The “Blood-Soaked” ’80s Action Cult Classic That’s a Hit on Free Streaming

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A truly wild, exciting, and arguably one of the greatest action movies from the 1980s is now available to watch for free. The 80s were definitely the peak of action cinema, launching the careers of stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, and giving us iconic films such as Lethal Weapon, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, the best Indiana Jones adventure (Raiders of the Lost Ark), the beloved Highlander, and countless others. However, one film perfectly captured the decade’s over-the-top action while also incorporating the rising popularity of Asian martial arts films. We’re referring to Bloodsport, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme – often called the Muscles from Brussels – and considered by many to be his best work, which is currently available to stream without a subscription.

I’m excited to share that Bloodsport is currently available to stream on Tubi, and it’s really gaining traction! Right now, it’s the ninth most popular movie on the platform. This 1988 film, directed by Newt Arnold, was a huge breakthrough for Jean-Claude Van Damme, really launching his career. It was his first big hit, and it opened doors to roles in films like Kickboxer, Double Impact, Hard Target, and the beloved Street Fighter. He even had a cameo on Friends and starred in a ton of Coors Light commercials! It’s great to see this classic getting so much attention again.

Bloodsport has a classic ’80s action storyline: a former soldier competes in a brutal, no-holds-barred martial arts tournament where the stakes are life and death. Jean-Claude Van Damme plays Frank Dux, the soldier in question. Honestly, the story is pretty straightforward. People don’t really watch Bloodsport for a complex plot; they watch it for the amazing kickboxing action. While not realistic, the film’s violent and bloody fight scenes are iconic and have become a memorable part of movie history.

‘Bloodsport’ Is an ’80s Cult Classic


Image via Warner Bros.

It’s common to label older movies as cult classics, but that term generally applies to two kinds of films: those that didn’t do well in theaters initially but gained popularity through home video or streaming, and those that critics disliked but audiences embraced. Bloodsport fits the second description. Released in 1988, it earned over $50 million globally. While that may not seem huge now, it’s a significant accomplishment given its production cost of just $1.5 million. However, critics weren’t convinced by Jean-Claude Van Damme’s film, dismissing it as pure fantasy with a thin storyline. Currently, the film has a 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a mix of original and more recent reviews-a truly divisive score.

Despite its age, Bloodsport remains a beloved film for action movie enthusiasts. It’s considered one of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s most well-known movies, alongside titles like Kickboxer and Deep Impact. While the fight choreography is over-the-top, the movie leans into its silliness, which is why fans enjoy it so much. It currently boasts a solid 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Furthermore, the film has had a lasting impact, inspiring numerous parodies and tributes in other action films – and Van Damme’s signature splits-punch has become a famous cinematic moment.

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2025-10-03 03:00