Martial arts have been a staple in movies and television since the 1970s. The majority of the early projects originated in Hong Kong and immediately became worldwide sensations. These films have periodically changed in numerous ways, leaving an influence on all types of genres, from science fiction to fantasy. Legends like Bruce Lee helped pioneer many of the wild fighting styles that are so popular today. Jackie Chan still has upcoming movies, and was a similar force of nature in the exhibition of on-screen combat.
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When first entering the realm of cinematic martial arts, it’s important to watch classic films. The early works were truly revolutionary and laid an impressive groundwork that has stood the test of time. To that extent, it’s interesting to see the prominent influence that early movies hold over modern releases. For those looking to get into the genre for the first time, it’s best to start with the source material.
10 The Karate Kid (1984)
Directed By John G. Avildsen
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8.6/10 The Karate Kid PGFamilyDramaActionSport
Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.
Director John G. Avildsen Release Date June 22, 1984 Cast Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , William Zabka , Martin Kove , Yuji Okumoto Runtime 126 minutes Studio(s) Delphi II Productions Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Robert Mark Kamen Main Genre Action Expand
John G. Avildsen’s The Karate Kid is one of the most famous names to come from the martial arts world, and for good reason. The film effectively created an entire franchise and inspired multiple spin-off series. It was so popular that there is a Karate Kid reboot coming out nearly 40 years after the original. It’s a certified classic and introduced a gem to those who were unfamiliar with the genre.
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The Karate Kid is one of the best movies of its kind to start out with because of the nature of the story. It’s a great example of a martial arts film in which the hero doesn’t know anything about fighting before beginning his journey. Consequently, it offers a first-hand look at how an unexpected teenager can become a seasoned fighter with the proper instruction. It’s got a great narrative and a relatable leading character that’s hard not to root for.
9 Police Story (1985)
Directed By Jackie Chan & Chi-Hwa Chen
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10/10 Police Story PG-13ActionComedyCrimeThriller
Police Story is a Hong Kong action film directed by and starring Jackie Chan as Kevin Chan Ka-Kui, a dedicated police officer who is framed for murder. The film showcases remarkable stunt work and martial arts sequences, depicting Kevin’s relentless pursuit of justice against a drug lord. Released in 1985, Police Story underscores Chan’s innovative approach to action filmmaking, combining high-octane sequences with comedic elements.
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*Availability in US Director Jackie Chan , Chi-Hwa Chen Release Date December 14, 1985 Cast Jackie Chan , Brigitte Lin , Maggie Cheung , Kwok-Hung Lam , Bill Tung , Yuen Chor Runtime 100 Minutes Writers Jackie Chan , Edward Tang Main Genre Action Expand
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Martial arts movies wouldn’t be the same without the fabled Jackie Chan. It’s impossible to appreciate the genre without being familiar with his legendary performances. Given Chan’s impressive resume of projects, it’s difficult to know exactly where to start, but Police Story remains one of his greatest works to date. The film is unique in its ability to blend high-quality combat with memorable comedy.
During a scene where he slid down a pole covered in Christmas lights, Chan was electrocuted and received serious burns on his hands.
The lighthearted but action-packed nature makes it a great first step into the world of martial arts cinema. Chan plays the role of a cop in Hong Kong who finds himself in a heap of trouble after being framed for murder by a Triad boss. While the plot is solid, it’s Jackie Chan’s intense stunts and fight scenes that seal the deal. He puts on a show in this movie, hanging from buses and throwing enemies through windshields.
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8 Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior (2004)
Directed By Prachya Pinkaew
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10/10 Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior RActionAdventureThrillerCrime
Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior follows a young martial artist from a rural Thai village as he embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve the stolen head of their sacred Buddha statue, facing dangerous adversaries and showcasing remarkable Muay Thai skills.
Director Prachya Pinkaew Release Date October 17, 2004 Cast Petchtai Wongkamlao , tony jaa , Patrarin Punyanutatam , Suchao Pongwilai , Choomporn Theppitak , Cheathavuth Watcharakhun , Wannakit Sirioput , Rungrawee Barijindakul , Chatthapong Phantana-Angkul , Nudhapol Asavabhakhin , Pornpimol Chookanthong , Udom Songsaeng , Boonsri Yindee , Arirat Ratanakaitkosol , Woravit Tangchitsirikul , Chalongsak Sirimahasal , Sawang Rodnuch , Sutin Rodnuch , Voranart Tantipidok , Somjai Chanmoontree , Somchai Moonma , Taworn Tonapan , Chupong Changprung , Chaiyaporn Junmoontree , Don Ferguson Runtime 106 minutes Distributor(s) EuropaCorp Writers Panna Rittikrai , Suphachai Sittiaumponpan Main Genre Action Expand
For new fans, Ong Bak is a must-watch, because it serves as a perfect intro to Tony Jaa and the brutal style of Muay Thai fighting. This martial arts discipline involves a head-on approach that implements aggressive leg kicks, knees, fists, and elbows. Even though it’s one of his first projects, it’s an amazing exposition of combat and easily one of Tony Jaa’s best movies.
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Jaa plays the role of Ting, a highly seasoned and lethal fighter. After a sacred statue of Buddha is stolen from his Thai village, Ting must travel to Bangkok to retrieve the cherished relic. Ong Bak has a dialogue and plot progression that’s easy to follow, which makes it perfect for those who are seeking a clinic of enthralling on-screen combat. Jaa’s moves are unbelievable and offer an impressive glimpse into completely different techniques that are rare in other films.
7 Five Deadly Venoms (1978)
Directed By Cheh Chang
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Five Deadly Venoms RActionAdventureMartial Arts
Five Deadly Venoms is a Chang Cheh-directed martial arts classic that follows a dying master who sends his final pupil to check on five former students, each trained in a unique animal-inspired martial arts style. The young protégé must navigate a web of alliances and rivalries to uncover a hidden treasure. Known for its intricate plot and distinctive fighting styles, the film has become iconic within the genre.
Director Cheh Chang Release Date August 12, 1978 Cast Sheng Chiang , Chien Sun , Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok , Meng Lo , Pai Wei , Feng Lu , Lung-Wei Wang , Feng Ku , Dick Wei , Shu-Pei Sun , Huang-Hsi Liu , Hui-Huang Lin , Ching-Ho Wang , Lao Shen , Han-Chen Wang , Yu-Lung Hsiao , Chih-Lu Chen , Chen-Tu Tan , You-Hsing Lai , Hung Chen , Mai-Li Chou , Kwok Wing Ha , Szu-Ying Chien , Tien-Chu Chin , Kin-Ping Chow , Ju Fang , Ming Fung , Ping Ko , Tsun Liu , Hung Lu , Tung Ting , Yung-Liang Tu , Ai-Ti Wan , Hsiung Yang , Tai-Ping Yu , Chris Hilton Runtime 97 Minutes Studio(s) Shaw Brothers Distributor(s) Shaw Brothers Writers Kuang Ni , Cheh Chang Main Genre Action Expand
To fully appreciate the greatness of the 1970s world of martial arts, it’s imperative to check out the projects released by the Shaw Brothers Studio. This company was responsible for making several of the most famous kung fu movies in existence. While they have helped create countless unforgettable projects, the 1978 thriller Five Deadly Venoms is one of the best introductions to the Shaw Brothers’ work.
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This movie particularly benefits from the creativity of its premise. The plot follows Yang Tieh (Chiang Sheng), who is the sixth pupil of a dying kung fu master. After hearing that his teacher’s previous students are rumored to be evil, Tieh sets off on a mission to track them down. It makes it even better that each pupil embodies a different animal-based fighting style, including the snake, scorpion, lizard, toad, and frog. The characters are so unique and are elevated by the excellent performances.
6 Executioners From Shaolin (1977)
Directed By Chia-Liang Liu
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In yet another famous project by Shaw Brothers studios, Executioners from Shaolin features martial arts legends Lo Lieh, Chen Kuan-Tai, and Gordon Liu in a classic tale of revenge. The film is packed with awesome fight scenes and memorable characters. In the context of the genre, it’s an important movie because it sheds light on some kung fu folklore features. The evil priest and leading antagonist, Pai Mei (Lo Lieh), is based on a figure rooted in martial arts history known as Bak Mei.
The figure of Pai Mei was made even more popular in Tarantino’s
Kill Bill
franchise, where he portrayed the fabled master.
There’s a common martial arts trope of the infamous, seemingly invincible master villain, and Executioners from Shaolin demonstrates it perfectly. Pai Mei has an unmatched aura that makes him appear impossible to defeat, which compliments the setup of the plot nicely. Lo Lieh is so iconic in his role and puts on one of the best villain performances possible. It’s easily in the collection of the Shaw Brothers’ best martial arts movies and is integral to the genre.
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5 Fist Of Legend (1994)
Directed By Gordon Chan
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Fist Of Legend RActionDramaMartial Arts
Fist of Legend follows Chen Zhen, a Chinese engineering student in 1937, who navigates tensions between Chinese and Japanese factions upon returning to Shanghai after the death of his kung-fu master, challenging the socio-political dynamics of Japanese-occupied China.
Director Gordon Chan Release Date December 22, 1994 Cast Jet Li , Shinobu Nakayama , Chin Siu-Ho , Paul Chun Pui , Yasuaki Kurata , Billy Chow Bei-Lei , Ada Choi , Yuen Cheung-Yan , Jackson Liu , Carol Tam , Wong San , Derek Cheung Chi-Chuen , Toshimichi Takahashi , Mike Leeder , Lee Man-Piu , Shaun Britton , Jimmy Wong Wa-Wo , Chow Gam-Kong , Jack Wong Wai-Leung , Paco Yick Tin-Hung , Lee Tat-Chiu , Jacky Cheung Chun-Hung Runtime 103 Minutes Studio(s) Eastern Production Distributor(s) Golden Harvest Writers Gordon Chan , Lam Kee-to , Kim Yip Main Genre Action Expand
It would be a travesty to jump into the world of cinematic martial arts without bearing witness to the genius of Jet Li. A Singaporean legend, Li has been featured in the most important fighting movies ever made. His early works mark some of the highest-quality performances in the genre’s history. In Fist of Legend, Li proves why he is considered such a master in the field.
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Without a doubt, this film stands alone in its impressive choreography and fight sequences. The plot follows Chen Zhen (Jet Li), a martial artist who returns home to Shanghai to find his master killed and his old school overrun by Japanese assailants. Fist of Legend isn’t just an all-out presentation of Li’s prowess. The narrative offers a demonstration of the specific techniques he uses and exemplifies why they are effective. It’s easily one of the best Jet Li movies, and certainly worth watching.
4 Ip Man (2008)
Directed By Wilson Yip
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Ip Man RActionDramaBiography
Directed by Wilson Yip, Ip Man is a biographical martial arts film starring Donnie Yen as Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster and mentor to Bruce Lee. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film depicts Ip Man’s efforts to protect his community and preserve his martial arts traditions despite the atrocities of war.
Director Wilson Yip Release Date December 12, 2008 Cast Donnie Yen , Simon Yam , Siu-Wong Fan , Hiroyuki Ikeuchi Runtime 106 Minutes Writers Edmond Wong Main Genre Action Expand
For those looking to get into the genre, Ip Man is an amazing place to start. It has a thoughtful balance of quintessential martial arts qualities, which don’t feel overbearing by any means in relation to the plot. The movie is also an important introduction to the works of Donnie Yen, who is one of the greatest fighting stars of all time.
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Ip Man is one of those films where the main character is ridiculously overpowered, and it’s hard not to appreciate. Ip Man (Donnie Yen) is a martial arts grand-master, who is a savant in the style of Wing Chun. Throughout the movie, he takes on countless opponents and makes them look like complete amateurs. Even though it was one of his later works, Ip Man conjured a whole new wave of popularity. Donnie Yen will reprise his role in Ip Man 5, which is expected to be released in 2025.
3 Drunken Master (1978)
Directed By Yuen Woo-ping
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10/10 Drunken Master PG-13ActionComedyMartial Arts
Drunken Master is a martial arts film featuring Jackie Chan as a mischievous young man who is sent to train under a rigorously unorthodox old beggar. Released in 1978, it follows his journey to mastering the Drunken Fist fighting style amidst comedic and action-packed encounters.
Director Yuen Woo-ping Release Date October 5, 1978 Cast Jackie Chan , Yuen Siu-tien , Hwang Jang-lee , Dean Shek , Lam Kau , Fung King-man Runtime 110 Minutes Studio(s) Golden Harvest Company , Seasonal Film Corporation Distributor(s) New World Pictures Writers Siao Lung , Ng See-yuen Main Genre Action Expand
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Much like his work in Police Story, Jackie Chan walks the line between epic fight sequences and hilarious dialogue in this action comedy. The premise of the movie is pretty simple, but it is executed perfectly. Chan plays Wong Fei Hung, a disobedient youngster who begins training under a practitioner of the drunken boxing technique. As the plot progresses, Hung must apply the wacky teachings of his master and engage in hysterical training practices.
The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it a great story for beginners.
Drunken Master shows Jackie Chan in rare form. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it a great story for beginners. As he kicks back bottles of rice wine and exhibits a drunken fighting style, Chan puts on a display of unpredictable, well-choreographed combat mixed with amusing circumstances. It’s easily one of Jackie Chan’s best old-school movies and an awesome ride.
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2 The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin (1978)
Directed By Lau Kar-leung
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10/10 The 36th Chamber of Shaolin RActionAdventure
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin follows Lui, a young man who escapes a Manchu attack and seeks martial arts training to avenge his fallen comrades. Set against the backdrop of anti-Ching resistance, Lui’s journey leads him to the Shaolin Monastery, where he undergoes rigorous training.
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*Availability in US Director Lau Kar-leung Release Date February 2, 1978 Cast Gordon Liu Chia-hui , Lo Lieh , John Cheung Ng-Long , Wilson Tong , Wa Lun , Hon Kwok-Choi , Lau Kar-Wing , Wai Wang , Chen Szu-Chia , Wong Ching-Ho , Woo Wang-Daat , Lee Hoi-Sang , Keung Hon , Hao Li-Jen , Shum Lo , Lui Tat , Chan Shen , Chiang Nan , Aai Dung-Gwa , Yuen Siu-Tien , Wang Han-Chen , Peter Chan Lung , Henry Yu Yang , Ng Hong-Sang , Norman Chui Siu-Keung Runtime 115 minutes Writers Ni Kuang Expand
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is not only an amazing story, but a demonstration of what makes Gordon Liu such a fantastic movie star. When it comes to martial arts cinema, he is one of the most important names to remember. In the film, Liu plays San Te, who seeks refuge in a Shaolin temple after a revolution in his homeland. While there, he learns the tenets of Shaolin Kung fu and becomes a fully fledged fighter.
Related 10 Best Martial Arts Adventure Movies
Martial arts movies often have tournaments or revenge arcs, but some of the best ones feature grand quests where protagonists go on epic adventures.
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The film is excellent for several reasons, but it particularly benefits from the nature of the combat depictions. The fighting scenes aren’t drawn out any longer than they need to be, which is a common pitfall of other similar works. Consequently, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin offers a clean perspective of kung fu prowess without tacking on extra fluff. It’s without a doubt one of Gordon Liu’s best kung fu movies and an outstanding introductory choice.
1 Enter The Dragon (1973)
Directed By Robert Clouse
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10/10 Enter the Dragon RActionCrimeDramaMartial Arts
Enter the Dragon is a popular martial artist movie starring Bruce Lee. The 1973 film focuses on a Shaolin martial artist who infiltrates an opium lord’s fortress by pretending to be interested in a fighting tournament. Robert Clouse directed the film, which co-starred John Saxon, Jim Kelly, and Ahna Capri.
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*Availability in US Director Robert Clouse Release Date August 19, 1973 Cast Bruce Lee , John Saxon , Ahna Capri , Bob Wall , Shih Kien , Jim Kelly Runtime 102 Minutes Studio(s) Concord Productions , Warner Bros. Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Writers Michael Allin Main Genre Action Expand
There’s a reason that so many individuals praise Enter the Dragon as the greatest project to come out of the genre. At the forefront lies the legendary Bruce Lee, who delivers one of the best martial arts movie performances of all time. For those who have no knowledge or experience of these types of films, this is undoubtedly the place to start.
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Enter the Dragon is everything a martial arts film should be. It’s got groundbreaking action, gripping combat scenes, and iconic techniques. If it wasn’t impressive enough, these features are all brought together by amazing cinematography. Bruce Lee proves why he has such a mythical status, delivering lightning-fast punches that are a marvel to witness. So many later martial arts releases took inspiration from the qualities employed in this story, which is why it’s imperative to watch early on.