Best Martial Art/Kung Fu Films of all Time
Having seen over 400 martial arts films, I have culminated this list of my own personal favorites. For many different reasons, I've included the following and left out others. There are many many great films, but these are the films I enjoy the most. I lean heavily towards Kung Fu, obviously.
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- DirectorYimou ZhangStarsJet LiTony Leung Chiu-waiMaggie CheungA defense officer, Nameless, was summoned by the King of Qin regarding his success of terminating three warriors.Simply one of the best movies ever made. The most beautiful cinematography of any martial arts movie I have ever seen. Deeply emotional story, incredible acting, action, and wonderful ending. Perfect film!
- DirectorStephen ChowStarsStephen ChowWah YuenQiu YuenIn 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.Not only hilarious, but an incredible film through and through. Action is second to none. This is Stephen Chow's masterpiece, after making several very good films and also a few stinkers. Great piece of kung fu art!
- DirectorRonny YuStarsJet LiLi SunYong DongA biography of Chinese Martial Arts Master Huo Yuanjia, who is the founder and spiritual guru of the Jin Wu Sports Federation.Jet Li is absolutely incredible in this emotional, spiritual kung fu flick. Amazing fight scene near the middle of the movie is unparalleled. If you can, make sure you see the original uncut version of this film, because the U.S. version edits out quite a bit of the story.
- DirectorWilson YipStarsDonnie YenSimon YamSiu-Wong FanDuring the Japanese invasion of China, a wealthy martial artist is forced to leave his home when his city is occupied. With little means of providing for themselves, Ip Man and the remaining members of the city must find a way to survive.Truly a masterpiece, Donnie Yen brings the now legendary historical figure to life in this war-torn, beautifully shot saga of dedication, family, nationalism, peace, and death. Fight choreography set a new bar.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsRongguang YuDonnie YenJean WangA martial artist/doctor steals from the corrupt authorities as a masked thief to give to the poor while another martial artist/doctor is forced to hunt him down. But a major threat unites them as a powerful and traitorous shaolin monk takes over the authorities.The early 90's Iron Monkey truly created a new standard for wire-fu and universally accepted martial arts movies. For this film, make sure you get the Hong Kong UNEDITED version, because Tarantino completely mutilated this movie for American audience by cutting out over 20 minutes of important storyline in addition to changing the dialogue, to make it "more understandable" for U.S. audiences. Ugh.
- DirectorBenny ChanStarsShaoqun YuChen ZhiuiXing YuAfter ambushing and killing his rival, losing everything in the process, dispirited warlord Hou Jie turns to a Shaolin monastery seeking salvation.An absolutely visually stunning piece of cinematography, focusing on the deconstruction of Shaolin in war-ravaged China. Aside from the Kung Fu, this film provides an incredible and intriguing story the unravels slowly and emotionally. Jackie Chan has a bit part as well.
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsKurt RussellKim CattrallDennis DunA rough-and-tumble trucker and his side kick face off with an ancient sorcerer in a supernatural battle beneath Chinatown.Who could forget or leave out this 80's classic? Still hilarious, for a multitude of reasons, Big Trouble has created a whole bag of iconic phrases for children of the 80's.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuLieh LoYue WongA man studies kung fu at the Shaolin Temple to fight back against the oppressive Manchu government.Bringing Gordon Liu to the forefront of Kung Fu stardom, this feature changed the way Kung Fu film were seen by the world. Spawing 2 sequels and many, many copies - this original classic is still one of the best ever featuring great training sequences.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuSheng FuLily LiMongols with the help of an insider, ambush the influential Yang Family, defenders of the dynasty. The Mongols must hunt down all Yang survivors so their insidious plot to overthrow the dynasty will not be uncovered.Another great Gordon Liu film, featuring great training sequences, family struggle, and a wonderful tale of revenge and redemption.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuKuan Tai ChenYue WongTeenager Wong Fei-hung is sent to train in the art of hung gar kung fu from his father's teacher, Luk Ah-choy. With training complete, Wong must fight an assassin and regain the honor of his school.What can I say, it's a pre-36th chamber classic from director Lau Kar-leung, my favorite of the classic Kung Fu era directors.
- DirectorLieh LoStarsChia-Hui LiuLieh LoLung-Wei WangThe monk Hung Wen-Ting fights against the evil priest White Lotus.Intrigue, mystery, subterfuge, kung fu, Lo Lieh directed - this confusing kung fu classic tale of deceit is wonderful.
- DirectorAng LeeStarsChow Yun-FatMichelle YeohZiyi ZhangA young Chinese warrior steals a sword from a famed swordsman and then escapes into a world of romantic adventure with a mysterious man in the frontier of the nation.It may not include the most incredible fight sequences; however, this film deserves serious recognition for bringing kung fu to the world's eye. It has some great acting and a beautiful story, as well as very tasteful wire magic.
- DirectorHark TsuiStarsTony Ka Fai LeungChao DengCarina LauAn exiled detective is recruited to solve a series of mysterious deaths that threaten to delay the inauguration of Empress Wu.Often overlooked, this modern magical kung fu film should be recognized as very good. It's very well written and performed, although with some questionable effects.... It's nice to see this type of film so wonderfully executed in today's cinema.
- DirectorPeter Ho-Sun ChanStarsDonnie YenTakeshi KaneshiroTang WeiA papermaker gets involved with a murder case concerning two criminals leading to a determined detective suspecting him and the former's vicious father searching for him.Great Donnie Yen flick. I love the slow moving way in which the kung fu mastery unfolds in this mystery. Unpredictable plot twists abound and the great story and incredible action makes for a wonderful movie.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsJackie ChanSiu-Tin YuenJeong-lee HwangWong Fei-Hung is a mischievous yet righteous young man, but after a series of incidents his frustrated father has him disciplined by a master of drunken martial arts.Jackie Chan is probably the most worldly famous martial artist, coming from Peking Operatic beginnings. This early Chan is one of his very best, showing some of the most brilliant kung fu choreography I've ever seen.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsKuan Tai ChenLieh LoYue WongHong Hsi-Kuan devotes years to mastering Tiger style Kung Fu in order to defeat the evil priest Pai Mei. His wife, who is an expert in Crane style Kung Fu, has a feeling training in only one style won't be enough.Another Liu Kar Lung classic, involving intrigue and more Shaolin history.
- DirectorGordon ChanStarsJet LiShinobu NakayamaSiu-Ho ChinIn 1937, a Chinese martial artist returns to Shanghai to find his teacher dead and his school harassed by the Japanese.Picking up where Bruce Lee left off, Jet Li brings this character to life in this Chinese nationalistic tour de force of Kung Fu. Many people cite some of these fights as the best choreographed kung fu ever.
- DirectorKar-Wai WongStarsTony Leung Chiu-waiZiyi ZhangJin ZhangThe story of martial-arts master Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee.The original (unedited Hong Kong) version of this film is very very good. It's slow plot is most interesting to those involved and interested in the history of Hung Gar, Wing Chun, and other Northern and Southern styles of Kung Fu. Very well acted and written. Beautiful modern cinematography.
- DirectorYimou ZhangStarsZiyi ZhangTakeshi KaneshiroAndy LauA romantic police captain breaks a beautiful member of a rebel group out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they seem.Other than Hero, has a kung fu film of such beauty been filmed? Possibly not. It is a wonderful visual treat, as well as some incredible wire fu. Very tasteful and emotional.
- DirectorWilson YipStarsDonnie YenXiaoming HuangSammo Kam-Bo HungCentering on Ip Man's migration to Hong Kong in 1949 as he attempts to propagate his discipline of Wing Chun martial arts.On the heels of Ip Man, Donnie Yen returns to portray this Wing Chun legend with this sequel. While a little more 'fantastic' than the original in terms of believability, it's still a wonderful film. The middle fight sequence between the teachers of the respective schools is absolutely brilliant.
- DirectorHerman YauStarsYu-Hang ToYi HuangBiao YuenYip Man's resistance against invading foreigners, along with his romantic relations while under the tutelage of three Wing Chun masters.While not as amazing as it's 2 predecessors, this film is still very very good. Great fight choreography and it packs a strong emotional punch in this historical story. Yu-Hang To does a great job playing a young Donnie Yen.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsKa-Yan LeungChia-Yung LiuBiao YuenTwo brothers and small time crooks Yipao and Taipao convince a martial arts expert to take them on as students, completely oblivious to his sordid past.Knockabout is one of the greatest classic kung fu films ever made. Bao Yien is possibly the most underrated martial arts actor in cinema. He never made it to the level of Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, or even Sammo Hung. But he should have. His talent was no less, and many say better than... He finally stars in this great film.
- DirectorTung Cho 'Joe' CheungStarsJing BaiShaoqun YuCollin ChouA romantic comedy about the origins of the Wing Chun fighting style.Very good modern view of the origin of Wing Chun. With the unfortunate murder of the main actress shortly after this film, I feel it was underevaluated as a serious kung fu movie, which it should be seen as.
- DirectorCorey YuenStarsJet LiJosephine SiaoMichelle ReisMartial artists join Red Lotus Flower Society to overthrow evil emperor. Governor hunts society members. Kung fu practitioner falls for merchant's daughter amid kung fu contest for her hand. Gender role reversal comedy ensues.Like Fist of Legend, Jet Li portrays this wonderful take on history through the fashion of Bruce Lee. The fight scenes were unlike anything ever seen when this was released. Really great kung fu flick.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsHou HsiaoChia-Hui LiuLily LiGordon Liu Chia-hui reprises his famous Monk San Te role as he tries to support and protect Shaolin her Fang Shih-yu who purposely attacks corrupt Ching officials. Fights by legendary action director Liu Chia-liang are to die for.Sequel to Liu Kar Lung's 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Gordon Liu returns to play a slightly more comedic monk in a little more light-hearted kung fu classic. Incredible, even today.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanHo-Sung PakLung TiA young martial artist is caught between respecting his pacifist father's wishes or stopping a group of disrespectful foreigners from stealing precious artifacts.Many afficianados cite this movie as the best kung fu choreography ever. I personally prefer the earlier Jackie Chan work, like it's predecessor Drunken Master. But this movie does have some truly incredible and unique fights. When Jackie Chan was still on the cusp of being able to perform his best stunts in a fighting sequence, this movie is amazing.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Liang LiuHou HsiaoKara WaiA disgraced former Kung Fu expert makes a living as a merchant with the help of a hot headed friend. When the men are harassed by gangsters, the merchant decided to teach his friend monkey boxing so they can defend their business.With a rare instance of Liu Kar Lung actually co-starring in one of his own (directed) films, this is one of my all-time favorites. This movie provides some of the absolute best shaolin-style training sequences ever filmed. Wonderful.
- DirectorCorey YuenStarsHiroyuki SanadaConan LeeJeong-lee HwangTwo rival warriors, a Japanese and a Chinese, are forced to work together after their master has been killed by a mighty enemy.Although I generally prefer Chinese Kung Fu and Shaolin-based martial arts, this movie was an exception. Sort of. It still included lots of Shaolin styles, while against the Japanese Ninja (or at least their version of that). Conan Lee, like Bao Yien, is one of the most most under-valued martial artists in acting history. His acrobatic prowess is off the hook in this classic.
- DirectorPrachya PinkaewStarsTony JaaPhetthai VongkumlaoPumwaree YodkamolWhen the head of a statue sacred to a village is stolen, a young martial artist goes to the big city and finds himself taking on the underworld to retrieve it.How could I not include Onk-bak? Tony Jaa, with this film, defined himself as one of the world's favorite martial artists with his Thai Boxing and acrobatic wonders. This movie raised the bar once again for physical expectations of martial arts superstars.
- DirectorJackie ChanChi-Hwa ChenStarsJackie ChanMaggie CheungBrigitte LinA virtuous Hong Kong Police Officer must clear his good name when the drug lord he is after frames him for the murder of a dirty cop.One of Jackie Chan's very best. Alongside the Project A series, these movies solidified Jackie Chan as the current Kung Fu movie world champion. Unique stunts, amazing fight scenes. This was his apex.
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanMaggie CheungKwok-Hung LamThe Hong Kong supercop must stop a group of blackmailing bombers, while the villains of Police Story (1985) are out for revenge.The sequel to above classic. Just as good!
- DirectorJackie ChanSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsJackie ChanSammo Kam-Bo HungBiao YuenFighting against pirates at the turn of the 20th century, the Hong Kong navy are failing miserably. It's up to Sergeant Lung (Jackie Chan) to take matters into his own hands.Alongside the Police Story 1 and 2, this Project A series was Jackie Chan at his very best. Action, stunts, and kung fu wizardry the world had not yet seen.
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanMaggie CheungRosamund KwanDragon is now transferred to be the police head of Sai Wan district, and has to contend with a gangster kingpin, anti-Manchu revolutionaries, some runaway pirates, Manchu Loyalists and a corrupt Police Superintendent.Project A's sequel left nothing to be desired. Just as action-packed and uniquely magnificent as the first one.
- DirectorGareth EvansStarsIko UwaisAnanda GeorgeRay SahetapyA S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.Great modern action packed gun-fu. I'm not a fan of gun-fu in general, but this provided enough true martial arts to keep me satisified. While the story is very weak, the action is why you watch this one. If you just want great fights, this is the movie for you. Not specifically Shaolin oriented, but more modern mixed genre.
- DirectorChao-Bin SuJohn WooStarsMichelle YeohJung Woo-sungXueqi WangDrizzle/Zeng Jing tries to start a new life after she had betrayed her gang and hid the remains of monk.Michelle Yeoh, martial artist superstar, leads this magical story of period kung fu.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuLung-Wei WangHou HsiaoWhen thugs prey upon innocent factory workers, a small-time scammer trains for revenge by studying the moves of Shaolin temple monks.The 2nd in the 36th Chamber Series, I love this sequel almost as much as the original. Almost. Great classic Shaolin kung fu spiritual adventure.... And the training sequences!!!
- DirectorChia-Hui LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuAdam ChengLi ChingTwo friends from rival schools are turned against one another by a jealous chief who wants to eliminate those whose fighting styles may rival his own.It's great to see Gordon Liu in so many Shaolin based movies. This one defined a whole genre of Wu Tang/Shaolin cinema rivalries. Wonderful work from Liu.
- DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsDavid ChiangCecilia WongLily LiShaolin Mantis (Orig. Tang lang) is a 1978 Shaw Brothers film directed by Lau Kar-leung. Starring David Chiang and Liu Chia Hui. Shaolin Mantis tells the story of a man who learns martial arts by observing a praying mantis.You probably notice the amount of animal based Shaolin Kung Fu movies on my list. This one is no exception! Although not actually based in Shaolin and there are no monks at all in this movie - it's a great tale of intrigue and deceit in period China...
- DirectorStephen ChowStarsStephen ChowWei ZhaoYat-Fei WongA young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.Pre-Kung Fu Hustle, Stephen Chow made this fantastic modern kung fu classic - making soccer and this motley crew of misfits its centerpiece. It's a very nice film, leading up to Kung Fu Hustle's brilliance.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsJackie ChanSiu-Tin YuenJeong-lee HwangAn orphan who has been raised at a kung fu school, where he is treated as little more than a dogsbody and practice target for the students, has a life-changing experience after helping an old peripatetic beggar.Early Chan is so underrated! This movie's kung fu choreography is unbelievable for the time. It's truly incredible. Jackie Chan at his most nimble and young, this film is one of the best early Chan movies in existence.
- DirectorAndrew LauStarsAaron KwokEkin ChengShin'ichi ChibaAn evil warlord takes in 2 students (Wind & Cloud) in an effort to become invincible so he can take over the world.Nice modern anime-style martial arts piece. Lots of magic-fu and tastefully done wire fighting. Very nice fantasy kung fu film.
- DirectorStephen FungStarsHark-On FungXiaochao YuanStephen FungYang travels to Chen Village to learn a powerful form of Tai Chi. Though villagers are forbidden from teaching outsiders, Yang becomes their best hope for survival when a man arrives with a plan to build a railroad through the village.This movie, along with it's sequel Tai Chi Hero, were a very nice piece of steam punk kung fu cinema. I haven't seen that done before or since. Very unique style. It's sort of a video game narrated steam punk movie, if that makes sense.
- DirectorStephen FungStarsDaniel WuShu QiTony Ka Fai LeungYang Luchan marries the Chen style kung fu grand master's daughter in Chen village in 1800s China, so he can learn Chen style kung fu/tai chi. The deputy governor wants the village.This sequel to the above Tai Chi Zero loses a bit of its steam as it winds down this 2-part story, but it nevertheless deserves to stand together with its predecessor. The final fight sequence alone is worth the wait.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsJet LiMichelle YeohSiu-Ho ChinTwo friends, ex Shaolin monks, part ways as they brush with the ongoing rebellion against the government. The ambitious one rises up to be a powerful military commander, while his betrayed friend resorts to learn the calm ways of Tai Chi.Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh tear it up in this wonderful early 90's kung fu classic. Afficianados often list this as their favorite. Great fights, great plot. Great character development.
- DirectorWoo-Ping YuenStarsWenzhuo ZhaoXun ZhouAndy OnChina, 1861: After rescuing the Qing prince from rebels, General Su retires to start a martial arts school. His foster brother betrays him and Su barely survives. Su has a new enemy to defeat.Great modern fu! Magic and a fall from grace. This one has great fights and a very emotional ending. Not for everybody. Wonderful training sequencing here.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsKa-Yan LeungSammo Kam-Bo HungYi ChangChung Yao, a martial arts expert, has long been on the run from his stepbrother, who he caught trying to rape his wife on their wedding night. His brother has never given up the chase however, and Chung Yao lives in constant fear that the vengeful stepbrother will murder him and his wife.One of Sammo Hung's greatest films. The combination of expectedly confusing plots, great action choreography, slapstick Sammo wit, and drama make this kung fu classic a tour de force.
- DirectorSammo Kam-Bo HungStarsKa-Yan LeungHo WangSammo Kam-Bo HungA bank cashier discovers a plot to kill the mayor. His attempt to warn the mayor is foiled, and he almost gets killed, but a mumbling Shaolin disciple rescues him and takes him to his master to teach him a formidable form of kung fu.Another great Sammo Hung Kam-Bo gem, this one still has a great deal of the classic Sammo slapstick wit - but it's one of the most heavy, brutal kung fu films I have seen from the classic era. It's a masterpiece.
- DirectorJohn G. AvildsenStarsRalph MacchioPat MoritaElisabeth ShueA martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager.I'm a child of the 80's, I admit it. This classic still holds a place in my heart. Are the fight scenes good? Of course not. Is it believable? No way. Is the acting good? Marginal. Why do I still love it? I have no idea. But it's a great flick for whole family.
- DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneTakashi ShimuraKeiko TsushimaFarmers from a village exploited by bandits hire a veteran samurai for protection, who gathers six other samurai to join him.This classic Kurosawa black and white film from the mid-50's is still considering one of the greatest all time films of Japanese cinema. It pre-dates all the kung fu classics and is quite simply just a beautiful piece of art from Japan's history.
- DirectorJackie ChanStarsJackie ChanCarol 'Do Do' ChengEva CoboJackie is hired to help the UN find Nazi gold hidden in Sahara. He's accompanied from Spain by 2 (later 3) cute women. As there are others wanting the gold, lots of kung fu fighting and comedy follows.I love this Jackie Chan flick, although he was just started to leave his physical prime in terms of action choreography for my tastes. But it still deserves to be in the Jackie Chan apex of films.