10 Chuck Norris Movies and TV Shows You Have to Watch, Ranked

The world is saying goodbye to action legend Chuck Norris, who died today at 86. Famous for his martial arts skills, unforgettable screen presence, and tough-guy roles, Norris left a mark on movies, TV, and even pop culture with countless memes. From his classic action-packed films to the beloved series Walker, Texas Ranger, here’s a look at the 10 best Chuck Norris movies and shows that made him an icon.

10. Breaker! Breaker! (1977)

Chuck Norris’s first starring role had him as a trucker searching for his missing brother in a small town. The film was low-budget but let him showcase his martial arts and screen presence, proving he could lead a movie and setting the stage for his future as an action star.

9. Good Guys Wear Black (1978)

Norris plays a former covert operative pulled back into danger. The film mixed martial arts with espionage thrills, highlighting his ability to perform complex fight scenes and solidifying his place as a rising action hero.

8. The Octagon (1980)

In this martial arts thriller, Norris faces a deadly ninja clan. Praised for its intense fight sequences, the movie introduced Western audiences to ninja-themed action and helped popularize the genre in the early ’80s.

7. Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)

This movie blends Western style with modern action, featuring Norris as a rebellious Texas Ranger. Critics loved its inventive stunts and character-focused story, and it would later inspire the TV series Walker, Texas Ranger.

6. The Delta Force (1986)

Based on real-life hostage rescue missions, Norris stars as a tough U.S. special forces operative. A major box office hit, it cemented his image as a patriotic, no-nonsense hero and became a classic example of ’80s action cinema.

5. Missing in Action (1984)

Inspired by Vietnam War stories, Norris plays a soldier rescuing American POWs. The film highlighted his toughness and moral code, turned him into a household name, and led to two sequels.

4. An Eye for an Eye (1981)

Norris takes justice into his own hands after his family is attacked. Combining martial arts, suspense, and a revenge-driven story, this film helped define the vigilante hero archetype in the 1980s.

3. Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001)

Norris became a television icon as Cordell Walker, a lawman blending martial arts with traditional policing. Known for high-octane action and moral-driven stories, the series popularized martial arts on mainstream TV.

2. The Way of the Dragon (1972)

Though a supporting role, Norris’s fight against Bruce Lee in Rome is legendary. Their final showdown is often ranked among the greatest martial arts battles ever filmed and gave Norris international recognition.

1. Code of Silence (1985)

Many consider this Norris’s finest work. Playing a Chicago cop battling drug gangs, the film was praised for its realistic action, strong storytelling, and polished fight choreography, combining grit, skill, and charisma in one standout performance.

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