Best movies like Ulterior Motives
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
A private eye becomes the bodyguard of a beautiful reporter being pursued by a Japanese mob.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 226
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: crime drama, neo noir, suspense, independent film, cult film
Best tv shows and movies like Ulterior Motives (1992):
Similar in 89%
Excessive Force (1993)
Plot Summary:
Chicago policeman Terry McCain is determined to put away mobster Sal DiMarco, who always gets acquitted on technicalities. While monitoring a drug sale, a shootout ensues, and one of Terry's fellow officers gets away with $3 million of Sal's money. Suspecting Terry took the cash, the mobster sends his men to kill Terry's brother, Dylan, and partner, Frankie Hawkins. Furious, Terry sets out to take his revenge by any means necessary.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: neo noir, suspense, independent film, exciting, tense, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 85%
Kill Squad (1981)
Plot Summary:
A wealthy business man is a victim of an assault and is shot and wheelchair bound while his wife is gang raped and murdered. He then assembles his motley squad of Vietnam buddies to kung fu their way to revenge and get those muthas back.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 617
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Philippines, USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: slasher, surprise ending, twist ending, psychotronic, independent film, grindhouse
Similar in 85%
Vanishing Son IV (1994)
Plot Summary:
After the death of his brother Wago, Jian-wa Chang now roams America's countryside while looking for his place in the world. He is hit by a van of two college students. Jian is taken in and nursed by Megan, a secluded artist. Jian is also befriended by the ghost of brother Wago. Wago must act as an angel to Jian-wa to gain acceptance into heaven. Meanwhile, the students from the hit and run plan to kill Jian-wa so he doesn't talk to the police.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 222
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: crime drama
Similar in 88%
The Dragon's Showdown (1980)
Plot Summary:
Lee Lung witnessed the murder of his parents by the ruthless bandit Shek King who in turn abducted Lee's infant sister. Lee wanders the land and learns martial arts from a drunken master. Once his skills are perfected, Lee sets out in search of his long lost sister and the villain Shek King.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 77
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Taiwan, South Korea
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 84%
Ironheart (1992)
Plot Summary:
An L.A. cop goes after a gang of murderous drug dealers.
IMDB Rating: 3.3
IMDB Votes: 558
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama
Country: South Korea, USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: independent film
Similar in 84%
Secret Ninja, Roaring Tiger (1982)
Plot Summary:
Dragon Kong, a victor of a millionaire's martial-arts contest, is about to begin the most dangerous mission of his life. For his prize, the millionaire's ravishing daughter Susan, has been stolen - kidnapped by a Ninja sect headed by Tiger So, a legendary Ninjitsu super-foot. Why Tiger has taken Susan, Dragon can only guess, but as the shocking truth begins to dawn, and the final showdown approaches, the violence of the Ninja reaches its fatal peak.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 162
Genere: Drama, Action
Country: Hong Kong, South Korea
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 80%
Red Sun Rising (1994)
Plot Summary:
Thomas Hoshino (Willson) is a tough Japanese detective, who lost his partner by a deadly Yakuza killer Jaho (Lew). He tracks down the killer and his master to Los Angeles, where he teams up with Det. Karen Ryder (Farrell). Soon they discover that Yakuza prepares a gang war and weapon smuggling. Hoshino must find a way to defeat the killer who posses mystical ninja powers.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 657
Genere: Action
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: crime drama, independent film, detective, buddy comedy, dark comedy, cult film
Similar in 81%
Vanishing Son II (1994)
Plot Summary:
The continuing saga of the Chang brothers: Jian-Wa and Wago. Picking up where it left off, Jian-Wa has left L.A. after a gangfight which involved his brother Wago. Jian-wa travels to the south and finds that hatred comes in all forms as a group of racist whites feud with harmless Vietnamese fishermen. Jian-wa decides to side with the Vietnamese and help them defend themselves. Back in Los Angeles, Wago is enjoying his new life as a gangster.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 266
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: crime drama
Similar in 90%
The Brutal Boxer (1972)
Plot Summary:
The bloodiest Kung Fu battles ever fought. The subtitle says it all, as there is hardly any story, but all the more raw fighting.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 174
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 77%
Street Hunter (1990)
Plot Summary:
Logan Blade is a tough police officer who has to confront a gang led by ruthless Colonel Walsh.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 320
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: independent film
Similar in 87%
One Man Force (1989)
Plot Summary:
In this action packed film, an L.A. cop speeds off to get revenge upon the dirty drug-dealing dogs who killed his partner.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 252
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: independent film, cult film
Similar in 80%
Kung Fu Gold (1974)
Plot Summary:
A massive gold forture is hidden somewhere in the hills surrounding Hong Kong, and 12 kung fu masters are in pursuit of the loot. Through a series of head-to-head confrontations, the pool of treasure hunters dwindles until there's one left.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 47
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Taiwan
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 87%
Fight Valley (2016)
Plot Summary:
When Tory Coro turns up dead, the neighborhood turns up silent. Rumor has it she became yet another victim of the small town known as FIGHT VALLEY. Tory's sister Windsor moves to town to begin her own investigation on her sister's mysterious death after weeks of no leads from the police. She's quick to learn that Tory fought for money to make ends meet. If girl-next-door Windsor is going to make her way into FIGHT VALLEY to find the truth about Tory, she's going to have to fight her way in. "Jabs" (Miesha Tate) swore she would never throw a punch in the Valley again. Jabs now finds herself training Windsor to survive the painful, unexpected path she's about to take. Every corner. Every alley. Every doorway. She must follow the last footsteps of her sister in order to come face-to-face with Tory's killer in FIGHT VALLEY.
IMDB Rating: 2.7
IMDB Votes: 655
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 84%
Only the Strong (1993)
Plot Summary:
Former Green Beret Louis Stevens returns to his hometown of Miami after completing military service in Brazil, only to learn that his old high school has become a haven for gangs and drug dealers. After Stevens uses his capoeira skills to kick several drug dealers off of the school property, Kerrigan, one of Stevens' old teachers, sees the impact that Stevens has on the students. Kerrigan gives him the task of teaching Capoeira to a handful of the worst at-risk students at the school.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: France, USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: rough, serious, realistic, independent film, cult film
Similar in 90%
Duel of Legends (2023)
Plot Summary:
Duel of Legends is directed by Hector Echavarria and is about a Chinese boy who is left to survive by himself because his parents were murdered by rebels. The boy is raised by a Temple Monk who teaches the boy the secrets of the Martial arts. When the child grows up he travels to America were he joins American tournaments in karate where he discovers a dark secret about who actually killed his parents. An action filled martial arts movie with many twist and turns.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes:
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration:
Plot tags: thought provoking, suspense, suspenseful, captivating
Similar in 88%
Last Man Standing (1995)
Plot Summary:
A gang of bank robbers, led by the ultra-violent Snake Underwood, pull off a daring mid-day heist that leaves dozens of burning police cars and scores of innocent victims in its wake. Heading the investigation into the gang is the equally violent detective Kurt Bellmore and going by the book just isn't going to be enough.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 520
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: independent film, serious, realistic, suspenseful, neo noir, detective
Similar in 82%
Back to Back (1996)
Plot Summary:
An ex-cop finds himself caught up in a battle between Japanese mobsters and local gangland thugs and discovers that he was framed for wrong-doings by a corrupt cop.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 841
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: crime drama, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful, fast
Similar in 87%
The Base (1999)
Plot Summary:
Major Murphy, a US Army Investigator, has received a new assignment. Sgt. Gammon is suspected of dealing cocaine from his base, and Murphy must gather enough evidence to shut down Gammon and his entire operation. Along with his partner, Lt. Andrews, the Major goes undercover to infiltrate the gang and find out just how far up the chain of command these activities are going.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 984
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: independent film, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful, fast
Similar in 86%
Two Champions of Shaolin (1980)
Plot Summary:
Shaolin warrior Tung Chien-chen is injured in battle against the hated Wu Tang clan, and nursed back to health by a knife-throwing master. As he recovers, Tung learns this deadly art, and also falls in love with his teacher's daughter. But when a Wu Tang attack disrupts the young lovers' wedding, Tung must put his new skill to use as he seeks revenge.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 752
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 75%
Once Upon a Time in China V (1994)
Plot Summary:
Epic adventure set during a tumultuous time in China, when left without a leader, the cavalry is attacked by the powerful allies and pirate bands. A martial arts master, Wong Fei-Hong and Aunt Yee return to do battle against these evil forces.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: brutal, suspense, intense, cult film
Similar in 80%
American Yakuza (1993)
Plot Summary:
When Nick Davis leaves prison after one year in solitaire, he is hired to operate forklift in a warehouse in the harbor owned by the Japanese Yakuza patriarch Isshin Tendo. The place is assaulted by the Italian Mafia leaded by Dino Campanela and Nick rescues and saves the life of Shuji Sawamoto, who is the representative of Yakuza interests in America. Shuji hires Nick to work for Yakuza and becomes his godfather in the family after his oath to join Yakuza. However, Nick is a lonely FBI undercover agent assigned to penetrate in the criminal organization. When the FBI discovers that Campanela is organizing a massive attack to destroy the Yakuza, Nick's boss Littman calls off the operation to leave the dirty work to the Italian Mafia. But the connection of Nick with Shuji and his goddaughter Yuko forces him to help his Japanese family.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: crime drama, independent film, exciting, rough, bleak, serious, realistic, suspenseful, cynical
Similar in 86%
The Perfect Weapon (1991)
Plot Summary:
Jeff, a young delinquent, is enrolled by his father in a kenpo school, in the hopes of teaching the boy some self-discipline. Years later, Jeff's mentor, Kim, is being threatened by one of the Korean mafia families. Jeff tries to help his old friend, but is too late to prevent Kim's death at the hands of an unknown hitman. Vowing revenge, Jeff takes on all of the families, using his martial arts skills to find the man who killed his friend.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: detective, crime drama, cult classic, independent film, psychotronic, rough, serious, realistic, surprise ending, nostalgic
Similar in 83%
The 2nd (2020)
Plot Summary:
Secret-service agent Vic Davis is on his way to pick up his estranged son, Sean, from his college campus when he finds himself in the middle of a high-stakes terrorist operation. His son's friend Erin Walton, the daughter of Supreme Court Justice Walton is the target, and this armed faction will stop at nothing to kidnap her and use her as leverage for a pending landmark legal case.
IMDB Rating: 3.8
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: suspenseful, serious, suspense, realistic, exciting, captivating, entertaining, surprise ending, ambiguous ending, independent film
Similar in 84%
Bounty Tracker (1993)
Plot Summary:
Almost the whole staff of a tax consultant office is slayed by a team of professional killers, only Paul Damone can escape. He didn't know that his partner used to wash gangster Louis Sarazin's money and had to testify as chief witness against him. Paul's brother Johnny, best bounty tracker of Boston, visits Paul to protect him, but can't prevent that he and his pregnant wife are targeted by the same team. Now Johnny's out for revenge.
IMDB Rating: 5.0
IMDB Votes: 735
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Germany, USA
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: suspense, independent film, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 84%
Rage of Honor (1987)
Plot Summary:
A Japanese cop, Shiro, and his partner Ray are after a bunch of drug dealers. But they are betrayed by an insider and Ray is killed. Shiro follows the murderer, a sadistic drug lord, up to Singapore.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 930
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Argentina, USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: retro, independent film, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful, cult film
Similar in 84%
Angel Town (1990)
Plot Summary:
A graduate student and martial-arts expert rents a room in a house owned by a single mother who lives there with her son. A local street gang is trying to recruit the son, but the new tenant tries to help the boy's mother keep him out of the gang. When they learn of this, they target both the mother and her new tenant.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 821
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: hood, action adventure, independent film, exciting, tense, rough, serious, realistic, fast
Similar in 87%
Petta (2019)
Plot Summary:
A hostel warden becomes the target of a dreaded politician and his gangster son, but little do they realise that it is they who should fear him.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: India
Duration: 171 min
Plot tags: rough, suspense, disturbing
Similar in 75%
Honor (2006)
Plot Summary:
In a world where street gangs collide with the law, neighborhood friends, Raymond and Gabriel, must decide which side of the battle to join. This will be the ultimate fight - the one for power, family, and HONOR.
IMDB Rating: 4.2
IMDB Votes: 594
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, suspense, crime drama, psychological, tense, rough, serious, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 85%
Black Eagle (1988)
Plot Summary:
One of the US Air Force's most modern tactical aircrafts, an F-100 with a new laser guidance system, crashes into the sea near Malta - a region where the Soviet forces are highly present, too. The CIA immediately sends out their best secret agent, Ken Tami, to salvage the system before it falls into enemy hands. To ensure his loyalty, they bring his two young sons to a nearby hotel on the island.
IMDB Rating: 3.8
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: cult classic, independent film, serious, realistic, cult film
Similar in 75%
Tough and Deadly (1995)
Plot Summary:
A private eye helps an amnesiac CIA agent elude mobsters who don't want him to regain his memory of their drug operation.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 583
Genere: Action, Drama, Thriller
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: neo noir, independent film, black comedy, dark comedy, cult film