Released on August 30, 1985, American Ninja is a martial arts action film that captures the exuberant, low-budget spirit of 1980s B-movies. Directed by Sam Firstenberg and produced by Cannon Films’ Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, this 1-hour-35-minute, R-rated romp stars Michael Dudikoff as Joe Armstrong, a reluctant hero skilled in ninjitsu. With a modest $1 million budget, it grossed $10.5 million domestically (about $30 million in 2025 dollars), spawning four sequels and earning cult status for its cheesy charm, relentless action, and ninja craze appeal.

The plot centers on Joe Armstrong, an amnesiac orphan enlisted in the U.S. Army in the Philippines to avoid prison. During a convoy mission, rebels and Black Star ninjas ambush his platoon, aiming to steal weapons and kidnap Patricia Hickock (Judie Aronson), the colonel’s daughter. Joe’s ninjitsu prowess saves Patricia but leaves his platoon dead, sparking suspicion of cowardice or betrayal. As he unravels a conspiracy involving corrupt Sergeant Rinaldo (John LaMotta) and arms dealer Victor Ortega (Don Stewart), Joe befriends Corporal Curtis Jackson (Steve James), who admires his skills. Flashbacks reveal Joe’s training by Shinyuki (John Fujioka), a Japanese holdout soldier who adopted him. Facing the Black Star Ninja leader (Tadashi Yamashita), Joe storms Ortega’s base, rescues Patricia, and destroys the operation, fulfilling his destiny as the “American Ninja.”

Dudikoff, cast despite no martial arts experience, trained under fight choreographer Mike Stone, delivering a stoic yet likable performance. Steve James shines as the charismatic Jackson, sparking a fan-favorite duo continued in sequels. The Philippines’ lush jungles, captured in six weeks of filming, add gritty realism, though the action—sword fights, ninja chases, and a helicopter stunt—leans into campy excess. Robert Lee’s score and stunts, like Joe’s bike-through-windshield crash, amplify the fun, despite clunky dialogue and thin plotting.

Critics gave mixed reviews, with a 5.5/10 on IMDb and praise for action but scorn for “nit-witted acting” and stereotypes. Common Sense Media called it a “predictable martial arts movie not for kids” due to violence. Fans on Amazon (4.6/5 from 590 reviews) and X embrace its nostalgic cheese, with posts calling it a defining ‘80s rental. Den of Geek noted its slick fights but tonal inconsistency, comparing it to Hong Kong’s superior choreography.

Shot under the working title American Warrior, it faced minor UK cuts but thrives uncut on Blu-ray (Olive Films, 2016). Its success, fueled by the ninja fad and Cannon’s action formula, made it a video store staple, though modern viewers may cringe at dated tropes. Available on Tubi, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV, American Ninja is a time capsule of ‘80s bravado—perfect for B-movie lovers, less so for those seeking depth.

If you want specifics (e.g., sequels, stunts, or comparisons), let me know!