Lesser-Known Action Gems of the 90s: Forgotten but Fierce -

The 1990s were a golden era for action films—big-budget blockbusters like Terminator 2, Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Speed dominated the box office. But beneath the Hollywood juggernauts, a slew of lesser-known action films delivered just as much adrenaline-pumping action, bone-crunching fights, and explosive set pieces—many of them criminally underrated.

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some hidden gems of 90s action cinema, featuring martial arts masters, explosive stunts, and non-stop mayhem. If you love discovering forgotten VHS-era action gold, these films are must-watches.

Viper (1994) – Lorenzo Lamas in Peak 90s Mode

Lorenzo Lamas was a straight-to-video action king, and Viper is a prime example of why. Mixing martial arts, gunfights, and high-speed chases, this film follows ex-CIA agent Travis Blackstone, who’s pulled back into action when his brother crosses the wrong people.

With Lamas’ signature smooth-talking badassery, a high body count, and that classic 90s action aesthetic, Viper is a forgotten gem for fans of low-budget, high-energy thrillers.

Midnight Man (1995) – More Lamas, More Mayhem

If you thought one Lorenzo Lamas movie on this list was enough, think again. Midnight Man is pure 90s action madness, with Lamas playing a former CIA operative turned underground fighter.

This one leans heavily on brutal hand-to-hand combat, featuring hard-hitting street brawls, underground fight clubs, and high-stakes espionage. Throw in a classic revenge plot and corrupt government agents, and you’ve got a VHS-era classic that deserves more recognition.

Open Fire (1994) – Jeff Wincott Unleashed

Jeff Wincott was one of the unsung heroes of 90s martial arts action, and Open Fire is proof of his underrated talent. As an ex-cop framed for murder, Wincott punches, kicks, and shoots his way through wave after wave of enemies in a film that delivers non-stop, no-nonsense action.

If you’re a fan of Jean-Claude Van Damme or Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Wincott’s martial arts skills and relentless energy in Open Fire make this a must-watch for fans of raw, street-level action films.

Deadly Outbreak (1995) – Jeff Speakman’s Best Action Film?

Best known for The Perfect Weapon, Jeff Speakman brings his kenpo skills to the Die Hard-style formula in Deadly Outbreak. Trapped in a chemical weapons facility overtaken by terrorists, Speakman’s character must fight off the mercenaries, defuse the threat, and take down the ruthless villain.

With fast-paced fight sequences, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and explosive shootouts, Deadly Outbreak is Jeff Speakman at his finest. If you love Die Hard rip-offs with a martial arts twist, this one delivers the goods.

Riot (1997) – Gary Daniels & Sugar Ray Leonard Bring the Pain

Gary Daniels was a martial arts action icon in the direct-to-video world, and Riot is one of his most intense roles. Set against the backdrop of L.A. riots, Daniels plays a former SAS soldier trying to rescue a kidnapped woman while navigating gangs, mercenaries, and a city in flames.

Featuring brutal street fights, powerful stunts, and some of Daniels’ best on-screen combat, Riot is fast-paced, relentless, and filled with tension. Plus, it features Sugar Ray Leonard in an action role, adding an unexpected bonus for fight fans!

If you love hard-hitting action films with martial arts, intense gunfights, and a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia, these lesser-known gems are well worth tracking down. Whether it’s Lorenzo Lamas taking names, Jeff Wincott’s raw martial arts action, or Gary Daniels battling through chaos, these films prove that the VHS era was packed with action gold waiting to be rediscovered.