5 Chuck Norris movies you have to watch to celebrate late action star's iconic legacy
Iconic action hero, martial arts champion, and 'Walker, Texas Ranger' star Chuck Norris passed away at the age of 86 on Friday, March 20, after he was hospitalized by his family in Hawaii on Thursday. Furthermore, his family posted a statement, "While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace." Norris led an extremely prolific career as an action hero in the 1970s and the 1980s. Here's our pick for the top five Chuck Norris movies you need to watch in his honor.
1) Lone Wolf McQuade
This 1983 action cult classic is remarkable since it does not rely solely on Norris's typical martial arts skills to advance the narrative. Instead, 'Lone Wolf McQuade' blended action with Western-style storytelling, also paving the way for the lone wolf Texas Ranger archetype so cleverly utilized by Norris in his later years. Both Norris and David Carradine emphasized performing plenty of the action sequences themselves rather than using stunt doubles, thereby enhancing the film's practical impact. 'Lone Wolf McQuade' is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
2) Invasion U.S.A.
Back when it was released in 1985, 'Invasion U.S.A' was trashed by eminent film critic Roger Ebert, who called it 'brain-damaged.' Indeed, 'Invasion U.S.A' does not attempt to hide the fact that its entire premise perhaps shamelessly depends on the Reagan-era paranoia that marked the final years of the prolonged Cold War. Several years later, the action sequences still retain some of their original spark. The reason is that the production featured large-scale explosions in Atlanta and captured the practical effects on camera. The film is available on Prime Video.
3) The Delta Force
Besides Norris, Lee Marvin was another prominent draw for this 1986 movie. The chemistry between Marvin and Norris worked out in an exemplary fashion, with the former personifying Old Hollywood glamour and Norris at his stoic best. The incidents in the movie were loosely based on the real events surrounding TWA Flight 847. The film's music found countless admirers and even became the theme of ABC’s Indianapolis 500. Ben Gurion Airport in Israel was one of the most important locations used in the film. 'The Delta Force' is available to watch on Prime Video.
4) Code of Silence
This 1985 film was originally supposed to be the fourth instalment in the 'Dirty Harry' franchise, starring Clint Eastwood. However, fate had other plans, and the project finally fell into Norris's lap after six other actors turned it down and Warner Bros. passed. Andrew Davis's exemplary direction brought the gritty backdrop of Chicago to life as a character. 'Code of Silence' is available for streaming on MGM+.
5) Missing in Action
Finally, Norris's 'Missing in Action' films were often heavily criticized for their similarities with Stallone's 'Rambo' franchise. However, there's more beneath the surface. This film was dedicated by Norris to his brother Wieland, who was killed in Vietnam in the 1970s. The emotional undertones compensate for the overtly jingoistic plot, and Norris's action sequences shine forth effortlessly. The film is available to watch on Prime Video.
