Top Martial Arts Movies
Top Martial Arts Films: A Ranking of the Best Films
Martial arts films have captivated audiences around the world with their spectacular fight sequences, impressive choreography and inspiring stories. Here is a ranking of the best martial arts films, which not only marked the history of cinema, but also had a lasting impact on popular culture.
1. Enter the Dragon (1973)
French title: Operation Dragon
Director: Robert Clouse
Main actors: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly
Synopsis: Bruce Lee plays a secret agent recruited to infiltrate a martial arts competition organized by a crime lord. The film is famous for its intense fight scenes and Lee's charismatic presence.
Why it's cult: Considered one of Bruce Lee's best films, "Enter the Dragon" popularized martial arts in Western cinema and remains an essential reference.
2. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
French title: The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
Director: Liu Chia-liang
Main actors: Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, John Cheung
Synopsis: A young man, after seeing his family massacred by a local tyrant, finds refuge at the Shaolin monastery and trains to become a warrior monk.
Why it's cult: This film is a classic of the "kung fu" genre with an inspiring story of perseverance and rigorous training. Gordon Liu delivers an iconic performance.
3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
French title: Tiger and Dragon
Director: Ang Lee
Main actors: Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi
Synopsis: A legendary sword is stolen and two warriors must recover it while navigating a complicated romance.
Why it's cult: With aerial fight scenes and stunning cinematography, this film won several Academy Awards and introduced martial arts cinema to an international audience.
4. Ip Man (2008)
Director: Wilson Yip
Main actors: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung
Synopsis: Based on the life of Wing Chun master Ip Man, this film explores his personal challenges and battles against Japanese invaders during World War II.
Why it's cult: "Ip Man" is acclaimed for its authentic fight scenes and Donnie Yen's charismatic performance.
5. Drunken Master (1978)
French title: The Chinese Master
Director: Yuen Woo-ping
Main actors: Jackie Chan, Yuen Siu-tien, Hwang Jang-lee
Synopsis: A rebellious young man learns the fighting style "Drunken Boxing" to fight his enemies and protect his family.
Why he's cult: Jackie Chan perfectly combines humor and action in this film, which solidified his career and his unique style of kung fu comedy.
6. Hero (2002)
Director: Zhang Yimou
Main actors: Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung
Synopsis: An assassin tells the King of Qin about his encounters with three legendary warriors and his motivations for killing them.
Why it's cult: "Hero" is known for its non-linear storytelling, stunning visuals and artistic fight scenes.
7. Fist of Fury (1972)
French title: La Fureur de Vaincre
Director: Lo Wei
Main actors: Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien
Synopsis: A martial arts student seeks to avenge the death of his master, confronting those responsible for his death.
Why it's cult: Bruce Lee delivers one of his most memorable performances, with impressive fight scenes and a strong message against oppression.
8. The Raid: Redemption (2011)
Director: Gareth Evans
Lead cast: Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Yayan Ruhian
Synopsis: An elite police unit must infiltrate a building controlled by a drug lord, facing off against hordes of criminals in brutal combat.
Why it's cult: This Indonesian film is famous for its intensity and its realistic and merciless fight choreography.
9. Police Story (1985)
French title: Police Story
Director: Jackie Chan
Main actors: Jackie Chan, Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung
Synopsis: An honest police officer must protect a key witness from a crime syndicate, while clearing his own name.
Why it's cult: Jackie Chan performs some of his most dangerous and innovative stunts there, combining action and humor.
10. Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
Main actors: Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol
Synopsis: A young village man sets out to recover