Ninja: American Warrior

In his attempt to be the most powerful man in the world, Justin Taylor, leader of a sinister Ninja army, has become the largest narcotics smuggler in the orient. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hong Kong Police have joined forces with the CIA and a brilliant policewoman, the awesome Amazonia, to bring down Taylor by any means, at any cost. The CIA operative chosen for the task ultimately realizes that the man he must kill was his closest friend in the war. Torn between justice and loyalty he's got to make the most crucial decision of his life.

Directed by Cheng Kei-Ying, Ninja: American Warrior leans on a strong ensemble — Jeff Houston, John Wilford, Glen Carson — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1987.