Smash into the hard-hitting world of Muay Thai where every punch and kick echoes with raw power.
From backstreet brawlers to the struggle for honor, these picks dive deep into a mix of culture and combat.
Do you have what it takes to handle the fierce action and drama?
Interested in finding out who the top Muay Thai coaches are? Read more in our article on the best Muay Thai coaches.
Best Muay Thai Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)
- Kickboxer (1989)
- Beautiful Boxer (2004)
- The Protector (2005)
- Chocolate (2008)
- Born to Fight (2004)
Table of Contents
#1 Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)
- 🎬 Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
- 🌟 Starring: Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol
“Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior” showcases the incredible martial arts skills of Tony Jaa as the protagonist, Ting. When the head of a sacred Buddha statue is stolen from his rural village, Ting must head to Bangkok to retrieve it, employing his formidable Muay Thai prowess.
The film is acclaimed for its impressive fight scenes that are choreographed without the use of wires or CGI, making Jaa’s real-life stunts the centerpiece of the action.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#2 Kickboxer (1989)
- 🎬 Directed by: Mark DiSalle, David Worth
- 🌟 Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Alexio, Dennis Chan
In “Kickboxer,” Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Kurt Sloane, a man hell-bent on avenging his brother’s crippling defeat in a Muay Thai match against a brutal champion named Tong Po.
As Sloane trains rigorously with a master in the art of Muay Thai, he embarks on a path of vengeance, blending martial arts action with an underdog’s tale of perseverance.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#3 Beautiful Boxer (2004)
- 🎬 Directed by: Ekachai Uekrongtham
- 🌟 Starring: Asanee Suwan, Sorapong Chatree, Orn-Anong Panyawong
“Beautiful Boxer” is a biographical drama film based on the life of Nong Thoom, a famous Thai boxer who underwent gender confirmation surgery.
The film narrates her life from a young boy, who is bullied for being effeminate, to her grueling training and subsequent success in the Muay Thai ring, allowing her to finance her gender confirmation surgery. Featuring an authentic look at the Muay Thai community, the movie also delves into themes of gender identity and acceptance.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#4 The Protector (2005)
- 🎬 Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
- 🌟 Starring: Tony Jaa, Nathan Jones, Petchtai Wongkamlao
“The Protector,” also known as “Tom-Yum-Goong,” stars Tony Jaa as Kham, a young fighter on a quest to retrieve his stolen elephants, which leads him to Australia.
The film is another collaboration between Tony Jaa and director Prachya Pinkaew, featuring stunning combat choreography that highlights the agility and power of Muay Thai. Jaa’s character confronts a ruthless crime syndicate in a series of intense action sequences that further solidified his reputation as a martial arts superstar.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#5 Chocolate (2008)
- 🎬 Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
- 🌟 Starring: Yanin “Jeeja” Vismistananda, Hiroshi Abe, Pongpat Wachirabunjong
“Chocolate” tells the story of Zen, an autistic girl with a remarkable talent for martial arts, played by Yanin “Jeeja” Vismistananda in her breakout role.
As Zen’s mother falls ill, she discovers a list of debtors and sets out to recover money owed by using her fighting skills. The film showcases an array of thrilling fight scenes incorporating Muay Thai, with Zen taking on various criminal gangs to achieve her goal.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#6 A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire
- 🌟 Starring: Joe Cole, Vithaya Pansringarm, Panya Yimmumphai
“A Prayer Before Dawn” is a gripping drama based on the true story of Billy Moore, an English boxer incarcerated in two of Thailand’s most notorious prisons. The film follows Moore’s journey as he earns his place in the prison’s Muay Thai boxing team, fighting not only for his freedom but also for his life.
Joe Cole delivers an intense performance as Moore, with raw and authentic depictions of the brutal conditions and violent world inside Thai prisons.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
What is the best Muay Thai movie of all time?
“Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior” (2003) is the best Muay Thai movie of all time, showcasing Tony Jaa’s incredible skills and the art of Muay Thai in an action-packed narrative.
What are some good Muay Thai movies?
“The Protector” (2005), “Chocolate” (2008), and “Kickboxer” (1989) are good Muay Thai movies that feature intense fighting sequences and explore the culture of Thai martial arts.
What Muay Thai movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Muay Thai movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Fighting Beat” (2007), “Kickboxer: Retaliation” (2018), and the docuseries “Fightworld” (2018), featuring a range of martial arts including Muay Thai.
