White Tiger is a 1996 Canadian action film directed by Richard Martin. The movie stars Gary Daniels (known for The Expendables and numerous direct-to-video martial arts films) as Mike Ryan, a DEA agent whose partner is brutally murdered by a ruthless triad boss. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (of Mortal Kombat fame) delivers a chilling performance as the villainous Victor Chow, while Julia Nickson co-stars as Jade, a mysterious woman with unclear allegiances. The 93-minute film (approximately 1 hour 33 minutes) was produced by Keystone Entertainment and Den Pictures Inc., with a budget of approximately US$2.3 to 2.5 million . It carries an R rating for violence and language.
The plot follows DEA agents Mike Ryan and John Grogan, who are called away from a camping vacation to participate in a raid targeting triad boss Victor Chow. When Chow uses Grogan as a human shield before killing him, Ryan is taken off the case by his superiors. Fueled by revenge, Ryan goes rogue, tracking Chow to Hong Kong where he encounters both allies and adversaries whose loyalties remain uncertain .
According to IMDb user reviews, the film is considered a notch above standard direct-to-video action fare. Reviewers praise the above-average production values, the casting of Cary Tagawa as a genuinely menacing villain, and Gary Daniels’ physical charisma and fight choreography. The action sequences are described as “riveting,” particularly the climactic battle on Chow’s ship . However, some viewers note that the impressive martial arts scenes are spaced too far apart and that the storyline follows a predictable “recycled” revenge plot . The film holds a user rating of approximately 5.2 out of 10 on IMDb and similar scores on other platforms .
Free Streaming Options (With Ads)
The most budget-friendly way to watch White Tiger is through several free, ad-supported streaming platforms. Viewers in the United States have the strongest options.
- The Roku Channel: The film is currently available for free streaming with advertisements . No subscription is required.
- Plex Player: White Tiger can be streamed for free on Plex, a platform known for hosting classic and cult action films .
- Fawesome: This free streaming service also carries the movie in its catalog .
These free options are primarily accessible to viewers in the United States. Availability in other regions, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, may be limited or non-existent for free ad-supported platforms. The picture quality on these services is generally standard or high definition, which is perfectly acceptable for a film of this era and budget.
Subscription Streaming Options
White Tiger is not consistently available on major subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Max. However, there are some possibilities depending on your location.
- IMDb TV (US): The film has previously appeared on the IMDb TV channel, which is accessible through Amazon’s platform. this availability may have shifted, so checking the current lineup is recommended.
- Prime Video (Australia): According to search results, Australian Prime Video subscribers may have access to the film as part of their membership . This varies by country.
It is important to note that library services such as Hoopla or Kanopy may offer the film through local public library partnerships, though this depends entirely on your specific library’s digital licensing agreements.
Rent or Buy Digital Options
For viewers who prefer to own the film or watch it without advertisements, digital rental and purchase options are widely available across multiple platforms. These options are accessible in most regions.
You can rent or buy White Tiger from the following services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase on Amazon (US, UK, Germany, and other regions)
- Apple TV (iTunes Store): The film can be rented or purchased through Apple’s storefront
- Google Play Movies & YouTube: Rental and purchase options are typically available through Google’s digital store
- Vudu (Fandango at Home): This platform also offers the film for transactional viewing
Pricing estimates: Based on standard digital retailer rates for catalog action films, rentals typically range from $2.99 to $3.99, while purchases generally cost between $9.99 and $14.99 for an HD copy. Rental terms across all platforms are standard: you have 30 days to begin watching after your rental purchase, and once you start playback, you have 48 hours to complete viewing before the rental expires . Purchasing the film grants permanent access to your digital library.
Regional Availability Summary
Streaming rights for older direct-to-video action films like White Tiger vary significantly by country.
In the United States, viewers have the most options. The film can be streamed for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Plex, and Fawesome . It is also available for rent or purchase through Amazon Prime Video and other major digital retailers .
In the United Kingdom, no free streaming options are currently available. However, UK viewers can rent or buy the film through Amazon Prime Video (UK store) .
In Germany, the film is available for rent or purchase through Amazon Prime Video (DE store) . According to German streaming aggregators, this is currently the primary legal option for viewers in that country .
In Canada, the film was produced as a Canadian feature but current streaming availability is limited. Rent or purchase options through digital retailers are the most reliable path for Canadian viewers.
In the Netherlands, according to streaming aggregator data, the film is not currently available for streaming, rental, or purchase through any Dutch digital service. Interested viewers in the Netherlands would need to consider physical media (DVD or Blu-ray) as an alternative .
Physical Media and Collectors
For collectors or viewers in regions without digital access, White Tiger was released on DVD in various markets. The DVD release date is listed as February 15, 2000 . Copies can still be found through secondhand retailers such as eBay, Amazon Marketplace, or local library systems. A Blu-ray release has not been widely distributed in most regions.
Final Recommendation
For most viewers, the easiest way to watch White Tiger is through the free ad-supported options on The Roku Channel or Plex, which require no financial commitment. If you prefer an ad-free experience or want permanent access, renting or purchasing through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV is the simplest and most reliable path forward. Given the film’s cult status among 1990s action and martial arts fans, the affordable rental price makes it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate Gary Daniels’ physical performance and Cary Tagawa’s memorable villain.
Before making any purchase, it is recommended to use tracking tools like JustWatch or Reelgood to confirm current availability in your specific region, as streaming rights for older catalog titles frequently change .