Few have made such an indelible mark within this generation of action cinema as Michael Jai White. And how could he not? Good looking, incredible physique, fantastic actor, great writer, excellent director, and a highly extensive knowledge, and absolute mastery of the martial arts. Truth be told, he is the complete package. This list is not only focused on movies that contain MJW as either a main (or at the very least a major character), but also purely on action movies, and movies that showcase MJW best as an action performer.
10. Under Siege (2017)
The third entry in the S.W.A.T. franchise (yes, there are 3 of them) goes the Assault on Precinct 13 route, but this time, they have an ace up their sleeve. This time, they have MJW. The Black Dragon injects some much needed life into this franchise, making this entry the best one to date, with non-stop action all around, and White playing the “Badass with the shadowy past” role for all it’s worth.
9. Never Back Down 2 (2011)
MJW becomes a new age Mr. Miyagi in this sequel to the 2007 Karate Kid rip-off in which he also made his directorial debut. While the movie is more or less focused on the teen MMA fighters, MJW completely steals the show as the lovable teacher with a heart of ice, while also being the centerpiece for the standout fight scene of the movie where he takes on a group of bad cops… while handcuffed!
8. The Hard Way (2019)
So, after this was kind of unceremoniously dumped onto Netflix without so much as an announcement, my expectations were a bit low, but this was surprisingly a highly enjoyable action yarn. And with well choreographed action scenes by the great Tim Man, a decent story, and some fine performances from MJW, Luke Goss, and MMA legend Randy Couture, this underdog of an action flick is a true winner. And remember guys, when MJW says “No means no, motherf*cker.”, you better listen.
7. Never Back Down No Surrender (2016)
MJW steps up from supporting to lead role in the third entry (what’s up with MJW and part 3s?) of this MMA franchise and brings the noise in the best installment of the series yet! Fantastic fight sequences, great direction (by MJW himself) and excellent performances from the cast make this a solid actioner that proves White is as good behind the camera as he is in front of it.RELATED:
Michael Jai White: Biography, Personal Life, Photos, News.
6. Universal Soldier The Return (1999)
While this unfairly maligned sequel is sooo awesome on its own, MJW’s performance as supervillain SETH elevates to ultimate action classic status, with an epic climactic fight with legendary action icon JCVD that is one for the ultimate action record books.
5. Skin Trade (2014)
Awesome shootouts & chases, as well as incredible fight scenes (especially the one between MJW & Tony Jaa) combined with one of the best action casts ever assembled truly make this one of the top action gems of the decade (wink, wink).
4. Triple Threat (2019)
An ultimate action movie fan’s dream, Triple Threat brought together the talents of MJW, Scott Adkins, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Tiger Chen, Jeeja Yanin, and former UFC champion and legendary badass Michael Bisping in a beautiful smorgasbord of action and stunts brought to incredible life by action auteur Jesse V. Johnson and fight choreographer Tim Man.
3. Falcon Rising (2014)
With some incredible fight choreography on display, a commanding lead performance from MJW, and a compelling story, Falcon Rising was an excellent introduction to a new ultimate action badass in John “Falcon” Chapman that surely should have lead to an awesome series of films.
2. Undisputed 2 (2006)
Who knew that this sequel to an ok but fairly unmemorable prison boxing movie would lead to not only one the most definable franchises in the history of action cinema, but also to leads MJW & Scott Adkins, as well as action mastermind Isaac Florentine becoming action movie icons? I did… the second the credits started rolling.