The 80s, a decade where explosions were bigger, heroes were tougher, and the local video store felt like a sacred destination. While the first episode of JoBlo’s new Loving the 80s series celebrated the dominance of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, episode two branches off into another section of 80s action cinema. This time around, the spotlight is shining on Chuck Norris, Dolph Lundgren, and Michael Dudikoff.
In the newest episode of Loving the 80s (which you can watch embedded above), we dive into the careers of these cult legends and explore how they became staples of late-night cable, neighborhood video stores, and the imaginations of action fans everywhere.
What Is Loving the 80s?
The 80s weren’t just a decade… they were a statement. A time of bigger heroes, louder explosions, and movies that didn’t just entertain: they defined an era. From muscle-bound icons and unforgettable villains to the neon-soaked worlds and practical spectacle that made it all feel real, this was cinema at its most unapologetic. Across this 10-episode limited series, we dive into the action, the stars, and the cultural moments that turned the 80s into the golden age of larger-than-life filmmaking. So whether you grew up on these movies or you’re discovering them for the first time… this is your way back.
The Second Wave of 80s Action Heroes
While Stallone and Schwarzenegger dominated multiplexes with studio-backed mega-hits, another breed of action star was rising through independent productions, Cannon Films classics, and martial arts-driven thrillers. These were the working class warriors of the 80s, and the new episode of Loving the 80s focuses on three of them.
There’s Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion turned action icon whose roundhouse kicks made him one of the most unforgettable stars of the decade. From Missing in Action to The Delta Force, Norris was a grounded but unstoppable American hero.
Dolph Lundgren, the towering Swedish powerhouse who made everyone take notice when he played Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, became an action star in films like Red Scorpion, Masters of the Universe, and The Punisher.
And Michael Dudikoff is best known for a VHS favorite, the American Ninja franchise. He represented the everyman side of 80s action; less flashy but still awesome.
Let us know what you think of our new series in the comments – and long live the 80s!
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed