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The 25 best martial-arts movies of all time

We'll assume you know about Bruce Lee: some of the best martial-arts movies came both before and after his heyday

For even the most devoted film fans, martial arts cinema can seem like a daunting world to penetrate. Sure, the starting points are well-known: Enter the Dragon , Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon , Kill Bill , a handful of Jackie Chan flicks. But going much deeper than that can be intimidating. Starting in the 1970s, the Hong Kong film industry churned out thousands of movies full of mind-bending action scenes and choreographed fight sequences. Sifting out the must-sees can be particularly difficult – and not just because many of them are hard to actually find. More than other genres, martial arts movies are not differentiated not by plotlines but the visual details and physical skills of the stars. Often, you can’t know what’s worth watching until you watch it.

No proper discussion of action movie history, though, can do without multiple mentions of Asia’s mighty fight contributions. To help navigate the kung-fu curious beyond the basics, we’ve pushed aside some of the more obvious choices to focus on the genre’s deeper cuts. Here are 25 of the most kick-ass martial-arts movies ever made.

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Best martial-arts movies of all time

1. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Action and adventure

2. Master of the Flying Guillotine (1977)

A nihilistic grindhouse trip, Jimmy Wang Yu’s one-armed boxer is so badass that a blind, psychotic monk (equipped with the titular weapon) comes gunning for his head. Cue a kung fu competition featuring arm-stretching yogis, spring-loaded, gut-seeking axes and a final battle inside a coffin shop.

3. Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan (1972)

4. Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)

How much damage can one man do with a wooden stick? If he’s Gordon Liu, plenty. In this epic tale – one of the last films produced by Hong Kong’s mighty Shaw Brothers studio – a soldier-turned-monk is pulled back into the vengeance game after the same jerkoffs who betrayed his father on the battlefield kidnap his sister. Filming was nearly derailed when star Alexander Fu Sheng died in a car accident halfway through production. Instead, director Lau Kar-leung honoured him with a masterpiece.

5. Young Master (1980)

6. Black Belt (2007)

7. The Mystery of Chess Boxing (1979)

Hey, this one sounds familiar. Yes, it inspired the Wu-Tang Clan song of the same name , as well as the moniker of Ghostface Killah, who took his nom de hip-hop from the film’s memorable villain. But even if no one ever rapped about it, the balletic fight scenes – a blend of graceful five-element technique with chess-influenced strategem – would still have guaranteed the movie a spot in the pantheon.

8. Five Deadly Venoms (1978)

A true genre classic, Cheng Cheh’s Five Deadly Venoms established the ‘Venom Mob’, the crew of actors who’d turn up in many subsequent productions from Shaw Brothers Studio. A dying master, suspecting that his teachings are being used for evil, sends his last remaining student to investigate five of his former pupils, each one skilled in a different animal-based technique. (Snake, Scorpion, Centipede, etc.) It’s an irresistible premise that allows each fight scene to take on its own unique identity. A lot of kung-fu fandoms start here.

9. The Tournament (1974)

10. Five Element Ninjas (1982)

Even by the over-the-top standards of cult-classic kung fu, director Chang Cheh always went a little higher, and this face-off between elite Chinese fighters and well-trained Japanese ninjas might be the bloodiest, most bonkers entry in his oeuvre. How bloody and bonkers? At one point, a disemboweled combatant gets tangled up in his own guts. ’Nuff said.

11. Throwdown (2004)

12. Heroes of the East (1978)

13. Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

If a movie has the phrase ‘once upon a time’ in its title, you know you’re in for something epic, and director Tsui Hark’s masterpiece is no exception. Jet Li plays Wong Fei-hung, a 19th century Cantonese folk hero training an army to protect his province from encroaching Westerners. Full of spellbinding imagery, it’s perhaps the best martial arts movie of the ‘90s. Li would star in two sequels before making his English-language breakthrough toward the end of the decade in Lethal Weapon 4 .

14. Seven Grandmasters (1978)

15. Come Drink with Me (1966)

One of the earliest Shaw brothers productions, Come Drink with Me established the look and tone of the wuxia sword fighting genre. After the son of a Chinese general is kidnapped and held for ransom, the general’s daughter Golden Swallow (Cheng Pei-Pei) goes to rescue him, eventually teaming up with another formidable fighter known as Drunken Cat (Yueh Hua). A remake directed by superfan Quentin Tarantino has been rumoured for years, and while it appears that will never materialise, the movie’s influence on Kill Bill is strong enough to nearly count as one.

16. The One Armed Boxer (1971)

Six years before Master of the Flying Guillotine , writer, director and star Jimmy Wang Yu presented the origin story of his titular impaired ass-kicker, Tien Lung. (Yu really had a niche: he’d previously starred in two unrelated One Armed Swordsman movies for Shaw Brothers . ) It’s tame compared to the sequel but not to practically anything else in cinema. Wang avenges his missing limb by iron-fisting his way through a coterie of international villains, including a fanged Japanese kung fu master, twin Thai boxers and a gray-faced Indian yogi with impenetrable skin. Well, almost impenetrable.

17. BKO: Bangkok Knockout (2010)

18. A Touch of Zen (1971)

Most famous as the movie that inspired Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon , King Hu’s wuxia milestone exudes an uncommon grace and depth of feeling for the time period, not to mention length: it’s nearly three hours long. But it’s worth the commitment, and not just because of the later films that borrowed from it. Its exploration of Buddhist philosophy is still rare in the martial arts world, and its experimental touches make it an experience as unique as it is influential.

19. Sister Street Fighter (1974)

To save her cop brother from an underground drug ring, Etsuko Shihomi must defeat a Warriors -like assemblage of bad guys before confronting an iron-clawed final boss. If that sounds like a video game, well, it is called Street Fighter. Although to be honest, the title is a bit misleading: yes, this is a female-fronted spin-off of the movie that broke Sonny Chiba internationally, and Chiba is in it, but he plays an entirely different character. It does, however, have a similar ’70s exploitation vibe and enough ultraviolence to initially get it slapped with an X-rating in the US. More than anything, it’s got Shihomi, who is neither sexualised nor presented as a feminist symbol – just as someone you really shouldn’t mess with.

20. Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978)

Along with Drunken Master – released the same year, with the same director, newcomer and future icon Yuen Woo-ping – this action-comedy helped establish Jackie Chan as the Buster Keaton of Hong Kong action cinema. In one scene, Chan, initially playing a lowly janitor, manically slips towels under the feet of a guy walking across a floor he just mopped. After getting taken in by a vagrant proficient in the nearly extinct ‘Snake’ fighting style, he fends off a gang by having the beggar control his limbs, then achieves his final battle-ready form by imitating a cat. It’s all wonderfully goofy – but, in the grand Chan tradition, he still incurred legitimate injuries, including a missing tooth and a slashed arm from a supposedly dull sword.

21. The Victim (1980)

A roly-poly ass-beater named Fatty (Sammo Hung, who also directs) gets embroiled in a vaguely Shakespearean family feud between a violent scumbag and his benevolent adopted brother. It’s a bit convoluted plot-wise, but the film mostly exists as a thrilling early example of the choreographic magic of Hung, who’d go on to become one of Jackie Chan’s frequent collaborators.

22. Shaolin vs Lama (1983)

Another film whose reputation has been enhanced from being a source of hip-hop samples, Shaolin vs Lama tells a basic story: an aspiring student of kung fu seeks mentorship from an old monk and ends up in the middle of a war between Chinese fighters and a violent Buddhist sect. But the acrobatic action sequences come non-stop and make compelling use of the scenery, particularly a Shaolin temple. Also, there are at least two fights involving a roast chicken.

23. Born Invincible (1978)

Most martial arts films peak with a third-act showdown, but the highlight of this Taiwanese production – a collaboration between Mystery of Chess Boxing director Joseph Kuo and ascendant fight choreographer Yuen Woo-ping – is an opening montage educating audiences in the art of t’ai chi . According to the narrator, the top one percent of practitioners eventually become impervious to pain, a concept one advanced student helpfully demonstrates by smashing bricks with his head, dragging a knife across his body, getting gut-stomped off a balcony and taking a spiked bat to the junk. It sets a high bar, but the climactic final battle, in which the pupils of a kung fu academy attempt to defeat a villainous t’ai chi master by piercing his one weak spot, is worth sticking around for.

24. The Chinese Boxer (1971)

Until the early 1970s, most martial arts films belonged to the wuxia subgenre – fantastical tales with action sequences centred around highly choreographed sword fights. With The Chinese Boxer , director and star Jimmy Wang Yu introduced a different kind of martial arts flick, placing the focus on unarmed combat and the mastery of various disciplines, and its box-office success ensured that it would set the template for just about every Hong Kong action movie to follow. As such, its story is as standard as it gets – a Chinese boxer seeks revenge for the destruction of his training facility – but Yu’s self-directed fight scenes remain spectacular even after decades of imitation.

25. Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)

Thai phenom Tony Jaa smashed through to international audiences with this bruising tale of a Muay Thai fighting phenom who ventures into Bangkok underworld after the head of a sacred Buddhist statue is stolen. Full of jaw-dropping, non-CG action backdropped by spectacular location photography, the movie sets up Jaa as the next great martial arts crossover star – although his next most memorable movie is probably Ong-Bak 2, aka ‘the one where he runs up and backflips off an elephant’.

See the best movies of all time

Check out the 100 best thrillers of all time

Dirty cops, femme fatales, grinning killers and bone-deep paranoia: Welcome to our ranked list of classic thrillers

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The Bizarre Time-Travel Storyline We Never Got To See In The Karate Kid 3

The Karate Kid series is about as straightforward as a movie franchise can be, by 1980s standards. It doesn't get more grounded than the story of Daniel LaRusso ( Ralph Macchio ) going from the new kid on the block to a martial arts prodigy with the help of Mr. Miyagi ( Pat Morita ). It's simple, entertaining, and none of the installments go out of their way to depart drastically from their predecessors.

However, that's not to say that it would be totally impossible to take the Karate Kid brand in a different, bold direction, which very nearly happened for 1989's The Karate Kid Part III .

The third piece of the original Karate Kid trilogy doesn't get much love from fans, and understandably so. It didn't take the story anywhere it hadn't already gone and lacked the same impact of its two predecessors. As it turns out, retreading old ground with Daniel, Miyagi, and John Kreese 's (Martin Kove) fledgling Cobra Kai dojo, wasn't what writers Robert Mark Kamen and John G. Avildsen had in mind. They originally pitched a time travel-centric plot that, unsurprisingly, never came to fruition, courtesy of those helming the production.

Here's how it would have fit into the Karate Kid canon and unfolded on the big screen.

The Karate Kid 3 would've taken Daniel to 16th century China

According to Robert Mark Kamen in a 2012 interview with Mandatory (formerly known as CraveOnline ), he hoped to set The Karate Kid Part III in the distant past. "I wanted to have them flashback to 16th century China," he revealed, explaining his desire to replicate the classic, cable-rigged Kung Fu movies of yesteryear. "I wanted to do a Hong Kong Kung Fu movie. That's what I wanted to do," Kamen adds, lamenting that he and John G. Avildsen were virtually the only ones onboard with the concept.

Of course, this idea didn't come totally out of left field, as it ties into a minor history lesson Mr. Miyagi gives Daniel in The Karate Kid Part II . As Avildsen recalled in a separate interview with Mandatory from 2014, "The ancestor of Miyagi was a fisherman. He was out fishing, had too much sake, and fell asleep and woke up off the coast of China and came back ten years later with a Chinese wife and a secret to Miyagi family Karate." Therefore, they planted the seeds for this story already, so it would seamlessly fit the existing canon.

You're surely wondering, how exactly would Daniel and Miyagi go back in time? Luckily, Avildsen and Kamen game-planned that concept as well. According to the latter, "It all happens when Daniel gets hit on the head and he has a dream. He's in a coma or something, and they see a boat in the mist. It docks, and Mr. Miyagi and Daniel follow the first Miyagi ancestor into China." Additionally, Avildsen elaborated on Pat Morita's role in this dream world, mentioning that he "would play the Miyagi character as the ancestor and we would see how that all began."

Budget constraints made The Karate Kid 3's time-travel story impossible

Despite this 16th century, China-themed vision of The Karate Kid Part III falling flat with director Jerry Weintraub, Columbia Pictures' head of production Guy McElwaine, and pretty much everyone else, that wasn't the only reason why it wound up on the cutting room floor. According to Avildsen, "the producers didn't want to spend the money to go to China so we just did the first one over again," even though, as he explains, "The Chinese government was all enthusiastic about it and Columbia at the time was owned by Coca-Cola. It was going to be a great opportunity for them to do business in China."

As a consequence of the studio's budget constraints and the Karate Kid crew's lack of interest in flying across the globe for shooting, Kamen and Avildsen's time-travel Karate Kid installment never saw the light of day. Instead, John Kreese and his old war buddy, Cobra Kai's corporate owner Terry "Twig" Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), took the villainous reins in a rather uninspired sequel. Say what you will about this unused Karate Kid Part III idea, but you can't deny that it would've at the very least provided a breath of fresh air for the series...for better or worse.

10 Best Kung Fu Films, Ranked

Kung Fu film stars like Jet Li, Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan have achieved wide success, popularizing a genre that's high on physicality and drama.

Though they have their roots in Chinese cinema, kung fu movies have become iconic and beloved the world over. From gravity-defying stunts to high-flying kicks, these films have captivated audiences for decades with their mesmerizing style. Some of the best kung fu movies were also responsible for turning now well-known screen legends into household names.

The kung fu film genre gained prominence in the early '70s following the waning popularity of the Wuxia films, which were characterized by their supernatural tropes of Chinese myths and legends. As more hard-hitting kung fu action reached the international shores, the martial arts subgenre brought a cultural revolution never seen before in cinematic history. Several of these films came to be adored across the globe, but only the best kung fu movies truly withstood the test of time.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on January 25, 2024: Chopsocky kicks and karate chops helped make the kung fu movie genre a hit in the 1970s. Since then, several kung fu movies have taken the genre even further, thanks to both incredible action and unique twists on familiar tropes. Even though kung fu isn't as prominent on the big screen as it once was, various movies have kept names such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and especially Bruce Lee relevant for generations.

10 Crippled Avengers (1978) is a Bloody Tale of Revenge and Honor

Crippled avengers (1978).

Four martial artists go on a journey to seek justice against a tyrannical martial arts master and his son.

10 Best Martial Arts Movie Franchises

At the height of their rivalry with Golden Harvest, the Shaw Brothers employed six actors in lead roles (famously called the Venom Mob in the English-speaking world). Crippled Avengers was their third movie together in a year, and their chemistry showed up in the elaborate fight scenes.

When four men get maimed at the hands of a tyrant and his clan, they band together to get revenge or die trying. Director Chang Cheh, often regarded as the "Grandfather of Hong Kong Cinema," used the unusual premise to craft a straight-to-the-chase revenge tale. Crippled Avengers isn't without its faults, but it's everything that makes the kung fu genre great.

9 The Legend of the Drunken Master (1994) Gives Jackie Chan More Stunts and a Bigger Budget

The legend of the drunken master.

A young martial artist is caught between respecting his pacifist father's wishes or stopping a group of disrespectful foreigners from stealing precious artifacts.

By the '90s, Jackie Chan had become a bona fide action movie star. But it was over a decade since he last tried his hand at traditional Chinese martial arts movies. With Legend of the Drunken Master , Chan returned to the basics from Drunken Master , albeit with a bigger budget and over-the-top action set pieces.

Reprising his role as the famed folk hero Wong Fei-hung from his 1978 classic Drunken Master , Chan upped the ante with his incredible stunt work. The movie's blistering climax depicting the fight scene between Fei-Hong and Ken Lo's John took a whopping four months to shoot, highlighting the actors' dedication to their craft.

8 The Grandmaster (2013) is a Visually Sumptuous Kung Fu Masterpiece

The grandmaster.

The story of martial-arts master Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee.

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Celebrated director Wong Kar-wai is known for his visual poetry. Each scene may seem frozen in time, yet they say a lot. On paper, a kung fu movie may not seem suitable for such a venture, especially with the tendency to devolve into weightless action. Nevertheless, The Grandmaster delivers on all levels thanks to its excellent cinematography, acting, and soundtrack.

Starring a stellar lineup of actors that includes Tony Leung , Zhang Ziyi, and Zhang Jin, The Grandmaster presents a slice of Ip Man’s life, better known for being Bruce Lee’s instructor. The choreography seems almost balletic, with powerful performances in front of the camera, wiping away any memory of the movie being in development hell for years. The Grandmaster was certainly worth the wait, becoming one of the top kung fu movies of all time.

7 Five Deadly Venoms (1978) is an Action-Packed Spectacle

Five deadly venoms (1978).

The sixth and final pupil of a dying martial arts teacher is instructed to find the teacher's five former pupils and defeat any evil ones that are among them.

Five Deadly Venoms was the first Chang Cheh and Venom Mob collaboration that still stands the test of time. It also brought a unique visual style to the cinematic world of kung fu. Interestingly, the martial arts depicted in the film borrowed its aesthetics from the most toxic animals found in nature: snakes, scorpions, toads, lizards, and centipedes.

Five Deadly Venoms spins a web of murder, conspiracy, and betrayal like no other. One of the most underrated movies of the genre, its top-notch action choreography remains an exemplary example of a bygone era. Five Deadly Venoms became a cult classic with its North American release, leaving a wide cultural footprint still found in outside media and music.

6 Once Upon a Time in China (1991) is an Epic Worthy of Its Star

Once upon a time in china.

Legendary martial arts hero Wong Fei-Hung fights against foreign forces' plundering of China. When Aunt Yee arrives back from America, Wong Fei-Hung assumes the role of her protector.

10 Historical Figures Who Deserve Their Own Movie

Many actors have portrayed Wong Fei-hung on the silver screen, but only a few are as iconic as Jet Li in that role. Once Upon a Time in China turned Li into a bankable star overnight and launched a successful franchise in its wake. The film was more than just a kung fu movie. It stood the test of time and became a historical classic.

Director Tsui Hark served as producer, director, and writer for the film, whose political premise was deeply rooted in the history of late 19th-century China. Once Upon a Time in China is end-to-end action as a fearless Jet Li shows off his stunts in acrobatic style while beset with enemies on all sides. Singer George Lam provided the theme music, which remains as memorable and inspiring as Li's kicks.

5 Ip Man (2008) is Just the Beginning of an Action-Packed Franchise

Ip Man is a series of Hong Kong martial arts films based on the life events of the Wing Chun master of the same name.

Before future John Wick: Chapter 4 actor Donnie Yen became the go-to martial arts movie star for Hollywood, the actor struggled in the Hong Kong film industry despite his movies getting critical acclaim. Ip Man 's runaway success changed Yen's career trajectory for the better, registering his biggest hit ever from a box office point of view.

Ip Man is a rare treat of a kung fu movie, especially on this side of the century. A semi-biographical story, the focus remains on Ip Man's life and his Wing Chun style, as he uses his fists to survive the harsh life under Japanese occupation. It wouldn't be a lie to say that Ip Man 's popularity directly influenced the Wing Chun craze worldwide. Likewise, it pushed international awareness of Ip Man's legacy.

4 The Way of the Dragon (1972) Pits Bruce Lee Against Chuck Norris

The way of the dragon.

A man visits his relatives at their restaurant in Italy and has to help them defend against brutal gangsters harassing them.

10 Best Hand-to-Hand Fighters In Movie History

Legendary martial artist Bruce Lee made his directorial debut in 1972's Way of the Dragon , co-producing the movie with Golden Harvest while acting, writing, and dubbing for almost all English-speaking parts. A marked departure from the grittier tone of his last two escapades, Lee had more fun with various humorous aspects when crafting the screenplay. The result was one of Lee's most iconic kung fu movies.

Way of the Dragon tells the story of Tang Lung as he visits his compatriots in Rome, who are trying to run a restaurant but face trouble from the local syndicate. In an aptly named title, Lee flaunts his self-developed kung fu style. However, it's the breathtaking final fight between Bruce Lee and the ineffable Chuck Norris that takes the cake, pitting the two notable fighters against each other.

3 Kung Fu Hustle (2004) is a Genre-Bending Comedy with Heart

Kung fu hustle.

In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.

Stephen Chow's first real claim to fame came in the early 2000s when Western audiences got a taste of Chow's off-brand slapstick humor in Shaolin Soccer . His next movie — 2004's Kung Fu Hustle — was unlike anything the world had experienced in a long time. It prompted comedian Bill Murray to say, "There should have been a day of mourning for American comedy the day that movie came out." Uniting kung fu movie action with hilarious jokes involving angry landlords and a dim-witted bum, the movie told the tale of a walking disaster who becomes a kung fu master.

Kung Fu Hustle follows Sing, a wannabe gangster who becomes entangled in the hidden world of kung fu masters. Filled to the brim with pop culture references and movie Easter eggs, Kung Fu Hustle won the masses with its relatable depiction of life's struggles and left them entertained with its cartoonish fistfights. Its comedy helped it transcend genres and find fans beyond kung fu movie aficionados. Likewise, it was a major influence on the Kung Fu Panda series.

2 The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) Has Some of the Greatest Fight Sequences

The 36th chamber of shaolin.

A man studies kung fu at the Shaolin Temple to fight back against the oppressive Manchu government.

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It is no exaggeration to call The 36th Chamber of Shaolin the quintessential Shaolin kung fu movie in the history of cinema. More impressive is the way the film blends period drama, a revenge story, and training montages to plot the course of the hero's journey from a hapless rebel to a lethal weapon.

Starring Gordon Liu in the role of his life, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a heavily fictionalized life story of a Shaolin monk named San Te. Liu's acting, coupled with the character's struggles as he masters different forms of martial arts, makes this film a legendary saga that will make anyone join San Te’s fight.

1 Enter the Dragon (1973) is a Stone Cold Classic Kung Fu Flick

Enter the dragon (1973).

A Shaolin martial artist travels to an island fortress to spy on an opium lord - who is also a former monk from his temple - under the guise of attending a fighting tournament.

The first Chinese kung fu movie produced by Hollywood, and possibly the greatest of all time, Enter the Dragon immortalized Bruce Lee as an international phenomenon. The film boasts a multicultural, diverse cast that gives it a festival feel, celebrating the world of martial arts. Likewise, Enter the Dragon also incorporates elements of espionage movies such as the James Bond series . This broadened scope further cemented its status as a classic.

Enter the Dragon isn't just Bruce Lee breaking skulls open with his nunchucks skills or high-kicking enemies to oblivion. It also has profound philosophical adages applicable to one's own life. From famed composer Lalo Schifrin's outstanding soundtrack to the sleek fight scenes that can rival today's action, Enter the Dragon has left behind a mammoth legacy that influences martial arts movies to this day. As a result, it's almost always listed at the top of the best kung fu movies of all time.

The 25 Best Martial Arts Movies You Can Stream Right Now

From Bruce Lee to Tony Jaa.

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From classic practitioners like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, to later comedy and action legends Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, and Lucy Liu, all the way to today's trendsetters Tony Jaa and Iko Uwais, one thing is clear: martial arts cinema has one hell of a roster.

Martial arts movies are also far more diverse than screams and flying kicks, spanning every possible genre and employing a myriad of techniques involving wires and camera rigs and months and months of practice. When we watch a good martial arts movie, we’re not just watching the first take; we're witnessing something as choreographed as a stage performance, or a dance, or a circus, in which everything has to go right—and, where if something very small goes wrong, things could get very painful.

In short: we love a good martial arts movie because we can see the love and dedication and hard work that goes into every take.

So we’re taking a minute to list off some of the best.

We’re calling a “martial arts film” one which uses martial arts as the principle storytelling vehicle—either for comedy or for drama—meaning the physical movement of the scenes are essential for illustrating motives, character relationships, emotions, and internal struggles.

Some films employ martial arts as fixture of the drama; the arts aren’t so much central to character or story, but rather useful in portraying combat. So while we love films like The Matrix and John Wick —and recognize how both use multiple styles of combat for their action sequences—we don’t think the discipline occupies center stage of the story.

We need the arts to be the story.

So here are 25 of the best martial arts films ever made. Did we swing and miss a couple? Probably. But, hey, not everything can be as perfect as a Jackie Chan fight.

The Protector (2005)

Of the many martial artists on this list, Thailand's Tony Jaa and his Muay Thai choreography may be some of the most brutal and realistic—we're pretty sure he's actually punching dudes. The Protector features an almost 5-minute-long continuous fight scene that will make you tired just watching.

Prodigal Son (1981)

Action comedy. For some films, this means heavily-edited gun fights and car chases. For Prodigal Son , it means amazingly choreographed fighting. And also lots of comedic ridiculousness.

STREAM IT HERE

Police Story (1985)

Our first Jackie Chan entry! The truth is no one does stunt work quite like Chan, who has both the feet of a performer and the eyes and ears of a director. The outcome is often the most electric stunts you'll ever see. The first scene of Police Story features Chan actually dangling from a double-decker bus during a car chase. Sold.

Kill Zone (2005)

Another Hong Kong action superstar: Donnie Yen. He'll appear a lot more on this list in more iconic roles. In Kill Zone, though, we see Yen demonstrating some of the most intense spontaneous choreography ever. Kill Zone makes the list for one particular alleyway fight...

Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976)

It's a kung fu classic and another example of just how dominant Hong Kong cinema is on this list.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Drunken Master (1978)

More Jackie! Drunken Master finds Chan learning an eccentric style of martial arts: drunken martial arts. Don't let the film's zaniness turn you off; the stunt work is untouchable.

Once Upon a Time in China (1991)

The film helped start a martial arts craze in the 90s and features the legend Jet Li. More on Li later.

Hero (2002)

Hero is a martial arts epic . Directed by the legend Zhang Yimou, the film was one of the largest and highest grossing films in Chinese history at the time. The arrow scene from 300 ... yeah, they were paying homage to this.

Five Deadly Venoms (1978)

The martial arts cult phenomenon features several unique martial arts styles in what's certainly fun, action-packed, and pretty dang weird.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Speaking of cult martial arts ... no martial arts movie list would be complete without Stephen Chow. And while there are plenty of eccentric kung fu films to chose from, you just can't beat Kung Fu Hustle . It's funny and also features better fighting than 99% of serious Hollywood.

Warrior (2011)

The internet jokes Warrior is Titanic for men—in that we all cried manly tears when Brendan told Tommy he loved him. Not saying we didn't also cry in Titanic , but Warrior— perhaps the best MMA movie ever made — really is as emotional as any drama.

The Karate Kid (1984)

A great sports movie. A great coming of age movie. A great movie movie. And, ultimately, a great martial arts movie. While the kicking and screaming may not be as intense as other films on this list, The Karate Kid has a lot of heart to make up for it.

Kill Bill (2003)

Few films in western cinema have been able to capture the frenetic energy (and camp) of classic martial arts film better than Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill . The man knows his craft and his genre.

House of Flying Daggers (2005)

House of Flying Daggers looks more like a dance than a martial art. And by this we mean no criticism. The epic romance martial arts period piece is kinetic poetics. Or, rather: movement has never looked so pretty.

Fearless (2006)

Okay, let's talk about Jet Li. Li was once a competitive martial artist and Wushu champion. He retired at 19. Since then, he's been starring in some of the best martial arts cinema ever. In Fearless , he plays another competitive martial artist who fights for national pride.

The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

A follow-up to his first drunken ass-kicking, Chan's The Legend of Drunken Master finds the artist at the height of his stunt work and choreography. It's both hilarious and electric, goofy and jaw-dropping. If only American directors let Chan cook this way. If you watch nothing else on this list, watch this.

The Way of the Dragon (1972)

We've been missing someone, and that someone is Bruce Lee. The Way of the Dragon is notable in the Lee canon in its humorous approach to action. It also features Lee facing off against another legend: Chuck Norris.

Fist of Legend (1994)

A remake of a previous Bruce Lee film (which may or may not be coming up), Jet Li's Fist of Legend is maybe the martial artist's best work. It would also soon after inspire the use of kung fu in The Matrix.

Fist of Fury (1972)

The original starred Bruce Lee at the height of his abilities.

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The 150+ Best Martial Arts Movies Of All Time

Welcome to our compilation of the best martial arts movies, a cinematic journey through expertly curated films that have struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. Whether you're a fan of the disciplined focus of karate or the fluid elegance of kung fu, this list is set to deliver adrenaline-pumping punch after punch.

Discover the mastery of choreography and storytelling in our selection of the best karate movies, featuring films such as The 36th Chamber of Shaolin , Drunken Master , and IP Man . These films not only offer exhilarating action sequences but also touch on themes of honor, discipline, and personal growth, intertwining life lessons with high-octane spectacle.

For those seeking fast-paced and explosive fight scenes, our must-watch list of the best fighting movies serves up a satisfying platter. These films, including the likes of Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon , Fist of Fury , and Ip Man 2 , showcase the skill, speed, and strength of combat in all its cinematic glory, making for a truly immersive viewing experience.

And if classic action calls to you, our roundup of old karate movies serves as a time capsule to an era when martial arts in the cinema began to flourish, blending Eastern combat techniques with Western filmmaking styles, spurring the genre’s popularity around the globe.

At the same time, our catalog of the best kung fu movies unfurls the vivid tapestry of this distinct martial arts form. We’ve included Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny , House of Flying Daggers , and Kung Fu Hustle , among others, that capture the cultural essence and philosophical depth of this unique martial art.

Streaming these films is a breeze, with platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Paramount+ conveniently linked beneath each movie, in no particular order. Away from the big screen, you can enjoy these masterpieces of martial arts cinema right from the comfort of your home.

Lastly, we invite you to participate in our democratic process of ranking these films. Your input matters in shaping this collection of the best movies about martial arts. So go ahead and vote up your favorites—let's create the ultimate list of martial arts movie masterpieces together.

Enter the Dragon

Enter the Dragon solidified Bruce Lee's status as a martial arts legend and transformed the genre in the process. The film's plot revolves around a martial arts tournament, showcasing various fighting styles and serving as an homage to the spirit of competition. Through its captivating characters and dynamic fight sequences, the movie emphasizes the importance of discipline, focus, and self-improvement in martial arts. By expertly weaving these themes into a suspense-filled narrative, Enter the Dragon has earned its place as one of the greatest martial arts films of all time.

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Fist of Fury

Fist of Fury is a shining example of how martial arts can be effectively used to convey powerful themes such as national pride, revenge, and injustice. Set against the backdrop of Japanese occupation of China, the film follows Bruce Lee's character seeking vengeance for his fallen master. Lee's portrayal of a tortured hero, fighting both physical and emotional battles, elevates the movie's dramatic impact and highlights the role martial arts plays in forging individual and collective strength. With its iconic fight scenes and thought-provoking motifs, Fist of Fury remains an influential masterpiece in the world of martial arts cinema.

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Ip Man triumphs as a martial arts biopic that explores the life and philosophy of the legendary grandmaster who trained Bruce Lee. The delicate balance between dramatic storytelling and exhilarating martial arts sequences, which highlight Wing Chun’s technique and principles, make this film a standout in the genre. Donnie Yen's portrayal of the titular character emphasizes the importance of honor, humility, and resilience in the martial arts world. Expertly integrating historical context, powerful themes, and spectacular choreography, Ip Man offers a fresh and inspiring take on the martial arts movie formula.

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Drunken Master

Drunken Master introduced the world to Jackie Chan's unique blend of martial arts and humor, revolutionizing the genre with its inventive choreography and lively spirit. The film follows the misadventures of a young martial artist who learns the art of drunken boxing, showcasing the fresh and playful style that has since become synonymous with Chan's name. By pushing the boundaries of traditional martial arts storytelling and blending physical comedy with impressive fight scenes, Drunken Master redefined what a martial arts film could be and remains a classic to this day.

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Return of the Dragon

Return of the Dragon is a testament to Bruce Lee's iconic status as a martial arts visionary and filmmaker. The film's intricate fight scenes seamlessly blend different martial arts disciplines, reflecting its narrative theme of cultural exchange and cross-cultural understanding. Lee's character battles adversity and defends the honor of his people, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and heroism within martial arts narratives. With its unforgettable finale and emphasis on self-discovery, Return of the Dragon exemplifies the power of martial arts to captivate audiences and deliver profound messages.

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The Legend of Drunken Master

The Legend of Drunken Master elevates the martial arts-comedy formula established by its predecessor, delivering an intoxicating mix of humor, action, and heart. Jackie Chan's mesmerizing portrayal of a lovable yet formidable protagonist showcases the versatility of drunken boxing, a fascinating fighting style requiring both agility and unpredictability. The film's narrative explores themes of loyalty, family conflict, and the evolving role of traditional martial arts in contemporary society. With its breathtaking choreography and earnest storytelling, The Legend of Drunken Master offers a unique and engaging martial arts experience.

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The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

Undeniably a martial arts classic, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin presents an enthralling tale of perseverance, transformation, and the power of martial arts to inspire social change. The film follows Gordon Liu's unforgettable character, who masters kung fu in the legendary Shaolin Temple, only to realize his true purpose lies beyond its walls. A rich exploration of Shaolin principles and martial arts philosophy weaves throughout the narrative, offering a deeply immersive experience for viewers. With its innovative training sequences and expertly staged combat scenes, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin remains a seminal work in the martial arts genre.

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Fist of Legend

A worthy successor to Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury , Fist of Legend explores the enduring power of martial arts to unite people against adversity. Jet Li's impressive portrayal of the vengeful protagonist offers a fresh interpretation of the original story, showcasing the evolution of martial arts cinema since the 1970s. With its well-choreographed fight scenes and eloquent exploration of loyalty, honor, and cultural identity, Fist of Legend pays tribute to the rich legacy of martial arts films while carving out its own unique place in the genre.

In Ip Man 2 , Donnie Yen returns as the revered Wing Chun master, forging new paths amidst the chaos of post-war Hong Kong. The sequel delves deeper into the world of martial arts, showcasing the intricate interplay between different fighting styles and the vital role they play in shaping one's identity and sense of purpose. Tackling themes such as discrimination, perseverance, and tradition, the film imbues its thrilling fight scenes with emotional depth and cultural significance. Ip Man 2 masterfully balances action and drama to create a poignant and engaging continuation of the grandmaster's story.

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Iron Monkey

Iron Monkey is a captivating tale of heroism, honor, and corruption that exemplifies how martial arts can serve as a powerful vehicle for storytelling and social commentary. At its core, the film features exhilarating fight scenes that showcase the grace and skill inherent in Chinese martial arts. The characters' choices and actions are guided by their moral compasses, reminding audiences of the ethical foundations of martial arts discipline. With its vibrant visual style and resonant themes, Iron Monkey stands as a shining example of the genre's potential for rich, engaging narratives.

The Raid: Redemption

The Raid: Redemption is a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that pushes the boundaries of martial arts choreography and filmmaking. Its intense focus on the Indonesian martial art of Silat offers a fresh perspective on the genre while showcasing the intricate, brutal techniques unique to this discipline. As the film's characters navigate a world of corruption and violence, the story underscores the importance of survival instincts and adaptation in martial arts. With its relentless pace, visceral action, and gripping narrative, The Raid: Redemption has carved out a unique place in the annals of martial arts cinema.

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As one of Jean-Claude Van Damme's most iconic films, Bloodsport showcases the intensity and visceral appeal of martial arts-infused action. Set in the high-stakes world of underground fighting tournaments, the film introduces audiences to an array of diverse combat styles and techniques. Through its powerful message of mental fortitude, physical prowess, and unwavering commitment to self-improvement, Bloodsport offers a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat experience that has resonated with martial arts enthusiasts for decades.

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Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior

Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior thrust Tony Jaa into the spotlight as one of the most dynamic martial arts stars of his generation. The film's brutal yet beautifully choreographed fight scenes showcase the raw power and agility of Muay Thai, a martial art often underrepresented in cinema. With its gritty, raw aesthetic, and an engaging plot centered around honor and redemption, Ong-Bak serves as a fresh, authentic portrayal of martial arts' role in shaping individuals and communities.

Hero is a visually stunning martial arts epic that explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace. Intricately choreographed fight scenes blend seamlessly with an absorbing, nonlinear narrative, resulting in a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. With its striking visuals, unforgettable characters, and reflection on the human cost of war, Hero stands as a shining example of martial arts cinema's potential for depth and beauty.

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The Big Boss

In The Big Boss , Bruce Lee makes a lasting impression as a martial arts hero who is propelled to action when faced with injustice and exploitation. The film’s thrilling fight sequences emphasize the combination of mental and physical strength that defines martial arts. With its commitment to authentic choreography and thought-provoking themes, The Big Boss helped pave the way for future martial arts cinema.

Five Deadly Venoms

Five Deadly Venoms is a quintessential martial arts film that blends captivating storytelling with jaw-dropping combat. The film's diverse cast of skilled fighters, each specializing in a unique animal-based fighting style, showcases the depth and versatility of martial arts as both a physical discipline and a narrative device. Through its exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked power, Five Deadly Venoms stands as a timeless example of the genre's capacity for rich, immersive storytelling.

Seven Samurai

The enduring influence of Seven Samurai on the martial arts genre cannot be overstated. Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece offers a rich exploration of the samurai code and the complex interplay between honor, duty, and violence. With its multifaceted characters and expertly choreographed battle sequences, the film masterfully examines the role martial arts can play in shaping individual destinies and societal values. As a seminal work that has inspired countless martial arts movies, Seven Samurai will forever be remembered as a cornerstone of the genre.

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Once Upon a Time in China

In Once Upon a Time in China , Jet Li brings the iconic figure of Wong Fei-hung to life, offering audiences a thrilling glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese martial arts history. The film adeptly balances high-stakes action and authentic storytelling, weaving themes of national identity, tradition, and modernity throughout its narrative. With its stunning fight scenes, poignant themes, and memorable characters, Once Upon a Time in China remains a beloved classic in martial arts cinema.

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The Game of Death

In The Game of Death , Bruce Lee offers a tantalizing glimpse into the full extent of his martial arts prowess and storytelling vision. The film's iconic combat scenes highlight Lee's remarkable adaptability and fluidity as he faces off against a variety of formidable foes. Through its exploration of martial arts philosophy and the notion of self-mastery, The Game of Death serves as a poignant reminder of the genre's potential for personal growth and empowerment.

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Fearless is a riveting martial arts epic that tells the story of Chinese folk hero Huo Yuanjia, a man who overcomes personal tragedy to become a national symbol of courage and resilience. The film's breathtaking fight sequences showcase the grace, power, and versatility of various martial arts styles, while its compelling narrative delves into themes of identity, honor, and redemption. With its striking visuals, arresting performances, and heartfelt storytelling, Fearless is a testament to the enduring appeal of the martial arts genre.

Kung Fu Hustle

Kung Fu Hustle is a delightful fusion of martial arts, slapstick comedy, and unforgettable characters that has won the hearts of audiences worldwide. Director Stephen Chow's unique vision blends jaw-dropping action sequences with uproarious humor, creating a film that is both thrilling and laugh-out-loud funny. The movie's colorful cast of kung fu masters showcases the wide range of martial arts styles, while its underdog story underscores the genre's power to inspire personal growth and transformation. With its irresistible charm and innovative storytelling, Kung Fu Hustle has become a beloved classic in the martial arts pantheon.

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Police Story

Police Story is a groundbreaking film that solidified Jackie Chan's reputation as a martial arts superstar and gifted filmmaker. Chan's innovative blend of elaborate stunts, intricate choreography, and natural charisma bring the film's high-stakes police action to life, with each breathtaking set piece showcasing his unparalleled dedication to his craft. By seamlessly integrating martial arts into a modern-day narrative, Police Story laid the groundwork for countless action blockbusters to come and remains a seminal work in martial arts cinema.

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In Ip Man 3 , Donnie Yen returns once again as the legendary grandmaster, demonstrating that martial arts can serve as a powerful force for good in the face of adversity. This final installment in the trilogy sees Ip Man defending his community against outside threats and grappling with the challenges of fatherhood, offering audiences a nuanced portrayal of martial arts' role in personal development and societal harmony. With its masterful fight sequences and poignant themes, Ip Man 3 completes the saga with a satisfying and resonant conclusion.

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Rumble in the Bronx

Rumble in the Bronx marked Jackie Chan's successful crossover into international stardom, introducing audiences worldwide to his unique brand of martial arts action and fearless stunt work. The film's urban setting allows Chan to showcase his remarkable agility and creativity in a series of thrilling, high-energy fight scenes, highlighting the adaptability of martial arts within a contemporary context. With its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative action sequences, Rumble in the Bronx stands as an essential entry in the martial arts movie canon.

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a visually and thematically rich martial arts epic that transcends genre boundaries, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film masterfully combines breathtaking cinematography, poetic storytelling, and gravity-defying martial arts choreography to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its exploration of love, loss, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment imbues the martial arts genre with newfound depth and resonance, earning its place as a modern classic.

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In Kickboxer , Jean-Claude Van Damme shines as a determined martial artist seeking revenge for his brother's brutal defeat in the dangerous world of underground kickboxing. The film's intense training montages and brutal, hard-hitting fight scenes showcase the physical demands and mental fortitude required to excel in martial arts. With its classic revenge tale and exploration of family loyalty, Kickboxer remains an enduring, crowd-pleasing martial arts movie with timeless appeal.

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House of Flying Daggers

House of Flying Daggers is a visually stunning martial arts romance set against the backdrop of political intrigue in ancient China. Director Zhang Yimou's lush visuals and masterful storytelling are complemented by mesmerizing fight sequences that showcase the grace and artistry of martial arts. At its core, the film is a poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, demonstrating the genre's potential for emotional depth and timeless themes. With its unforgettable imagery, captivating narrative, and superb choreography, House of Flying Daggers has earned its place as a must-watch martial arts classic.

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Kiss of the Dragon

Kiss of the Dragon sees martial arts virtuoso Jet Li take on a gritty, modern setting, combining electrifying action with an intriguing tale of corruption and revenge. As an undercover cop seeking justice in the dark underbelly of Paris, Li showcases his formidable martial arts skills and acrobatic flair through a series of intense, innovative fight scenes. By infusing its narrative with themes of honor and personal redemption, the film offers a fresh adaptation of the traditional martial arts story, ensuring its appeal to both newcomers and seasoned fans of the genre.

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13 Assassins

Takashi Miike's 13 Assassins is an exhilarating samurai epic that expertly weaves together high-stakes drama, brutal violence, and masterful martial arts. The film's riveting story of a group of skilled assassins coming together to bring down a sadistic warlord highlights the dedication, honor, and courage inherent in samurai culture and martial arts as a whole. Featuring thrilling battle sequences and deeply resonant themes, 13 Assassins stands as an outstanding example of the martial arts genre's potential for gripping, immersive storytelling.

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Tai Chi Master

Tai Chi Master showcases the incredible skills of martial arts legends Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh as they bring to life a captivating tale of rivalry, friendship, and the unwavering pursuit of self-improvement. Set against the backdrop of the Ming Dynasty, the film offers an in-depth look at the origins and philosophy of Tai Chi, a martial art often underexplored in cinema. With its engaging character dynamics, stunning choreography, and thought-provoking themes, Tai Chi Master is an unmissable entry in the martial arts movie pantheon.

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The 26 best martial arts movies of all time.

Talk to a 70s or 80s baby about their favorite cinematic experiences and they'll most likely shout out one of their favorite films that's all about badass protagonists throwing hands and kicking feet with a whole flood of bad guys. The best martial arts movies make that central theme the main focal point of their onscreen magic and regularly showcase different styles of hand-to-hand and weapons-based combat. As soon as you hear someone waxing poetic about the most exciting, brutal, and highly entertaining martial arts films, the GOATs will definitely spring to mind - Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa, and so many more cinematic lethal enforcers are among the very best of the best. Now with all that in mind, allow us to recommend 26 of the greatest martial arts movies ever seen.

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Best Martial Arts Movies

1. ‘Enter the Dragon’

There's no anyone can make a list of the best martial arts movies and NOT mention the ass-kicking trendsetter known as Bruce Lee. The legendary practitioner of Jeet Kune Do made waves as a cinematic icon as he starred in a wealth of films that defined the martial-arts movie genre. One of his best posthumous onscreen performances is Enter the Dragon , which is an amazing film where Lee brawls with the best during a sinister karate tournament. Lee's underground prison infiltration scene sees him put in work on a bunch of hapless victims and deliver one of the best action sequences of all time.

2. ‘Ip Man’

Donnie Yen has starred in countless martial arts classics and is even now getting his props in blockbuster American films, such as Rouge One: A Star Wars Story and John Wick: Chapter 4 . One of his most lauded roles takes place here in a biopic martial arts movie series that follows the exploits of Bruce Lee's teacher/mentor, Ip Man. This storied figure is the esteemed grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun. Yen does a sublime job as the ultimate martial arts mastermind in this film that beats back all challenges with relative ease. The first Ip Man has to be considered one of the best martial arts movies ever made thanks to the scene where Ip Man defeats 10 Black Belts like it's nothing!

3. ‘Once Upon a Time in China’

There's Bruce Lee. There's Jackie Chan. And of course, there's the exalted one known as Jet Li. His martial arts movie run goes hand in hand with some of the most legit picks for the best fighting movies. One of the greatest Li movie performances we have to highlight here is his starring role in the first installment of this amazing series. Once Upon a Time in China shines the spotlight on a Chinese folk hero that rises up to protect his country from foreign invaders and protect Aunt Yee from certain harm. Li's ass-kicking expertise comes through in full during a sequence where he and his foe battle atop sets of ladders.

4. ‘The 36th Chamber of Shaolin’

One of the most influential and groundbreaking kung-fu films ever made just so happens to be the inspiration for a rap group you may have heard of. The great Gordon Liu takes center stage here in a movie that sees him play the role of the real-life San Te, who studies under the Shaolin martial arts teachings of temple monks. With his newfound strength, Te uses it to rise up against the tyrannical Manchu government. This classic film will wow you with its fight scenes, more specifically the "Three Section Staff" faceoff and that one encounter in the grassy field where Te lands a nasty headbutt to his opponent to cap things off.

5. ‘Master of the Flying Guillotine’

The story for this film is pretty wild! So a one-armed martial arts master ends up in the crosshairs of an imperial assassin (who just so happens to be blind). And that's due to the fact that the one-armed man killed two of the assassin's students (check out One-Armed Boxer to see how those deaths come to be). What ensues is a quest for revenge where both men make their way towards a decisive clash that is pure art once you finally watch it in motion. The name of this film should clue you into the signature weapon that strikes fear into the hearts of everyone that hears about it and the unfortunate souls that end up on the receiving end of it.

6. ‘The Legend of Drunken Master’

Jackie Chan is going to make some additional appearances on this list of the best martial arts movies, so get used to it! And for this next entry, we feel like it's the best time to talk about his time spent onscreen handing out devastating beatdowns with his Drunken Boxing. The Legend of Drunken Master sees Chan put his skills to the ultimate test in a bid to keep some evil foreigners from stealing priceless Chinese artifacts. The final fight scene between Chan and fellow martial arts movie great Ken Lo is GOAT-tier fighting movie material.

7. ‘A Touch of Zen’

Corrupt political regimes seemed to be a huge theme in most martial arts movies from the 70s, right? That main antagonistic party also comes up here in this genre-defining film. A Touch of Zen sees the unlikely trio of a young princess on the run, a painter, and some Buddhist monks rise up against dishonorable officials and the man that killed the young woman's family. The bamboo forest fight sequence from this classic film is a thing of beauty that can be seen as setting the foundation for movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The House of Flying Daggers .

8. ‘Dragon Inn’

We're going all the way back to the late 60s for this one! Dragon Inn follows the story of a brother and sister who end up on the run and being pursued by the political opponents that murdered their father. The Dragon Gate Inn ends up being an important meeting point for the children, the group meant to assassinate them, and the individuals who make it their mission to protect the brother/sister duo from imminent danger. The swordplay on display here is masterful and the tension-filled tale being told her will enrapture you.

9. ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’

In the year 2000, practically everyone with even a passing interest in martial arts films went to go see this awe-inspiring epic. If you still haven't seen it, you owe it to yourself to fix such a grave error and get a handle on what this movie is all about. Luminaries of the big-screen martial arts genre such as Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, and Zhang Ziyi come to blows in this movie that's all about ferocious swordplay and other weapons being implemented into some wild displays of fighting action. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is simply goated.

10. 'Kill Zone'

Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung should be familiar to anyone who's seen them go head-to-head during that jaw-dropping table battle from Ip Man 2 . They actually came to blows even earlier than that film in this next highly recommended classic, Kill Zone . The story for this delves into high crime drama as a police unit goes all out to bring a triad boss to justice. When a star witness, whose testimony would have led to that boss' incarceration, is murdered by his henchman, the stakes are raised even higher. Yen's alleyway encounter with Wu Jing, plus Yen's exciting finale against Hung will both blow your mind.

11. ‘The Raid: Redemption'

The Indonesian-born actors Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian are the two main reasons why you need to sit down and watch this film from front to back. The Raid: Redemption should be on everyone's list of the best martial arts movies due to the awesome and wicked fight choreography that puts the martial art of Pencak Silat in the spotlight. After the cover of a SWAT team invading an apartment complex ruled by drug lords is blown, Uwais' character must rise up to see his team's missions through. Uwais' dissection of all the machete thugs he runs into in the hallway will treat you to some of the best fight choreography you'll ever witness!

12. ‘The Raid 2’

The young Pencak Silat Iko Uwais let the world know that his star-making performances in The Raid: Redemption weren't a fluke. He comes back in full force in this unsurprisingly great sequel that follows Uwais' main character as he goes undercover to find a way to eliminate the criminal empire that continues to frustrate him. Yayan Ruhian also makes his return here to get in on all the fisticuffs and nasty footwork the first movie featured. The two-on-one hallway battle and the finale in the kitchen mark two of this movie's most satisfying high points.

13. ‘Iron Monkey’

Donnie Yen has made it back onto this list of the best martial arts movies once again and for good reason - this early starring role of his turned us into diehard fans of his work. We simply adore that man, which is why we had to show some love for his Robin Hood -inspired classic Iron Monkey . Yen stars as the good-natured hero that fights for the poor and downtrodden against a corrupt government. Do yourself and look up " Iron Monkey Pole Fight" on YouTube to have your mind completely blown!

14. ‘Wheels on Meals’

Yep, our boy Chan is back! And for this pick, we're ready to shout out one of his funnier yet still action-packed onscreen adventures. Wheels on Meals goes from a movie following the exploits of two close friends running a struggling good truck business to one that entails both men working in conjunction with a private investigator to protect a woman targeted by a gang. This film gives off serious Indiana Jones vibes as Chan gets caught up in some wild brawls in various locales within Barcelona, Spain. The stunts are amazing and that kitchen clash between Chan and Benny Urquidez is top-tier material.

15. ‘Police Story’

Jackie Chan is one of those martial arts movie actors that knows how to inject just the right amount of comedy and seriousness into whatever he does once the cameras start rolling. His biggest claim to fame is his outrageous stunts, which he's known for performing in the real without a stunt double to rely on. Police Story showcases those impressive skills of his in a bus chase sequence that makes you understand just how awesome Chan has been and always will be. And the fight in the mall is one of the greatest spectacles in martial arts movie history.

16. ‘Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior’

When this film hit the big screen in 2004, Tony Jaa arrived on the martial arts cinema scene as its most promising young star to date. And thanks to all the amazing feats of Muay Thai Jaa pulled off by the dynamic warrior, everyone who watched Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior acknowledged it as a smash hit. The simple premise of a sacred statue head getting taken from a village leads to Jaa landing the nastiest strikes we've ever seen during his search for that object in the big city. All those underground fight club scenes show just how much of a killer Jaa can be.

17. ‘The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter’

The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter has an air of sadness around it due to the unfortunate car accident that claimed the life of one of its stars, Alexander Fu. Director Lau Kar-Leung had to keep pushing on and still pushed out a martial arts movie classic. What's being presented here is a gripping film that adapts one of the legends attached to The Generals of the Yang Family folklore. The Battle of Jinsha at the center of this movie sees Song Dynasty general Yeung Yip and his seven sons get embroiled in weapons-filled fighting excellence.

Jet Li makes his cinematic return to Ancient China in the simply named Hero . Li plays the part of a nameless warrior who seeks to destroy the army that claimed the lives of his people. His revenge-driven mission delivers graceful swordplay and airborne antics that will leave your jaw on the floor. With fellow martial arts dynamos such as Donnie Yen, Maggie Cheung, and Ziyi Zhang also making their mark in this film, Hero ends up being a great period piece full of martial arts splendor.

19. ‘The Mystery of Chess Boxing’

We have a sneaking suspicion that the Wu-Tang Clan took quite a liking to this movie. What say you? Alright, let's get serious here folks! The Mystery of Chess Boxing encompasses two story threads simultaneously as it follows a young man learning kung fu so he can avenge his father's killer and a man by the name of the "Ghost Faced Killer" seeking retribution against the clan leaders who conspired against him. The kung fu work that you'll be treated to here is just pure beauty in motion that you'll rewatch countless times to fully wrap your head around its execution.

20. ‘Born Invincible’

We're heading back to the late 70s to shine a light on another one of that time period's best martial arts movies. Born Invincible is another huge inspiration for one of the biggest rap cliques of all time and it's pretty easy to understand why. A white-haired Thai Chi martial arts master and his two lackeys terrorize a small village, which leads to three local heroes who rise up to take them all down. However, their mission becomes a tall task since the Thai Chi master has the ability to change his weak points at will and seemingly remain invincible. Watching that white-haired master at work is definitely worth the price of admission.

21. ‘Shaolin vs. Lama’

Shaolin vs Lama is another Wu Tang Collection gem that's such an integral part of the history surrounding the long-running genre of martial arts movies. The plotline delves into a kung-fu fanatic that seeks out a formidable master that can teach him a few things and give him the worthy challenge he's looking for. In order to enter the Shaolin Temple that houses those new teachings, that apprentice must seek out a Lama Monk who stole a secret scroll containing fighting styles tied to the temple itself. You'll watch this one unfold and come to value the strength of Shaolin kung-fu as it gets plenty of time to shine in this first-rate martial arts movie.

22. ‘House of Flying Daggers’

House of Flying Daggers is one of those beautifully shot martial arts spectaculars that make you pause and appreciate the cinematic excellence being presented to you. Once the high-flying combat kicks into overdrive, you'll acquire an infatuation with this film and its well-produced fight choreography. The Robin Hood vibes are easy to spot throughout this one, which means you'll find yourself rooting for the main protagonists of this amazing film. The bamboo forest fight scene is simply awe-inspiring and will leave your jaw on the floor the first time you watch it unfold.

23. ‘Come Drink With Me’

What we have right here is a cinematic triumph released in 1966 that is required viewing for martial arts movies connoisseurs. Come Drink With Me focuses on a search and rescue mission where a governor's daughter sets out to find her kidnapped brother. While her skills on the battlefield are solid enough, she gets to the point where allies are needed to see her through to a successful completion. Watching the heroine at the heart of this film put in work as she beats back a tavern full of bandits is hype as hell!

24. ‘Five Deadly Venoms'

Five Deadly Venoms feels like you're watching a fighting game arcade mode ladder unfold and that's why we love it so much. The last pupil of a dying martial arts master is given his toughest assignment - find, challenge, and eliminate any of his master's last five students that have turned to the side of evil. Watching those five masters showcase their signature style of kung-fu presents a watchable tutorial on just how lethal each one can be in the hands of an undisputed expert. The final battle sequence of this film, which sees two fights erupting in close quarters right next to each other at the very same time, is a hell of a finish.

25. ‘Rumble in the Bronx’

When this movie gained a foothold in the United States, moviegoers finally started to acknowledge Jackie Chan as an undeniable superstar. As the Hong Kong policeman known as Keung, Chan embarks on a brutal campaign against local street gangs that chose to terrorize a local Bronx store that belongs to a young woman. Chan ends up becoming the savior of the people residing in the famed New York borough - the vicious beatdowns Chan hands out during the supermarket sequence will have you in awe! Rumble in the Bronx is, hands down, a martial arts movie classic.

26. ‘Kung Fu Hustle’

Kung Fu Hustle is a riot of a movie, but it manages to sprinkle in just enough exciting hand-to-hand combat to have it mentioned alongside the best martial arts movies. Its easy-to-understand plotline, which follows a housing complex community banding together to fend off a ruthless gang leads to some outlandish interactions and fight scenes that are truly over the top thanks to some wild special effects. Stephen Chow and Yuen Qiu's characters in this film lead to some gut-bustlingly funny scenes and dope action sequences.

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What Are The Best Martial Arts Movies of All Time?

I always get a kick out of watching skilled fighters take on the world in these action epics..

AIRumble in the Bronx

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with martial arts movies. I would beg my parents to let me rent Jackie Chan movies, and I was always looking for my own Bruce Lee-inspired tracksuit.

These kinds of action movies were my favorite because I felt like they emphasized brains over brawn, and they usually had set pieces that blew me away.

Martial arts films have captured audiences for decades with their dazzling displays of athleticism, thrilling fight choreography, and stories rooted in themes of discipline, honor, and indomitable spirit.

Today, we're going to explore the history, the essential ingredients, and some of the undisputed champions of the martial arts movie genre.

Let's get started.

A Brief History of Martial Arts Movies

While the roots of martial arts cinema stretch back to the silent era, the genre saw its true explosion with the birth of Hong Kong action cinema in the 1960s.

Studios like Shaw Brothers crafted tales of sword-wielding heroes and vengeful fighters, laying the foundation.

Then came the unstoppable force that was Bruce Lee. His films in the 1970s propelled martial arts movies onto the global stage and forever changed how action sequences were conceived.

Let's dig deeper below.

The Silent Beginnings (1920s-1930s)

Early Inspiration: The genre draws its roots from much older traditions like Chinese opera and Japanese Kabuki, where stylized combat was a core element of storytelling.
Wuxia Takes Shape: The first true martial arts films emerged in China during the 1920s. These were often period dramas filled with swordplay and fantastical elements, a genre known as 'wuxia' (literally "martial heroes").
The Burning of the Red Lotus Temple (1928): This silent film, a series of 18 parts, is widely considered the first martial arts movie and a prime example of early wuxia.

Post-War Revival (1950s-1960s)

Hong Kong Steps Up: After a lull during World War II and its aftermath, Hong Kong became the heart of martial arts cinema. Studios like Shaw Brothers mass-produced wuxia films and a new star system emerged.
Japanese Samurai Cinema: Parallel to this, Japan had its tradition of 'chanbara' films where samurai and their swordsmanship were central to the narrative. Akira Kurosawa's classics like Seven Samurai (1954) gained international recognition.
Shifting Styles: Early martial arts films relied heavily on wirework and cinematic trickery for superhuman feats. By the late 60s, films started trending towards a more grounded display of fighting.

The Bruce Lee Phenomenon (1970s)

A Global Superstar: Bruce Lee's charisma, intensity, and raw fighting skill in film catapulted martial arts movies onto the global stage and transformed Lee into a cultural icon. Lee's success sparked a worldwide obsession with Kung Fu films, giving rise to numerous stars and countless imitators seeking to duplicate his success.

Expansion and Evolution (1980s-1990s)

Jackie Chan and Comedy Kung Fu: Jackie Chan found his own niche by blending insane stunts, physical comedy, and martial arts – a formula that continues to entertain even today.
The Golden Age of Hong Kong Cinema: Action stars like Jet Li, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, and Michelle Yeoh dominated screens showcasing amazing acrobatic choreography with a variety of distinct martial arts styles.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000): This critically acclaimed wuxia from Ang Lee introduced many Western audiences to the elegance and beauty of the genre, becoming an international sensation.

Into the 21st Century

Global Influences: Films like The Matrix (1999) incorporated Hong Kong-style action into Hollywood, while later movies like Ong-Bak (2003) and The Raid (2011) brought Muay Thai and Silat to the forefront.
The Legacy Continues: While the overall output might have lessened, martial arts films continue to be made. Success stories like the Ip Man series show that audiences still have a strong appetite for tales of martial artistry.

The Essence of a Martial Arts Movie

I can still remember watching Jackie Chan's Who Am I as a kid with my jaw on the floor. The fighting was so beautiful and the combat felt so realistic. But I also enjoyed the journey at the center of the film as well, and the shades of humor inside.

the older Igot, the more I got into this world, and the more I started dissecting what made these movies special.

Here's a breakdown of the core components ore martial arts movies:

1. The Spectacle of Action

Unique Fighting Styles: Martial arts movies often showcase specific disciplines, from the acrobatic kicks of Wushu and Taekwondo to the grappling of Judo or the precision strikes of Karate and Muay Thai. Each style brings distinct visuals and combat strategies.
Choreography as Art: Fight scenes are meticulously crafted, becoming a form of kinetic dance. Audiences appreciate skillful execution, creative moves, and the raw physicality of actors performing dangerous sequences.
Superhuman Feats (With a Dose of Realism ): While some films embrace the fantastical, the best martial arts movies create excitement by grounding their action in a heightened but believable version of reality.

2. Compelling Stories

The Hero's Journey : Many films follow the classic underdog narrative - a wronged individual or inexperienced fighter who trains, faces trials, and ultimately overcomes a formidable foe.
Master and Student: The relationship between a seasoned master and their pupil is a recurring trope, exploring the passing of knowledge, discipline, and self-discovery.
Revenge or Redemption: Plots often revolve around a protagonist seeking revenge for a great injustice or striving to redeem themselves after a past mistake.

3. Deeper Themes

Honor and Respect: Codes of conduct, respect for elders and opponents, and the importance of humility are common elements.
Self-Mastery: Training isn't just about physical strength but also about discipline, focus, and overcoming mental limitations.
Finding Balance: Stories often explore the tension between a peaceful existence and the need to use violence for a righteous cause.

The Best Martial Arts Movies of All Time

When it comes to the best of these movies, I decided we should go decade by decade, highlighting the essential watches for people.

Come Drink With Me (1966): A Shaw Brothers wuxia with dynamic swordplay and an iconic female warrior.
One-Armed Swordsman (1967): Another Shaw Brothers classic, showcasing exciting combat with a protagonist overcoming his disability.
Enter the Dragon (1973): Bruce Lee's legendary film, a tournament-style story that cemented him as a global star.
The Big Boss ( 1971): Lee's earlier film that shocked audiences with its raw aggression and established him as a force to be reckoned with.
Five Fingers of Death (1972): Beautifully choreographed fights and a memorable training montage.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978): An absolute staple of the genre with a focus on Shaolin Kung Fu and a rigorous training arc.
Police Story (1985): Jackie Chan broke out internationally with this blend of stunts, comedy, and bone-crushing action.
Wheels on Meals (1984): Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao at their peak - a showcase of martial arts acrobatics and hilarious slapstick.
Drunken Master II (aka The Legend of Drunken Master) (1994): Jackie Chan's comedic take on the Zui Quan (Drunken Fist) style is iconic.
Fist of Legend (1994): Jet Li's remake of the Bruce Lee film, renowned for its blisteringly fast and realistic fight choreography.
Once Upon a Time in China (1991): A wuxia epic starring Jet Li as folk hero Wong Fei-hung.
Police Story 3: Super Cop: (1992) The stunts are breathtaking, the chemistry between Chan and Yeoh is fantastic, and the story delivers. It's a thrilling and fun ride that cements Jackie Chan's status as an action movie legend.
Iron Monkey (1993): Dizzying fights, high-flying action, and the youthful energy of Donnie Yen in this Robin Hood-inspired tale.
Rumble in the Bronx (1995): Jackie conquers New York! Street brawls, hilarious hijinks, and gravity-defying stunts make this his North American breakthrough.
Police Story 4: First Strike (1996): Bigger, bolder, and packed with Chan's trademark action, this sequel takes supercop Kevin Chan on a globetrotting adventure.
Rush Hour (1998): While this buddy-cop action-comedy might be considered 'Hollywood Jackie Chan,' it launched a successful franchise. The pairing with Chris Tucker was comedy gold and the action scenes still have that Jackie Chan flair.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000): Ang Lee's film brought wuxia to the international stage with its beauty and poetic action.
Hero (2002): Zhang Yimou's visually stunning wuxia film with flowing fights, epic battles, and vibrant use of color.
Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003): Tony Jaa's breakout, showcasing the brutal beauty of Muay Thai without wires or special effects.
Kung Fu Hustle (2004): Stephen Chow's love letter to martial arts wrapped in a hilarious cartoon-like package.
Ip Man (2008): Donnie Yen's portrayal of Bruce Lee's legendary Wing Chun master.
The Raid (2011) & The Raid 2 (2014): Indonesian action films with non-stop intensity and bone-crunching use of the Silat fighting style.
13 Assassins (2010): Takashi Miike's brutal and brilliant samurai epic, concluding with a lengthy and gloriously chaotic battle.
John Wick (2014): While not purely focused on hand-to-hand, its "gun-fu" and precision action drew heavily from Asian cinema, redefining Western action.

Martial arts movies continue to evolve, blending traditional styles with modern filmmaking and embracing heroes of diverse backgrounds.

As long as audiences thirst for stories of human potential pushed to its limits, movies about kicking, punching, and grappling their way to victory will always have a place on the big screen.

Let me know your favorites in the comments.

The New Atomos Ninja Phone Kicks Butt

The device masters iphone monitoring & recording..

Fresh out of NAB 2024, we have a pretty cool new phone accessory. The Atomos Ninja Phone bridges the gap between your professional camera and your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.

It takes your camera's HDMI output and enables you to monitor, record, and share high-quality ProRes or H.265 video directly on your phone. The Ninja Phone app offers complete filmmaking control with just a few taps.

Let's dive in.

Atomos Ninja Phone Details

The Atomos Ninja Phone turns your smartphone or tablet into a powerful filmmaking tool. Connect your professional camera via HDMI and record stunning 10-bit video in ProRes or H.265 formats, taking full advantage of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max's vibrant OLED display.

Harness the power of your iPhone's A17 SoC processor to monitor footage with incredible detail, including 11 stops of dynamic range, 1600 nits peak brightness, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. Store your ProRes videos directly on your iPhone, or leverage its 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for seamless cloud-based workflows and live streaming.

The Ninja Phone ensures you're never out of power. It works with NP series batteries, a battery eliminator, or USB-C input and charges your iPhone and connected accessories for extended shoots. Plus, its dedicated USB-C port lets you easily connect microphones and other essential tools.

Finally, the free Ninja Phone app simplifies control over your entire setup and caters to social media creators with both horizontal (16:9) and portrait (9:16) shooting modes. It's available for iOS and iPadOS.

Key Features

10-Bit Video Co-Processor
Record from Professional HDMI Cameras
Monitor Video On Your iPhone's Display
Encode to ProRes or H.265
HDMI Input | USB-C Video Output
USB-C Accessory Port | USB-C Power Port
Works with a Battery/Battery Eliminator
Capture Footage 16:9 or 9:16
Ninja Phone iPhone App
Ninja iPhone Case Required for Use

Atomos Ninja Phone Video Co-Processor cots $399.

No Film School's coverage of NAB 2024 is brought to you by Blackmagic Design .

What Are The Best Western Movies of All Time?

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Cast & crew
User reviews

No Retreat, No Surrender

Jason, a Bruce Lee fan, sees his karate instructor/dad beaten by martial art thugs. They move to Seattle where, after humiliations, he trains with Bruce Lee's ghost so he can defend himself ... Read all Jason, a Bruce Lee fan, sees his karate instructor/dad beaten by martial art thugs. They move to Seattle where, after humiliations, he trains with Bruce Lee's ghost so he can defend himself and others against thugs. Jason, a Bruce Lee fan, sees his karate instructor/dad beaten by martial art thugs. They move to Seattle where, after humiliations, he trains with Bruce Lee's ghost so he can defend himself and others against thugs.

See-Yuen Ng
Keith W. Strandberg
Kurt McKinney
Jean-Claude Van Damme
148 User reviews
48 Critic reviews
30 Metascore

Jason Stillwell

Ivan Kraschinsky the Russian
R.J. Madison
Kelly Reilly
(as Kim Tai Chong)

Dean Ramsay

Frank Peters
(as Pete Cunningham)
Tom Stillwell
(as Tim Baker)
Mrs. Stillwell
New York Agent
(as Joe Vance)
New York Assistant #1
New York Assistant #2
New York Boss
New York Fighter #1
New York Fighter #2
Karate Fight Emcee
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Did you know

Trivia The scene with Kurt McKinney doing two-finger push-ups was filmed with wires to hoist McKinney up and down. The trees in the background cover up the wire.
Goofs Jean-Claude Van Damme 's character, Ivan Krajinski, is listed as Karl Brezdin in the credits.

RJ Madison : Alright. No retreat, no surrender!

Crazy credits Jean-Claude Van Damme's character is Ivan, but in the ending credits, next to his name reads, "Karl Brezdin".
after Jason's father leg is broken there is a brief scene of him in the hospital thinking about who done it to him and not wanting to put his family in danger because of the syndicate and his decision to leave L.A.
Ian receiving a phone call from the syndicate telling him to meet them at his dojo in half an hour
Various scenes were extended plus additional dialogue is heard that didn't feature in either the UK or US home video release Scenes that were deleted:
Jason's date with Kelly at the space needle and a brief scene of them looking through the window of a pet shop
After Jason comes home from Ian's dojo there is a scene where Jason meets Kelly for the first time after moving from L.A. to Seattle. Those scenes were included in the video releases. The DVD run time on the back of the DVD is incorrectly stated as 79 minutes the correct run time is 94 minutes
Also, the final fight between Jason and Ivan is slightly longer using flashbacks to Jason's training explaining how they come into use in the last fight, such as when Jason was practicing on the mokujin (wooden dummy) and used that knowledge to counter Ivan's attacks. This also explains the awkward jump cuts during this fight in the shorter prints.
This version also contains a completely different score feature stock music from various Hong Kong films, such as Project A and My Lucky Stars, plus an alternate theme song called "Hold On To The Vision". Also, there is a different voice actor used for "Lee Dai Goh" which sounds properly more Asian rather than the deeper Americanized voice used in the shorter prints.
Connections Featured in The Best of the Martial Arts Films (1990)
Soundtracks Hold on to the Vision (Main Theme) Music and Lyrics by Frank Harris and Jo Mortensen Produced by Frank Harris Sung by Kevin Chalfant

User reviews 148

kai-tangvik
May 6, 2005
How long is No Retreat, No Surrender? Powered by Alexa
May 2, 1986 (United States)
United States
Ring of Truth
14556 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, California, USA (Sherman Oaks dojo)
Seasonal Film Corporation
New World Pictures
See more company credits at IMDbPro
May 4, 1986

Technical specs

Runtime 1 hour 25 minutes

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15 Funny Kung Fu Comedy Movies That'll Have You Cracking Up

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You might think the cheesiness in typical martial arts movies is enough to make it a comedy, but that's only a fraction of what makes a great martial arts comedy film so funny.

Don't forget the blown-out-of-proportion special effects, the high-flying stunts, the strangest humor you'll find in cinema. All of that—and still more—goes into every truly hilarious kung fu movie.

The kung fu movie genre (which can incorporate many other martial arts styles beyond kung fu) is endearing for its odd mixture of action and humor. They just don't make martial arts comedies like they used to.

Here are my picks for the best kung fu comedy movies that are so funny they'll have you howling with laughter!

15. Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson

Starring Jack Black, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie

Animation, Action, Adventure (1h 32m)

7.6 on IMDb — 87% on RT

It's probably not the first movie that comes to mind, but Kung Fu Panda will always count as a great martial arts comedy.

What was initially thought to be nothing more than a juvenile animated fare solely for kids became one of DreamWorks's most acclaimed franchises. Each entry expands on Po's story—and the overall mythology—while adding emotional depth and more hilarious hijinks.

In the first film, the titular panda Po (Jack Black) is prophesied to be the Dragon Warrior. He must adjust with the Furious Five and discover his potential beyond being a mere kung fu fan. Fun and fulfilling at the same time, Kung Fu Panda beats all odds with awesomeness.

14. Kung Phooey! (2003)

Directed by Darryl Fong

Starring Michael Man-Kin Chow, Joyce Brew, Karena Davis

Comedy (1h 27m)

5.1 on IMDb — N/A on RT

Before diving into the recesses of Hong Kong cinema, let's look at a film from the modern American indie scene that pays homage to classic wuxia movie tropes: Darryl Fong's tribute Kung Phooey!

This movie follows monk Art Chew (Michael Chow) on a quest to British Columbia to find the mysterious Fountain of Youth. Along with him are newfound friends, including cousin Roy (Colman Domingo).

In embracing the absurdity of kung fu movies and the genre's various clichés, Kung Phooey! is a loving spoof.

13. They Call Me Bruce (1982)

Directed by Elliott Hong

Starring Johnny Yune, Margaux Hemingway, Raf Mauro

Action, Comedy (1h 27m)

5.6 on IMDb — N/A on RT

They Call Me Bruce had a very limited release in the United States, but still managed to gross a total of $16 million. The story centers around a Korean man, played by Johnny Yune.

The main character goes by the name of Bruce ever since he moved to the United States. He earns the nickname after getting a job at a kitchen run by a group of Italian gangsters. The gangsters may think he looks like Bruce Lee, but the resemblance ends there.

Bruce can't fight and he uses his mouth as his only weapon. The story thickens once his bosses task him with delivering bags of "flour" that are actually packages of cocaine.

12. Shanghai Noon (2000)

Directed by Tom Dey

Starring Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Lucy Liu

Action, Adventure, Comedy (1h 50m)

6.6 on IMDb — 80% on RT

When a Chinese Princess is abducted, one man travels to the Wild West to find her and bring her back. To do so, he must partner up with a train robber, giving us the "first kung-fu western ever." It's about as silly as it sounds, and surprisingly a lot of fun!

We all saw how funny Jackie Chan could be alongside an American actor when he showed his chemistry with Chris Tucker in Rush Hour . So is it any surprise that he's just as funny—albeit in a different way—with Owen "Oh wow!" Wilson?

11. Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)

Directed by Steve Oedekerk

Starring Steve Oedekerk, Fei Lung, Leo Lee

Action, Comedy (1h 21m)

6.2 on IMDb — 13% on RT

Steve Oedekerk battling a CGI karate-fighting cow is just as bizarre as it can get. To make this movie even stranger, it incorporates clips from the 1976 movie Savage Killers to form its collage of a plot.

The main protagonist, The Chosen One, seeks revenge on a man who murdered his family and attempted to kill him when he was just a baby. Although he's already a martial arts prodigy, he undergoes training with Master Tang.

As the movie progresses, you'll not only witness a bipedal cow, but you'll also get to see an intense crotch-hitting scene, poor dubbing, and even a Lion King parody.

10. Kung Fury (2015)

Directed by David Sandberg

Starring David Sandberg, Jorma Taccone, Steven Chew

Action, Comedy (31m)

8.0 on IMDb — N/A on RT

In an attempt to bring back the classic kung fu genre, David Sandberg crowdfunded the free, 30-minute movie Kung Fury .

After suffering from a lightning strike and a cobra bite, Detective Kung Fury gains supernatural kung fu powers. He teams up with Triceracop to defeat the time-traveling Hitler known as Kung Fuhrer. The worst part about this movie is that it's so short!

9. Rush Hour (1998)

Directed by Brett Ratner

Starring Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Ken Leung

Action, Comedy, Crime (1h 38m)

7.0 on IMDb — 62% on RT

When a Chinese Consul's daughter is kidnapped, a Hong Kong Inspector is teamed up with an LAPD detective and tasked with rescuing she who was taken—and bringing down the crime lord responsible.

Jackie Chan was already popular before Rush Hour , but this movie really propelled him into Hollywood stardom.

On top of all the dazzling martial arts action, his chemistry with Chris Tucker elevates the flick to a new level and results in one of the most rewatchable movies of all time.

8. Drunken Master II (1994)

Directed by Chia-Liang Liu and Jackie Chan

Starring Jackie Chan, Lung Ti, Anita Mui

Action, Comedy (1h 42m)

7.5 on IMDb — 84% on RT

The real-life folk hero Wong Fei-hung is one of Jackie Chan's most cherished roles—and in playing the legendary master, Chan had the opportunity to show off his action talents and comedic range.

In Drunken Master II 's fight scenes, Chan applies numerous fighting styles: Hung Ga in the train, Shaolin Kung Fu in the restaurant, and Drunken Boxing elsewhere. Comical and hysterical, Drunken Master II is one master bringing honor to another great master.

Note: Drunken Master II originally came out in 1994, but was later released in North America as The Legend of Drunken Master in 2000.

7. Drunken Master (1978)

Directed by Woo-Ping Yuen

Starring Jackie Chan, Siu-Tin Yuen, Hwang Jeong-lee

Action, Comedy (1h 51m)

7.4 on IMDb — 80% on RT

Drunken Master is one of the earliest pioneers in comedic martial art movies and stars the biggest name in comedy kung fu: Jackie Chan.

Chan plays Wong Fei-Hung, a young and penniless man who doesn't get along with his father. Wong's father sends him to train with Beggar So, a martial artist who's notorious for drinking and torturing his students.

When Wong attempts to escape the intense training program, he encounters the deadly assassin Thunderfoot. Wong stupidly challenges Thunderfoot to a fight, only to get defeated almost immediately.

From that moment on, Wong decides to become a loyal student of Beggar So, and learns the essentials of drunken boxing. Handing Wong a drink is like handing Mario a mushroom—he becomes instantly powered-up upon consuming alcohol.

6. Project A (1983)

Directed by Jackie Chan and Sammo Kam-Bo Hung

Starring Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Biao Yuen

Action, Adventure, Comedy (1h 45m)

7.3 on IMDb — 77% on RT

Project A , also known as Pirate Patrol , has Jackie Chan in the role of a Sergeant who's been brought in to stop pirates from raiding navy ships.

Coming out during Jackie Chan's pre-Hollywood heyday, Project A features the golden trifecta of 80s martial arts actors: Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, and Jackie Chan himself.

This martial arts movie is one of the most stunt-heavy entries in the genre, resulting in high-octane scenes complete with the humor that Jackie Chan movies are known for.

5. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Directed by John Carpenter

Starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun

Action, Adventure, Comedy (1h 39m)

7.2 on IMDb — 74% on RT

This classic martial arts comedy is chock-full of oddly realistic special effects, weird makeup, and just overall strangeness. Big Trouble in Little China stars Kurt Russell, who plays the tough truck-driver, Jack Burton.

After Jack wins a bet he placed with his friend Wang Chi, he's sucked into a supernatural conflict in San Francisco's Chinatown. The action arises once Wang's green-eyed fiancée gets kidnapped by an awfully-pale Chinese wizard named Lo Pan.

Why is he as white as a ghost? Well, it's because Lo Pan is a ghost—he's been afflicted with a curse that causes him to remain a spirit with no skin. Wang's fiancée is the only way to break his curse. Can Wang and Jack rescue her in time?

4. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert

Starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis

Action, Adventure, Comedy (2h 19m)

7.8 on IMDb — 93% on RT

Michelle Yeoh is one of the finest actresses of our time, primarily in martial arts cinema but even beyond. It's fitting to pay tribute to her illustrious career by acknowledging the highly acclaimed and extremely absurd comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once .

In this incredible film—which topped numerous lists of Best Films of 2022—Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, whose fractured family life takes a turn when she's called to end a threat against her universe.

Jackie Chan was originally envisioned in the lead role, the Daniels eventually went with a female protagonist as part of a wife-husband duo. They really made full use of Yeoh's skills and versatility, which amped up the film to a truly bonkers level.

3. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Directed by Stephen Chow

Starring Stephen Chow, Wah Yuen, Qiu Yuen

Action, Comedy, Fantasy (1h 39m)

7.7 on IMDb — 91% on RT

Stephen Chow stars as Sing in Shaolin Soccer and returns to the spotlight in Kung Fu Hustle with a character who also goes by the name of Sing. This time, the movie takes place in China during the 1930s.

Sing, a lowlife, dreams of becoming a member of the villainous Axe Gang. He and his friend go so far as to try to trick their neighbors in Pig Sty Alley into thinking that they're members of the gang.

The two find themselves in deep trouble once the Axe Gang catches wind of the fakers. The Axe Gang arrives in Pig Sty Alley with the intention to terrorize its residents, but they don't know that three kung fu masters secretly reside in the village.

On a side note, Kung Fu Hustle fans will be glad to know that Stephen Chow recently announced his plans to create a sequel!

2. Police Story (1985)

Directed by Jackie Chan and Chi-Hwa Chen

Starring Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin

Action, Comedy, Crime (1h 40m)

7.5 on IMDb — 93% on RT

Police Story is perhaps best remembered for its infamous stunt where Jackie Chan's detective Ka Kui slid down a pole while ripping lights. That could make anyone forget that this thriller is also a comedy!

In Police Story , Ka Kui successfully apprehends a notorious drug lord but is suddenly framed for a murder. With thrilling sequences from start to finish—like hanging off a bus—this film is pretty much a crash course for everything Jackie Chan.

With Chan's hard stunt work and intensely complicated action choreography, Police Story ends up being one of the best and funniest kung fu movies of all time.

1. Shaolin Soccer (2001)

Starring Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Yat-Fei Wong

Action, Comedy, Fantasy (1h 27m)

7.3 on IMDb — 89% on RT

What do you get when you cross soccer with kung fu? You get Shaolin Soccer , and no, this isn't a joke.

The movie follows Sing, a man who's devoted to promoting the art of Shaolin kung fu. He eventually teams up with Golden Foot Fung, an ex-professional soccer player.

Sing loves the idea of promoting kung fu through soccer, so he agrees to let Fung train him and his brothers. The unusual team combines both soccer and kung fu, and eventually becomes powerful enough to qualify for a professional tournament.

The exaggerated special effects and bizarre storyline will keep you hooked until the very end.

8 Upcoming Martial Arts Movies We Can't Wait To See

2024 promises to reignite audiences' love for martial arts movies, with a variety of high-octane offerings set to captivate fans worldwide.
From realistic martial arts tournament dramas to fantastical revenge stories, the genre continues to evolve and captivate audiences with diverse themes.
A mix of veteran stars and rising talent ensures that the martial arts movie landscape in 2024 will be a thrilling and action-packed adventure for fans.

2024 is looking to be a great year for martial arts movies , with some solid action-packed offerings set to break ground in Summer, Winter, and beyond. The martial arts genre is sometimes thought to be a relic of the past, with many of the greatest Kung Fu films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Enter the Dragon having left their mark on pop culture over twenty years ago. But recent years have proven that, if anything, audiences love for hand-to-hand combat is more alive than ever, with 2024 and beyond looking to be no different.

Streaming series like Cobra Kai and Avatar: The Last Airbender making the rounds alongside snappy action films like the John Wick and Ip Man franchises keep a steady stream of martial arts action in chugging along front of eager audiences. But the genre is also unique in that many of the best martial arts films are foreign, not being a product of Hollywood nepotism. From daring modern action-thrillers combining firearms with bare-handed strikes to martial arts movies set in ancient China , the coming years promise some amazing martial arts combat.

Life After Fighting

Bren foster's first purely fictitious work.

As great as high-flying, fantastical martial arts stories can be, some of the best films in the genre follow more grounded narratives of realistic competitors giving it their all in actual sanctioned tournaments. Blurring the line between sports movies and martial arts movies, Life After Fighting will be a meditative look on combat sports as a whole and the seedier side of human conflict. The film revolves around a dojo master, Alex Faulker, who must learn to lead his pupils to greatness while protecting them from an insidious human trafficking ring.

Few active filmmakers can boast the same knowledge of martial arts as Bren Foster, who has written the screenplay for Life After Fighting and is slated to direct and star in the leading role as Faulker himself. A dedicated practitioner of multiple martial arts, Foster has black belts in tawekwondo, hapkido, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, making him an incredibly versatile combat sports star. Best known for his docuseries Fight Science on National Geographic, Bren Foster will take his skills to the big screen on a as-of-yet unannounced release date.

The Crazy Dad

A brutal revenge story from yue song.

It's no surprise that Chinese martial arts movies are among the cream of the crop, and the coming years seem to be no exception with the slated release of The Crazy Dad . The excellently-titled flick promises a revenge movie similar to Taken , telling the story of a desperate father's attempts to protect his young daughter by any means necessary. Compared to many other entries in the genre, The Crazy Dad has promised some particularly brutal finishing blows and wince-inducing strikes nearly strong enough to transfer their pain to the viewer.

Another starring performer and director double-threat, Yue Song is quickly proving himself as one of the best modern filmmakers in the international martial arts movie space. Being his latest in a long line of tetra-annual productions, The Crazy Dad has already been released for streaming domestically in China, but awaits hard confirmation of a Western premiere date. Hopefully, Song's modest retinue of overseas fans won't have to wait much longer than 2024 to catch his latest spectacular beat-'em-up, but tragically few details can be confirmed at the time of writing.

The Killer's Game

Featuring an all-star cast and proven stunt coordination.

Stunt performers and choreographers often make the best directors of action films in general, let alone carefully orchestrated martial arts epics. The Killer's Game opts to prove that thesis once more, though a hard release date has yet to be set. The film will follow the story of an assassin dying of a terminal illness who orders a hit on himself to go out with a bang, only to realize he beat his diagnosis and enter a fight for his life against killers he hired to take it. This ingenious premise will be helmed by director J.J. “Loco” Perry.

Perry is a former stunt performer and coordinator who made his directorial film debut with 2022's supernatural action-comedy Day Shift , starring Jamie Foxx. He seems to have pulled similarly big names for The Killer's Game , which will star Dave Bautista in the leading role alongside other heavy-hitters like Terry Crews and Ben Kingsley. With action performer credits in media ranging from Mortal Kombat: Annihilation to Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Perry certainly knows what he's doing when it comes to crafting an engaging string of fight scenes and choreography.

Legend of the White Dragon

A sentai super feature with a tear-jerking final performance.

Encompassing a wide variety of tones and settings is what keeps the martial arts genre fresh, and Legend of the White Dragon seeks to provide modern fans with some much-needed variety. Styling itself after the best modern sentai shows like Power Rangers , Legend of the White Dragon will forge a brand-new universe with similarly colorful costumes, fantastical weaponry, and elaborate martial arts maneuvers. But the film will have much more to offer beyond a shallow parade of special effects and dizzying worldbuilding.

Legend of the White Dragon will have an astounding ensemble cast, utilizing the talents of big names in the martial arts landscape like Mark Dacascos, David Ramsey, and Mayling Ng. Most prominently, however, is the final on-screen performance of the late Jason David Frank, better known as Tommy Oliver the Green Ranger, before his unexpected death in 2022. WIth an unspecified release slated for sometime later in the year, this modern, more mature celebration of sentai sensibilities should be hotly-anticipated by Power Rangers fans and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

One of bollywood's most hotly-anticipated films in recent years.

Similarly to China, India has also had the lucky position to maintain its own suite of talented studios ripe with high-flying martial arts action in the form of the many Bollywood films released each year. Of the country's upcoming releases, few films can promise as many thrills as Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, whose title roughly translates to "Big Master, Little Master" in English. The Hindi-language film will pair a duo of highly-trained special forces soldiers against the deranged scientist Kabir, hell-bent on destroying the country through the use of advanced artificial intelligence.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan will blur the lines between a typical action movie and a martial arts film, employing styles of "Gun Fu" similar to that seen in the John Wick series or Equilibrium . The movie's buddy cop sensibilities will also echo the success of RRR , a fellow Bollywood action thriller that went on to be a huge success in the West. With an Indian release date of April 10th and an American theatrical run likely to follow close behind, the appeal of dynamic duo Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff is sure not to be lost on an international audience.

An American take on Indian action thrillers

While Bollywood has largely eschewed the need for Indian audiences to look to Hollywood for representation, Monkey Man aims to domestically produce a martial arts action thriller that colors itself with the pride of Indian heritage. Produced by famed horror director Jordan Peele, Monkey Man promises to be a Mumbai rendition of John Wick , starring Dev Patel as a one-man army dedicated to cleaning up the crime and corruption of his home city. One of the most unexpectedly cool trailers of of 2024, Monkey Man managed to draw up a lot of anticipation in a short amount of time.

Part of the intrigue and appeal of Monkey Man has been how tightly the promotional materials have played their cards, cluing in prospective audiences to only scant pieces of information. Patel's lead protagonist is simply referred to as "Kid", and uses a monkey's mask to disguise his identity for unknown reasons. What little has been shown off of the choreography and fight scenes promise a bone-crunching good time, with the talents of fight choreographer Brahim Chab on full display. Having just released on April 5th, Monkey Man 's breathtaking fight scenes will end Spring of 2024 on a high note.

The Last Kumite

The return of jean-claude van damme's bloodsport universe.

Of all the 80s martial arts franchises to get a revival, few could've guessed that the best film of Jean-Claude Van Damme , Bloodsport , would see a renaissance of violence. But thanks to the power of crowdfunding, The Last Kumite is quickly approaching martial arts fans to relive the success of the original film. The movie will see the return of the titular Kumite, an underground, no-holds-barred martial arts tournament in which anything goes, following a new group of capable combatants stepping into the ring.

Sadly, Jean-Claude Van Damme himself won't be making a triumphant return in The Last Kumite , having long since allowed the franchise to move past his own influence. Luckily, the film promises a stellar cast of other iconic 80s stars, including Cynthia Rothrock, Billy Blanks, Matthias Hues, Kurt McKinney, and Abdel Qissi. Though the leading star, Mathias Landwehr, is a newcomer pitted against the intimidating group of veterans, under the tutelage of famed German fight choreographer Mike Moeller, the return of the Bloodsport universe is sure to be a slam dunk.

The Karate Kid Reboot

The official return of the long-awaited karate franchise.

The Karate Kid has seen a renewed interest in recent years thanks to the efforts of Cobra Kai , which revived the timeline of the original films from a new point of view. While a new Karate Kid film hasn't been attempted since Jayden Smith traveled to China to train with Jackie Chan in 2010, a proper return to the series is well underway. With Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan both slated to reprise their roles, the two continuities of the two films featuring The Karate Kid 's title will be officially joined.

The titular teen martial artist will be coming from China to the United States, struggling with the woes of mentorship as well as the typical growing pains of being a young immigrant. Though the Karate Kid reboot's release date was pushed back to December 13th, 2024, anticipation for the return to Daniel's dojo has only grown. If the film plays its cards right and makes use of some updated fight choreography closer to what has been shown off in Cobra Kai , it has the makings to become one of the best martial arts movies of the year.

8 Upcoming Martial Arts Movies We Can't Wait To See

Screen Rant

10 best martial arts movie directors of all time.

Martial arts movies use physicality as the primary storytelling tool, and the best directors of the genre push boundaries with their techniques.

Martial arts movies combine action and storytelling, pushing the boundaries of cinema with their high-energy sequences and choreographed performances.
Iconic filmmakers like Jackie Chan, Chang Cheh, and Yuen Woo Ping have made significant contributions to the martial arts genre.
Martial arts movie franchises stand out due to their multifaceted nature, covering a wide range of genres and employing various techniques, from wirework to complex camera rigs, all supported by months of rigorous training.

Martial arts movies have a rich and enduring legacy in the world of cinema, with influential directors and actors paving the way for the genre's evolution. From the early classics to contemporary trends, martial arts films have not just captivated audiences with high-energy action; they have also pushed the boundaries of storytelling through the art of combat . Iconic filmmakers of the genre like Jackie Chan, Chang Cheh, and Yuen Woo Ping have made a huge impact on the genre, while newer directors continue to redefine the limits of on-screen physicality.

What sets martial arts movie franchises apart is their multifaceted nature. They encompass a wide range of genres, using diverse techniques, from intricate wirework to complex camera rigs, all supported by months of rigorous training. Each fight sequence is not just an action scene; it's a choreographed performance, where the physical movements convey character motivations, relationships, emotions, and inner conflicts. These movies harness martial arts as the primary storytelling tool, and the filmmakers behind these tales are what make each film so special .

Work includes Come Drink With Me, A Touch of Zen, and Legend of the Mountain

King Hu is renowned for his contributions to the martial arts genre, specifically wuxia. His notable impact emphasized character worth and skill over magical powers and toned down melodrama in favor of stoicism, with moments of extravagant action. His film Come Drink With Me exemplified his mastery of composition and editing. He encouraged his martial arts choreographers to draw inspiration from Chinese opera movements and relied on performers' skills and editing rather than special effects. Hu also emphasized the female sword fighter archetype, introducing gender and sexual ambiguity, much like Shakespeare's comedic heroines. Hu's contributions continue to impact martial arts films and make history.

9 Chang Cheh

Work includes the new one-armed swordsman, the duel, and the duel of fists.

Chang Cheh was known for producing multiple films annually at the height of his career. These included classics like The New One-Armed Swordsman , The Due l, and Duel of Fists. Chang was a relentless filmmaker in the martial arts genre. His collaboration with the Shaw Brothers in Hong Kong spanned nearly three decades, during which he contributed to screenwriting and directed numerous films. Chang's stamp as a director was his spectacular fight scenes and unapologetic portrayal of gore , setting him apart from others at the time. Chang's work often revolved around male camaraderie, showcasing the male form and exploring themes of masculinity.

8 Sammo Hung

Work includes warriors two and the prodigal son.

Sammo Hung is a Renaissance man in the world of martial arts cinema, excelling as an actor, martial artist, producer, and director. He has made an enduring impact on kung fu films and Hong Kong action cinema for decades and even starred in the forgotten martial arts tv show Martial Law . Hung's directorial contributions include the iconic Warriors Two in 1978, introducing the art of Wing Chun in 1979.

However, it was in 1981 that he crafted one of his directorial masterpieces, The Prodigal Son , featuring brilliant Wing Chun choreography and setting a new standard for martial arts films. The film received acclaim and won the Best Action Choreography award at the inaugural Hong Kong Film Awards in 1982. His impact on action choreography, along with legends like Yuen Woo Ping, endures in modern cinema.

7 Ching Siu-tung

Work includes duel to the death and a chinese ghost story.

Siu-tung Ching is a multifaceted figure in Hong Kong cinema, excelling as an action choreographer, actor, director, and producer. His cinematic journey traces back to his childhood, influenced by his father, Ching Gong, a director at Shaw Brothers Studio. Ching's early training at the Peking Opera school laid the foundation for his martial arts expertise and passion for the film industry. His directorial debut, the groundbreaking wuxia classic Duel to the Death , marked the start of his directing career. Collaborating with producer Tsui Hark, he directed the critically acclaimed supernatural fantasy A Chinese Ghost Story , achieving international recognition.

6 Lau Kar-leung

Work includes the 36th chamber of shaolin and the spiritual boxer.

Lau Kar-leung, has been influential in Hong Kong cinema over a span of 60 years, emerging as a renowned martial arts choreographer, actor, and director. His extensive contribution to the industry includes choreographing 176 films, appearing in 215 films, and directing 25 of his own, notably the timeless classic The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. He choreographed many of Chang Cheh's earlier films and directed The Spiritual Boxer in 1975. Lau's directorial works, such as Challenge of the Masters and Executioners from Shaolin , laid the foundation for his martial arts filmmaking approach, driven by the goal to authentically portray diverse kung fu styles and exalt the martial arts.

5 Jackie Chan

Work includes the young master and police story.

Jackie Chan has achieved global recognition through his remarkable stunts, unique approach to fight scenes, and directing abilities. Directing and starring in films such as The Young Master and Police Story , Chan's signature trait is his unwavering commitment to performing his own stunts, often pushing the boundaries of safety and enduring real injuries. He distinguishes himself by delivering authentic, full-contact fight scenes without relying on excessive camera tricks or jump cuts. Chan's fights possess weight and intensity, capturing attention through their realistic impact. His ability to infuse humor into these sequences adds an extra layer of entertainment, showcasing his versatility as a master of action and comedy.

10 Unbelievable Jackie Chan Movie Moments That Made Him A Martial Arts Legend

4 wilson yip, work includes the ip man series.

Hong Kong director Wilson Yip, best known for his Ip Man films, initially gained fame as a director known for idiosyncratic comedies, ghost stories, and dramas. However, it was his Ip Man series that catapulted him to international acclaim within the martial arts genre. The semi-biographical films portray Ip Man, a wing chun grandmaster, against the backdrop of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Donnie Yen in Ip Man is exceptional, depicting a master who transforms from a respected teacher into a symbol of strength for the oppressed. Yip's directorial skills solidify the Ip Man series as a martial arts masterpiece.

3 Tsui Hark

Work includes the swordsman, dragon inn, and once upon a time in china.

Tsui Hark’s movies are characterized by their boundless energy, unconventional approaches, and innovative filmmaking techniques. With blockbusters like Once Upon a Time in China and Detective Dee , Tsui achieved substantial commercial success, making him one of the highest-grossing Chinese-language filmmakers. Over his prolific career, he's directed approximately 50 films, earning four Hong Kong Film Awards and one Golden Horse Award. Hark's contributions to kung-fu action films — notably The Swordsman , The Legend of the Swordsman, and Dragon Inn — set new standards in the genre, reshaping the landscape of martial arts films.

2 Prachya Pinkaew

Work includes ong-bak muay thai warrior, chocolate, and power kids.

Despite Prachya Pinkaew starting his career directing music videos, he made a significant impact in martial arts cinema by highlighting Muay Thai. In 2003, he directed Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior , starring Tony Jaa, which became one of the best martial arts tournament movies . He followed with Tom-Yum-Goong; Chocolate, which features an autistic female martial artist seeking revenge; and Power Kids, a story of four young martial artists defending a hospital from terrorists. Known for breathtaking stunts executed by Jaa himself without special effects, Pinkaew's work showcases intense martial arts action , solidifying his role in the genre's evolution.

1 Yuen Woo Ping

Work includes drunken master and snake in eagle's shadow.

Yuen Woo-Ping is a prominent film director within the martial arts genre. Initially beginning his career as a stuntman and martial arts choreographer, Ping ultimately transitioned into directing with the releases of Snake in Eagle’s Shadow and Drunken Master in 1978. These films marked the launch of Jackie Chan's career and sparked a wave of comedy kung fu movies, such as Kung Fu Hustle , also choreographed by Ping.

Yuen's remarkable contributions extended from Hong Kong to Hollywood , where he notably handled martial arts choreography for The Matrix trilogy and Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon . In Asia, Yuen directed Sammo Hung in Magnificent Butcher , propelled Donnie Yen's career with Drunken Tai Chi , and shaped Jet Li’s screen presence in movies like The Tai Chi Master . Yuen's innovative approach to martial arts choreography and dedication to exploring new styles have made him an iconic figure in the industry.

Paul Rudd Fought the Ultimate Boogeyman in This Bizarre Horror Sequel

He was the best part of a cursed movie.

The Big Picture

Paul Rudd's performance in Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers is the best part of one of the franchise's weakest films.
The film's bizarre plot involved Michael Myers living with a cult and having a child with Jamie, leading to a messy outcome.
Rudd's portrayal of Tommy Doyle added a unique depth to the character, grounding the film among chaotic supernatural elements.

Before he was battling super villains as Ant-Man or the supernatural in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire , Paul Rudd was a struggling actor trying to break out. In 1995, he hit it big with his first ever feature film, Clueless . The comedy not only made a star out of its lead, Alicia Silverstone , but Rudd as well. Although this was Rudd's first released movie, it wasn't the first one he filmed a part for. That distinction goes to Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers , the sixth film in the series , and one so disastrous that it would cause the franchise to undergo a complete reboot. As bad as it was, it was saved by Paul Rudd giving an off-kilter performance as Tommy Doyle, which added some much-needed emotional heft to such a bizarre plot. This Halloween film would be the last for legendary actor Donald Pleasence , who died during filming, but it was the beginning for another soon to be Hollywood icon.

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers

Six years after Michael Myers last terrorized Haddonfield, he returns there in pursuit of his niece, Jamie Lloyd, who has escaped with her newborn child, for which Michael and a mysterious cult have sinister plans.

'Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers' Has the Craziest Plot in the Franchise

When John Carpenter , with the help of Debra Hill , created Halloween in 1978, they started a slasher phenomenon. As influential as the first film was, none of the sequels could match it. Michael Myers was scarier than ever in Halloween 2 , but the twist of making Michael and Laurie Strode ( Jamie Lee Curtis ) brother and sister put everything else that followed it in a bind. Michael Myers was no longer a boogeyman with no motivation, but some guy who hated his family. Both Halloween 4 and Halloween 5 had him stalking the daughter of Laurie, Jamie ( Danielle Harris ), and 1995's Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers looked to be more of the same, but with the bizarreness turned up to eleven.

The Halloween Franchise Is Full of References to 'Psycho' and Other Hitchcock Movies

The plot of the sixth Halloween has Michael Myers living with a cult who controls him . If that's not out there enough, somehow he and Jamie have had a baby together, because why not? The wild plot was so bizarre that an alternate Producer's Cut was made to try and clean up the mess (it failed). Firstly, Danielle Harris did not return as Jamie. She was instead recast with J.C. Brandy , then killed off in the first act. Then, tragedy struck, as horror icon Donald Pleasence, who had played the Boogeyman's nemesis, the crazed Dr. Sam Loomis , in every Michael Myers-centered Halloween film , passed away before reshoots could be completed. The final product was a mess of a movie, deemed the worst of the franchise by many fans. It has just an 8% on Rotten Tomatoes and was a major flop at the box office, making a mere $15 million . Its failure led to the end of the cult Thorn trilogy, with the next entry, 1998's Halloween H20 , bringing Laurie Strode back from the dead and pretending that nothing after Halloween 2 ever happened. Still, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers , shouldn't be ignored. Within the mess of a movie lies a great performance by Paul Rudd in his first ever feature role .

Paul Rudd's Portrayal of Tommy Doyle Is the Best Part of This 'Halloween' Sequel

In the first Halloween , Laurie is babysitting two children. One of them, the young Tommy Doyle, is obsessed with the idea of the Boogeyman, and has multiple scarring encounters with Michael Myers. Played by Brian Andrews , the Tommy Doyle character wasn't explored again until the sixth film, with a 26-year-old Paul Rudd, billed as Paul Stephen Rudd, now playing Tommy.

With Donald Pleasence in diminishing health and no Laurie or Jamie Strode around, Tommy is basically the lead of the film. Although Rudd doesn't speak about the role, putting him in another of a long line of future stars in bad horror sequels, like Henry Cavill in Hellraiser: Hellworld , for one example, it's not one he should be embarrassed of. While everything is head-scratching, supernatural chaos around him, Rudd's portrayal of Tommy keeps the film grounded as much as possible , and also serves as a connection to the original classic.

Tommy Doyle is not played as a badass hero, but rather a very troubled man, one whose personality and identity has been shaped by his encounters with Michael Myers. It has left him obsessed with finding Michael Myers and unable to adequately know how to act around other people. He's confident in his opinions about the Boogeyman, but he's quirky and aloof, a man shaped by his trauma . He lives across from the old Myers house, waiting and ready for Michael's return, and when it happens, he doesn't falter in protecting the family who lives there along with Jamie's baby. We see his fear when he does go face to face with the Boogeyman again, but he's also brave, beating Michael Myers to a bloody pulp with a pipe and leaving him for dead . Final girls are all the rage in slashers , but Paul Rudd's Tommy Doyle is one of the better rare final boys .

David Gordon Green Wanted Paul Rudd To Return For 'Halloween Kills'

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers may have bombed, but Clueless sure didn't, with the comedy making $56 million in cinemas and becoming an instant classic through video stores and cable TV. Paul Rudd became a comedy king in the 2000s thanks to films like Wet Hot American Summer , Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy , The 40-Year-Old Virgin , and leading parts in Role Models and I Love You, Man . Just a few years ago, however, he had the chance to return to his horror roots.

In an interview with Inverse , Blumhouse executive producer Ryan Turek spoke about how they tried to land Paul Rudd for Tommy Doyle's return in Halloween Kills . Rudd had worked with director David Gordon Green before on 2013's Prince Avalanche , so there was a shot of making it happen. Turek said:

“David is friends with Paul Rudd. I know that there was a text conversation between the two of them and that was like, Make it happen! But it was Paul Rudd. He’s untouchable. He is a superstar now. Come on, he's Ant-Man.”

It's probably for the best that Rudd wasn't cast, as David Gordon Green's trilogy acts as if nothing ever happened after the first Halloween . In this world, it means there never was a Paul Rudd Tommy Doyle, which would have meant confusing audiences into thinking both timelines still existed . Instead, Anthony Michael Hall was cast as Tommy. On the Fantasm Podcast , Hall said that David Gordon Green told him, "'I got a call from Paul Rudd, and he sends his best and he gave you his blessings – he’s really excited that you’re playing the part.' I never met Paul Rudd, but I thought that was really nice."

In Halloween Kills , Tommy Doyle dies a humiliating death at the hands (and baseball bat) of Michael Myers, so Paul Rudd dodged a bullet with that one. Instead, he went on to star in Ghostbusters: Afterlife , leading the way in another big name franchise, but for horror fans, he will always be the guy who took on Michael Myers and lived to tell about it.

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.

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‘The Greatest Hits’ Review: Yes, She Could Turn Back Time.

A high-concept movie about music and grief lacks follow through.

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In an outdoor space bathed in magenta light, a woman and a man stand close to one another, heads touching, smiling. They both are wearing headphones around their necks.

By Alissa Wilkinson

“The Greatest Hits” literalizes the familiar heartache: You’re driving down the road, radio blaring at full tilt. Suddenly that song comes on, the one that reminds you of your ex, or of a time that was joyous but now is a sadness-tinged memory. Plunged back into that head space, you feel as though you’ve traveled through time. And the longing it prompts can be unbearable.

This is where Harriet (Lucy Boynton) finds herself, except instead of feeling as if she’s moving through time, she is truly hurtling through the fourth dimension. Since having lost her boyfriend, Max (David Corenswet), in a tragic accident, any song Harriet hears attached to memories of him catapults her, quite literally, back to the moment in their relationship when that song was playing. When she leaves the house, she wears noise-canceling headphones to protect against unexpected time travel provoked by radios and errant Spotify shuffles.

At home, though, she spends her nights trying to slip backward. Harriet has become obsessed with trying to return to a moment where she can set the world straight and ensure that Max won’t die, which means, even two years after his death, that she is still “hiding out in her grief,” as another character puts it. In the midst of this, at her grief support group, Harriet meets a nice guy named David (Justin H. Min), who’s dealing with loss of his own.

Ned Benson, who wrote and directed “The Greatest Hits,” has explored this territory before. His previous work, “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby,” was a trilogy, made up of two films that explored a couple’s grief-stricken, tumultuous relationship from each of their individual perspectives, and a third that combined them. (As the title suggests, music was part of the story, too.) That film felt personal, and so does this one. It earnestly evokes the way grief mires us in memory, making us feel as if our personal timelines are slip-sliding and looping, eternally arrested in the past. Moving forward seems impossible.

But “The Greatest Hits” lacks the imagination of “Eleanor Rigby” and, at times, seems like it might be in the wrong genre. It’s easy to imagine a rom-com version of this movie, since the elements are all there — the hip location (mostly the Silver Lake and Los Feliz neighborhoods of Los Angeles), the meet-cute, the queer best friend (a mainstay of the genre , for better or worse), the crates of vinyl records, the pining, the hot guys, even the chemistry. But this movie lacks the lightness and humor of a rom-com, which might balance out all the dreary moments and make it feel more watchable. The version that exists feels more suited for lovelorn teens just off their first breakup than adults moving through profound loss and sorrow, more acquainted with the ways life can’t just stop when tragedy strikes.

“The Greatest Hits” proceeds slowly and repetitively, which doesn’t have to be a problem: The gentleness of the pace and storytelling gives the cast space to breathe and react to each other, to build relationships that feel reasonably authentic. Similarly, the music choices (which are all over the map both in genre and era) are fun and fresh, lacking the on-the-nose quality that a film with more bang-on choices might have provoked. But as it goes on, the movie begins to feel mired in its own high-concept conceit without space to develop it further. Is there a reason the only music that triggers time travel for Harriet is connected to Max? Are there tunes that throw her back to times she prefers not to remember? Why is it important to recall that she used to be a music producer?

There’s an interesting film dancing around the edges of “The Greatest Hits,” but there’s both too much sentimentality and not enough thought, and that’s too bad. For audiences in search of a good cry, it may still do the job. But for those of us for whom the music-driven time travel experience is still metaphorical, it’s cold comfort, a fantasy with no hope of fulfillment.

The Greatest Hits Rated PG-13 for some language and innuendo, plus conversations about death and grief. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes. Watch on Hulu.

Alissa Wilkinson is a Times movie critic. She’s been writing about movies since 2005. More about Alissa Wilkinson

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