Three upcoming martial arts thrillers—Trouble Man, Prisoner of War, and Absolute Dominion—are aiming to captivate action fans in late 2025. From urban grit and sharp comedic flair, to wartime survival and dystopian ideology‑driven combat, each showcases a distinct style of fight cinema worth marking on your watchlist.
Trouble Man
Directed by and starring Michael Jai White, Trouble Man follows Jaxen, an ex‑cop turned PI in Atlanta, as he chases a missing R‑and‑B star. With a cast including Method Man, Mike Epps, Orlando Jones and Gillian White, the film blends sharp martial artistry, self‑aware humor, and old‑school urban crunch, revitalizing action comedy with White’s signature physical style.
Prisoner of War
Scott Adkins stars (and co‑wrote) Prisoner of War, directed by Louis Mandylor, as a British SAS officer shot down during Bataan and forced into brutal combat matches inside a Japanese POW camp. Slated for VOD release in the U.S. on September 19, the film delivers stripped‑down, savage martial arts reminiscent of Bloodsport, backed by guerrilla‑style filmmaking that foregrounds the raw physicality Adkins is known for.
Absolute Dominion
Lexi Alexander’s sci‑fi actioner Absolute Dominion sets in a future where world religions resolve their conflicts through a single martial arts tournament, the premise is bold and provocative. Reviews praise Alexander’s crisp choreography and thematic ambition but criticize the undercooked narrative, muted fights, and emotionally distant central figures, calling it more concept than cinematic payoff.
What to expect
If you’re a fan of high‑impact fight sequences and varied action contexts, these three films offer something for every corner of the martial arts genre: Trouble Man brings urban wit and choreography with heart, Prisoner of War nails gritty, visceral combat in a wartime crucible, and Absolute Dominion challenges expectations with futuristic tournament spectacle and ideological themes. Keep an eye out—these represent some of the most compelling action offerings in the months ahead.