best chinese martial arts movies

Key Takeaways

• Chinese martial arts films celebrate history with deep themes.
• Drunken Master
  They mix humor and choreography to create a unique style.
• House of Flying Daggers
  It is a tragic masterpiece filled with thrilling martial arts action.

Over the years, the Chinese film industry has made a distinction in the martial arts genre. With an outstanding reputation for impressive storytelling and jaw-dropping choreography, these films often set a new standard for martial arts films as a whole.

These films have often celebrated China's rich martial arts history and showcased all kinds of fighting styles. Some classic works combined action with philosophy, providing viewers with thoughtful, deep explorations of themes such as self-discovery, honor, and discipline. Protagonists often demonstrate great strength and perseverance as viewers follow them on a life-changing journey of personal growth. With amazing cinematography and attention to detail. chinese martial arts genre It continues to influence cinema around the world today.

5 Drunken Master

A humorous kung fu movie with a satisfying payoff.

• Original release date: October 5, 1978
• supervision: Yuan Wooping
• language: Cantonese

In one of the earliest examples of successfully blending martial arts and comedy, Jackie Chan showcased his unique action hero style to great acclaim. Between physical humor and impressive martial arts choreography, Drunken Master It immediately established itself as a new genre of martial arts film.

As Wong Feihung, Chan is excellent as the cocky martial artist who must train under the infamous beggar So. Despite a rough start, the dynamic between the two proved incredibly effective. As Wong masters a bizarre, drunken fighting style, he faces dangerous threats to both himself and his father. Set during the Qing Dynasty, the film captures a hopeful and cheerful spirit through exciting folk-style leads and fast-paced plot.

4 House of Flying Daggers

A powerful, unexpected and tragic look at treason and deception.

• Original release date: December 26, 2004
• supervision: Zhang Yimou
• language: Mandarin

Set in the late Tang Dynasty House of Flying Daggers It focuses on a group titled Rebels. The House of Representatives, pulling a Robin Hood, supports those in need by robbing the rich and corrupt and giving back to the poor and oppressed.

From there, the film follows two law enforcement officers tasked with infiltrating the House of Flying Daggers through undercover means. The result is a dramatic and thoughtful action film that encompasses a variety of themes, including identity, romance, and betrayal. A plot full of twists and turns with tragic elements added, House of Flying Daggers It's a rewarding and emotional effort packed with martial arts action to satisfy fans of the genre.

3 Enter the Dragon

Groundbreaking classic starring action legend Bruce Lee

• Original release date: July 26, 1973
• supervision: Robert Clouse
• language: Cantonese, English

With this beloved hit, Bruce Lee brought martial arts films into the Hollywood mainstream. The last work of Wang Fu Icon, Enter the Dragon It mixes different genres and plot elements to create a variety of action movies.

Bruce Lee plays Lee, a martial artist who is called in for a mission by British Intelligence. The result is a compelling piece of classic '70s action, as Lee finds himself competing in a dangerous martial arts tournament on an island run by a potential drug lord he's investigating. Acclaimed for its fight scenes, the film is also credited with being an early inspiration for the sport of MMA.

2 Shaolin Room 36

A classic look from the Shaolin legend

• Original release date: February 2, 1978
• supervision: Laugarung
• language: Mandarin, Cantonese

Renowned Shaolin martial artist San Te gets action hero treatment in this groundbreaking kung fu classic. Set during the Qing Dynasty, Shaolin Room 36 It centers around martial artists who take brutal revenge on the Manchurian authorities who destroyed their school.

From there, the film follows San Te as he endures the rigorous training required to become a Shaolin Kung Fu master. Through various stages of training and challenges over the years, he has become one of the deadliest martial artists in the country. San Te's story of sharing his kung fu talent with the public has established itself as a classic of the genre, earning praise for its plot, fight sequences, and thoughtful study of Shaolin training principles.

1 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hidden Dragon

A modern classic that sparked international interest in the genre

• Original release date: January 5, 2001
• supervision: Ian
• language: Mandarin

Ang Lee's widely acclaimed martial arts epic; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hidden Dragon It performed well during the 2000 awards season. This film, based on a classic novel, is a martial arts-themed film set during the Qing Dynasty.

Chow Yun-fat plays the role of Li Mu Bai, a fictional shaman swordsman. Li Mu Bai's decision to retire from the world of swordsmanship sets the film's thoughtful narrative in motion. The result is a beautifully shot action drama that boasts some scorching martial arts sets and compelling character arcs and themes. The film's surprising international success shone an international spotlight on the martial arts genre in the early new millennium.