Kickboxer released in theatres. September 08, 1989 American martial arts film directed by David Worth and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Former world kickboxing champion Dennis Alexio is also featured. The plot revolves around Kurt Sloane (Van Damme) seeking revenge on the fearsome kickboxing champion Tong Po (Michel Qissi) who paralyzed his brother Eric Sloane (Dennis Alexio). The film is regarded as the first movie to bring Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) to a global audience

Produced by Kings Road Entertainment and released by The Cannon Group, Inc., it grossed $50 million on a budget of $2.7 million. It spawned several sequels.