This 1983 Classic Hit Was Ranked the Best Chuck Norris Movie Ever
Chuck Norris was a larger-than-life figure whose persona transcended Hollywood. However, he left behind a lengthy list of iconic martial arts and other action movies and television shows.
Some of Norris's most beloved roles came on television, of course. He's perhaps best known for playing Texas Ranger Cordell Walker in the television series, Walker, Texas Ranger. He also had many memorable roles as an action star on the big screen. However, which movie did fans rank as his best?
Ranker listed Norris's best movies after his death was confirmed on March 20. A 1983 movie took the number one spot. Lone Wolf McQuade.
In 'Lone Wolf McQuade,' Chuck Norris Played a 'Rogue Texas Ranger'
Norris again played a tough Texas Ranger in Lone Wolf McQuade.
"In this classic action-packed film, the protagonist, played by Chuck Norris, is a rogue Texas Ranger who prefers working alone and taking justice into his own hands," Ranker explained.
The movie also benefited from a strong supporting cast.
"The plot heats up as he faces off against a ruthless and powerful arms dealer, played by David Carradine, in a high-stakes battle of wits and brawn. Iconic fight scenes, a memorable car chase, and the signature Chuck Norris roundhouse kick make this movie a must-watch for fans of the martial arts legend," wrote Ranker.
The movie has a lot of competition. The other Norris movies in the top five were The Delta Force; Code of Silence; Return of the Dragon; and The Octagon, according to Ranker. See the entire list here.
Fans Called Chuck Norris's Performance in 'Lone Wolf McQuade' a 'Pure Masterpiece' & Described the Film as 'My Favorite Movie'
(Photo by Topkick Productions/Getty Images)
Fans weighed in on a YouTube video of the movie's "best scene." Wrote one, "RIP Chuck Norris - one of my favorite movie scenes as a kid growing up in the 80s."
"This was my favorite movie as a kid and still is my favorite movie 35 years later," another person wrote. "RIP Chuck Norris. He rode off into that sunset and became a star that shines bright over the Texas landscape," added another fan.
"Say whatever you want, this is Chuck Norris' best movie. I watched it at least 100 times when I was a kid. The music is also so... epic. Pure masterpiece," another fan insisted.
Chuck Norris 'Best Movie' Lists Vary When It Comes to the Top Choice
Although Lone Wolf McQuade topped Ranker's list, other sites have different top choices. For example, Return of the Dragon ranked highest on Rotten Tomatoes' list of the best Chuck Norris movies.
The Action Lite, though, also ranked Lone Wolf McQuade in the top spot. "This surprisingly wasn’t even close with Lone Wolf McQuade garnering the most votes," that site wrote. People were all over the map with different choices on a Reddit thread devoted to the debate.
According to ABC 7, the movie "features scenes filmed at the El Paso Civic Center, the Indian Cliffs, what's now the Epic Railyard Event Center, the Sunland Park Racetrack and others."
The Way of the Dragon (released in the U.S. as Return of the Dragon) was first on IMDb's rating scores. Bruce Lee starred as well.