American Ninja (1985) is a martial arts action film directed by Sam Firstenberg and starring Michael Dudikoff as the titular character. The movie became a cult classic, particularly popular in the 1980s for fans of action and martial arts cinema.

The story follows Joe Armstrong (played by Dudikoff), a quiet and skilled U.S. Army recruit stationed in the Philippines. When Joe’s convoy is ambushed by a group of ninjas, he single-handedly takes them on, revealing his mysterious martial arts abilities. His actions draw the attention of his fellow soldiers, his superiors, and the local crime syndicate led by the ruthless Black Star Ninja.

As Joe delves deeper into the syndicate’s activities, he uncovers a plot involving weapons smuggling, and he finds himself fighting against corrupt elements within his own ranks. He teams up with fellow soldier Curtis Jackson (played by Steve James), and together, they take on the deadly ninjas to stop the criminal organization.

American Ninja is known for its high-octane action sequences, hand-to-hand combat, and Dudikoff’s portrayal of the stoic, enigmatic hero. While the plot is straightforward, the film’s charm lies in its martial arts choreography, classic 80s action tropes, and the dynamic between Dudikoff and Steve James. It gained a strong fan base and led to several sequels, cementing its status as a key entry in the 1980s action genre.