Lo Lieh's 10 Best Kung Fu Movies, Ranked

Summary

Lo Lieh is known for his iconic roles in Kung Fu films, showcasing amazing fighting techniques and captivating storytelling.
Films like
Fist of the White Lotus
and
Mad Monkey Kung Fu
highlight Lieh’s versatility and strong on-screen presence as a villain.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
and
Five Fingers of Death
stand out as must-see classics, showcasing Lieh’s exceptional martial arts skills.

The Indonesian-born Hong Kong martial artist and film actor Lo Lieh is one of the most significant figures in martial arts cinema. Renowned for his versatility and personality, Lo Lieh starred in numerous films that showed his skills and captivated on the screen. His films exemplify some of the most amazing Kung Fu movie techniques of the era. These films not only highlight his ability to portray a wide range of characters but also demonstrate the dynamic storytelling and intense choreography that defined the genre.

Among his extensive filmography, several movies stand out as quintessential examples of his work. From fierce battles and intricate martial arts movements to memorable villains, these films represent the pinnacle of his career and show the fighting styles practiced during the golden age of Kung Fu cinema.

Title	Year Released	Alternative Title
Fist of the White Lotus	1981	Clan of the White Lotus
Mad Monkey Kung Fu	1979	–
Slice of Death	1979	Abbot of Shaolin
Heroes of the East	1978	Challenge of the Ninja
The Web of Death	1981	–
The Hammer of God	1970	The Chinese Boxer
Black Magic	1975	–
Executioners from Shaolin	1977	Executioners of Death
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin	1978	The Master Killer
Five Fingers of Death	1972	King Boxer

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10 Fist of the White Lotus (1980)

An Iconic Clash Of Martial Arts Legends

Fist of the White Lotus, directed by and starring Lo Lieh, stands out as one of the best works in his repertoire. It featured him in his iconic role as a villainous priest, White Lotus, a character who was both menacing and strangely comical. Being from the director’s chair this time, Lieh introduced audiences to a more character-development-centered story, which wasn’t as popular in the genre at the time.

His appearance as White Lotus in this film was what ultimately popularized the white-haired villain archetype in Kung Fu films. While the pacing of Fist of the White Lotus was slower than some other Kung Fu films, the final fight scenes are extremely memorable. The movie’s training sequences and the weird abilities of the White Lotus Chief, like his “acupuncture-fu”, his “hundred-pace palm”, and his defensive techniques, set it apart from typical martial arts films.

9 Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979)

A Display Of Monkey Style Combat

Directed by and starring Lau Kar-leung and Lo Lieh, Mad Monkey Kung Fu is considered one of the best Kung Fu movies for its physical comedy. Lieh provided many flashy moves as an evil gangster and pimp, Tuan. While the movie follows a revenge story against his character, audiences are still drawn to Tuan because of his snarky lines and incredible technique. This, in turn, set the stage for various action-packed scenes.

What made Mad Monkey Kung Fu so unforgettable were the fight scenes and the cast’s acting. Lieh’s Tuan was a whirlwind of comedy and acrobatics, effortlessly matched by the rest of the talented cast. Lo Lieh’s performance as Tuan was so convincingly loathsome, that it made him a villain the audience loved to hate. While the movie had a lot of strong points, it was ultimately Tuan who stole the show.

Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979) Martial Arts

Mad Monkey Kung Fu features a tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption through the unique style of Monkey Kung Fu. After a respected martial artist is crippled by a treacherous former friend, he mentors a young thief in the art of Monkey Kung Fu to help him avenge the wrongs of the past. This film is celebrated for its intricate fight choreography and the portrayal of the distinctive monkey fighting style.

Director Lau Kar-leung Cast Chia-Liang Liu , Hou Hsiao , Kara Waim , Lieh Lo Release Date October 5, 1979 Distributor(s) Shaw Brothers Writers Ni Kuang Runtime 92 Minutes Main Genre Martial Arts Expand

8 Slice of Death (1979)

A Tale of Betrayal and Revenge

Released in 1979, Slice of Death is regarded as one of Lo Lieh’s best Kung Fu movies. Set during China’s Qing dynasty, the film follows the rebellion guided by Monk Chi San and Priest Pai Mei, played by Lieh, trying to stop him. Scenes like Pai Mei betraying his family, and his attempt to eliminate Wu Mei showed how his dedication to the role was evident in his acting and physical presence.

Fans theorize that Lieh’s performance of Pai Mei in this film inspired
Kill Bill’s
Pai Mei.

Lo Lieh’s portrayal of Pai Mei added to the film’s dramatic tension, as his character’s betrayal set the stage for the epic final showdown. The movie was noted for its artistic production design and martial arts. Directed by Meng-Hua Ho, Slice of Death set the stage for more iconic movies like Fists of the White Lotus, which revisited and continued the story. Lieh’s emotional performance, combined with the film’s action-filled plot, solidified its status as a must-see for Kung Fu enthusiasts.

7 Heroes of the East (1978)

A Cross-Cultural Kung Fu Showdown

Heroes of the East follows the story of a Chinese man who marries a Japanese woman, arguing about which martial arts style is superior—Chinese or Japanese. In the movie, each duel featured different Japanese martial artists with various styles and weapons. While fans may argue that Lieh’s area of expertise is in Southern Chinese styles, his role as Takano showed his expertise in Ninjutsu as well.

The movie’s blend of humor, cultural clash, and different martial arts styles made it a joy to watch.

While Kung Fu cinema mostly showcased Chinese martial arts styles, Lieh did an excellent job at presenting to the public a diverse array of techniques, like Hensojutsu, Shinobi-iri, and the use of the now-popular Ninja Star Darts. The movie’s blend of humor, cultural clash, and different martial arts styles made it a joy to watch. Despite its age, Heroes of the East remains a classic that should not be missed, especially in the re-released version with remastered video and sound quality.

6 The Web of Death (1976)

Deadly Game of Seeking

A classic example of old-school Kung Fu cinema is The Web of Death, which delivers everything fans love about the genre without relying on modern CGI effects. The story centers around Lo Lieh, as the Snake Chief, seeking to reclaim the 5 Venom Spider, a venomous creature that has been used in the past to kill innocent people. He insists on using it to win a tournament. Through many scenes, it can be observed how the characters were truly intimidated by Lieh’s.

The twists and turns the movie had, mixed with the Snake Chief’s epic blocks, dodges, and strikes, make viewers glued to all the scenes. The movie is highly regarded for its top-notch Kung Fu choreography, story, and excellent acting.

5 Hammer of God (1970)

Fighting A Reign Of Terror

In The Hammer of God, Lieh plays the role of Kitashima, a Japanese Karate master, showing his abilities for learning and adapting quickly to a different martial arts technique. Lieh acted as the villain once more, but unlike other movies, he approached his role with greater depth. His character was not to be messed around with, as he would countlessly eliminate every single opponent swiftly during the film.

Lo Lieh threw himself into the role with more fervor than ever, and this can be seen in the opening scene, when Kitashima and his rival Wang Yu fought in a gambling den, only to continue his battle in a snowy landscape, using a mix of knives, swords, and his fists. While some may argue that by watching the dubbed version it loses some of its original charm, Kitashima’s line were still great. The fast-paced battles showcased Lo Lieh’s experience to maintain excitement on screen, making it a favorite among fans of the genre.

The Hammer of God (1970) RActionCrimeDrama

The Hammer of God is a 1970 drama set in a conflict-ridden medieval kingdom. Directed by Peter Fluck, the film follows a beleaguered peasant leader who rises against tyranny, using a legendary weapon said to be blessed by the divine. As tensions escalate, both sides grapple with loyalty, faith, and survival.

Director Jimmy Wang Yu Cast Jimmy Wang Yu , Lieh Lo , Ping Wang , Hsiung Chao , Mien Fang , Lei Cheng , Sing Chen , Li Tung Release Date November 27, 1970 Studio(s) Shaw Brothers Writers Jimmy Wang Yu Runtime 90 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand

4 Black Magic (1975)

Going On A Magic Quest

Black Magic stood out because of the action and intrigue Lieh provided. The film’s plot unfolds in various settings, from the city to a dark forest. Out of all of his films, Black Magic was the one that put him out of his comfort zone the most, as this was mostly a fantasy-horror film with some Kung Fu elements sprinkled in. However, this new setup opened up his possibilities to a series of exciting fights, each having different fighting styles and weapons.

Lieh plays Liang Chia Chieh, who we see doing things that the audience was simply not used to, like using a love spell on her former lover. A more familiar Lieh does shine through in the various scenes, mostly the ones involving action. Despite venturing in the horror genre with Black Magic, Lieh’s delivery is extremely memorable, showing his versatility as an actor.

3 Executioners from Shaolin (1977)

Tiger and Crane Styles in a Tale of Revenge

The film Executioners from Shaolin is a production that shunned comedy to focus on a darker, more intense narrative that drives the hero’s quest for vengeance. Lo Lieh, Pai Mai, delivered menacing moments that absorbed audiences’ attention with his almost invincible presence and original fighting style. His battles, including his notorious use of the groin technique, were as entertaining as they were strange, showing his skill in a way that was both intimidating and fascinating.

The film also featured impressive performances from other cast members, such as Tai Chen Kuan, who demonstrated the powerful Tiger Claws style, and Li Li, who excelled in the Crane style. Overall, Lieh had a great amount of synergy with the rest of the cast, providing viewers with a hypnotic quality to the fight scenes, combining kung fu with a dance-like elegance. Directed by Lau Kar-leung, known for his choreography, Lo Lieh’s performance reached new heights of intensity.

Executioners from Shaolin (1977) RActionDrama

Executioners from Shaolin is a 1977 martial arts film directed by Lau Kar-leung. The story follows the legendary Shaolin disciple Hung Hsi-kuan as he seeks revenge for the destruction of his temple and the murder of his master by the ruthless Pai Mei. The film is renowned for its blend of traditional kung fu techniques and its portrayal of the enduring struggle between good and evil within the martial arts world.

Director Lau Kar-leung Writers Kuang Ni Cast Chen Kuan-tai , Li-Li Li , Wong Yue , Lo Lieh , Gordon Liu Release Date February 16, 1977 Studio(s) Shaw Brothers Studio Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand

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2 The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

The Journey from Vengeance to Enlightenment

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin distinguished itself by focusing on the discipline and spiritual aspects of Kung Fu rather than merely showcasing flashy fight scenes. As General Tien Ta, Lo Lieh was able to deliver a clean performance that solidified once again his status as a leading figure in Hong Kong cinema. Under Lau Kar-leung’s direction, Lieh was helped to convey his character’s menace through his body language.

The film featured an intense and realistic portrayal of Shaolin training, it shows the rigorous and repetitive exercises that are central to traditional Kung Fu practice.

The movie was heightened by its dedication to realistic Kung Fu. Lieh as the main antagonist, delivered an outstanding performance with his impressive combat skills and strong acting. Scenes where Lo Lieh, as the assassin, inflicts gruesome torture on a victim using only bamboo stuck with viewers long after the movie was over.

1 Five Fingers of Death (1972)

A Pioneering Classic of Revenge and Martial Arts

Five Fingers of Death stood out as a groundbreaking Kung Fu film, earning a place among Lo Lieh’s best works. It introduced martial arts cinema to Western audiences, capturing the excitement and drama of the genre. Its impact was so significant enough that renowned director Quentin Tarantino even named it one of his favorite movies, drawing inspiration from it for his own work.

The excitement that Lo Lieh brought to the table with Five Fingers of Death was evident from the very first duel, where both his martial arts skills and his character’s arrogance were shown. Other scenes, like the poisoned needle scene, stood up by showing how much precision and feeling each of his attacks had. Lieh’s acting in Five Fingers of Death definitively set a high standard for the films that followed.

King Boxer (1972) RMartial ArtsAction

King Boxer, also known as Five Fingers of Death, is a seminal martial arts film that helped pave the way for the kung fu film craze in the West. The story revolves around a young fighter who trains to compete in a prestigious tournament, facing treachery and betrayal. His journey is marked by the discovery of the lethal Iron Palm technique, leading to iconic, high-stakes battles.

Director Cheng Chang-Ho Cast Lo Lieh , Wang Ping , Wong Gam-Fung , Tien Feng , Tung Lin , Fang Mian Release Date April 28, 1972 Studio(s) Shaw Brothers Writers Patrick Kong Yeung Runtime 97 Minutes Main Genre Martial Arts Expand

Lo Lieh’s 10 Best Kung Fu Movies, Ranked