Police officers and martial arts movies make a thrilling combination, as the intersection between crime and law has led to some of the most exciting fighting films of all time. While Jackie Chan’s Police Story may stand as the definitive martial arts cop movie, plenty of other incredible showcases of technical skill, expert choreography, and bafflingly impressive action sequences have utilized cops within their central narrative. From major stars like Donnie Yen to the Girls with Guns stylings of Cynthia Rothrock and Michelle Yeoh, there’s no shortage of amazing martial arts cop movies.
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Many of the greatest kung fu films of all time have focused on policing, as ongoing investigations commonly serve as the basis for intense, action-packed narratives. Whether it’s police hunting down a criminal syndicate or a lone no-nonsense cop working toward his own personal version of justice, time and again, law and order have been intrinsically linked to martial arts movies. While the 1980s saw a boom in this kind of filmmaking, martial arts cop movies have remained popular to this day.
10 In The Line Of Duty IV (1989)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping
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In the Line of Duty IV RActionComedyMartial Arts
In the Line of Duty IV is a 1989 Hong Kong action film directed by Yuen Woo-ping. The film stars Cynthia Khan as Inspector Yeung and Donnie Yen as Inspector Yan, who team up to uncover a drug trafficking ring while facing numerous challenges and adversaries. The film is known for its intense fight choreography and dynamic action sequences, characteristic of the era’s Hong Kong cinema.
Director Yuen Woo-ping Release Date July 21, 2001 Studio(s) D & B Films Co. , Ltd. Distributor(s) D & B Films Co. , Ltd. Writers Anthony Wong , Cheung Chi-sing , Kim Yip Cast Donnie Yen , Michael Wong , Cynthia Khan Runtime 94 Minutes Sequel(s) In the Line of Duty 5: Middle Man , In the Line of Duty 6: Forbiggen Arsenal , Sea Wolves , Yes , Madam ’92: A Serious Shock , Yes Madam 5 Main Genre Action Expand
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Girls with Guns movie star Cynthia Khan reprised her role as Inspector Rachel Yeung for the excellent Hong Kong action sequel In the Line of Duty IV. This entry also included stars like Michael Wong and Donnie Yen playing the creatively named police captains Michael Wong and Donnie Yan in yet another action-packed installment of Hong Kong law enforcers investigating drug trafficking in Seattle. Filled to the brim with fight scenes, In the Line of Duty IV delivered plenty of the martial arts showmanship viewers had come to expect from this franchise.
In the Line of Duty IV stood out as the best entry in this series since its breakout success in Yes, Madam back in 1985. While the absence of Cynthia Rothrock and Michelle Yeoh from this entry was felt in this fourth installment, In the Line of Duty IV more than made for it with the introduction of its new stars. A real treat for action lovers, In the Line of Duty IV featured non-stop action from start to finish and did not let up for a moment as it built toward its grand conclusion.
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9 The Protector (1985)
Directed by James Glickenhaus
The Hong Kong-American action movie The Protector was martial arts star Jackie Chan’s second attempt to break into the United States film market following The Big Brawl in 1980. The U.S. version of The Protector featured Chan as the NYPD police officer Billy Wong, heading to Hong Kong after the daughter of a rich businessman was kidnapped by the sinister drug lord, Mr. Ko. As a mix of buddy cop action movies, martial arts extravaganza, and tongue-in-cheek comedy, The Protector was a release that helped bring Chan into the mainstream in the West.
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With incredible acrobatics and James Bond-style thrills, The Protector was a martial-arts-oriented adventure sure to please lovers of fighting cop films. However, Chan was not as happy with the final project, and his feud with the film’s director, James Glickenhaus, led to two different versions of The Protector being released, one for the American market and one for Hong Kong (via CBR.) Chan’s dissatisfaction with the film was what pushed him to direct Police Story himself, an undisputed classic released the same year.
8 Raging Fire (2021)
Directed by Benny Chan
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For Benny Chan’s final film before his untimely death in 2020, the New Police Story director returned to the martial arts cop genre one last time for Raging Fire, starring Donnie Yen. With Yen as Sr. Inspector Cheung Sung-bong, a successful, no-nonsense cop whose past started to catch up with him, things went awry as his old protégé, Sr. Inspector Yau Kong-ngo (Nicholas Tse), returned with a plan to destroy everyone who ever wronged him. This thrilling game of cat and mouse had enough action to keep viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.
While the exposition scenes of Raging Fire left a lot to be desired, these were quickly interspersed with intense explosions and some thrilling fight sequences. Yen embodied the same action hero charisma that worked so well in Ip Man but with a very different type of character. An incredible example of a modern Hong Kong cop martial arts movie done well, there was a lot to love about Raging Fire.
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7 Crime Story (1993)
Jackie Chan as Inspector Eddie Chan
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Crime Story RActionCrimeThrillerDrama
Crime Story, directed by Kirk Wong, features Jackie Chan as Inspector Eddie Chan, who is assigned to protect a wealthy businessman targeted for kidnapping. The film is notable for its darker tone compared to other Jackie Chan movies, focusing on the intricate criminal underworld of Hong Kong. As tensions rise, Inspector Chan must navigate the treacherous landscape while dealing with his own internal struggles.
Director Kirk Wong , Jackie Chan Release Date June 24, 1993 Writers Tin-Nam Chun , Man-Keung Chan , Lai Ling Cheung , Teddy Chan Cast Jackie Chan , Kent Cheng Jak-Si , Law Kar-Ying , Susanna Au-Yeung Pui-San , Christine Ng , Poon Ling-Ling , Blackie Ko Shou-Liang , William Duen Wai-Lun , Ken Lo , Paul Chung Fat , Wan Fat , Wan Seung-Lam , Stephen Chan Tak-Gwong , James Ha Chim-Si Character(s) Inspector Eddie Chan , Detective Hung Ting-Bong , Wong Yat-Fei , Sum Yue , Fei’s Wife , Gaga , Joyce , Captain Ko , Superintendent Cheung , Ng Kwok-Yan / Wu Kuo Jen , Ng Kwok-Wah / Wu Kuo Hua , Simen Ting / Simon Ting , Yen Chi-Sheng , Portuguese , Kidnapper Runtime 107 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
While Jackie Chan was known for his unique blend of martial arts stylings and slapstick comedy in movies like Drunken Master and the Rush Hour franchise, one underrated 1990s release from the kung fu star was Crime Story. This was released right as Chan had fully broken out in the West and gained his status as a global superstar. Rather than play it safe by continually repeating himself, Chan opted to try something new and show off his more serious time in Crime Story.
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This underrated movie may have flown under the radar for action movie lovers, although it was no less exciting than Chan’s best works. With Chan as a good cop trying to save a kidnapped businessman, Crime Story was actually based on a real-life case (via SCMP), which may have influenced its more serious, less comedic stylings. While this martial arts cop movie may not be as well known as Chan’s signature films, it’s well worth seeking out.
6 Flash Point (2007)
Directed by Wilson Yip
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Flash Point RActionCrimeMartial Arts
A fearless police officer dedicates himself to bringing down a ruthless gang that has a stranglehold on the city. His undercover operation places him in grave peril as he navigates through layers of betrayal and violence.
Director Wilson Yip Release Date July 26, 2007 Studio(s) Chang Ying Group , Beijing Poly-bona Film Publishing Company , Beijing Enlight Pictures Distributor(s) Third Rail Releasing Writers Szeto Kam-Yuen , Lik-Kei Tang Cast Donnie Yen , Louis Koo , Collin Chou , Lui Leung-wai , fan bingbing , Xing Yu Runtime 88 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
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Flash Point was an incredibly underrated Donnie Yen movie directed by the Ip Man filmmaker Wilson Yip one year before the duo got together for that famed franchise. With Donnie Yen as a hot-headed inspector taking on a small but powerful Vietnamese criminal gang, Flash Point was filled with fierce fight sequences and even won the Best Action Choreography awards at the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards and the 2008 Golden Horse Film Awards. With a mix of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling, Flash Point contained everything a martial arts lover could possibly desire.
Although Flash Point received mixed reviews upon release, it stood as one of Yen’s most intense and engaging thrillers. While Flash Point had been marketed by some as a prequel to Yen and Yip’s first film together, SPL: Sha Po Lang, this was, in fact, an original story that merely echoed the appeal of their initial partnership. As a box office hit that helped open the door for Yen and Yip to make Ip Man the following year, Flash Point was an often appreciated gem.
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5 Kung Fu Jungle (2014)
Directed by Teddy Chan
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Kung Fu Jungle ActionThrillerCrimeAdventure
Kung Fu Jungle (2014) is an action thriller in which a martial arts expert, serving time for accidentally killing his opponent, offers to help the police catch a serial killer who targets martial artists. The film explores themes of redemption and justice, with intense fight scenes and a gripping narrative driving the story forward.
Director Teddy Chan Release Date October 31, 2014 Writers Teddy Chan , Lau Ho-leung , Mak Tin-Shu Cast Donnie Yen , Charlie Yeung , Wang Baoqiang , Michelle Bai , Deep Ng Ho-Hong , Yu Kang , Xing Yu , Louis Fan Siu-Wong , Mang Hoi , Bey Logan , Alex Fong Chung-Sun , David Chiang Da-Wei , Yuen Cheung-yan , Billy Chan , Teddy Chan , Bruce Law Lai-Yin , Yuen Bun Character(s) Hahou Mo , Luk Yuen-sum , Fung Yu-sau , Sinn Ying , Tai Yue , Wong Chit , Tam King-yiu , Hung Yip , Hunan Gangs Leader , K-1 Kickboxer , Lam Sir , Chan Pak-kwong , Lui Ching-yuen , Inmate , T.S.T. District Officer , Truck Driver , Siu Hok-nin Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
Kung Fu Jungle was yet another extraordinary showcase of Donnie Yen’s impeccable skill for martial arts cop movies. Following martial arts expert and police self-defense instructor Hahou Mo, Kung Fu Jungle saw this law trainer being imprisoned for accidentally killing his opponent during a fight. However, after a killer starts targeting martial arts masters, the police have no choice but to turn to Hahou for help in exchange for his freedom.
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While the plot of an incarcerated expert helping police with their investigations was nothing new, Yen’s innate charisma helped elevate the by-the-numbers plotting of this martial arts action thriller. With impressive battles that grew increasingly elaborate and brutal, the final showdown on the freeway was a prime example of pure kung fu carnage. Kung Fu Jungle was an exciting showcase of Yen’s undiminished talents as he still packed the same exciting punch as he did in In the Line of Duty IV so many decades before.
4 The Raid 2 (2014)
Directed by Gareth Evans
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The Raid 2 RActionCrime
Following directly after the events of the original action-thriller film, The Raid 2 sees protagonist Rama sent deep into the heart of the underworld following a death that hits close to home. Rama heads undercover to uncover the corruption of the police department from within the various criminal families in Jakarta.
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*Availability in US Director Gareth Evans Release Date March 24, 2014 Studio(s) Sony Distributor(s) Sony Writers Gareth Evans Cast Kazuki Kitamura , Kenichi Endo , Ryuhei Matsuda , Iko Uwais Runtime 150minutes Franchise(s) The Raid prequel(s) the raid Budget $4.5 million Expand
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While Welsh filmmaker Gareth Evans blew audiences away with the intense martial arts stylings of The Raid, his Indonesian sequel The Raid 2 truly kicked things into hyperdrive. Once again, The Raid 2 starred Iko Uwais as Rama and took place in the hours after taking down the ruthless drug lord in the original film. This time, Rama took things a step further and went undercover with plans to bring down a criminal syndicate and uncover the corruption within his own police force.
While The Raid 2 had an engaging story about misconduct and deceit among seeming law upholders, make no mistake, the appeal of this action-packed series was the sheer intensity of its awe-inspiring fight choreography. With barely enough time to allow audiences to breathe, The Raid 2 overloaded viewers with a cacophony of over-the-top violence and martial arts mayhem. The Raid 2 was everything viewers could want from a sequel, as it was bigger, better, and more boisterous than all that came before.
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3 Hard Boiled (1992)
Directed by John Woo
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Hard Boiled RActionThrillerCrime
Hard Boiled is a 1992 Hong Kong action film directed by John Woo, starring Chow Yun-fat as Inspector “Tequila” Yuen. The film follows Tequila’s efforts to take down the city’s most notorious arms-smuggling ring while forming an uneasy alliance with an undercover policeman. Known for its elaborate action sequences, Hard Boiled showcases Woo’s signature style of choreographed gunfights and intense standoffs.
Director John Woo Release Date April 16, 1992 Writers John Woo , Gordon Chan , Barry Wong Cast Chow Yun-Fat , Tony Leung Chiu-wai , Anthony Wong Chau-Sang , Teresa Mo , Philip Chan , Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok , Kwan Hoi-San , Stephen Tung Wai , Bowie Lam , Bobby Au-Yeung , Lau Kong , John Woo , Keith Ng Shui-Ting , Michael Dinga , Perrie Lai Hoi-San , Kenny Wong Tak-Ban , Lo Meng , Lam Kai-Wing , Jun Kunimura , Lee Yiu-King , Benny Lam , Wai-Sun Lam Character(s) Insp. ‘Tequila’ Yuen , Alan , Johnny Wong , Teresa Chang , Supt. Pang , Mad Dog , Mr. Hoi , Little Ko / Fox , Ah Lung , Lionheart , Hospital Director , Mr. Woo , Ah Chung , Little Moustache , Librarian , Johnny Wong’s Thug , Ah Wah / Lonny , Mr. Hoi’s Thug with Pear , Machine Gunman in Teahouse , Gangster , Hitman 2 , Hitman 1 Runtime 126 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
Before breaking into Hollywood with action movie classics like Face/Off and Mission: Impossible II, Hong Kong director John Woo had a successful filmmaking career in China, making him a box office superstar across Asia. A prime example of Woo’s incredible talent was Hard Boiled, an uncovered cop story about an inspector entangled in the dealings of a brutal Triad leader. This was Woo’s last film before he transitioned into Hollywood productions and was an ultra-violent Dirty Harry-style showcase of the darker side of policing.
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Hard Boiled showcased Woo as one of the finest action filmmakers around, and it’s no surprise that this movie helped open the doors for his later major successes in Hollywood. With impactful action and a healthy dose of emotional resonance, Hard Boiled was one of the greatest action movies of the 1990s. With impressive performances and a slick sense of style, Hard Boiled was a high-caliber cops-and-robbers thriller that didn’t let up for one minute.
2 Yes, Madam (1985)
Directed by Corey Yuen
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Yes, Madame ActionCrime
Yes, Madame features Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock as a dynamic duo in this high-flying action flick. When a microfilm of crucial information falls into the hands of innocents, these two formidable women must protect them from a deadly gang of criminals. Known for its groundbreaking fight choreography and strong female leads, the film blends suspense, humor, and explosive martial arts, making it a classic in the action genre.
Director Corey Yuen Release Date November 20, 1985 Studio(s) D&B Films Writers Barry Wong Cast Michelle Yeoh , Cynthia Rothrock , John Sham , Tsui Hark , Dick Wei , Mang Hoi Main Genre Action Expand
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The Hong Kong hit Yes, Madam helped popularize the Girls with Guns subgenre of martial arts filmmaking as Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock made an engaging pair in the unique female-centric spin on the buddy cop formula. With several sequels as part of the In the Line of Duty series, Yes, Madam was an influential release that signaled the potential of female stars in this genre as Senior Inspector Ng (Yeoh) and Inspector Carrie Morris (Cynthia Rothrock) went on the hunt for a microfilm containing vital details of criminal activity stolen by a gang of low-level thieves.
Yes, Madam was the debut film for Cynthia Rothrock and the first starring role in a feature film for Michelle Yeoh, which turned both actresses into major martial arts stars. With plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor and a knowing sense of style, Yes, Madam was not afraid to have fun with its concept and was all the better for its lighthearted touch. While the storyline about chasing down criminals who have stolen an elusive item was nothing new, the intense action sequences and impressive choreography made Yes, Madam stand out as a classic of 1980s kung fu cinema.
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1 Police Story (1985)
Directed by Jackie Chan
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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 Writers Jackie Chan , Edward Tang Cast Jackie Chan , Brigitte Lin , Maggie Cheung , Kwok-Hung Lam , Bill Tung , Yuen Chor Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Action Expand
When it comes to martial arts cop movies, one release stood above them all, and that was Jackie Chan’s Police Story. As perhaps the crown jewel in Chan’s vast and varied career, this action-paced story, which he directed, co-wrote, and starred in, perfectly showcased this Hong Kong star’s unique appeal and was a testament to the timeless power of martial arts cop movies. With impressive stunts and plenty of heroism, Police Story saw Chan conduct his own stunts as he hung off a speeding bus and showcased his martial skills in its iconic shopping mall fight.
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Police Story was the inception of a major franchise that included sequels, spin-offs, and remakes, yet the original was still this series’ greatest installment. The fact that Chan’s greatest role was in a film he was so heavily involved in creatively proved yet again his talents as one of the greatest kung fu stars of all time. There was never any martial arts cop movie better than Police Story which undeniably impacted the hordes of copycat films that followed it.
Sources: CBR, SCMP