Action Hidden Gem: The Debt Collector (2018) -

Not every action movie needs a massive budget or franchise backing to make an impact. Some just need the right mix of fists, grit, and character—and The Debt Collector delivers all three. A buddy brawler with a sharp edge, this Scott Adkins-starring sleeper hit is one of the most underrated action films of the last decade.

What’s It About?

Adkins plays French, a classically trained martial artist whose struggling dojo forces him to take a job he’d normally avoid—collecting debts for a shady underworld figure. He’s partnered with Sue (played by the ever-charismatic Louis Mandylor), a grizzled veteran of the business with a sharp tongue and even sharper instincts.

What starts as a string of routine collection jobs quickly spirals into something darker. Moral lines blur. Fists fly. And the tension builds toward a finale that’s as emotional as it is explosive.

Scott Adkins is in his element, delivering hard-hitting fight scenes without losing the heart of the character. His chemistry with Mandylor is unexpected but electric.

The dialogue is razor-sharp, blending dry humour with moments of real-world weight. It’s more than just brawls—it’s a street-level buddy film with attitude.

The action? Brutal and grounded. No wires, no CGI trickery—just old-school fists, grit, and tightly choreographed violence.

Directed by Jesse V. Johnson, who knows exactly how to get the best out of his leads without over-polishing the edges.

This is one of those movies that surprises you—you think you’re getting a beat-’em-up, but you end up with something deeper, sharper, and surprisingly human.

The Debt Collector is what happens when classic action values meet smart writing and sharp performances. It’s not flashy—it’s effective. And it cements Scott Adkins not just as a fighter, but as a legit actor with range and presence.