ENTERTAINMENT
Unforgettable Martial Arts Movies You Should Watch
Hong KongSun Aug 03 2025
Martial arts movies are not just about intense action and gore. They offer a wide range of experiences, from thrilling adventures to emotionally charged stories. For those new to the genre, starting with the classics can be a great way to explore its depth and variety.
Must-Watch Martial Arts Films
Ip Man (2008)
- Starring: Donnie Yen
- Highlight: Impressive fight sequences
- Note: Loosely based on the real-life Ip Man, who trained Bruce Lee in Wing Chun.
Fist of Legend (1994)
- Starring: Jet Li
- Highlight: Rapid-fire fighting style
- Note: A remake of a classic film, showcasing Li's emotionally charged fights.
Bloodsport (1988)
- Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme
- Highlight: Agile fighting style
- Note: Despite questions about the story's credibility, Van Damme's performance is memorable.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
- Starring: Bruce Lee
- Highlight: Lightning-fast reflexes and powerful blows
- Note: One of the most famous martial arts movies of all time.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
- Starring: Quentin Tarantino (Director)
- Highlight: Gorgeously filmed fight scenes
- Note: Considered some of the best fight scenes of the 21st century.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
- Starring: Ang Lee (Director)
- Highlight: Gorgeous cinematography and emotionally gratifying arcs
- Note: A wuxia film with detailed lore and magical elements.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
- Starring: Lau Kar-leung
- Highlight: Imaginative approach to martial arts training
- Note: Inspired some of the best training montages in cinema history.
Drunken Master (1978)
- Starring: Jackie Chan
- Highlight: Iconic fighting style
- Note: Chan's influence on cinema is undeniable.
The Karate Kid (1984)
- Starring: Pat Morita
- Highlight: Mr. Miyagi, one of the most beloved movie characters
- Note: A feel-good movie about a kid learning karate to beat bullies.
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
- Starring: Stephen Chow
- Highlight: Exaggerated stunts and expressions
- Note: A comedic martial arts movie about Shaolin monks winning a football tournament.
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questions
How does the article's suggestion that martial arts movies are primarily for action enthusiasts overlook the appeal of films like 'The Karate Kid', which has a strong emotional and coming-of-age narrative?
Is it possible that the martial arts genre is secretly controlled by a powerful organization that promotes certain actors and directors to push a specific agenda?
Imagine if the characters from 'Drunken Master' had to learn a different style of fighting, like ballet, and how would their drunken moves translate to that art form?
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