Fans of The Raid: These Are Iko Uwais’ Other Best Martial Arts Films

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Iwa Uwais is a prominent action movie star. While the film industry boasts many iconic performers, action films have consistently been the best at launching actors to superstardom – though this happens less often now than it did in the ’80s and ’90s. Today’s big action movies often focus on spectacle, but martial arts films still rely heavily on physically skilled lead actors. The John Wick series, boosted by Keanu Reeves’ impressive stunts, is a prime example of a popular action franchise. Iwa Uwais has also become a major force in the genre, largely due to his roles in The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2, though he isn’t as widely recognized as Reeves.

When it was released in the early 2010s, The Raid was a thrilling and innovative action film that had a big impact on the genre. It sparked a renewed focus on fast-paced, close-up fighting, a style we still see in action movies today. While Uwais is best known for The Raid and its sequel, he’s also been in many other excellent action films worth checking out.

Who is Iko Uwais?

The Raid’s Martial Arts Star

Iko Uwais didn’t initially set out to be an actor. He grew up training in silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art, thanks to his grandfather, a renowned teacher. Director Gareth Evans stumbled upon Iko while filming a documentary about silat and was immediately impressed by his natural charm and on-screen ability. Evans gave Iko his big break, and the two formed a hugely successful partnership. Iko’s first film was Merantau, which also launched the career of Yayan Ruhian. Together, Evans, Uwais, and Ruhian created some of the most memorable action movies of the 2010s.

Wow, where do I even begin with The Raid: Redemption? This movie completely changed the action game, honestly. It felt like the impact The Matrix had back in the ’90s – a total game-changer. But beyond its influence, it’s just a near-perfect action film. It’s a non-stop, brutal ride with some of the most realistic and impactful fight choreography I’ve ever seen. The characters are simple, but you instantly connect with them, and the actors are perfectly cast. What really sets The Raid apart is how the action feels so personal – these aren’t just fights, they’re intense, emotional battles between people who are evenly matched. The sequel was great, don’t get me wrong, but it lost some of that raw, immediate energy of the original. While Iko Uwais might not top The Raid again, he’s proven he can deliver consistently excellent performances in other films too.

Headshot

Epic Action With A Side Of Amnesia

Timo Tjahjanto and Kimo Stamboel, known as The Mo Brothers, are Indonesian filmmakers who first collaborated while studying in Australia. They made several enjoyable films together, with Headshot being their last project under that name, though they continue to work together. While Stamboel has focused more on horror recently, Tjahjanto is quickly becoming one of the most exciting directors of martial arts films today.

Headshot has a classic setup: Uwais plays Ishmael, a man who adopts that name after losing his memory. He has to battle waves of criminals and assassins to protect the doctor who helped him. The film offers the same over-the-top action and incredible stunts that fans of The Raid will enjoy.

Triple Threat

A Great Showcase For More Than Just Iko Uwais

Many martial arts films highlight the talents of a single performer, but Triple Threat is different – it’s designed to showcase the skills of three masters: Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa, and Tiger Chen. While the movie’s main goal is to bring these three actors together, the story itself isn’t the strongest in their filmographies. The plot involves Chen and Jaa playing soldiers who are tricked into a dangerous mission, ultimately finding themselves caught in a situation where they’re forced to help free terrorists.

Okay, so this movie starts with a really tragic event – an entire village gets wiped out, and it’s brutal. That’s what sets Iko Uwais’ character on this path for revenge. What’s cool is that the three main characters aren’t always on the same side; they switch between being allies and enemies, which keeps things interesting. Honestly, Triple Threat is just a really fun, over-the-top action movie and a great example of what this genre can be. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of the appeal!

The Night Comes For Us

An Action Masterpiece Similar To The Raid Movies

Following the success of The Raid, The Night Comes For Us might be Iko Uwais’ strongest film yet. It’s a relentlessly action-packed movie with a surprisingly deep story, echoing elements of The Raid 2. This time, Joe Taslim takes the lead as a former gang member trying to leave his violent past behind. The film reunites many of the talents from Headshot, including director Timo Tjahjanto. Uwais plays the main villain, another ex-gang member who wants to take down Taslim. Their conflict fuels a larger, chaotic battle between a colorful cast of killers, all showcased in incredible action sequences. It’s a modern martial arts classic that any true fan won’t want to miss.

Iko Uwais is a well-known actor who’s appeared in both major Hollywood films and critically acclaimed independent projects. He’s become a favorite among martial arts movie fans, and while he first gained recognition with The Raid, he continues to be a prominent figure in the industry.

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2025-12-20 18:06