaining Mash-up of Action and Horror
Raw Force throws a bunch of stuff at the wall, with its cannibalistic monks and zombie martial artists bringing gore, comedy, and horror to the martial arts-heavy action film. The essential element here, however, is that the film remains an action film first and foremost. Despite its bizarre tangents into the macabre, it still stays grounded in some exciting action sequences. With a group of friends, and you’re not sure whether to watch horror or action? Raw Force is the perfect piece of B-Movie madness to cast that wide net.
‘Revenge of the Ninja’ (1983)
Cho Ishikawa, a highly skilled ninja, decides to leave Japan and turn over a new leaf in America after all of his family, except his mother and son, are killed by a rival clan. Here, he starts an antique art store, but unknowingly becomes involved in crime as those bankrolling his gallery are using the items to smuggle in drugs. When he learns of the betrayal, his partner, hiding his ninja background, kills Cho’s mother and kidnaps his son, forcing him to take up the mantle of killer ninja once again.
Never Cross a Ninja
When looking at all the movies that came out during the height of ninja-mania, many American productions offered up a pretty watered-down and misguided vision of what a ninja even is. While Revenge of the Ninja still has its flaws, it comes pretty damn close to honoring the Japanese martial art of ninjitsu while still delivering an engaging tale of revenge. The final showdown between Cho and his business partner is also quite the amazing final sequence in an already well-made action flick.
‘Private Wars’ (1984)
A wealthy businessman is pressuring the tight-knit residents of an old neighborhood to give up their homes so he can develop the property. When the residents resist, corrupt police officers and paid gangs come in to raise hell. Jack Manning (Steve Railsback), an alcoholic ex-cop, becomes the only man who can save the desperate community as he seeks his own redemption, pitting himself against the odds.
A Chance for Redemption
Private Wars starts with a bang, offering up the perfect opening for almost any ’90s action movie: a long, drawn-out car chase with explosions. From there, it turns into a gritty street-level drama with dark humor and explosive moments of violence. Steve Railsback is also one of the many actors of the era who developed a small yet vocal fandom for his ability to tackle intense, conflicted characters, such as the cops who break all the rules, the outsider righteous rebel coming in to clean up the town, etc.
‘Deadbeat at Dawn’ (1988)
Goose is the leader of a gang known as the Ravens, one of two in Dayton, Ohio. He decides to quit, though, to pursue an honest life with his girlfriend Christie. Yet, when the rival gang, The Spiders, hears of this news, they don’t like their rival walking away unscathed, and kill Christie. Goose then goes into a sharp decline, ultimately being brought back into the Ravens, who now have made a tenuous agreement with the Spiders. A double cross leads to a long and deadly chase as Goose flees from the Spiders after a bank heist goes awry, and he manages to escape with the money.
The Death and Resurrection of the Deadbeat
Deadbeat at Dawn hits differently, a grimy action flick with a nihilistic and punk attitude that has earned it enduring cult success. Yet, outside of that, the movie does not always receive its due credit for being a solid action flick. Themed gangs are a staple of the ’80s, and the Ravens and the Spiders are both a joy to watch when they come head-to-head against each other. The small-budget film also oozes punk energy in its score and visuals, which make its drama-focused elements still enjoyably intense. The movie’s title is also a subtle nod to Romero, and Director Jim Van Bebber’s action very much draws from the kind of spurts of intensity as seen in Assault on Precinct 13.
‘Russian Terminator’ (1990)
Mark Robinson is a former FBI agent and adept ninja who now runs a nightclub. Wanting a more peaceful life, Robinson is convinced to come out of retirement when a friend at his bar requests his help to save a man with political ties from a shady organization.
Stumbling into Action
A cookie-cutter plot, a poster that infamously has another man other than the lead on the front, and an attempt to tap into the Terminator craze (the film also goes by The Russian Ninja). What could possibly be good? Well, Russian Terminator falls into the so-bad-it’s-good territory, with a schlubby, awkward lead who fumbles through a series of disjointed plots. The good news is that he also gets in some gnarly kills. The film is fun for those looking for a bit of silliness framed by some cool shoot-outs; perfect for a movie night with friends.
‘Never Too Young to Die’ (1986)
College Gymnast Lance Stargrove (John Stamos) has grown resentful and distant from his father, whose seemingly carefree life does not consider his son. When Drew returns home for a visit, he learns that his father was a secret agent who was murdered by fellow secret agent Danja Deering, who is watching over his house. Lance is stubborn in his quest to learn more about his dad, which leads him into a grander conspiracy, orchestrated by shock rocker Von Ragnar (Gene Simmons), who plans to poison the city’s water supply.
Uncle Jessie Versus “Kiss”
There is some undeniable awkwardness with a trans villain here that will be hard for some to approach. However, once making it past that unsavory bit, Never Too Young to Die is a bizarre thrill ride, featuring apocalyptic warriors, over-the-top biker bars, gymnastics, shootouts, and one of the best car chases committed to the genre. Of course, a love for Uncle Jesse (that many certainly share) also brings an undeniable charm to the production. While Gene Simmons’ character is problematic, it is a rather charming role for him, otherwise, which shows that he has acting chops.
‘Street Asylum’ (1990)
Sergeant Arliss Ryder (Wings Hauser), one of the force’s finest, finds himself forced to move to a new wing of the police force, a unit called SQUAD (Scum Quelling Urban Assault Division), after an injury forces him to partner with the unhinged squad’s agents in a babysitter role. Despite their violent tendencies, the team earns favor with the public for killing criminals. Yet, as Arliss becomes more involved, he learns that there is something nefarious going on that sees straight-laced cops become violent killers for a corrupt politician.
Cops Gone Rabid
When Wings Hauser is the most tame character in a movie, you know you are in for over-the-top performances. Street Asylum is comically intense, with cops gone bad turned up to 11 as they throw themselves at criminals as if they were rabid animals. The accompanying action matches the pace of its crazed cops. Introducing elements of sci-fi also adds a layer of genre appeal for those who enjoy their action blended with other genres. It is far from perfect, but it does have the late great Wings Hauser, some unintentional comedy, and great fast-paced action sequences.
‘Razor Sharpe’ (2001)
Martial artist and aspiring actor, Razor Sharpe (Troy N. Ashford), is doing everything he can to break into Hollywood. He takes a chance on a small-budget film, but soon learns that the production is a front for real-life robbery and murder when another gang approaches him before his shoot. Sharpe then finds himself between two gangs, playing the patsy for one by trying to lure them out the other. When he arrives, chaos ensues, and Sharpe has to fight his way out.
A One-Man Army
One phenomenon that emerged in the VHS era was the writer/director/producer/actor (and likely caterer) filmmakers who leveraged affordability to bring their artistic vision to life. This has led to some so-bad-it’s-good action classics like Twin Dragons and Champagne and Bullets. Yet, sometimes this availability of filmmaking to the masses resulted in some surprisingly great action movies. Razor Sharpe suffers in the plot and editing department. Still, as far as action, this one delivers with some outstanding choreography, and Troy N. Ashford has a lot of natural charisma to keep viewers invested—a flawed but delightful early 2000s action outing.
‘Bloodmoon’ (1997)
New York finds itself up against a vicious serial killer, a man with steel claws who only targets established martial artists. Eccentric cop (Who doesn’t love a cop who tries to lighten the mood with magic tricks), Chuck Baker, is struggling to find any leads. To help the case, the force brings in retired martial artist and criminal profiler Ken O’Hara (Gary Daniels) to assist in the investigation. Chuck and Ken race to find the killer before another martial artist is murdered, but with Ken’s own past, he himself becomes a target.
A Martial Arts Killer
Gary Daniels is in it. That is all that many fans of the era should need to know, even though not all the action stars’ ’90s outings are made equal. Yet, Bloodmoon stands out as an interesting take on a familiar formula. It has all the detectives on a case and martial arts battles one would expect, but with a killer who instead targets other fighters. The clawed serial killer also brings some charisma to his role, with a fun costume/persona and his own live stream of his crimes, which he sends out to taunt police. This one is solid from start to finish, featuring some great action-packed fight sequences.