Bloodsport (1988)

Bloodsport launched Jean-Claude Van Damme's Hollywood career with its visceral depiction of the Kumite, a secret full-contact tournament in Hong Kong. Made on a modest $1.5 million budget, it earned $11.9 million domestically, a 693% return on investment. Its tournament-fighting format directly inspired Street Fighter II (1991) and Mortal Kombat (1992), though it ranks lower than The 36th Chamber of Shaolin in critical acclaim due to a 45% Rotten Tomatoes score.