Among the multiple subgenres within the action space, kung-fu (or martial arts) has proved to be one of the most popular. With thrilling, fast-paced fight sequences involving fists, swords, and other weapons, it’s no wonder that kung-fu movies have remained relevant until today.
Thanks to the iconic works of kung-fu legends such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, kung-fu has made its mark in the entertainment world. Although most kung-fu films were either Chinese or Hong Kong productions, Western and Southeast Asian entertainment have also made notable contributions.
10Kill Bill: Volume 1
2003
One of Quentin Tarantino’s best works, Kill Bill: Volume 1 has become an iconic staple in filmmaking history. The movie incorporates both anime and martial arts elements, with intriguing characters like the Bride, Gogo Yubari, and O-Ren Ishii and sleek combat sequences and swordwork throughout.
The movie’s story follows the Bride, a former assassin whose attempt to live a normal life is foiled by the group she used to be a part of. After waking up from a coma and discovering she’s no longer pregnant, she sets out to kill her former colleagues in this classic, yet uniquely executed tale of revenge.
9House Of Flying Daggers
2004
A film set during the latter end of the Tang dynasty, 2004’s House of the Flying Daggers blendsdrama and romancewith masterful martial arts sequences. The film is a visual masterpiece, with gorgeous settings and costumes, as well as excellent characterisations and a narrative that grips you instantly.
House of the Flying Daggers is a tragic love story, with the film’s title referencing a rebel faction intent on taking down the corrupt Tang dynasty. Mei is a member of the aforementioned group, falling in love with undercover police officer Jin, to the dismay of her fiancée Leo (who’s a police officer secretly working for the rebels). What follows is a deadly love triangle between the trio, while the Tang’s forces close in.
8The Raid
2011
We travelled all the way to Indonesia for this entry, with their blockbuster martial arts hit The Raid. Although the format slightly echoes 2012’s Judge Dredd, the movie stands out due to its impeccable camerawork and its realistic, gory depiction of intense close-quarters combat.
The film mainly takes place in a single apartment block ruled by a crime lord, which our protagonist Rama and his police squad infiltrate to take him down. The apartment block is filled with henchmen, and Rama struggles to survive as he sweeps the building floor by floor. The Raid is a top contender if you want to sink your teeth into an international kung fu flick.
7Police Story
1985
One of martial arts legend Jackie Chan’s most memorable films, 1985’s Police Story was the beginning of a successful movie series. Police Story blew everyone out of the water with its extensive, action-packed set pieces and fantastic performances, with Chan showcasing his martial arts skills through the iconic stunts in the film.
Set in Hong Kong, Police Story tells the tale of Sergeant Kan-Kui, who goes through all sorts of difficulties trying to arrest crime lord Chu Tao. Kan-Kui goes from being a lauded police officer to being framed for murder and does everything in his power to clear his name while delivering Chu Tao to justice.
6Fist Of Legend
1994
Headlined by yet another legend in kung-fu films, 1994’s Fist of Legend is a successful remake of Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury, doing justice to its predecessor. The movie had several callbacks in its fights to what was done in the original, with a compelling plot and a dynamic cast of characters.
However, what is truly the highlight of this film is its epic fight scenes and its amazing choreography, which sticks to realism as closely as possible. As such, it’s not so surprising that this film is so influential, becoming the inspiration for the fight sequences in the 1999sci-fi blockbusterThe Matrix.
5Once Upon A Time In China
1991
Kung-fu movie star Jet Li has no shortage of iconic martial arts films, and 1991’s Once Upon a Time in China is one of them. Although the plot feels bogged down at times, the movie shines through its well-choreographed action scenes and top-notch performances from its star-studded cast.
Once Upon a Time in China is a biographical film that follows Wong Fei Hung, a national hero who was a martial arts legend and physician. Set during the declining era of the Qing dynasty, China is beset by rising instability and invading armies from the West. Wong battles not only foreign threats but threats from his very own countrymen.
4Kung Fu Hustle
One of the most iconic kung-fu comedy films of all time, Kung Fu Hustle balances itscomedic elementsand special effects with memorable martial arts sequences. The film features a well-written plot, entertaining action scenes, and memorable characters like The Landlady.
The story focuses on small-time criminal Sing, who desires to join the malicious Axe Gang. However, Sing’s antics land him in trouble with the Axe Gang, and he eventually has a change of heart after setting the Beast free to run rampant in Pigsty Alley. Sing’s character development is also a highlight of this movie, seeing him reform into a renowned martial artist and respectable shop owner.
3The Way Of The Dragon
1972
The last movie of Bruce Lee’s that was released when he was alive, The Way of the Dragon was — and still is — an instant classic that’s stood the test of time. Fusing kung-fu with comedy tropes, The Way of the Dragon established a lasting legacy with its well-acted characters and the legendary final fight between Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee.
The story centres on Tang Lung, a skilled kung-fu master summoned to Rome to help protect a restaurant from a deadly crime gang. Tang repeatedly defeats the crime boss' henchmen, until he’s lured from the restaurant to face the martial artists sent his way. Ultimately, The Way of the Dragon helped inspire and influence future kung-fu films, setting up a high standard for everyone else to follow.
2Ip Man
2008
The movie that jumpstarted a string of top-notch martial arts films, Ip Man is certainly one of the best kung-fu movies ever made. The story follows the Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, who eventually trained Bruce Lee in his martial art.
Considered a renowned martial artist by the locals, Ip Man showcases his skill by battling the Japanese army officers after their continued injustice and cruelty towards citizens. Donnie Yen gave an incredible performance as Ip Man and the film captured audiences with its fantastic depiction of the fast, fluid, and hard-hitting style of Wing Chun.
1Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
2000
A movie that’s won more awards and nominations than you can count, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has made a lasting impact on the kung-fu sub-genre. Lauded for its bewitching action sequences, the film also has a star-studded cast that gave their all for their performances, with Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh displaying their kung-fu talents.
The story has themes of desire, freedom, lost love, ambition, and the cost of obtaining it. A naturally talented fighter, Jen Yu is a member of high society who falls in love with a bandit. She proceeds to steal the legendary sword, the Green Destiny, causing martial arts legends Mu Bai and Shu Lien to chase her to retrieve the sword.
