Bloodsport (1988)

Kernel Score: 77% · 2,081 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Action, Thriller, Drama

Released: 1988-02-26

Runtime: 92 minutes

Is Bloodsport worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A cheesy, high-kicking martial-arts tournament film that made Jean-Claude Van Damme a star. It is simple and silly, but the fights are the point and fans love it.

Watch it if you

  • love 1980s martial-arts tournament movies
  • enjoy Van Damme in his prime
  • want simple, fight-focused fun

Skip it if you

  • need a strong script or acting
  • dislike dated action clichés

Best for: Retro action night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Bloodsport

  • Stream: Fubo, Philo, MGM+
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Plex
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

An American Army Major goes AWOL to Hong Kong for an outlawed martial arts contest called the Kumite.

Bloodsport parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Bloodsport is an R-rated martial arts action film centered on an underground fighting tournament.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — R-rated film built around brutal underground martial arts tournament fighting.
  • Language: Some — R rating suggests some profanity typical of 1980s action films.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Bloodsport

If you liked Bloodsport, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Police Story (1985) — 87%: Classic martial-arts action with inventive stunts
  • Fist of Legend (1994) — 86%: Well-regarded kung fu film built on great fights
  • Blood and Bone (2009) — 83%: Modern fight-driven action with a straightforward hero
  • The Way of the Dragon (1972) — 83%: Bruce Lee classic with an iconic showdown
  • Ip Man 2 (2010) — 83%: Fight-driven drama with strong choreography
  • Unleashed (2005) — 76%: Martial arts action with a fighter pushed into brutal bouts

Director

Newt Arnold

Cast

  • Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank
  • Donald Gibb as Jackson
  • Leah Ayres as Janice
  • Norman Burton as Helmer
  • Forest Whitaker as Rawlins
  • Bolo Yeung as Chong Li
  • Roy Chiao as Tanaka
  • Philip Chan Yan-Kin as Captain Chen
  • Pierre Rafini as Young Frank
  • Kenneth Siao Wai-Keung as Victor

Bloodsport FAQ

Is Bloodsport worth watching?

Depends on your taste. A cheesy, high-kicking martial-arts tournament film that made Jean-Claude Van Damme a star. It is simple and silly, but the fights are the point and fans love it.

Where can I watch Bloodsport?

In the US you can stream Bloodsport on Fubo, Philo and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Plex.

Is Bloodsport OK for kids?

Bloodsport is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Bloodsport is an R-rated martial arts action film centered on an underground fighting tournament.

What movies are like Bloodsport?

If you liked Bloodsport, try Police Story, Fist of Legend, Blood and Bone and The Way of the Dragon.