Bloodsport (film series)

Bloodsport
Official film series logo
Based onCharacters created by Sheldon Lettich
Starring
Distributed by
Release date
1988-present
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget>$11,500,000 (Total of 2 films)
Box office$65,697,460 (Total of 3 theatrical films)

The Bloodsport franchise consists of American martial arts-sports action-thriller installments including two theatrical films, two straight-to-home video sequels, and one limited release reimagined genderswap-followup. Based on the purported true story experiences of Frank Dux, which have since been called into question, the series centers around the original story written by Sheldon Lettich. The plot involves American characters who compete in underground life-or-death mixed martial arts tournaments, while also competing for the honor of their instructors.

Though Bloodsport was a box office success in 1988,[1] it was initially poorly received critically.[2][3] It has since earned a significant following with modern-day analysis. Film critics have called the movie Van Damme's "crowning achievement",[4] and "magnum opus";[5] categorized as one of "the best of the best",[6] Bloodsport has earned its status as a cult classic.[7][8][9][10] While the sequels have experienced mixed levels of success, the 1997 sequel was met with a warm critical response, with praise directed towards its cast namely Daniel Bernhardt's leading role.[11] While it met expectations of the audience with some calling it superior to the original,[12] its following installments were released via home video debut leading deplinishing financial income. Critical reception thereafter had likewise been meager: the 1998 follow-up received mixed reception;[13][14] the 1999 installment was met with predominantly negative reactions;[15][16] and the 2017 follow-up was met with praise for its graphic fight scenes, with criticism directed at its script and production values.[17][18] The franchise as a whole has been a financial success[dubious – discuss] for its associated studios.[1][19][20]

The franchise will continue, with a new Bloodsport movie in active development, with Chad Stahelski and David Leitch's studio 87North Productions involved and the duo in early negotiations to serve as co-directors.[21]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Bloodsport_TN was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bloodsport_TLAT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bloodsport_CT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Curran, Brad (June 2, 2022). "Every Jean-Claude Van Damme Movie Ranked From Worst To Best". ScreenRant. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  5. ^ Carter, Will (February 9, 2018). "The Top 10 Reasons Why 'Bloodsport' is Van Damme's Magnum Opus". Ultimate Action Movies. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  6. ^ Dee, Jake (February 8, 2018). "The Test of Time: Bloodsport (1988)". JoBlo. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  7. ^ Serrano, Shea (January 26, 2021). "The 12.2 Things That Make 'Bloodsport' the Perfect Cult Movie". The Ringer. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  8. ^ O'Shea, Tyler (January 11, 2018). "'Bloodsport' Is A Cult Classic Fighting Film". JokerMag. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  9. ^ Polowy, Kevin (February 24, 2023). "'Bloodsport' at 35: How a desperate Jean-Claude Van Damme begged his way into the action film that made him a star". Yahoo!. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  10. ^ Eoin (2018). "Bloodsport: 30th Anniversary Screening + Q&A with Writer Sheldon Lettich!". The Action Elite. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  11. ^ Curran, Brad (November 13, 2020). "Bloodsport 2: Why Daniel Bernhardt Replaced Jean-Claude Van Damme". ScreenRant. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference TheNextKumite_FEF was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference BloodsportIII_FEF was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference BloodsportIII_UAM was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ Cite error: The named reference TheDarkKumite_AOD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference TheDarkKumite_TAE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ Cite error: The named reference LadyBloodfight_SR was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ^ Cite error: The named reference LadyBloodfight_TAE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  19. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bloodsport II_TN was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. ^ Cite error: The named reference Lady Bloodfight_TN was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bloodsport_reboot.update2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).