10 Martial Arts Movies Commonly Revisited And Ranked
Martial arts movies somehow convinced entire generations they could fight after one viewing and zero training.
Flying kicks, hard-hitting choreography, and heroes with unstoppable focus turned these films into forever rewatches. Fans still argue, pause scenes, and rewatch slow-motion moments like it’s a sport.
Which of these ten classics still makes you want to jump off the couch and shadowbox the air?
Disclaimer: This article reflects release information, critical reception, and cultural impact of the martial arts films listed, compiled for general informational and entertainment purposes, and the selections reflect a subjective view.
10. Police Story (1985)
Dangling from a speeding bus, Jackie Chan pulls off a moment that sends jaws straight to the floor.
Hong Kong action cinema changed forever as real danger mixed with comedy and heart pounding fight choreography.
Without CGI, Chan performed his own stunts, crashing through glass and sliding down poles wrapped in live electrical bulbs. Mall fight scene alone makes the film worth revisiting again and again.
Blueprint status followed as fans pointed to a fearless performer and a camera as proof that practical spectacle still defines modern action cinema.
9. Drunken Master (1978)
Before Chan became a household name, he stumbled into greatness with wobbly knees and a ceramic jug. This film introduced the world to drunken boxing, where fighters mimic the unpredictable movements of someone moving with exaggerated unpredictability.
The training sequences are brutal yet hilarious.
Young Wong Fei-hung learns discipline the hard way, balancing on poles and enduring his master’s tough love. Every fight feels like a dance with a punchline, blending slapstick humor with genuine martial arts skill.
8. Enter The Dragon (1973)
Final chapter status turned into an eternal masterpiece by blending espionage thrills with unforgettable martial arts. The mirror room fight scene stands among cinema’s most copied sequences, earning that reputation for good reason.
Philosophy flows through every punch and kick, transforming combat into something closer to poetry.
Famous words about being like water grew into a mantra shared by millions.
Worldwide grosses topping $400 million proved martial arts could command the global box office.
7. Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)
Leaping through a ring of barbed wire instantly makes Hollywood wirework feel quaint by comparison. Striking authenticity pushed Muay Thai onto a global stage as a Thai sensation rewrote action expectations.
Every stunt came straight from the performer, from vaulting over cars to fighting through narrow alleyways without camera tricks.
Legend status followed after a Bangkok street chase showcased raw athleticism over digital effects, leaving fans debating whether knees and elbows have ever looked more devastating on screen.
6. The Karate Kid (1984)
Wax on, wax off echoes as a pair of simple words that changed pop culture forever.
Simple instructions grew into a cultural phenomenon, teaching kids everywhere that chores could double as martial arts training. Underdog spirit drives a journey from bullied teenager to tournament champion, touching hearts worldwide and earning over $130 million at the box office.
Wisdom centered on balance and patience resonated far beyond any dojo walls. Goosebumps still follow a final crane kick, proving the greatest victories often come from inner strength rather than brute force.
5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Warriors glide across treetops and duel on bamboo branches, turning gravity into a gentle suggestion. Ang Lee’s masterpiece won four Oscars by blending breathtaking action with emotional depth rarely seen in martial arts cinema.
Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi’s rooftop fight became iconic for its grace and power.
The film proved that subtitles couldn’t stop a great story, earning worldwide acclaim and introducing wuxia tradition to mainstream audiences. Every sword clash carries the weight of forbidden love and unfulfilled dreams.
4. Hero (2002)
Color and motion combine into a visual feast where every fight unfolds as its own distinct story.
Crimson, azure, and white versions of the same battle reveal shifting truths about honor and sacrifice with each retelling. A restrained performance grounds the film, giving philosophical weight to every movement and pause.
Iconic imagery emerged through sword fights on still water and drifting autumn leaves, convincing critics that martial arts action could rise into genuine high art with meaning beyond choreography.
3. The Raid (2011)
An apartment building becomes a vertical battlefield where survival means fighting floor by floor.
Indonesian martial art Silat explodes onto screens with brutal efficiency, showcasing techniques most Western audiences had never witnessed. Iko Uwais moves like a human weapon through narrow hallways and cramped rooms, making every inch of space count.
The relentless pacing never lets up, earning comparisons to Die Hard for pure adrenaline. Critics called it a masterclass in action filmmaking that redefined modern fight choreography.
2. Ip Man (2008)
Gold standard status emerged from a portrayal that reshaped expectations for martial arts biopics.
Set against pre war China, dignity fills every frame as one man’s skill and honor inspire a nation during dark times. Rapid fire Wing Chun punches look almost superhuman in practiced hands, yet humility and grounding keep the character human.
Viewers still reenact the moment in living rooms worldwide during a ten versus one showdown, when Chinese honor stands firm against Japanese karate masters.
1. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Stephen Chow turned a slum neighborhood into a playground where landlords are secret masters and musicians wield deadly sonic attacks.
This wild blend of Looney Tunes comedy and serious martial arts shouldn’t work, yet it grossed nearly $105 million worldwide. The Axe Gang’s dance-fighting entrance alone is worth the price of admission.
Hidden masters emerge from everyday disguises, reminding viewers that greatness often hides in plain sight. Every frame bursts with creativity that makes rewatching endlessly rewarding.
