Finasteriden – When it comes to action movies, many people might immediately think of Hollywood superstars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. However, in recent years, the global action movie scene has seen a major influx of talent from unexpected corners of the world, including Indonesia. Known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and history, Indonesia has also produced some of the most exciting and talented action stars who are quickly becoming household names in the genre. If you haven’t yet paid attention to the incredible action stars emerging from Indonesia, you’re missing out on some of the most exhilarating fight choreography, heart-stopping stunts, and raw performances in cinema today.
In this article, we will explore the best action movie stars from Indonesia who are taking the world by storm. From martial artists to fearless stunt performers, these stars are proving that Indonesia is no stranger to crafting some of the most intense and thrilling action films. Get ready to discover the true champions of the Indonesian action movie scene!
Iko Uwais: The King of Indonesian Action Cinema
If there’s one name that immediately comes to mind when discussing the best action movie stars from Indonesia, it’s Iko Uwais. This martial artist-turned-actor has become a global sensation, thanks to his incredible skills in Pencak Silat (an Indonesian martial art), as well as his groundbreaking performances in some of the most iconic action films of the past decade.
Iko Uwais first caught the world’s attention with his role in The Raid: Redemption (2011), a film that showcased jaw-dropping fight choreography and brutal close-quarters combat. His role as Rama, a skilled police officer trapped in a high-rise building filled with ruthless criminals, is a standout in the action genre. The film’s relentless pacing, intense fight scenes, and Uwais’ physicality made The Raid an instant cult classic. The movie also sparked the global appeal of Indonesian martial arts and set a new standard for action films worldwide.
Following the success of The Raid, Uwais went on to star in its sequel, The Raid 2 (2014), which raised the stakes even higher. With more complex fight scenes, an expanded narrative, and Uwais’ relentless dedication to performing his own stunts, The Raid 2 solidified his status as one of the greatest action stars of his generation. His raw talent and ability to perform in grueling combat sequences without relying on special effects or stunt doubles are what set him apart from many other action stars.
But it’s not just his work in Indonesian films that has made Uwais a global star. He also appeared in Hollywood blockbusters, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Mile 22 (2018), where his martial arts skills and commanding presence were put to good use. Uwais has effectively bridged the gap between Indonesian and Western cinema, cementing his legacy as one of the best action stars in the world today.
Joe Taslim: The Martial Arts Icon Who Conquered Hollywood
Another name that cannot be overlooked in the realm of Indonesian action stars is Joe Taslim. With a background in Pencak Silat and a career that spans both Indonesian and Hollywood films, Joe Taslim has proven to be an unstoppable force in the action genre.
Taslim’s breakout role came with the Indonesian action film The Raid: Redemption (2011), where he portrayed a villainous character with a fierce fighting style. His fight scenes were so impressive that he quickly became one of the most sought-after actors in Indonesian cinema. However, what truly set him apart was his seamless transition to Hollywood, where he landed major roles in high-profile films.
One of Taslim’s most notable roles was in Fast & Furious 6 (2013), where he played a villain in a high-octane action-packed film. His ability to stand toe-to-toe with Hollywood heavyweights like Vin Diesel and Paul Walker proved that he had the skills and presence to make it in the international action scene. Taslim’s success continued with his role as Sub-Zero in the 2021 reboot of Mortal Kombat, where his portrayal of the iconic martial artist helped elevate the movie’s fight scenes to new levels.
What makes Taslim so compelling as an action star is his impressive range—he’s not just a skilled martial artist but also an actor who can bring depth and nuance to his roles. Whether he’s playing a villain or a hero, Taslim has the ability to capture audiences’ attention with his powerful screen presence. His dedication to his craft and his ability to execute difficult stunts make him one of the most respected action stars from Indonesia.
Yayan Ruhian: The Fearless Martial Artist with a Cult Following
When talking about the best action stars from Indonesia, it’s impossible to ignore Yayan Ruhian. Known for his fierce martial arts skills and his unforgettable screen presence, Ruhian has made a name for himself in both Indonesian and international action films.
Ruhian first gained international recognition for his role as Mad Dog in The Raid: Redemption (2011), where his portrayal of a sadistic and unrelenting villain became one of the film’s standout performances. His brutal fight scenes, including a harrowing hand-to-hand combat sequence with Iko Uwais, became a defining moment in the film. Ruhian’s commitment to realism and his willingness to push his physical limits made his role in The Raid iconic.
Following his success in The Raid, Ruhian continued to build his career with roles in other action-packed films, such as The Raid 2 (2014), Headshot (2016), and Beyond Skyline (2017). His collaborations with fellow action stars Iko Uwais and Joe Taslim have led to some of the most intense fight sequences ever filmed, with Ruhian often playing the role of the villain, taking on the heroes in epic battles.
What sets Ruhian apart from many other action stars is his dedication to authentic martial arts and the raw energy he brings to each of his roles. His intense physicality, combined with his experience in various martial arts forms, allows him to deliver some of the most exciting and visceral action sequences in the genre.
Other Rising Stars: The New Wave of Indonesian Action Talent
While Uwais, Taslim, and Ruhian are undoubtedly the biggest names in Indonesian action cinema, there is a new wave of talented actors and martial artists emerging from the country who are ready to make their mark on the global stage.
- Abimana Aryasatya is a talented actor who has appeared in a number of action films, including The Night Comes for Us (2018) and Gundala (2019), where he showcased his physicality and emotional depth. Aryasatya’s versatility as an actor has earned him praise both in Indonesia and abroad, making him one to watch in the action genre.
- Nicholas Saputra, though better known for his dramatic roles, has also begun to make a name for himself in action films, and fans are eager to see how his acting skills will translate to more action-heavy roles in the future.
- Verdi Solaiman is another actor who is carving a niche for himself in the action genre. He starred in the hit film The Night Comes for Us (2018), and his intense performances and fighting prowess have made him a rising star in the Indonesian action scene.
What Makes Indonesian Action Cinema Stand Out?
Indonesia’s action stars are not just famous for their fighting ability—they are part of a broader movement in Indonesian cinema that is re-shaping the global action film landscape. The country’s unique martial arts styles, including Pencak Silat, provide a fresh and exciting alternative to the typical action choreography we see in Hollywood films. Indonesian action films are known for their rawness, realism, and commitment to delivering intense physical performances without relying heavily on special effects or CGI.
Films like The Raid and The Raid 2 have set a new benchmark for how action films can be shot—focusing on tight choreography, long takes, and visceral fights that make you feel the impact of every punch. The emphasis on real martial arts combined with a gritty, no-holds-barred approach to filmmaking makes Indonesian action movies unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.
Conclusion: Indonesia’s Action Movie Stars Are Just Getting Started
Indonesia has undoubtedly become a hotbed for action movie talent, and the future looks incredibly bright for its action stars. From Iko Uwais’ unforgettable performances in The Raid series to Joe Taslim’s rise in Hollywood blockbusters, Indonesian actors are proving that they have what it takes to dominate the global action movie scene. Along with rising stars like Yayan Ruhian, Abimana Aryasatya, and others, the next generation of Indonesian action stars is ready to continue breaking barriers, delivering unforgettable fight sequences, and thrilling audiences worldwide.
If you haven’t yet checked out the incredible action films coming out of Indonesia, now is the perfect time to dive in. With their unique style, raw energy, and top-tier martial arts choreography, these stars are redefining what action cinema can be—and they’re just getting started.
Reference : https://screenrant.com/iko-uwais-martial-arts-movies-ranked-worst-best/
