UPDATE: It seems as though some of our readers have addictions to martial arts movies that may require attending meetings. But, the comments and emails we’ve received about this article were excellent, so we’re going to be publishing a follow-up based on this feedback. Subscribe to our blog or check back later for the update!
We???ve scoured the internet. Reviews. Forums. Amazon. Postings. Bulletins. And this list is what we???ve come up with as the greatest Kung-Fu movies of all time and why you should watch each one. Pay attention to movies involving Yuen Wo-Ping as either director or action director, there’s a reason why half this list is movies where he was involved!
Hint: In case you’re interested in actually watching any of these…clicking on a movie’s title will show you that movie in Amazon.com.
Way of the Dragon (1979) 
This is the only finished film to be written and directed by Bruce Lee. (Game of Death is the other one but is unfinished) We could write a lot about the plot, characters or fight scenes…but all you really care about is watching Bruce Lee fight Chuck Norris in the final battle.Martial Artists: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris
Director: Bruce Lee
Watch the Trailer
Shaolin Temple (1982) Depicts the amazing history of the Shaolin Temple, the focal point for Chinese Martial Arts. Think of the Shaolin Monks as Jedi Knights (an elite group of fighters) and the rest of China as the messed-up universe that Star Wars takes place in (people who are afraid of the elite fighters and want to take them out of power). Much work to do, you have, young Jet Li. *picture Yoda???s accent on that one* Define Irony: A movie shot at the site of the Shaolin Temple, telling a story about the fall of the Shaolin Temple, sparks so much public interest that the temple was re-opened shortly after the movie released.Martial Artist: Jet Li (His debut movie)
Director: Chang Hsin-Yen
Watch the Trailer
Ong Bak (2003) Raw action without wires, Tony Jaa brings a new martial arts style to the big screen and does so in style. Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is stronger and more direct than the Chinese styles you???re used to seeing with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, giving a new look to how a martial arts movie can be done. You???ll be seeing more of him…guaranteed.Martial Artist: Tony Jaa
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
Watch the Trailer
Iron Monkey (1993) Doctor by day, thief by night…Iron Monkey is your classic Robin-hood meets Kung Fu. It???s an action packed flick that can???t go 5 minutes without an excellent fight scene. It all comes down to a battle between Iron Monkey (ie Robin Hood) and an ex Shaolin Monk (remember, these guys are like the Jedi Knights of Chinese martial arts…they???re elite). Remember that guy Yuen Wo-Ping I mentioned? Well he’s the director in this one, so you know it’s good!Martial Artists: Yu Rong-Guang, Donnie Yen
Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Action Directors: Yuen Cheung-yan, Yuen Shun-yi
Watch the Trailer
5 Deadly Venoms (1978) No room form “martial arts beauties” in this one, there’s so much blood and action that they only cast male actors. Exit the traditional elaborate costumes and enter the muscular, skin-bearing, bloody martial arts style that would become a trademark for director Chang Cheh. Each cast member is trained in an art resembling one of 5 venemous creatures (Scorpion, Snake, Centipede, Gecko, Toad) with the 6th cast member being trained in all 5. Six main martial arts actors = LOTS O??? ACTIONMartial Artists: 6 Martial Artists (yes, 6 main characters)
Director: Chang Cheh
Watch the Trailer
The Seven Samurai (1954) One of the greatest classic kung-fu movies of all time and arguable Kurosawa???s best work. Some Samurai of the time were down on their luck (homeless) and willing to do anything for a meal. A village under attack by bandits recruits a group of seven such Samurai warriors and asks them to help defend their village. The movie is about the Samurai teaching the village how to fight and culminates in a massive battle between a village and almost 50 attacking bandits. The acting is superb, the emotions run high and Kurosawa keeps you hooked from beginning to end.Martial Artists: 7 Martial Artists (all names you won’t know since this movie is so old)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Watch the Trailer
Legend of Drunken Master (1994) 
Some will say this is the greatest martial arts movie of all time because of it???s balance between plot-line, comedy, drama and amazing kung fu sequences. Probably Jackie Chan???s best martial arts performance. You???re going to love the final scene where you learn what ???Drunken Master??? really means. We???re talking box-splitting, fire-spitting craziness!Martial Artist: Jackie Chan
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Watch a Scene from the Movie
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)
Based on a Pentalogy (yes, that???s 5 books) written by Wang Dulu, this movie covers mostly the 4th book. Critically acclaimed to cross international borders with it???s amazing character development, intricate plot, martial arts ideals, stunning special effects and quicker-than-the-eye fighting scenes, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon set a new standard for martial arts movies. Telling Zhang Ziyi (the lead female character and an amazing martial artist) to get back in the kitchen would likely cost you 50 punches to the ???bags???. Be ready for subtitles, ???cuz turning on the English track is like watching…uh…like watching a kung fu movie in English.Main Martial Artist: Chow Yun-fat
Other Martial Artists: Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Chang Chen, Cheng Pei-pei
Director: Ang Lee
Action Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Watch the Trailer
Kill Bill vol. 1 (2003) You???re going to want your home theatre room for this one. It???s tough to beat beautiful women beating the crap out of each other in fast-paced, action-packed, make you cringe, bloody, gory, cut-???em-up (more buzz words go here) movie jam packed with as much martial arts death as possible. Tarantino expertly uses every camera angle and a plethora of special effects to deliver a better-than-real visual experience that gives this blood-and-guts thriller an artistic feel you???ll appreciate at the end. Did I mention is has Uma Thurman in it?
(???Kill bill vol. 2??? brings closure to the set, but hey…we had to choose one movie. Say ???Five-Point-Palm Exploding Heart Technique??? 5 times fast.)Actors: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Action Director: Yuen Wo-ping
Watch the Trailer: Meduim | Large
Fist of Legend (1994) A classic story of Chinese vs. Japanese martial arts, Fist of Legend is actually a remake of the original Bruce Lee movie, Fist of Fury. If Bruce Lee is like the original James Bond, Jet Li is the Pierce Brosnan. He???ll never be the original, but the modern film-making and larger budget bring the entertainment value just a hair above the original Fist of Fury. (The ghost of Bruce Lee is probably going to strike me down for writing that) The Yuen Brothers are known for amazing action choreography, and they totally deliver on this one. (Casting Jet Li may have helped them a little too.)Martial Artist: Jet Li
Director: Gordon Chan
Action Directors: ???The Yuen Brothers???
Watch a Scene from the movie
The fun doesn’t stop there…
We tried to stop at only 10…really, we did. But we just couldn’t control ourselves.
“Once it hits your lips, it’s so good!”
So here are a few more that deserve honorable mention.
Knockabout (1979) Yuen Biao???s kicks and acrobatics will make your jaw drop and the plot turnarounds will make it feel like a great episode of Mission Impossible. Almost every main character is either a con-artist or con-artist/criminal, creating deceit after deceit after deceit. One of the funnier movies of it???s time, this will keep you on the edge of your seat while laughing and trying to figure out what the hell each character is really up to.Martial Artist: Yuen Biao
Director: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
Watch a Scene from the Movie
The Matrix (1999) A revolutionary movie that mixed sci-fi and martial arts into a computer-generated world where rules don???t apply. This was a dream come true for Yuen Wo-Ping who was given the freedom to do anything he wanted to with martial arts…effectively creating one of the most visually stunning movies ever! Let go of reality on this one and enjoy the special effects for what they are. In fact, enjoy them so much that you don???t notice Keanu Reeves??? acting. The martial arts aren???t as technical as the other movies on this list, but give the actors credit for only learning martial arts after they were casted for the roles. The plot-line is sick and there are two more movies in the trilogy that will keep feeding you eye-candy all weekend. The Wachowski bros. are huge fans of Kung Fu films and use the same type of camera angels as the classics.Actors: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburn, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Directors: Andy and Larry Wachowski
Action Director: Yuen Wo-Ping, Yuen Shun-yi
Watch the Trailer
Pedicab Driver (1989) Watch this one for the action scenes, not for the plot. While there is enough drama and character development to keep you interested, Sammo???s masterfully choreographed martial arts scenes are why you should watch this one. Plus he???s a bigger guy who can do moves like Jackie Chan, NO JOKE! (He had his own TV series for awhile.) For those of you who think you’re too big to be good at martial arts, Sammo will give you hope. Billy Chow made a name for himself in this movie with his unequaled kicking mastery and later went on to be Jet Li???s Japanese nemesis in Fists of Legend.Martial Artist: Sammo Hung, Billy Chow
Director: Sammo Hung
Watch a Scene from the Movie
Drunken Master (1978) No stunt doubles. Jackie Chan???s breakout movie and the best Kung Fu comedy of its time, setting a new standard for entertainment value among kung fu movies in the late 70???s. With a small-budget feel and humor that was still perfecting itself, this film is obviously a classic kung fu film…but nonetheless a masterpiece. Want to be pummeled by mind-numbing kicks in rapid succession? Hang out with Hwang Jang-lee for an afternoon.Martial Artist: Jackie Chan
Director: Yuen Wo-ping
Watch the Trailer
Kung Fu Hustle (2004) You know how ???Scary Movie??? makes fun of anything and everything it can? Well, this is the Kung Fu version of it! Jokes, laughs, imitations mixed in with some awesome fighting sequences. Nothing is taken seriously in this movie, especially the violence. Dance routines are inspired by someone???s gruesome death (computer-enhanced of course!), random sound effects are tied in with pain like an old Batman re-run…the whole time you???re expecting people to keep fighting after having their head blown off. A great plot, good acting, violence and death are all rolled into a martial arts comedy that you???ll be laughing at the entire way through. A different type of martial arts movie done brilliantly!Action Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Martial Artist: Stephen Chow
Watch the Trailer: Small | Large
Akira (1988) An animated film that’s not for children! The almost cult-like following of fans that this movie created will tell you Akira is the greatest animated film of all time. Originally released in Japan and adapted for U.S. theaters via some bad voice dubbing, this is like ???The Matrix??? of animated films. Set in the year 2019, ???Akira??? isn???t a character, but rather a government top secret project. You won???t find many animated films with the amount of violence and fighting that Akira will throw at you, but rest assured you???ll leave with a taste of respect for animated films when all is said and done.Director: Katsuhiro ??tomo
Actors: None Really…gotta love Japanimation!
Watch the Trailer
Ok Ok, we get it. Bruce Lee is god.
We left off “Enter the Dragon”, one of Bruce Lee’s first movies. It helped pave the way for martial arts movies to gain popularity with western audiences. Not the greatest plot line or acting.
But Bruce Lee doesn’t need acting.
Enter the Dragon Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-YsDcemHyo
Most ???experts??? you ask would likely say Bruce Lee???s Enter the Dragon. And while it???s good, I wouldn???t say it???s the best.
If you???re a die-hard, here are some you simply must see:
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
One-Armed Swordsman
Shogun Assassin
Once Upon a Time in China
Blade of Fury
Return of the Dragon/Way of the Dragon
The Bride with White Hair
Ong Bak: Muy Thai Warrior
Meals on Wheels
Police Story
Police Story 2
Hero
Street Fighter
Butterfly and Sword
Pedicab Driver
Dragons Forever
Millionaire???s Express
Master Killer
Eight Diagram Pole Fighter
Avenging Eagle
Five Deadly Venoms
Kid with the Golden Arm
Operation Scorpio
Mad Monkey Kung Fu
Drunken Master 2
To name just a few.
what the hell!? wheres 36th chamber of shaolin? wheres heroes of the east? what about prodigal son? police story? fist of the white lotus sect? last hurray for chivalry? come drink with me? dragon inn? NO STREET FIGHTER!?!?!?! Akiras in there but not street fighter!? the matrix maybe because it does have kung fu in it but Akira has none!! this is a crappy list. all nothing but mainstream hollywood films. just because quinton tarrantino made a kung fu movie doesn’t mean it’s automatically better then anything made by hong kong.
Fearless….anybody? Come on. I don’t know if this is the opinion of one so called martial arts fan or a room full of tools but to leave this amazing movie off is a disgrace. Really though, think it over. I must know, was it even considered?
I was so so soooo happy to see Ong Bak on this list.
I strongly agree with this list but feel that there are a few movies that have been over looked. Drunken Tai Chi 1984 staring Donnie Yen, directed by Yuen wo ping. Or Fatal Contact 2006 directed by Dennis Law and staring another up and coming martial artist who goes by the name of Jacky Wu Jing, just to name a few in my opinion.
You didn’t mention that The Seven Samurai was the inspiration for Yule Brenner-starred western The Magnificent Seven (or was directly ripped off to make Mag7, depending on who you ask).
Just goes to show how awesome 7 Samurai was.
You have to find Kuro Obi staring Akihito Yagi. It is one of the most authentic martial arts movies ever made.
On the copy that I have the english subtitles are poorly done but still an excellent experience.
http://kuro-obi.cinemacafe.net/
Bruce Lee would be insulted if one were to claim that he practiced an indirect, Chinese style of fighting.
And for the record, although The Seven Samurai is my favorite movie of all time and an incredible flick, it is not kung fu, nor should one watch it for displays of training and skill.
Sorry Guys Had to Swap (06. Return to the 36th Chamber) for (Disciples of the 36th Chamber)
Listen i Love Bruce Lee and if Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll the Bruce is the King of Martial Arts But as good as he was he didnt make my list although he was the inspiration to the majority of these actors in these Kung Fu Flicks:
Here is my TOP 20 Martial Arts Movies of all Time:
01. Warriors Two
02. Fist of Legends
03. Prodigal Son
04. Fist of the White Lotus
05. Hero
06. Disciples of the 36th Chamber
07. Blade of Fury
08. The Kung Fu Cult Master
09. Odd Couple
10. Iron Monkey
11. Eight Diagram Pole Fighter
12. Heroes from the East
13. Fearless
14. Five Venoms
15. Ong Bak: Muy Thai Warrior
16. Dragons Forever
17. Mad Monkey Kung Fu
18. Invincible Shaolin
19. Drunken Tai Chi
20. House of Flying Daggers
I cant believe no one mentioned Master of the Flying Guillotine. I grew up during the 1970′s and thats when the best kung fu movies were being made. Some of you guys dont know what a good kung fu movie is even if it came up and bit you in the ass!
i think you guy have all your bases covered in this list and the comments, but i have a special place in my heart for Zatoichi as well
Figther in the wind.
GREEEEEAAAT film!!!!
the list on the site was just ok, but the other list that people suggested is way better. On Sundays on channel 5 or I think 11, karate films was on all day. All of these films are brought to you by the Shaw Brothers. cant name them all sorry
Chinese Super Ninjas (the best)
Fist of The White Lotus
Shaolin Challenges Ninja
Enter The 36 Chambers
Shaolin Vs Wu-tang
Five Deadly Venoms 1 & 2
Kid With The Golden Arms
Killa Army
7 Grand Masters
Five Fingers of Death
Men From the Monastery
Invincible Pole Fighter
Born Invincible
Blood Bothers
The Invincible Shaolin
Mad Monkey Kung Fu
The Drunken Master
Good list…however, not to have a single Sonny Chiba film on there seems wrong somehow…
Also your date on Way of the Dragon is wrong…Bruce died in 1973….Way was released in 1972.
Ok, this list is missing out on Born to Fight, (yet another thai martial arts film by the ong-bak stunt team) Five fingers of death, which is way wayyyy wayyyyyy better than 5 deadly venoms, and the protector, just because I am a tony jaa fan.
Guess I’m the only one who like the protector better then ong bak
one of my faves is chinese super ninjas. when the tree ninjas ripped that guy’s arms off…
No Enter the Dragon.
This list … no good. No good at all. The Matrix? Seriously? Akira? Akira isn’t even a martial arts movie. It’s a science fiction film. Are you nuts?
You even left out Magnificent Butcher.
For crap’sake.
i hated crouching tiger, hidden dragon. You cant beat realistic martial artist, not the flying for 10 minutes like a pigeon on ecstasy.
enter the dragon should be number 1.
What about Tai Chi Master with Jet Li?
well… i dont know who mades the top, but where is 36 chambers of shaolin!!!!? fist of fury? danny the dog? the apprentice of kung fu? Ip man? the owner of this top was drunked when mades the top. please, matrix and akira? are good movies, but aint good kung fu movies, because martial arts aint the motor of the film. akira is anime and matrix doesnt have martial actors, only has normal actors with a coreography son dont include in the top. what would be the next “martial art movie” in the top? princess mononoke? bad top, made it by a person who doesnt have idea of real martial arts movie.
Nobody has mentioned Jet Li’s early films – The Legend parts 1 & 2. Not the UK-style cut & dubbed versions but the original Cantonese/Mandarin-whatever-it-is version that I’ve only ever seen once late at night on Channel 4 abut ten years ago.
They are both fantastic but combined, form an astonishing epic. I recorded them but they got stolen at university. Great films demonstrating the true nature of martial arts and specifically Buddhism integrated into Kung Fu.
Really? No one said Unchained? seven swords? Of course fearless and hero. Who would put the matrix or Akira on their top ten list of martial arts films?
First of all I’d like to correct ‘admin’ who left posted the first comment. Enter the Dragon was not Bruce Lee’s first film u complete prick, it was his last completed film. You know nothing.
Moving on, I’d like to say that ‘Burning of the red lotus monastery’ should be on there as one of the earliest martial arts filmed that led on to every kick flick you’ve ever watched being inspired by it. ‘Way of the dragon’ is better than ‘enter the dragon’as it has one of the all time great fight scenes in it, (Bruce Lee vs Chuck Norris).
Je, justo queria leer acerca de esto, investigando llegue hasta tu blog, exelente entrada !!! gracias !!
A NEW MARTIAL ARTS EPIC HAS BLOWN DIS LIST TO SHIT…IP MAN, BEST KUNG FU MOVIE IN DECADES, TOPS ENTER THR DRAGPN, ONG BAK, FIST OF LEGEAND, DRUNKEN MASTER 2, SERIOUSLY WATCH THIS FILM NOW
I feel pleasure to commend here that the martial art moves of bruce lee and tony jaa , i like the maost . there moves are very unique, and are also very effective……….i also like jeet kundo
n thhai kick boxing very much…….
I feel immense pleasure to share my views here.
regharding the martial art moves , i feel the moves of bruce lee n tony jaa the best . there moves i feel very much unique.
Did you put Akira on there because its from Japan or what? It has no martial arts in it at all. It has lasers and giant mutations, but no martial arts. Nothing to do with it.
I need a little help.
I took martial arts many years ago and we used some of the movies for instruction. I’m trying to find an old movie about a guy (I think he was American) who has to fight all the different kung fu styles (Money, tiger, drunk, etc) to get to a book of answers. At the end, he finds that the book has only mirrors in it (yeah I know, the answers come from within). And “No”, I’m not talking about Kung Fu Panda! but the theme was similar. It was a pretty cool movie for understanding the different fighting styles. Of course, that was 20 years ago.
Does anyone know the name of the movie?
thanks
OK, some of those movies are just overrated and fantastic (as in fantasy, not real enough)… and Iron Monkey is just not good enough.
I agree with Bruce Lee, but I like better Enter the Dragon.
In addition to this list you should have:
Ong Bak 1 and 2 (yes, 2, the Warrior King)
Bloodsport
Fist of the North Star (Anime, check it out)
Ip man
Fearless
and whatever everyone else mentioned,… except for Street Fighter (the crapiest movie ever)
To say that the third place has tony jaa is stupid…how about jet lee? how about jackie chan? how about van damm? These people did more in movies and their popularuty more wider and stronger… you made really mistakes mr. creator of this forum…
Yeah, kickin butt….
I love any realistic fists… ex- ongbak 1 or 2
or some Jet li’s, like 1, born to defend or fist of legands…
Whats the deal with iron monkey, i thought it was crappy and weird!!!
Best end fist goes to meals on wheels, seriously… over 9minutes…
Rockin!!!
dude, I agree for the most part with what I have read from you guys about top Martial Arts Films. however, Jet Li’s Tai Chi Master needs to be among them.
what about Shinobi: Heart Under Blade;
Flash Point (Donnie Yen)
“Kill Bill”? really? i thought it was the GREATEST martial arts movies.
Ummmmm… wtf? How come there is not a single mention, even in the comments, of the singel greatest martial arts movie of all times?
IP Man, ladies and gentlemen, deserves the top spot of this poll. Before you even start hating on me watch this clip, then get back to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qhPDEOYbx4
Changed your mind??? No… watch it again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qhPDEOYbx4
Peace,
Rev
Nooooooooooooo-”BLOOD SPORTS” (THE BEST MIXED MARTIAL ART MOVIE).
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, yet I cannot say this list makes for the top ten. here a few personal favorites. . . not in order of course to hard to rank…
Chinese Super Ninjas
Chinese Connection (CLASSIC!!!)
MASTER KILLER (the 36th chamber of shaolin)
Mysteries of Chess Boxing (Ghost Faced KIllAH)
Fist of the White Lotus
Drunken Master
Legend of the Drunken Master
the 36 crazy fists
Fist of legend (aka Chinese Connection rip off, but still a great film, original chinese score sucked though)
Iron Monkey (1977)
You forgot a little movie called the “Last Dragon”.
Nice! Actually a few movies on there that I haven’t seen, it’s good to see a list that wasn’t copied-and-pasted.
TONY JAA (ONG BAK) IS THE FUTURE OF MARTIAL ARTS.
LOL @Megadeth. I have to agree.
I rate Fist of Legend higher, and I definitely want to see Once Upon a Time in China (I think the first one, with the story about British Occupation and the futility of Martial Arts vs Guns) That was the shit, the fighting was amazing, the story thought-provoking (something rarely said for a martial arts film)
This is a pretty gud list but definatly lacking some great martial art films, Police story is one and also the New film Ip Man with Donnie yen, that one tha i think people should check out
Where is Hero and the Banquet? They are awesome films! I don’t like English and American martial arts fims. Chinese and Japanese are better
I also think Matrix and Akira are a bit out of place…
I think Once Upon a Time in China is up their as the Wong Feihung character is so important to Chinese martial arts…
And if Kill Bill is up there, then so should Takeshi Kitano’s Zatoichi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zatoichi_(2003_film)
You got most of them right but personally I have to give a nod to Jackie Chan’s “Who Am I”. It is a cross between Bourne Identity and Kung Fu Hustle. Awesome Cinematic scenery too. Jackie shows off several fighting styles in several exotic locales.
Seven Samurai was a great movie but it had nothing to do with Kung-Fu.
its a good list but a few toppers are left out here is list with al lot of good movies in the martial art genre :
- enter the dragon ( bruce lee’s most succesful movie )
- way of the dragon/return of the dragon
- fist of fury/the chinese connection
- the tai chi master
- hero
- fearless
- fist of legend
- drunken master 1 en 2
- the forbidden kingdom
- bloodsport
- 36th chamber of shaolin/shaolin master killer
- the young master
- seven swords
- seven samurai
- dragon tiger gate
- once upon a time in china 1 en 2 -) 2 is better
- kickboxer maybe
- police story
- ong bak
- tom yum gooing/the protector
- meals on weels
- the shaolin temple
- iron monkey
- ong bak 2
i could go a long time further but these are a few
There are too many good martial arts movies and noone can exactly place them in the right order coz everyone is looking for different criterias in their judging. Anyway, I’ve been watching MA movies for many years and I’ve come across one movie i don’t know the title, maybe someone can help me in this:
it has a character, a thin man (asian ofc) who fights only with his legs (that’s where he has his strength) and adopts a scorpion style, he stands in walls with his legs open front-to-rear mimicking a scorpion. It’s a old movie. I’d like to have it in my Martial arts movie collection.
Thnx a lot in advance.
oh…and i forgot to mentio, that character with the scorpion style sports a ponytail…xd
Come on guys- What about china o’brian ? -(lol)
Snake and crane (Jackie Chan)
American Ninja 8 (think they got that far -lol)
Best of the Best
No retreat no surrender
Nico
Hard to kill
AWOL (Van Damme)
STREET FIGHTER (Sonny Chiba) gets my vote for number 1 by the way (sorry bruce it were close)
Teenage mutant ninja turtles- come on ? who could forget splinter doing kata in his cage -lol
Big trouble in little china
What about Dolph lungdren ? U guys not like kyushin kai ?
use yer imagination – don’t be a ponce if ya lyk it – its good !!!!
How could you forget about undisputed 1 & 2 these have the best fight scenes so fast and great results with every punch kick and elbow….(HOW COULD YOU)
STOP IT EVERYONE THE GREATEST MARTIAL ARTS MOVIE OF ALL TIME IS………THE MYSTERY OF CHINESE CHESS BOXING!!!!!! 7 GRANDMASTERS IS IN THE MIX ALSO.
ok granted i do agree with some of this list but there is two scenes i can think of off the top of my head
1 – bar scene STEVEN SEAGAL OUT FOR JUSTICE
2- BUTCHER SHOP-STEVEN SEAGAL OUT FOR JUSTICE
SO CHECK THEM OUT YOU WONT REGRET IT I PROMISE
One of the best jackie change movies is definately…………” WHO AM I”
Jake on April 16th, If you’re still there, the movie you are looking for is “Circle of Iron” and it included a role for David Carradine (did you forget that).
since when a japanese movie,7 samurai, is kung fu?concentrate and learn more before you make your next top ten
https://www.adventfence.com/
I just watche best of the best2 on dvd, I was thinking it was Bloodfist2 when I bought it
Hey, does anyone remember these two movies? It’s killing me, old channel 5 karate movies late 70′s I guess, saturday afternoons in New York.
One was where they had this flying guiliteen (sp?), they would throw it on a rope, it would go around the victims head and they’d yank the rope and off with his head.
The other one and my favorite one from a kid was where 3-5 guys went off to different parts of the forest to train, one had a bo staff, one had this contraption where it was a few chain links together witha knife on the end that he’d whip around, then at the end, they all face off against individuals in a one on one fight against whoever they were pissed about, the bo staff I belive fought inthe water and swung the staff back and forth to make the water splash around, and I belive it was like 5 deadly venoms, but they would be called something like Earth, Wind, fire, something else and something else.
Can ANYONE HELP ME PLEASE, it’s been killing me.
Im loving the talk here even if some of it is hostile. Fearless and Ip Man are great, Hero toooo, hmm Gorgeous maybe? Flashpoint is good but I can see it not making a top list.
Cant wait for a revised list, maybe top 30-50! haha
there is a serious lack of Jackie Chan films in the top 20 list as well as in contributors suggestions. How can you not include his films? I mean…
police story 1,2 and 3(supercop)
drunken master 1 & 2
young master
dragons forever (amazing movie)
project A 1 & 2
wheels on meals
these are just a few but obviously many many more also. And come on wheres Jet Li. Ony a few peple have mention once upon a time in china 1, 2 & 3.
Do agree with Ip man though, amazing film.
And then shaw brothers… dont get me started. Classics!
First of all, Kill Bill was the worst movie ever made. It should top some list with the word “worst” in the title. Second of all you are just dumb with the entire list. You need to get out more and watch more movies.
I think that the Babycart: Lone Wolf and Cub movies are definitly essential viewing for martial arts movie fans And The Prodigal Son too- Sammo Hung is brilliant, the Wing Chun done beautifully in that movie!
This is good choice of top ten or fifteen , but some one may not agree with the ranking. I’m looking for the best ever. Really , Bruce Lee was the Legend no comparison with any one. He was inventor in his field.
Here are my favorite movies
1. All movies of Bruce Lee The Legend
2. Black Sheep affair
3. So Close (Naked Weapon III)
4. Naked Weapon I
5. Another Melt Down Jet Li
6. Ong Back
7. The Kumite
8. Silver Hawk.
More alot………… zaheer45@gmail.com
http://www.theleetech.com
http://www.theleetech.com/blog
First of all, Seven Samurai is not a “kung fu” movie, mainly because there was no kung fu in it. The film was about samurai warriors in Japan. Did you hear that? Japan! So let’s make that clear. Kung Fu – China, not Japan. And how could you disrespect not only one of the greatest Asian actors of our time but one of the greatest, period, by omitting Toshiro Mifune? Instead you said the movie is so old that the names don’t matter anyway? Wow, you really know your movies and martial arts. This is the best website for idiots ever!
this my top 10.1 ip man.2 fist of legend.3 thundering mantis,4 duel to the death,5 5 deadly venom,6 secret master,7 the budhist fist,8 the scopion king(hong kong version)9 ong bak,10 tiger overwall
hmm…
Well fellas I am a professional martial artist… so my choises might be weird cause i favour true figthin!!!! Well.. I will put up a list … comment on that and let me see wat u guys think… cool!!!!
1) enter the dragon (in respect for bruce lee)
Bloodsport (realistic fighting.. and none like it!!)
2) ong bak (good blows and stunin acrobatics)
3) ip man(2008) (the most recent and beliveable stuff)
4) fearless (good kung fu, fast action)
5) Prodigal son (coreography = 9/10)
6) Flashpoint (very realistic end fight)
7) Fist of Legend (good but lost my intrest.. seein all the ropes and faked power!!!)
9) Shaolin Temple (shows authentic shaolin arts..)
10) 36th Chamber of Shaolin (proof of the toughness, power, strength, and speed one achieves in shaolin… i knw its only a movie. but it is also the real stuff)
For those who disagree with my list… i like these movies for the practicality it has. I studied 14teen Martial arts and i now stick to TKD, Kung fu(wing chun, all chin na, hung gar), groung fightings of jui-jitsu,and iaido(samaurai sword art)
Which means i knw wat actual fightin is and i do only watch movies which help me improve them…
Well that is it….
Take care guys!!!!
The sheer fact that you include the Matrix and crouching tiger show that you haven’t really seen that many martial films. Severn SWords, Avenging fist and yes even vocano high show these films to be pretenders to the martial arts crown. Also you could have included a much better Donnie yen film than Iron Monkey he has so many films available. GUys you really need to start watching more films, irecomend buying some bargains a your local HMV or whatever and there you should sson see some gems
blood and bone is def a must see very great movie
Not in any particular order but these are my Top 20 Old School Martial Arts Movies
Master of the Flying Guillotine
Dirty Ho
Five Deadly Venoms
Clan of the White Lotus
Executioners From Shaolin
Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow
Snake in the Monkey???s Shadow
Invincible Armor
The 5 Fingers of Death
The Shaolin Master Killer
Mystery of Chess Boxing
Enter the Dragon
7 Grandmasters
The Master/3 Evil Masters
Snake Deadly Act
Daggers 8
18 Jade Arhats
Born Invincible
Shaolin vs Lama
The Kid with the Golden Arm
whats the name of the film…..
where ladies who are expert in martial arts get recruited by som secret organization……
its not (dead or alive) … it was a bit older movie than that….. 1990′s i guess……..
plz rply when u kno
oo and a hint…..
i remember in the movie they were drinking wine and one of the ladies were an expert too on knowing wat type of wine was it…. then all of the ladies were drugged then raped…… :s donno i also remember that the head soldier also a lady said that this was a test that u must learn too………. please rylply the name of the movie ASAP !!!!!
thank you for ur anticipation
everyone needs to quit sucking bruce lee’s dick.
hes OVERRATED. wanna see some good kung fu??
watch some sonny chiba movies, or shogun assassin. i knew it was gunna be all about jackie chan and ong bak and shit, yeah theyre good but watch something good instead of that same ol crap everyone and their moms already seen
I will love for everybody to check out IP Man. I think this movie should be number one (at least the top 3). The plot is good; based on true events (master to Bruce Lee); and action UH-WHEW! Got to give it up to Tony Jaa in Ong Bak; however the elephant plot – EH!. But here comes Ong Bak 2 and this one is off the hook! Google these movie trailers (you tube) and be amazed.
Return of the Dragon
Drunken Master (the fist one)
Once Upon a Time in China I, II, III (Especially 2nd & 3rd – the fightscene with Donnie Amaizing!)
Yip Man -HELLO!! So few of you mentioned Yip Man!
Fearless – no doubt! Sad movie though.
Fist of Legend
Iron Monkey (Whoever says Iron Monkey should not be on the list is a total nutcase!)
Twin Warriors
Ong Bak 1 & 2
New Legend of Shaolin
Butterfly and Sword
Five Deadly Venoms
Kid with the Golden Arm
The Prodigal Son
Warriors Two
Meals on Wheels (Especially the last fight.)
Swordsman II
36th chamber – Master Killer
The Shaolin Temple 1,2 & 3
Pedicab Driver
The Blade
Dragons Forever
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Fatal Contact
Mad Monkey Kung Fu (Most of Shaw Brothers movies have good Kung Fu fighting scenes – whether old or new.)
Movies that needn’t be on exactly this list but definitely deserves some applause is Seven Swords and The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk 1 and 2.
In fact, most of Jet Lee’s Kung Fu movies where he doesn’t use a gun should be taken to an account.
What on earth is Akira doing on that list?
And Street Fighter and Matrix?? Matrix is no real Kung Fu – simply special effects. Kill Bill? You’re kidding right? Those four should NOT be there among the others. Kung Fu Hustle is good, but movies such as Kung Fu Cult Master are mostly fantasy stuff – no realistic fighting. There is a difference. Fong Sai Yuk has also som fantasy special effects – but the movie is still more believable than these four here.
Salute!
Goo darticle. However, technically, “Seven Samurai” is a “chambara” and not a “kung fu” film. (Well, there is a difference, and not just cultures or martial-arts styles. The two genres are distinct.)
Also, I think the actors Toshiro Mifune and (Japan’s “John Wayne”) and Takashi Shimura (“Ikiru”) are known among Asian film buffs, even if the movie is “old.” (I know you were kidding.)
Oh well…
Here are some other Japanese movies that are my personal favorites:
Sleepy Eyes of Death: The Chinese Jade
Nemuri Kyoshiro: The Human Tarantula
Nemuri Kyoshiro: The Trail of Traps
Zatoichi Challenged
Zatoichi and A Chest of Gold
Shinobi No Mono Number One and Number Four (the others are good too, just these two are my personal favorites)
The Killing Machine (not chambara, but Sonny Chiba is one bad dude!)
Personal favorite Hong Kong action?
For me personally, just about ANYTHING with the “Venom Mob” (but the article and the responses here already listed some of their more popular movies.)
Most of Mainland China’s wushu flicks following in the wake of Jet Li in 1982′s “Shaolin Temple” (not to be confused with the Chang Cheh Venom Mob/Fu Sheng/Ti Lung/David Chiang vehicle also known as “Death Chamber”, which is also a favorite of mine) were also good.
“Yellow River Knight” (aka “Yellow River Fighter”) has some excellent action.
And of course, Bruce Lee was great (but like the Venoms, you already mentioned him!)
Fun article and thanks.
What about Karate Kid?
Yo you completely forgot about IP man
Well i would say that Ip man was a great movie and i cant wait for Ip man 2 to come out, The list at the top kinda sucks. Also have to go with the other guy who said “Way of the Dragon” is better than “Enter the Dragon”, Also “Akira”…. why would you put that there lol lets swap that for “Sword of a Stranger”
I cant put them in order but here is some films i would recomend.
Jet Li:
Legend of Fong sai yuk 1,2
Fist of Legend
Once upon a time in china 1,2,3 (2 is my fave with donnie yen)
Tai chi warriors
Last hero in china
Fearless
Unleashed
The bodyguard from beijing
My father is a hero
The Forbidden Kingdom
Kiss of the dragon
Jackie Chan:
)
Drunken Master 1,2
Police Story 1,2,3 (3 also known as Super cop)
Armour of God (there is also number 2 not great but worth a watch “Operation Condor”)
Project A
Wheels on Meals (like someone said before, end fight is great)
The young master
Spritual Kung fu (crazy film)
Miracles
(So many more but ill stop there
Donnie Yen:
Ip Man (MUST SEE)
Tiger Cage 1,2
Iron Monkey
Flash Point
Drunken Tai Chi (funny becuase its nutz!)
Wing Chun
SPL
Some other films:
Pedicab Driver
Dragons Forever
Fatal Contact (Jacky wu is amazing in this)
Ong Bak 1 (ong bak 2 was crap, except the amazing end fight scene which never ends!!)
Chocolate
well there are soooooo many more i cant remember the names lol ive seen to many kung fu flicks its insane!!
I do have a question, I remember when i was younger i saw a film with 5 kids who were training as ninjas who get caught up with the mob and have to fight them off. i was like 10-11 when i saw it so im guess it would of been made around 1980s, want to see it again. If anyone can help id be grateful.
IP MAN IP MAN IP MAN IP MAN IP MAN IP MAN IP MAN
man you really missed IPMAN(2008). I watch hundreds of Martial arts movies and it’s one of the best.
IP MAN is a must see for martial arts lover for it’s awesome action scenes, Great story and music.
IP MAN..
All time great movie……
FIVE DEADLY VENOMS FOR THE WIN!!
Awesome and funneh SAmurai’s from Hiroyuki Nakano;
-SF Episode One Samurai Fiction-
-Red Shadow (Akakage)-
Old school die hard fan here.
Please take Kung Fu Hustle, Wing Chung and Azume’s 1 & 2 into consideration. I found them entertaining. I love em all the older the better.
I didnt see” Fighter in the Wind” either in here!
I seen a movie a few years ago about 2 brothers that came to america, one turned to gangs, while the other turned to playing the violin. Just wondering what the name was.
i watched a lot of kung fu. a movie like secret rivals is not the list. it had the silver fox. that was classic
Cant believe some people on here with the hollywood films. They really need to learn what martial arts is really about.
Crystal Fist
Snake in the Monkey Shadow
Snake in the Eagles Shadow
Super Power
Bruce Lee was the Greatest
But Hwang Yang Lee (Silver Fox), John Chang, Wong Tao, John Lui, Billy Chong were great artists that never got recognition they deserved
Tony Jaa is the future of martial arts and although his movies are good, he is still waiting for the killer movie to come.
FFSake Matrix????????
Street Fighter??????????? starring Kylie Minogue (are you guys for real)
There are loads of films that are over 20 years old that piss on all this hollywood crap.
I still cant get over the ending of Thundering Mantis, when beardy fights the evil master and ends up eating him. Now that is brutal martial arts at its best.
What about Donnie Yen’s IP Man???
the above list is not bad. But consider the following:
Shaolin Prince
The Intruders,
Five Elements of Ninja
Challenge of Death
36 crazy fists
The Clutch of Power
Shaolin Born Invincible
Ninja Hunters
The 9 Demons,
Five shaolin masters.
what about 5 fingers of death and the hot cool and vicious?
As per me realistic martial arts movies should be given top priority.
1. ONG BAK (1 & 2).
2. TOM YUM GOONG.
3.BLOOD SPORT(1 , 2 , 3)
4.ENTER THE DRAGON.
5.STREET FIGHTER.
6.DRUNKEN MASTER.
7.FEARLESS
8.BORN TO FIGHT.
9.CRIPPLED AVENGER.
10.SHOOT FIGHTER
First of all, the best kung fu movies are the wing chun joints, southern china styled kung fu! And 2 if the movies don’t show real form and aren’t focused around the art, then they are not great.And 3 if the movies use too much comedy, too many wires, C.G etc, that kind of ruins them and if you take kung fu out of the movie and the movie still works, then its not a REAL kung fu movie! MUST SEE joints: WARRIORS TWO(dr chan! Sooo serious!),HEROES of THE EAST, MAGNIFICENT BUTCHER, PRODIGAL SON, really any Sammo Hung’s early stuff some Jackie Chans early stuff(snake in the eagles shadow!)And mostly Golden Harvest,Shaw Bros.ps.IP MAN is the dopest kung fu flick since the 80′s!!!! TRUST.
Good blogpost, great looking website, added it to my favs.
here is my list.
1.ninja assassin.(2009) must watch.
2.ong bak 1&2.
3.enter the dragon.
4.way of the dragon.
5.black belt.(Japanese)
6.iron monkey.
7.kung fu hustle.
a few that are great to are
- the game of death
- five deadly venoms
- the shaolin temple
- yip man
- the prodigal son
- magnificent warriors
- crouching tiger hidden dragon
- …
I just wanted to add few novies that I found to be superb.
Killer Army
Tai Chi Fist
The Duel
Iron Monkey 2 (Donnie Yen)
There are a few more but most of them people have mentioned already. Oh and I am not sure but what about the Zatoichi movies. Shintaro Katsu was amazing
Some decent movies on the list, BUT… ALL WRONG. Five Deadly Venoms is top 3. Anyone rating it below 3rd all time is a clear moron. Bruce Lee movies totally do not count in genre of “Kung Fu” flicks. The transcend said genre and shame whoever had the nerve to lower them into the genre no matter how much asswhipping he does. Most of the others are FAR to new to be fairly included in the category as well AND The 36 Chambers of Shaolin and SEVERAL others have been completely forgotten. Who honestly thinks The Buddhist Fist does not belong on this list? Probably the same jackass that left off 36 Chambers. Surprised they didn’t throw in American Ninja 4!
ip man(2008)
wing chun..rly a great movie
dont miss it
Jet Li’s Hero is not only the greatest martial arts film ever made, it is one of the greatest “films” ever made. Enter the Dragon is a close second and neither film made your list. Whoever came up with this list should be cleaning toilets at a Chinese restaurant.
You guys are missing the number one movie of all time. The best martial arts movie ever made, EVER!
It’s called “Ip man” and stars Donnie Yen. This is, HANDS DOWN THE BEST MARTIAL ARTS MOVE IN AT LEAST THE PAST 22 YEARS!
Anyone who watches just half of the film will know this to be true.
I find it very difficult to locate a movie by the
name some critics called the sixteen brothers
where there was a scene in the movie and one of the brothers got caught by the enemy;Then they
took his body and tied his head,legs,and hands
that were connected to horses and riped his
body apart.If any one can help me find this movie
I myself will award to anyone who is very helpful. Ps. I think i saw it on chinese connection classic.
i know this list is from way long ago… and i didnt read all of the comments because frankly this list is poorly done… seven samurai is not a martial arts movie its a samurai movie.. Akira has no fighting in it… its about telekinesis… Kill bill is a great movie… greatest of all time over others… no…. Kung Fu Hustle also great movie… greatest of all time over others… no… Enter The Dragon was influential to the makers of the Matrix how is it not there
this list is pretty pish, akira? the matrix? kill bill? bullshit, way of the dragon number1? are you insane, bruce lee’s skill is in delevery not techinque, most “masters” of their respective arts could beat him hands down, thats the point of jeet kun do, its just street fighting with mixed martial art’s elements. crouching tiger hidden dragon? whers the martial arts in that, its just hollywood pish. wheres the kungfu movies with actual practitioners, wheres the movies that defined generations of martial artist’s? seriously, you guys should hang your heads in shame. seriously, this list is pathetic, it sounds like youve just spent a weekend watching a few films and stuck them in order youve liked them, not actually went out of your way to find out about proper martial arts films. tut tut
Get the Kill Bill *beep* out of the list and replace it with 36th Chamber of Shaolin (Shao Lin san shi liu fang). A true martial arts classic!
Yeah – Agree
I think Kung Fu Hustle should be in the top 10.
Must see films Ong Bag 2 , The Rebel (Vietnamese style)staring Johnny Tri Nguyen, The Warrior (South Korean) staring Woo-Sung Jung, The Last Samurai, House of Flying Daggers-staring Ziyi Zhang and Takeshi Kaneshiro, Pray for Death (Sho Kosugi)one of the best ninja flicks ever.
Vanishing Son I,II,III 1994 made for tv miniseries staring Russell Wong. You might find it on YouTube, it a good martial arts drama.
i know it is not a very good top 10, but there are some titles who defenetly belong in there. But You know what, there are just to much good martial art movies to only make a top 10, If i would make one it would be one of atleast 25 titles. here are some titles who would be in there:
Bruce Lee movies:
- Enter The Dragon: the true masterpiece of legend Bruce Lee
- Fist Of Fury
- Way Of The Dragon
Jet Li movies:
- Fearless
- Hero
- Fist Of Legend
- The Tai Chi Master
- The Shaolin Temple
- Once Upon A Time In China part 1 and 2
- Maybe The Forbidden Kingdom
Jackie Chan movies:
- Drunken Master
- The Legend Of The Drunken Master
- Snake In The Egale Shadow
- Snake And Crane Arts Of Shaolin
other great movies:
- 36th Chamber Of Shaolin
- Five Deadly Venoms
- The Last Samurai
- Seven Samurai
- Heroes Of The East
- Iron Monkey
- Ong Bak 1 and 2
- Ip Man
- Bloodsport
- Seven Swords
- The Prodigal Son
- The Magnificent Butcher
and i can keep going further with this. But i wont.
My list
1.Enter the dragon
2.The Chinese Connection
3.Jett Li’s Fearless
5.Fist of Legend
4.Five Deadly Venoms
6.Shaolin Kungfu Mystagogue
7.Drunken Master
8.Super Ninjas
9.The green Jade Statuette
10.Deadly Strike
why don’t you watch the japanese movie “kuro obi” (black belt)
Worst list ever!
This person has obviously NEVER seen a decent kung fu pic.
Lady Snowblood the movie Kill Bill was based on could be on this list as well as about 25 black and white samurai films also Yip Man (or I P Man) should be on it as well.
IP MAN, and coming soon: IP MAN 2
Just watch IP man Then everyone will change their minds about the top kung fu film of all time. For those who don’t know the great Grand Master Yip, he is the tutor of Bruce Lee and the late father of the current Grand Master of Wing Chun, the foundation of many forms of kung fu including the famous Jeet-kun-duu. By the way the film is spelt IP Man not Yip man and was released in 2008 or 2009. Ip man 2 is due for release sept 2010.
Just checked and Ip man was released in 2008 not 2009 and stars Donnie Yen.
Another great martial arts film that explores many techniques of martial combat aswell as demonstrating the various animal/creature techniques like the crane, monkey, scorpion, tiger etc. The Scorpion King (not the abomination with the rock in)(aka Operation Scorpion) This is a film made by the chinese in 1992 by director David Lai of Hong Kong Legends. This film discribes many martial combat concepts like the shadowless kick and contains more varieties than any other single martial arts film released (which I have seen, and believe me that is many) Chin Kar Lok (the main star) plays Yu Shu, the spoilt and lazy medical student who spends all of his time day dreaming and drawing the martial arts heroes in his dreams. He manages to get expelled from school and is sent off to work at his Uncle’s Noodle restaurant (Lau Kar Leung). In the process of doing this he also gets mixed up with the Scorpion King (Won Jin) when trying to rescue a damsel in distress (May Lo) from a lifetime of prostitution. Clearly Yu Shu is not good enough to save the day yet, so a Francophile bodybuilder (Frankie Chan) helps him out. His Uncle (Lau Kar Leung) is also teaching him kung fu by showing him how to cook. Yu Shu does not realise that he is learning kung fu by learning
the basic techniques of cooking, very much like fence painting in the Karate Kid. If you want draw dropping action it’s gotta be IP MAN or Scorpion King without a doubt and by far. If you want storyline as well go Ip Man but if your more into the variety of styles then choose Scorpion king (aka Operation Scorpion).
I sae Ong Bak it’s tremendous high technique martial arts I’ve ever seen, nothings compare. believe me you must watch this film
I think that Tony Jaa, and Donnie yens movies need to be on some of these list. Donnie Yen in the IP man was outstanding. Tony Jaa no need to say anything people you know he awesome so give props where it’s due. Yes there are the classics always tops but we need new standards and higher water marks to elevate.
Dont know if you Martial art experts who put this list together but you need to see Ong Bak 2 if you haven’t . Hands down the greatest Martial Arts movie ever made.
ummmm seven samurai isnt a kung fu movie…… its a samurai movie. retards. akira isnt a kung fu movie either its an anime about bike gangs….. idiots. perhaps you should find out what kung fu is before you put movies in the same category? matrix blows.
I hate to be this guy, but seriously. Where the fuck is The 36th Chamber of Shaolin?
these people are retarded!
Akira in martial arts!?
now I know you are all retarded
One word
Roadhouse!!!
has almost good acting
T&A
Atleast one decent Karate guy (of course he gets killed , but who cares)
Terry Funk
S load’s of Action
second choice
Highlander (Just the first one)
Cool Swords
T&A
Sean Connery at his worse, but a cool character none the less
And introducing one of the most overlooked best villains of all time Clancy Brown’s Kurgan
At least someone remembered Blood Sport, probably the only JKD movie you can watch without vomiting (OK Double whatever was OK, cause the chick was hot) and I suppose I liked Universal Soldier the first time I saw it. Blood Sport was not great, but it had Bolo in it, the plot was atleast partly true and it was a view of under ground fighting in a foreign land. Same stuff was in the US since about 1971,and surfaced shortly after eveyone new the name Royce Gracie.
And Lets not forget the other idiot in Above the Law and Under the Siege (Ok just Under Siege, but usually he needs the 4th syllabal to make a title) good films.
Lethal Weapon (also got it all)
Most of the Foreign crap is just that, crap. I love Jet Li and Jackie Chan, but usually in American made movies like Lethal Weapon 4.
Enter the Dragon was good, Return of the Dragon was fun too. Bruce delivers.
I also love Croutching Tiger And the 7 Samurai, but for a few good films, there’s so much crap out there.
I am a product of the 80′s until the present time, so I didn’t see much of the older films…this list is my personal favorites and is not disputing other lists…
Enter the Dragon
Ong bak 1 and 2
Fearless
Once Upon a time in China
Ip Man
Kuro Obi
Steven Seagal (Above the Law, Marked for Death, Hard to Kill)
The Perfect Weapon
Blood Sport
Kill Zone
City of Violence
Protector
Hero
Chocolate
The Kumite
Chok Dee the kickboxer
Best of the Best
Blood and Bone
Red Belt
Black Eagle
Revenge of the Ninja
Sha Po Lang should be on this list, along with Warriors 2, both are awesome films with quality fight sequences. Donnie Yen v Sammo Hung in S.P.L. is just truly something else.
Have to agree that Fist of Legend, the Jet Li remake of Fist of Fury is actually a better film, the last fight sequence in that v the Japanese general is top drawer!!
I’d put Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow, & Snake in the Monkey Shadow up there with Drunken Master too.
Firstly I have to excuse the person/people who wrote this list as they were obviously sharing a drink with the Jackie Chan in Drunken Master! Ip Man is THE greatest martial arts film ever, okay, good. As the film was released after the list was compiled you are forgiven. But seriously where is the 36th Chamber of Shaolin? Crouching Tiger bored the socks off of me, as for Matrix, wrong genre I’m afraid. Kill Bill????? Kill me now if that ever is regarded as a martial arts film. Yes Uma Thurman looked good in her Bruce Le costume, but no not martial arts.
Sorry rethink required!
Most retarded ist EVER! Here is a WAY more appropriate list.
1.Master of the Flying Gilloutine (aka One Armed Boxer 2)
2.5 fingers of Death
3.The 36 Chambers Of Shaolin (Master Killer)
4.Shaolin & Wu-Tang (Gordon Lui Directorial debut!)
5.5 Deady Venoms
6.Hero
7.Shogun Assasin (not really kung fu, but still amazing!)
8.Come Drink With Me
9.One Armed Swordsman
10.Crouchin Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The best kung fu movies did come from the 70′s but ANYTHING put out by Shaw Bros is basically an instant kung fu classic with the great characters, beautiful sets & cinematogrophy that was WAY ahead of its time. When Shaw Bros first started releasing DvDs on Dragon Dynasty, & their own distribution, I’d buy up EVERY movie there was; even if I hadn’t seen them before. That’s how good a Shaw Bros movie experience is. Although its not made by Shaw Bros, Master of the flying Gilloutine is in my opinion the BEST MOVIE EVER! That movie is reminiscent of the Spagetti Western Greats of the 60s & 70s, with the unique characters & the greatest weapon of all time-the fying gilloutine! I can watch it 50 times in a row & NEVER get sick of it! And that, my students is a Kung Fu List!
Lmao, no 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, really? This isn’t a greatest of all time list, this is a piece of shit.
1. As stated before me, you left out Enter the Dragon.
2. Seven Samurai is “one the the greatest Kung Fu movies …” —- you know this is Japanese, right?
OK, I know this comes in late, but imho.. it’s a disgrace not to have a Jet Li movie making it on the list. Here’s my revised List:
1. Iron Monkey
2. Prodigal son
3. Twin Warriors (Tai Chi Master)
4. Drunken Tai Chi
5. Shaolin vs Lama
6. Drunken Master
7. Hero
8. Ong Bak II
9. Seven Swords
10. Return to the 36 chambers
Wow now you have got to put up IP man in at least the top 5 movies. That movie is EPIC, the fight scenes are on par along with the storyline. You know its a good movie when the main character only gets hit 3 times throughout the movie.
Dudes!!!! wth!!!! crappy list that….. Tiger dragon gate is on top of my list nd is nowhere to be seen…and i HAVE seen a few martial arts movies….
Not one person has mentioned The Rebel. This movie is easily number 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms2o-jmlFmc&feature=fvw
Nobody for MORTAL KOMBAT??