Jaa-Dropping Martial Arts Action
Thai actor, action choreographer, stuntman, director, Buddhist monk, and martial artist Tony Jaa, helped revolutionize martial arts movies. After rising to fame with his breakthrough role in Ong-Bak, Tony Jaa put himself and Muay Thai on the map.
Today, we expect electrifying action sequences and death-defying stunts when we watch Tony Jaa movies.
Did you know? Jaa performs all of his stunts.
Trained in Muay Thai from a young age, Jaa branched out to study Muay Boran, Taekwondo, Judo, and Aikido. His dedication to the authenticity of martial arts on screen and his natural athleticism have allowed him to perform the jaw-dropping stunts that his fans know him for around the world.
Although Jaa’s approach to action in films is influenced by his heroes like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, Jaa has his own unique style. Beyond Tony Jaa's impressive stunt work and action choreography, Jaa's performance in Ong-Bak brought Muay Thai to the global stage.
Muay Thai Before Ong-Bak
Before Tony Jaa, Muay Thai was relatively unheard of outside Thailand, even in the context of action cinema. Through films like Ong-Bak and The Protector, Jaa put on a Muay Thai masterclass that revealed the physical beauty and cultural depth of Muay Thai.
Furthermore, Tony Jaa broke boundaries between Eastern and Western movie fans. His roles in Hollywood films like Furious 7 and xXx: Return of Xander Cage bring his unique style of martial arts to an even broader audience, helping bridge cultural and cinematic gaps.
Tony Jaa's contributions to martial arts cinema have helped pave the way for other martial artists who act in films around the world.
12 of the Best Movies with Tony Jaa
- Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
- The Protector (2005)
- Ong Bak 2 (2008)
- Furious 7 (2015)
- Kill Zone 2 (2015)
- Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016)
- Paradox (2017)
- xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)
- Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy (2018)
- Triple Threat (2019)
- Monster Hunter (2020)
- Expend4bles (2023)
1. Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
Ong-Bak will forever be known as a greatest of all time movie among martial artists and fans. Tony Jaa and the raw athleticism of his role as Ting helped redefine martial arts movies. Forget stunt wires and special effects... this is pure (choreographed) Muay Thai.
Where To Watch
Throughout the film, Jaa delivers bone-crunching blows that leave you speechless. Ong-Bak is not just action though, since the heart of the film lies with Ting's devotion to his village.
Part of the genius here is that Ong-Bak isn't just a fight film, it's a cinematic love letter to Thailand and its traditions. As we mentioned in the intro, Ong-Bak helped make Muay Thai popular on a global scale and continues to inspire a new generation of martial arts fans with each watch.
2. The Protector (2005)
The Protector is a fun ride. Tony Jaa is back with his lightning-fast kicks and vertical agility that almost doesn't seem real. Watching him unleash martial arts fury in the gritty streets of Australia was a refreshing change.
Where To Watch
The fight scenes are brutal, but a tad less impactful than the raw exhibition of power in Ong-Bak. (Jaa's films will likely always be compared to his performance in Ong-Bak, since that's how many of us were introduced to his acting.)
There were a few good laughs, but they didn't quite fill the emotional void left by Ting's village journey in Ong-Bak. Still, a great action flick with lots of action and heart.
3. Ong Bak 2 (2008)
Tony Jaa was an action choreographer, director and stunt coordinator in Ong Bak 2. The film features a lot of the same mind-blowing stunts and action, but the elephant fight scene is unreal.
Where To Watch
While Ong Bak 2 does have its moments, it isn't quite the lightning in a bottle of the first installment. Compared to Ting's village quest in the first film, the revenge plot didn't feel quite as heartfelt.
The historical setting was interesting, but less relatable. Don't get us wrong, the action is incredible, with some truly innovative fight choreography.
It just lacked the emotional connection of Ong-Bak. Overall, Ong Bak 2 is a fun popcorn flick, but not a classic.
4. Furious 7 (2015)
Furious 7 was Jaa's Hollywood debut. Furious 7 is everything you think it is. Action cranked up to eleven? Check. Crazy car chases that defy the laws of physics? Check.
It felt like a fitting tribute to Paul Walker, and it was heartwarming to see the Fast and Furious crew come together. It's almost worth watching just for Tony Jaa's appearances. Jaa isn't the main character, but his fight scene on the bus with Paul Walker is a definite highlight.
Where To Watch
While not quite as grounded as the earlier Fast and Furious films, Furious 7 pushed the boundaries and delivered the action entertainment it promises. (And Ronda Rousey makes an appearance.)
5. Kill Zone 2 (2015)
Kill Zone 2 blows the first movie out of the water! The story is familiar. Undercover cop goes into deep cover... prison corruption leads to a fight for survival, etc., etc.
But with fight scenes this insane, are we really watching for the story? And Tony Jaa plays a prison guard with a conscience? Sign us up!
Where To Watch
The Muay Thai takedowns and MA choreography are brutal and beautiful, which makes for a perfect counterpoint to Wu Jing's acrobatic fighting style. The fight choreography is so next level, you might forgive the arguably overused plot.
Every punch, kick, and elbow feels impactful. Kill Zone 2 is like a martial arts ballet with broken bones for a finale. We highly recommend it, especially for Tony Jaa fans!
6. Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016)
Never Back Down: No Surrender finally delivers the MMA action you're craving. It leaves the high school drama of the first NBD film and gets straight to the point.
The movie takes place in the cold, high-stakes world of underground fighting. Fellow martial artist and actor Michael Jai White plays a major role, with Tony Jaa as his biggest fan.
The scene between MJW and Jaa (where he makes a cameo as himself) is cheesy and lighthearted and seeing Jaa act like that is very... different.
Where To Watch
Never Back Down: No Surrender isn't winning any awards any time soon, and it wasn't trying to.
7. Paradox (2017)
Paradox is surprisingly good. It blends classic Hong Kong action with a gritty crime drama. The fight scenes are a breath of fresh air with no fluff, just hard-hitting hand-to-hand combat.
Strategy and technique replace flashy effects. Wilson Yip (director of Ip Man) does it again.
Where To Watch
Sure, Tony Jaa has a smaller role, but seeing him team up with the lead, Louis Koo, is fun to watch.
The plot isn't groundbreaking, but it serves as a solid foundation for some exciting action sequences. It's a return to form for Hong Kong action cinema and if you're a fan, you'll love every hard-hitting minute of it.
8. xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)
xXx: Return of Xander Cage is full of unapologetic, ridiculous fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously and features Donnie Yen, plus UFC Hall of Famer, Michael Bisping alongside Tony Jaa.
The wild, over-the-top stunts and insane action sequences will have you glued to the screen. Donnie Yen brings his legendary martial arts skills to the table, Kris Wu has moves and tech smarts, and Tony Jaa is perfect for a Xander Cage movie.
Where To Watch
Is the plot full of twists and turns that have you on the edge of your seat? No. Return of Xander Cage is an excuse to watch a few of the most popular action stars at work with each other in highly unlikely situations.
The movie comes across as a live-action video game, which is perfect for a time when you want to shut off your brain and take the ride.
9. Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy (2018)
Master Z isn't quite the knockout that the original is, but it landed some solid punches. The first Ip Man was a masterpiece. Every fight felt meaningful, and Donnie Yen put on the performance of a lifetime.
This spin-off has a pretty generic revenge plot, but the action delivers what it needs to. Seeing Michelle Yeoh back in a fighting role is a welcome treat, and her Wing Chun action sequences are always entertaining.
Where To Watch
Tony Jaa brings his signature Muay Thai-style to their fight scene, which is one of the main highlights from the film. Overall, Master Z is an easy, but forgettable watch.
Maybe they can make another Ip Man movie that successfully recaptures the magic of the first Ip Man, but Master Z is not that film.
10. Triple Threat (2019)
Triple Threat is like an all-you-can-eat martial arts buffet. Iko Uwais (The Raid), Tony Jaa, and Michael Jai White in the same movie? Even better!
Where To Watch
Each of the actors' unique (choreographed) fight styles complement each other perfectly. Uwais' lightning-fast Pencak Silat complements Jaa's signature flair, and White delivers the powerful kicks he's known for. The choreography is fantastic, and showcases their skills in the incredible ways you'd expect.
However, the plot leaves very little to the imagination. How little? Well, it's the age-old good guys vs bad guys story. Honestly, Triple Threat feels like an excuse to get Uwais, Jaa, and MJW together to "fight" on screen.
11. Monster Hunter (2020)
Monster Hunter wasn't quite the epic you might be hoping for, but it had its moments. Milla Jovovich does a great job as the lead and the Monster Hunter world feels dangerous and exciting.
However, fans of the Monster Hunter video game might not appreciate how far the movie strayed from the game's lore. The giant monsters were cool, but they weren't the iconic creatures you know and love (if you played the game).
Tony Jaa is the film's saving grace. His character's hunting skills are a highlight, with some action-packed fight scenes against giant monsters.
Where To Watch
Monster Hunter isn't perfect, but seeing Jaa take down massive beasts with his arsenal and technique is enjoyable. We hope the next Monster Hunter movie does the spirit of the game more justice.
12. Expend4bles (2023)
Nobody goes into an Expendables movie expecting Citizen Kane. It's all about shootouts, explosions, and one-liners.
Expend4bles delivers on the action.
This time, Stallone, Statham, and Lundgren are joined by Tony Jaa. The plot isn't anything special.
A group of mercenaries for hire want revenge against a new villain. The action is brutal and fun, and seeing the all-star cast of old and new-school action stars team up again is always a good time.
Where To Watch
Jaa's fight scenes are epic as usual, especially with the support of the star-studded cast. We'd give Expend4bles a 6/10, but a fun 6/10. Suspend your disbelief, grab some popcorn, and enjoy it.
Stunts and Choreography That Most Actors Can't Perform
So, whether you crave the raw display of Muay Thai power in Ong-Bak or the thrilling world of international fight clubs in Kill Zone 2, Tony Jaa has acted in a movie you'll enjoy.
Jaa's dedication to the martial arts lifestyle and his incredible athleticism have changed martial arts cinema forever. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and settle in for the fight scenes with stunts that make Tony Jaa a true legend.
