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Best Martial Art Movie

14 Movies Every Guy Should See

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Few things are as delectably enjoyable as martial arts films. You can turn most on half way through and still get glued to your couch. You coast along with the plot (as awful as it can be at times) eagerly anticipating the next fight scene. Great martial arts flicks, however, combine awesome combat with a story that actually makes it worth the down time between roundhouse kicks. Here are 14 every guys should see.

Ip Man

The fight scenes in are so devastatingly awesome, you’ll want to start training in as soon as the credits roll. ’s mentor, as played by , is soft-spoken, kind, and insanely badass when it comes to combat. Ip Man is not just a watch-worthy flick because of the great fight scenes, but it’s also an interesting historical look at the world Ip Man lived in and what life was like in 1930’s Southern . Plus, any dude who trained Bruce Lee must be pretty decent, right? Amazon Instant iTunes Instant Netflix DVD

Hero

For as awesome as Jet is, a lot of his films fall short for us. Hero is one major exception (along with Once Upon a Time in China). The first thing you’ll notice about Hero is the sheer beauty of it. Not just the choreographed fight scenes, but just the overall look. It’s stunning. In fact, it’s the only time we can recall watching a plethora of arrows fly towards someone’s cranium and thinking how beautiful it is. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

Enter the

Not including any Bruce Lee movies on this list would be ridiculous. While some might argue that The Chinese Connection should be the choice, we just can’t not choose . Is it the greatest story ever told? No. Does it feature Bruce Lee destroying a substantial series of evil-doers? Yes. For that alone, it’s just awesome. Amazon iTunesNetflix DVD

Ong-Bak

Some of the kicks in Ong-Bak will leave you checking your own jaw to see if it got shattered to pieces from some sort of weird osmosis. The film, which mostly showcases , is the standout project from the incredible , and definitetly worth a watch. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix Instant Netflix DVD

Brotherhood of the Wolf

When you think French movies, you think passionate romances, artsy flicks that go over your head, and plenty of baguettes. You don’t think martial arts. And while Brotherhood of the Wolf isn’t a straight-up martial arts movie (it isn’t a straight-up any kind of movie, actually), it is a serious piece of entertainment. It’s one of those movies you just put on and enjoy without letting your brain get to wrapped up in what’s going on. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before and it’s damn entertaining. Netflix DVD

13 Assassins

The scheming and strategy, the David vs. Goliath aspect, and the kickass battles make 13 Assassins a treat for samurai fans. Actually, it’s a treat for movie fans in general, because, unlike some martial arts films, there’s actually some grandiose scope aside from the standard action scenes. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix Instant Netflix DVD

The Man From Nowhere

It can be challenging at times to determine what is and what isn’t a true martial arts movie. Like, what do you do when lots of the action involves fights but there is still martial arts involved? While The Man from Nowhere walks that fine line, we put it on this list for two good reasons: 1) It’s unbelievably awesome, and 2) The fight scene with the eyeball in a jar. That’s all we’ll say. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix Instant Netflix DVD

Kung Fu Hustle

Martial arts movies don’t always have to be dead serious, in fact, they don’t always have to be serious at all. Hustle won’t be confused for a Bruce Lee epic, but it’s definitely a must watch. It’s so absurdly ridiculous that you almost miss how awesome the fighting is. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

Once Upon a Time in China

The first in a trilogy, Once Upon a Time in China really introduced many to the skills of . It also happens to combine incredible fight scenes with a large-scale story that will keep you interested for the 2+ hours. Netflix DVD

Kill Bill Vol. 1

No ! Okay, watching Kill Bill Vol 1 is not pleasurable just because you don’t have do any reading, it just happens to be a kickass martial arts flick from a dude who knows a thing or two about violence on film. It’s one of the few films with a female protagonist and the only film on this list that involves sick moves with a nonstick frying pan. iTunes Netflix DVD

Iron Monkey

Think of Iron Monkey as Robin Hood without the goofy tights. An unknown hero steals from the rich, only he doesn’t challenge enemies to archery contests, he just beats the crap out of them. The fighting is choreographed by the same dude who worked on Crouching , Hidden Dragon and , plus, it’s got Donnie Yen in it, which is always a positive. iTunes Netflix DVD

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The fame of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is warranted. ’s epic is visually stunning. It feels like you’re watching a kickass fairy tale meant for adults. Oh, and there’s tree fighting. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

The Legend of

Finally a movie for the list. Not only that, but a Jackie Chan movie where he gains his fighting ability by drinking. The script writes itself! The film features some of the funniest/coolest fight scenes you’ll ever see. Just don’t pound Maker’s Mark and try to fight after watching it. Netflix DVD

Seven Samurai

This list wouldn’t be complete without the movie many consider the greatest martial arts/samurai film of all time. It’s a movie that spawned so many remakes and offshoots, that you just know without watching it that it will be good. Well, it is good, and, in fact, far, far better than good. Don’t let the black and white and subtitles stop you from watching this masterpiece. Amazon Instant iTunes Netflix DVD

Top 20 Martial Arts Films of All Time Posted By creid On December 10, 2012 @ 4:00 am In Martial Art Movies | 7 Comments

Twenty-first century kung fu [1] film fans are more aware and appreciative of good movies than their ancestors ever were. There are three main reason for this: the mainstream success of Chinese-language martial arts films such as Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Yimou’s Hero and in the West; the use of stylized action in Hollywood blockbusters; and the international success of Jackie Chan [2], Jet Li [3], Michelle and their cohorts.

Learn even more martial arts movie trivia with this FREE Guide! Our Bruce Lee Movies List: Little-Known Trivia From Bruce Lee’s Pictures [4].

Because of their current status in the American martial arts community, Black Belt asked me to devise a list of the top 20 martial arts movies [5] of all time. The result is this article. Movies were included based on their impact on martial arts cinema, as well as their choreography.

Before jumping into the list, however, I’ll note a few honorable mentions:

 Crouching Tiger for giving small-town America a view of the wu xia world of martial arts films  Kung Fu vs. Yoga for … well, you just can’t ignore a guy who’s capable of whipping his right leg up across his back and kicking over his left shoulder to strike the face of a man standing in front of him  Magnificent Butcher for what’s arguably ’s best fight performance  The Sword of Doom for being the best samurai film ever made  Once Upon a Time in China for resurrecting the legend of Huang Fei-hung, for defining Jet Li and for introducing the world to the ―Hong Kong kick‖  Armor of Gods for featuring in its final fight four of Jackie Chan’s skinny Chinese stuntmen doubling four large-bosomed black women. You’ve got to love it.

Martial Arts Movie #20 – One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

[6]

One-Armed Swordsman (1967)

At a time when musicals and romances overshadowed action films and women ruled the Hong Kong silver screen, legendary director Cheh burst onto the scene with One-Armed Swordsman. This riveting revenge thriller, filled with themes of and violence, reversed the and Mandarin starlet-entrenched cinematic trends. It was also a pivotal transition between wu xia movies and kung fu films, and it introduced the world to the stoically charismatic Jimmy Wong Yu.

Martial Arts Movie #19 – Ong-Bak (2003) [7]

Ong-Bak (2003)

This Thai Film Festival award winner starring Tony Jaa [8] (’s double in [9]: Annihilation) is not only the first martial arts flick to feature a highly stylized version of Thai , but the bone-crunching and full-contact body attacks are also a noncomedic throwback to Jackie Chan’s films from the mid-1980s. It hurts to watch this movie, but it brings back great memories of why we used to love Hong Kong action.

Martial Arts Movie #18 – Legend of the Fox (1979)

[10]

Legend of the Fox (1979)

After acclaimed director made The Five Venoms (1978), he made 18 other films with the same actors, in which each took turns being the villain, the hero and the fight choreographer. Any of those 18 movies could occupy this spot, but Legend of the Fox gets the nod for its far-out, ultra-intricate pugilistic scenes and weapon sequences, as well as its strict adherence to the true brotherhood that’s supposed to exist among martial artists — even those who are adversaries. Chang is one of the very few martial arts directors who consistently captured this spirit.

Martial Arts Movie #17 – Three Evil Masters (1980) [11]

Three Evil Masters (1980)

Although Masters stars the legendary Chen Kuan-tai, fans are in for a real treat with the film debut of Yuen Tak playing the downtrodden kung fu student Ko Chien. Yuen is Jackie Chan’s kung fu classmate, and according to fellow classmate , Yuen Tak’s kung fu skills are considered the best among the ―Seven Little Fortunes.‖ The final fights are sharply intense and brilliantly staged, especially the weapons battle between Yuen Tak and Shaw Brothers perennial villain Lung-wei.

Martial Arts Movie #16 – Prodigal Son (1981)

[12]

Prodigal Son (1981)

Directed by Sammo Hung, this learn-martial-arts-for-revenge film is considered the best wing chun [13] movie ever. Although it stars Hung and , it’s the ambiguous, stalwart performance of and use of wing chun by the late Lam Ching-ying that steal the show as he effortlessly glides through each fight scene like an Olympic ice skater. Lam’s female opera- character performance is also outstanding.

Martial Arts Movie #15 – The Shaolin Temple (1980)

[14] The Shaolin Temple (1980)

Based on a semi-true story of how Shaolin [15] monks rescued the first emperor of the Tang dynasty, The Shaolin Temple was not only Jet Li’s cinematic debut but also the first martial arts epic made in since the Communist takeover. The film was instrumental in introducing to film fans around the world. However, its most important impact was the reinstatement of the cultural value and historicity of Shaolin Temple.

Martial Arts Movie #14 – Drunken Master (1978)

[16]

Drunken Master (1978)

It’s considered the vehicle that launched Jackie Chan on the path to superstardom. When Golden Harvest realized Jackie Chan couldn’t, wouldn’t and shouldn’t be the next Bruce Lee, they teamed him up with director Yuen Woo-ping to create the first film to show drunken kung fu [1], which was taught to Jackie Chan by Yuen’s father, Yuen Xiao-tian. The senior Yuen also played Jackie Chan’s beggar teacher in the movie. Kung fu comedy was secured.

Go behind the scenes of Bruce Lee’s final film with this FREE download! Bruce Lee Movies: The Making of Enter the Dragon [17].

Martial Arts Movie #13 – The Blade (1993)

[18]

The Blade (1993) Although not well-received by Hong Kong audiences, ’s visceral retelling of One-Armed Swordsman is an engaging, violent, revenge-begetting-revenge story starring the enigmatic Zhao Wen-zhuo (the man who replaced Jet Li in Tsui’s Once Upon a Time in China films) battling the maniacal Xiong Xin-xin. Fight director Yuen Bing’s action is a dazzling display of clanging swords, swirling flames, billowing smoke and gut-wrenching sequences of flesh hacking and whacking that will leave you breathless.

Martial Arts Movie #12 – Zu: Warriors From Magic Mountain (1982)

[19]

Zu: Warriors From Magic Mountain (1982)

This movie started the ―fant-Asia‖ film craze, a mixture of horror, fantasy and science fiction with over-the-top martial arts action. It also initiated the now-prominent ―wire-fu‖ action as created by Hong Kong’s Ching Siu-tung. Zu gracefully intertwines Chinese myth, brilliant special effects and comic-book action. It’s a roller coaster of magic, giant world-protector deities, killer poltergeists and supernatural heroes sporting phenomenal fighting skills.

Martial Arts Movie #11 – Moon Warriors (1993)

[20]

Moon Warriors (1993)

Ching Siu-tung is renowned for making non-martial artists look like the best fighters and swordsmen in the history of mankind. That skill is never more evident than in Moon Warriors, a film filled with Canto-pop stars such as , and . Ching works steel slashing into pure magic, and just when you think Hong Kong movies can’t get any more outrageous, there’s a fight scene featuring a real killer whale.

Martial Arts Movie #10 – Police Story (1985) [21]

Police Story (1985)

Just when Hong Kong martial arts movies were all beginning to look the same, Jackie Chan came along with Police Story. It gave the industry a face-lift by creating a whole new style of martial arts movies called wu da pian — a genre that mixed contemporary themes, fast-paced choreography, and the most dangerous and amazing stunts ever put on film. With no wires, no doubles and no holding back, Police Story cemented Jackie Chan as one of the world’s greatest stuntmen.

Martial Arts Movie #9 – Tai-Chi Master [22] (1993)

[23]

Tai-Chi Master (1993)

Although Jet Li will be remembered mostly for portraying folk hero Wong Fei-hung in the Once Upon a Time in China series, it’s his role as founder Chang San-feng (also spelled Zhang San-feng) in Tai-Chi Master that flaunts his best fighting performance to date. Directed by Yuen Woo-ping and featuring some superb fighting from , this movie would have done much better a few years earlier because at the time of its release, the style of film had run its course.

Martial Arts Movie #8 – (1980) [24]

Martial Club (1980)

Liu Chia-liang — whose first directed film Spiritual Boxer (1978) started the kung fu-comedy genre — helmed Martial Club, which stars Gordon Chia-hui as Huang Fei-hong and includes a rare appearance by Wang Lung-wei as a nonvillain. The final conflict involving those two — which takes place within the confines of a 3-foot-wide alley and without wires — beautifully depicts the effectiveness of hung gar kung fu in tight spaces. This fight inspired Jet Li’s bathroom battle sequence in his latest film, Unleashed.

Martial Arts Movie #7 – (1983)

[25]

Duel to the Death (1983)

Directed by the father of wire-fu, Ching Siu-tung, this film blurs the line between the real and the supernatural. The villains are ninja who seem neither human nor poltergeist. Ching’s swordplay action is said by some to have honed decapitation into a fine art and by others to have plunged human vegematics to the depths of beauteous slaughter. No one has ever done a ninja film that comes close to this one.

Martial Arts Movie #6 – Swordsman II (1992)

[26] Swordsman II (1992)

Starring Jet Li as the title character, this mesmerizing film from director Ching Siu-tung gave ―creative carnage‖ a new meaning while raising the sword-and-sorcery genre from the hollows of selfish individualism. It pays homage to the classic Chinese swordplay epics of yesteryear with imaginative special effects, meticulously choreographed fight scenes and acrobatics that defy the laws of gravity. It’s a fine example of a movie that combines entertainment with spiritual substance, in which good battles evil and high-vaulting villains distinguish themselves as champions of the lowly. Ching’s Swordsman I and Swordsman III were also popular.

Martial Arts Movie #5 – (1965)

[27]

Come Drink With Me (1965)

This classic directed by the legendary stars kung fu’s first screen queen, Cheng Pei-pei. She plays the mysterious swordswoman Golden Swallow, who tries to free a kidnapped official held in a Buddhist monastery. It set new standards for martial arts movies as its 20-year-old star became the most renowned kung fu heroine in martial arts cinema history. With fight direction by Hang Ying-jie (the big in Bruce Lee’s ), Come Drink With Me inspired Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which is why Ang Lee insisted on casting Cheng as the treacherous Jade Fox.

Martial Arts Movie #4 – Legendary Weapons of China (1982)

[28]

Legendary Weapons of China (1982)

The best pure martial arts director of all time, Liu Chia-liang stars and directs himself as Lei Gong, a Chinese boxer who quits an evil sect of martial artists who think they can stop bullets from Western guns. The final 10-minute fight between the 50-year-old Liu and his real brother, Liu Chia-rong, features the most outstanding and authentic Chinese weapons choreography in the history of the genre. Each weapon is clearly demonstrated in one continuous scene that you wish would never end. Martial Arts Movie #3 – The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1977)

[29]

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1977)

Liu Chia-liang directs his adoptive brother, Chia-hui, as an anti-Ching-dynasty rebel in the first Shaolin film to reveal the secret training methods of the temple. This award-winning work changed the direction of all subsequent Shaolin movies as it chronicled Gordon Liu Chia- hui’s character as it changes from a simple-minded, unskilled fighter into one of Shaolin’s greatest real-life heroes, monk San Te. The 36th Chamber also signaled the start of a new genre of martial arts films known as guo shu pian, which was solidified by The Five Venoms.

Martial Arts Movie #2 – The Chinese Connection (1972)

[30]

The Chinese Connection (1972)

Bruce Lee [31] rocketed into superstardom with this movie. It sparked a tidal wave of nationalism among the world’s Chinese population as its hero single-handedly defeats the shadow of Japanese domination. Loosely based on the real-life death of the legendary martial artist Huo Yuan-chia, the scene in which Bruce Lee kicks seven opponents in one unedited shot in a Japanese school altered the direction of fight choreography forever.

Martial Arts Movie #1 – Drunken Master II (1994) [32]

Drunken Master II (1994)

Jackie Chan reprises his portrayal of the legendary Huang Fei-hung in this sequel, which far surpasses the 1978 original. He battles traitors smuggling Chinese historical artifacts into the hands of the British. The final brawl with in the warehouse and the spear-and-sword fight with 60-year-old actor/director Liu Chia-liang under a train once and for all show why Jackie Chan is the best when it comes to using his environment in cinematic battles.

About the Author: Dr. Craig D. Reid [33] is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts Movies of the 1970s: 500+ Films Loaded With Action, Weapons and Warriors [34].

Article printed from Black Belt: http://www.blackbeltmag.com

URL to article: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/martial-arts- entertainment/martial-art-movies/top-20-martial-arts-films-of-all-time/

Cinema's Best Martial Arts Movies

As Kung Fu Panda 2 kicks into theaters this extended weekend, we rank the best, most kick-ass reviewed martial arts of all time.

MRQE Metric

1

Seven Samurai (1954) 96

Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Yoshio Inaba, Seiji Rate it! Miyaguchi, Minoru Chiaki

Director: Kurosawa

Synopsis: 's epic tale concerns honor and duty during a time when the old traditional order is breaking down. The film opens with master samura... [MORE]

2

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) 85

Cast: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, , , Lung Rate it! Sihung

Director: Ang Lee

Synopsis: Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee took a break from making Western period dramas to fashion this wild and woolly martial arts spectacular featuring speci... [MORE] MRQE Metric

3

Akira (1988) 84

Rate it! Cast: Mitsuo Iwara, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Taro Ishida

Director: Katsuhiro Otomo

Synopsis: One of the most influential examples of , Akira is based on the (comic book) by Katsuhiro Otomo. The story is set in the post-apocalypti... [MORE]

4

Hero (2002) 83

Rate it! Cast: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung, , Donnie Yen

Director:

Synopsis: Hero is two-time Academy Award nominee Zhang Yimou's directorial attempt at exploring the concept of a Chinese hero. During the peak of their Warri... [MORE] MRQE Metric

5

The Matrix (1999) 79

Rate it! Cast: , Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Hugo Weaving

Director: Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski

Synopsis: What if virtual reality wasn't just for fun, but was being used to imprison you? That's the dilemma that faces mild-mannered computer jockey Thomas... [MORE]

6

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) 78

Cast: , , Michael Madsen, Daryl Rate it! Hannah, Gordon Liu

Director:

Synopsis: Quentin Tarantino's sprawling homage to action films of both the East and the West reaches its conclusion in this continuation of 2003's ultra-viol... [MORE] MRQE Metric

7

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) 78

Rate it! Cast: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, , Daryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Synopsis: Perhaps the most highly anticipated film of 2003, Kill Bill Vol. 1 marked the return of renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino after a six-year hiatu... [MORE]

8

Kung Fu Hustle (2004) 77

Cast: , Huang Sheng Yi, , Yuen Qiu, Chan Rate it! Kwok Kwan

Director: Stephen Chow

Synopsis: The work of international superstar Stephen Chow, Kung Fu Hustle is a humorous, special-effects-filled, action-packed martial arts epic set in earl... [MORE] MRQE Metric

9

Fist of Legend (1994) 76

Rate it! Cast: Jet Li, Chin Siu-hou, , Ada Choi,

Director:

Synopsis: Jet Li stars in this historical Hong Kong , as Chen , a Chinese student in in the 1920s. When his master is killed during the ... [MORE]

10

Enter the Dragon (1973) 75

Rate it! Cast: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, , Bob Wall

Director:

Synopsis: One of the most popular kung fu films ever, and perhaps the peak of the famed Bruce Lee's career, Enter the Dragon achieved success by presenting a... [MORE] MRQE Metric

11

Once Upon a Time in China (1991) 74

Cast: Jet Li, Biao Yuen, , , Steve Rate it! Tartalia

Director: Tsui Hark

Synopsis: Though generally unknown to Western audiences, Tsui Hark is considered a giant among Asian filmmakers and this exceptional epic, combining hard-hit... [MORE]

12

Kung Fu Panda (2008) 74

Rate it! Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu

Director: John Stevenson, Mark Osborne

Synopsis: A clumsy panda bear becomes an unlikely kung fu hero when a treacherous enemy spreads chaos throughout the countryside in this animated martial art... [MORE] MRQE Metric

13 74 Ong-bak (2003)

Rate it!

Cast: Tony Jaa, Petchthai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Rungrawee Borrijindakul, Chetwut Wacharakun

Director:

14

The Legend of Drunken Master (1994) 73

Rate it! Cast: Jackie Chan, Cheung Chi-Kwong, Ho Wing-Fong, Mark Houghton, Chin Kar Lok

Director: Lau Kar-Leung

Synopsis: Jackie Chan returns in one of his greatest roles in this action-comedy sequel to his 1978 Hong Kong blockbuster Drunken Master. Wong Fei Hong (Chan... [MORE] MRQE Metric

15

The Karate Kid (1984) 72

Rate it! Cast: Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove

Director: John Avildsen

Synopsis: Newly arrived in California from New Jersey, teenager Daniel (Ralph Macchio) almost immediately runs afoul of karate- trained high school bullies. H... [MORE]

16

The Crow (1994) 72

Rate it! Cast: , Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, David Patrick Kelly, Angel David

Director: Alex Proyas

Synopsis: Based on the graphic novel by James O'Barr, this fantasy follows Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), a rock musician who is murdered MRQE Metric along with his fiancée,... [MORE]

17

District B13 (2004) 71

Rate it! Cast: Cyril Raffaelli, David Belle, Tony D'Amario, Bibi Naceri, Dany Verissimo

Director:

Synopsis: A nuclear weapon has been stolen by the most powerful gang in Paris' treacherous, walled-in ghetto, and it's up to a determined cop and a vigilante... [MORE]

18

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) 71

Rate it! Cast: Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, James Hong, Victor Wong

Director: John Carpenter

Synopsis: Playing in a manner that can be conservatively described as larger than life, Kurt Russell plays a macho truck driver who agrees to MRQE Metric go to the San F... [MORE]

19 71

Ip Man 2 (2010)

Rate it!

Synopsis: Hong Kong film star Donnie Yen reprises his role as Ip Man in this semi-autobiographical sequel following the adventures of the grand master of Win... [MORE]

20

Ip Man (2008) 71

Cast: Donnie Yen, Chen Zhihui, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, , Rate it! Calvin Cheng

Director:

Synopsis: Behind every great man there lies a teacher, and this was certainly true of Bruce Lee, who claimed as his mentor a martial arts expert named Ip Man... [MORE] MRQE Metric

21

Supercop (1992) 71

Cast: Jackie Chan, Michelle Khan, Maggie Cheung, Ken Tsang, Yuen Rate it! Wah

Director:

Synopsis: Even for viewers who can take or leave martial-arts films, the work of Jackie Chan bears special attention. Chan is quite simply the hardest-workin... [MORE]

22

Iron Monkey (1993) 70

Rate it! Cast: Yu Rong Guang, Donnie Yen, Tsang Sze-Man, Jean Wang,

Director: Yuen Woo-Ping

Synopsis: This kung fu classic weaving fact and myth earned a theatrical release in the U.S. from eight years after it was produced, following a succ... [MORE] MRQE Metric

23

Shanghai Noon (2000) 69

Rate it! Cast: Jackie Chan, , Lucy Liu, Brandon Merrill,

Director: Tom Dey

Synopsis: Jackie Chan has often played a fish out of water, but he's rarely found himself so far upstream as in this comic adventure, in which he puts his fi... [MORE]

24

Le Pacte des loups (2001) 67

Cast: Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel, Emilie Dequenne, Monica Rate it! Bellucci, Jeremie Renier

Director: Christophe Gans

Synopsis: French legend has it that a creature known as the Beast of Gevaudan -- a huge, wolf-like -- was responsible for the violent deaths of over ... [MORE] MRQE Metric

25

Fearless (2006) 66

Rate it! Cast: Jet Li, Shidou Nakamura, , Dong Yong, Hee Ching Paw

Director: Ronny Yu

Synopsis: Fearless opens in , China, circa 1910, when wushu master (martial arts superstar Jet Li) prepares to battle one Japanese oppone... [MORE]

26

Jackie Chan's First Strike (1996) 65

Rate it! Cast: Jackie Chan, Jackson Lou, Chen Chun Wu, , Yuri Petrov

Director: Stanley Tong

Synopsis: Ever wondered what a movie might be like if (a) Bond was from Hong Kong, (b) he was too busy to chase women or drink martinis, and (c) h... [MORE] MRQE Metric

27 64 Danny the Dog (2005)

Rate it!

Cast: Steve Chamberlain, Lauren Bailey, Ben Caswell, Charles Santore, Robert Berger

Director: Darren Shapiro

28

Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976) 64

Cast: , Kam Kang, Lau Ka Wing, Lung Kun Yee, Rate it! Wang Lung Wei

Director: Jimmy Wang Yu

Synopsis: When the Manchu dynasty employs the Master of the Flying Guillotine (Kam Kong) in hopes of quelling the resistance stirring within than Han people ... [MORE] MRQE Metric

29

The Karate Kid (2010) 63

Rate it! Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson, Wenwen Han, Rongguang Yu

Director: Harald Zwart

Synopsis: When a 12-year-old from Detroit moves to China with his mother and incurs the wrath of the class bully at his new school, he makes an unlikely ally... [MORE]

30 62 (1998)

Rate it!

Cast: Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Elizabeth Pena, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Hsu

Director:

Synopsis: Brett Ratner directed this action-comedy that found box- MRQE Metric office success by teaming Chris Tucker with Jackie Chan -- performing his own stunts as per... [MORE]

31 60 Casshern (2004)

Rate it!

Cast: Yusuke Iseya, Kumiko Aso, Akira Terao, Kanako Higuchi, Fumiyo Kohinata

Director: Kazuaki Kiriya

32

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) 59

Rate it! Cast: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano, Collin Chou

Director: Rob Minkoff

Synopsis: Legendary martial arts stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li come together onscreen for the first time ever in director Rob Minkoff's time-traveling take on... [MORE] MRQE Metric

33

Shanghai Knights (2003) 59

Rate it! Cast: Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Fann Wong, Aidan Gillen, Donnie Yen

Director: David Dobkin

Synopsis: East and West team up to take on bad guys in the British Empire in this sequel to the action comedy hit Shanghai Noon. Chon Wang (Jackie Chan), onc... [MORE]

34

Rumble in (1995) 57

Rate it! Cast: Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Francoise Yip, Bill Tung, Kris Lord

Director: Stanley Tong, Tong Kwei Lai

Synopsis: After years as a major star in most of the rest of the world, Jackie Chan finally broke through to stardom in the with Rumble in the ... [MORE] MRQE Metric

35

Undisputed (2002) 53

Cast: Wesley Snipes, Ving Rhames, Peter Falk, Michael Rooker, Jon Rate it! Seda

Director: Walter Hill

Synopsis: Director and screenwriter Walter Hill returns to one of his favorite themes -- desperate and violent men using force to escape from an unforgiving ... [MORE]

36

Circle of Iron (1978) —

Cast: David Carradine, Jeff Cooper, Roddy McDowall, Eli Wallach, Rate it! Erica Creer

Director: Richard Moore

Synopsis: This symbol-laden drama explores the inner mythology of martial arts practice and is based on a Bruce Lee story idea. The original screenplay was w... [MORE] MRQE Metric

37

Fist of Fury (1972) —

Rate it! Cast: Bruce Lee, Miao Ker Hsiu, , Robert Baker, Nora Miao

Director:

Synopsis: One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former schoo... [MORE]

38

Above the Law (1988) —

Rate it! Cast: Steven Seagal, Henry Silva, Pam Grier, Sharon Stone, Ron Dean

Director: Andrew Davis

Synopsis: Martial arts hero Steven Seagal developed, co-wrote, co- produced, choreographed, and debuted in this thrill ride -- a cop film with more attitude, ... [MORE] MRQE Metric

39

Silent Rage (1982) —

Rate it! Cast: , Ron Silver, Steven Keats, Toni Kalem, William Finley

Director: Michael Miller

Synopsis: The sheriff of a small Texas town is pitted against a genetically engineered super-villain. [MORE]

40

Heroes Among Heroes (1993) —

Rate it! Cast: Ng Man Tat, Ying Ng, Yuen Kit, Donnie Yen

Director: Yuen Woo Ping

Synopsis: As officer Lam Che Chu (Fong Pao) and Wong Fei Hong (Yuk Wong) join forces to fight a gang of determined opium smugglers, Beggar So Chen (Kwan Hoi-... [MORE] MRQE Metric

41

Bloodsport (1988) —

Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Leah Ayres, Donald Gibb, Norman Rate it! Burton, Forest Whitaker

Director: Newt Arnold

Synopsis: Jean-Claude Van Damme makes his starring debut in the aptly titled Bloodsport. An American soldier at large in Hong Kong, Van Damme becomes involve... [MORE]

42 — (1978)

Rate it!

Cast: Chiang Cheh, Sun Chien

Synopsis: Five Deadly Venoms tells the tale of a martial arts master who commands a student to track down some of his other students and get them to stop tho... [MORE] MRQE Metric

43

Billy Jack (1971) —

Cast: Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor, Clark Howat, Bert Freed, Julie Rate it! Webb

Director: Tom Laughlin

Synopsis: Actor/auteur Tom Laughlin created the character of Billy Jack in the motorcycle flick The Born Losers. Wandering Christlike through the Southwest, ... [MORE]

44

Game of Death (1978) —

Rate it! Cast: , , Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hugh O'Brian, Bruce Lee

Director: Robert Clouse

Synopsis: Star Bruce Lee died before this film was completed, thus the producers were forced to pad out the running time with outtakes and alternate shots. T... [MORE] MRQE Metric

45

Five Fingers of Death (1972) —

Rate it! Cast: , Wang Ping, Nan-kung Hsun, Wang Chin-feng,

Director: Cheng Chang-ho

Synopsis: One of the Shaw Brothers Studios most well-known films, was an international success that helped instigate the kung fu craze of the '70s... [MORE]

46

Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978) —

Rate it! Cast: Jackie Chan, Hwang Jang-li, Simon Yuen Siu-tien,

Director: Yuen Woo Ping

Synopsis: Shangkuan I-yun (Hwang Jang-li) has developed the deadly style to devastating effect on the follower of the Snake Fist technique, killin... [MORE] MRQE Metric

— 47

The (1972) Rate it!

Cast: Alexander Lou, Liu Hau Yi

48 —

Tai-Chi Master (1993)

Rate it!

Cast: Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Chin Siu-hou, Chin Sui Ho, Fannie Yuen

Director: Woo-ping Yuen

—

49

Rate it! (1972) MRQE Metric

Cast: Bruce Lee, Miao Ker Hsiu, James Tien, Robert Baker, Nora Miao

Director: Lo Wei

Synopsis: One of the best action films starring the legendary Bruce Lee, this movie features the martial artist as Chen Chen, who returns to his former schoo... [MORE]

50

Enter the Ninja (1981)

Rate it! Cast: Franco Nero, Susan George, Sho Kosugi, Alex Courtney, Will Hare

Director: Menahem Golan

Synopsis: Cannon Productions' first foray into the martial arts milieu, Enter the Ninja stars Franco Nero. While visiting old pal Frank Landers (Alex Courtne... [MORE]

Best Martial Arts Movies Share with friends A Listmania! list by Cedman "Cedman" (GA)

The list author says: "Some of my favorite martial arts movies of all time. If you like some of my movies on the list I'm sure you"ll enjoy the rest you havent seen."

B00004TJS4 One of the first S

1. 5 Fingers of Death DVD ~ Lieh Lo

The list author says:

"One of the first Shaw Brothers movies to get a theatrical release in the U.S.

The movie that got me into kung fu movies."

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B000056VOK My favorite Chan

2. The Legend of Drunken Master DVD ~ Jackie Chan

The list author says:

"My favorite Chan Movie

The last fight sequence is awesome"

$7.99 Used & New from: $0.01 188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist (259 SG597rI1OJ7Ys5 B000056VOK 1 customer reviews) | 1 0 customer discussion

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B0000TPA10 I found the movie

3. Duel to the Death DVD ~ Norman Chu

The list author says:

"I found the movie really entertaining. The Wirework in this movie is crazy.

If you enjoy sword fighting and lots of wirework this is your movie."

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B002FU8JTW A Really good mo

4. Blood and Bone DVD ~ Michael Jai White

The list author says:

"A Really good movie"

$7.99 Used & New from: $2.31 188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist (74 3fH5nx%2BC9MO B002FU8JTW 1 customer reviews) | 2 0 customer discussions

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B000MM0LEG A must have for a

5. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin DVD ~ Gordon Liu

The list author says:

"A must have for any self respecting kung fu movie collector."

188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist $5.86 Used & New from: $1.86 H7oToudLWmuun B000MM0LEG 1 (173 0 customer reviews) | 3 customer discussions

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B001HUWQEK Jet Li's last Wush

6. Jet Li's Fearless [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Jet Li

The list author says:

"Jet Li's last Wushu epic"

$8.49 Used & New from: $4.49 188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist (220 26H%2FdA75B08 B001HUWQEK 1 customer reviews) | 11 customer 0 discussions

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B0002ZDW8A Its an old Kung Fu

7. Master Of The Flying Guillotine (Two-Disc Anniversary Edition) DVD ~ Yu Wang

The list author says:

"Its an old Kung Fu Classic but just an awesome movie period."

188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist $19.08 Used & New from: 1f1Cow ytT%2BfL B0002ZDW8A 1 $14.31 0 (67 customer reviews)

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B000MM0LF0 My favorite martia

8. The One-Armed Swordsman DVD ~ Jimmy Wang Yu

The list author says:

"My favorite martial arts story."

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9. Once Upon a Time in China Part 2 DVD ~ Jet Li

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10. Prodigal Son DVD ~

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B000F9WEL4 This movie is aw e

11. Diagram Pole Fighter DVD ~

The list author says:

"This movie is awesome!"

$6.95 Used & New from: $4.21 188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist (40 customer reviews) | 3 oYTbq5dEFlCFNN B000F9WEL4 1 customer discussions 0

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12. Police Story (Special Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Jackie Chan

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13. Once Upon a Time in China #1 DVD ~ Jet Li

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B001C5LLL4 Just right behind

14. Redbelt (+ BD Live) [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Chiwetel Ejiofor

The list author says:

"Just right behind The One Armed swordsmen in the aspect of a good stroy.

If your looking for a good newer martial arts movie this is it."

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B000NVT0RK The most underra

15. Above the Law DVD ~ Yuen Biao

The list author says:

"The most underrated martial arts movie ever. Its insane! also has the best girl

fight ever in a movie."

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Used & New from: $13.90 B000NVT0RK 1 (12 customer reviews)

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B00005V1Y2 Too me it’s like a p

16. Iron Monkey DVD ~ Rongguang Yu

The list author says:

"Too me it’s like a pump up version of the once upon a time in china movies. It

has the same feel to it.

Chinese Hero saves the day."

188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist $8.84 Used & New from: $0.01 41%2F3rMyuX%2 B00005V1Y2 1 (189 0 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion

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17. Tai Chi Master DVD ~ Jet Li

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from: $1.37 xt6mf1ZRam9439 B0016MJ6JC 1 (141 0 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion

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18.

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B000P6R9N0 It sets the bar for

19. Last Hurrah for Chivalry DVD ~ Damian Lau

The list author says:

"It sets the bar for sword play."

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B00004TJS2 Possibly the best

20. Five Deadly Venoms DVD ~ Sheng Chiang

The list author says:

"Possibly the best cast ever in any martial’s arts movie. But compared to other

shaw movies its over rated."

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21. [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Rain

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22. Shaolin Vs Lama

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23. Challenge of The Masters DVD ~ Gordon Liu

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24. Hero DVD ~ Jet Li

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25. The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Ittoku Kishibe

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26. DVD ~ Jet Li

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B000IMUYM4 She’s like the fem

27. Azumi (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Aya Ueto

The list author says:

"She’s like the female version of the Lone Wolf ―Shogun Assassin‖"

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630580379X

28. Jackie Chan's Project A DVD ~ Jackie Chan

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B000I0RNWU The movie over d

29. The Protector (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) DVD ~ Tony Jaa

The list author says:

"The movie over does the bone breaking stuff but it is still very entertaining.

Great display of Muay Thai. "Also check out Ong-bak 1&2 if you enjoyed this

one""

188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist $3.99 Used & New from: $0.01 Q4Spya%2FrPj7x B000I0RNWU 1 (117 0 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion

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30. Fighter In The Wind DVD ~ Dong-Geun Masaya

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$3.06 vmpoGlc7eM2r1m B000F75YO0 1 (11 customer 0 reviews)

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31. Return To The 36th Chamber DVD ~ Gordon Liu

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32. Chocolate [Blu-ray] DVD ~ Yanin Vismitananda

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33. District B13 DVD ~ Cyril Raffaelli

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34. Flash Point DVD ~ Donnie Yen

188-9049713-105 188-9049713-105 w ishlist $15.88 Used & New

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B000V6I7N0 Unique story w ith

35. Fatal Contact DVD ~ Jacky Wu

The list author says:

"Unique story with a crazy ending. A really under rated movie."

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36. DVD ~ Gordon Liu

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37. Invincible Armour DVD ~ Hwang Jang Lee

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6305519471 Bruce Lee is in a

38. Bruce Lee - The Master Collection (Fists of Fury / The Chinese Connection / Return of the Dragon / / Bruce Lee: The Legend) DVD ~ Bruce Lee

The list author says:

"Bruce Lee is in a genre by himself. Its really hard to compare his movies to other martial arts movies because not all of his movies are soild gold but at the same time he made martial art movies famous.

Chinese connection and Enter the Dragon are his best films."

Used & New from: $21.46 (70 customer reviews) | 1 customer discussion