If You Wish There Were More Rambo Films, Check Out This Forgotten 1980s Action Movie Trilogy

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If you’re a fan of John Rambo, the Missing in Action trilogy is definitely worth watching. The 1980s and 90s were full of action movies, especially when the Rambo films were popular, but it’s rare to find other movies that capture the same feel and appeal.

It’s hard to find movies quite like it, but a few come close. Kirk Douglas’ Only the Brave shares similar themes with the original First Blood. And while different in style, Mission in Action is also reminiscent of the Rambo films – so much so that critics pointed out the similarities.

Chuck Norris’ Character In Missing In Action Is A Lot Like Rambo

Chuck Norris plays James Braddock in three Missing in Action films. Braddock is an American soldier who was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Like John Rambo in First Blood, Braddock’s time as a POW involved torture, and that experience continues to affect him mentally, as shown in the third movie.

I was really struck by how much Braddock reminded me of Rambo. Like Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character, he’s essentially a one-man army. The film shows us his years of military experience and training put to use in incredibly tense situations – he’s equally skilled with a gun and in hand-to-hand combat. What really stood out was his willingness to use any means necessary – guerrilla warfare, lethal force, you name it – to take down anyone who opposes him. It definitely felt like a throwback to those classic 80s Rambo films.

Missing In Action Is Basically Rambo 2, But It’s Not A Copycat

It’s striking how similar Rambo and Missing in Action are, especially since the first Missing in Action movie follows the same plot as Rambo: First Blood Part II. Both films involve the main character returning to Vietnam years after escaping to secretly rescue prisoners of war who were abandoned – a mission Rambo undertook in his 1984 film.

Okay, so a lot of people thought Missing in Action was just trying to be another First Blood Part II, and honestly, I kind of got that impression when I first saw it. But it’s interesting – Norris’ movie actually came out a few months before the second Rambo film! Still, rumors spread that it was a copycat, and some people even claimed the studio knew what the First Blood sequel was going to be about beforehand, which seemed pretty far-fetched to me.

Despite speculation, those involved denied any direct connection between the films. James Bruner, the screenwriter of Missing in Action, stated the movie was actually based on James Pollock’s book, Mission MIA (according to JoBlo.com). While Missing in Action might have benefited from the popularity of the first Rambo film, it wasn’t simply a copy of First Blood Part II.

Why The Missing In Action Movies Are Worth Watching

Despite being a modest success in theaters, Missing in Action was ultimately overshadowed by the more popular First Blood Part II and didn’t receive good reviews. While it and its sequel earned enough to justify a third film, none of the movies have been critically acclaimed.

While the Missing in Action trilogy doesn’t reach the emotional depth of the original First Blood, these films are solid action movies. They consistently deliver exciting sequences, and Chuck Norris is perfectly cast as a resourceful, one-man army. Overall, the trilogy is more enjoyable than many people remember.

Unlike the Rambo films, this series features a lot of martial arts action. Chuck Norris, as a world karate champion, brings a different style of action to the screen than Sylvester Stallone, and his skills are prominently showcased throughout the franchise, especially in the second and third movies.

The ending of Missing in Action 2: The Beginning features a skillfully-executed hand-to-hand fight for Chuck Norris, and the film also gives him plenty of chances to show off his famous kicks as he portrays James Braddock.

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2025-11-09 00:39