American Ninja Movies: Release Order
The American Ninja franchise is a series of B-movie martial arts adventures from Cannon Films that defined 1980s ninja action cinema. Starting with Joe Armstrong's mysterious past and ninja abilities, the series follows American protagonists battling criminal ninja organizations across exotic locations.
This release order watch list includes all five films, though it's worth noting that the series shifts focus from Joe Armstrong to Sean Davidson by the third film, with both heroes uniting in the fourth entry. American Ninja 5 stands apart as an unrelated spin-off featuring a completely different protagonist, making it optional viewing for those interested only in the connected storyline.
There is 1 other watch order available - see the link up above.
American Ninja
An orphaned drifter with martial arts skills joins the American Army in the Philippines, where he must use his ninja abilities to rescue a colonel's daughter from rebels attempting to steal military weapons.
Affiliate link - no extra cost
American Ninja 2: The Confrontation
Army Ranger Joe Armstrong returns to face off against an evil super-criminal known as "The Lion" who has created an army of mutant ninja warriors on a remote Caribbean island.
Affiliate link - no extra cost
American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt
Jackson teams up with karate champion Sean to face a deadly terrorist known as "The Cobra" who has infected Sean with a dangerous virus. The duo must battle through hordes of ninjas to stop this lethal threat.
Affiliate link - no extra cost
American Ninja 4: The Annihilation
Two American ninjas join forces to take down a dangerous terrorist and his army of skilled ninja warriors in this action-packed martial arts sequel.
Affiliate link - no extra cost
American Ninja 5
American Ninja teams up with his young protégé to rescue a kidnapped scientist's daughter in this martial arts action adventure.
Affiliate link - no extra cost
Other Film Series
Airport
A 1970s disaster movie franchise featuring airline catastrophes and all-star ensemble casts.
Jack Ryan
CIA analyst Jack Ryan becomes an unlikely action hero in this Cold War thriller trilogy based on Tom Clancy's novels.
Lone Wolf and Cub
A legendary samurai saga following Ogami Ittō and his son Daigoro as they travel Japan seeking vengeance and justice.
Mad Max
A post-apocalyptic action franchise following the lone warrior Max Rockatansky as he navigates a dangerous wasteland filled with marauders and survivors.
Mission: Impossible
Tom Cruise stars as IMF agent Ethan Hunt in this action-packed spy franchise known for elaborate stunts and impossible missions.
Shaft
A multi-generational action franchise following the Shaft family of private detectives across five decades, from the original blaxploitation classic to modern action films.