The best Chinese martial arts movies

Key foods

  • Chinese martial arts films celebrate history with deep themes.
  • drunk master
    It combines humor and dance for a unique style.
  • House of Flying Daggers
    is a tragic masterpiece with exciting wuxia action.



Over the years, China's film industry has distinguished itself when it comes to the martial arts genre. Acclaimed for their impressive storytelling and amazing choreography, these films have often set new bars for martial arts cinema as a whole.

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These films often celebrate the rich history of Chinese martial arts and showcase a variety of fighting styles. Some classics have even managed to combine philosophy with action and introduce viewers to themes such as self-knowledge, honor and discipline. The main characters often show great strength and tenacity as viewers follow them on a life-changing journey of personal growth. With incredible cinematography and attention to detail, Genre of Chinese martial arts It continues to influence world cinema today.



5 drunk master

A satirical kung fu flick with a satisfying payoff

  • Initial release date: October 5, 1978
  • director: Yuen Wu Ping
  • language: Cantonese

In one of the earlier examples of a successful combination of martial arts and comedy, Jackie Chan showcased his unique action-hero style and won acclaim. Between physical humor and impressive martial arts choreography, drunk master It quickly distinguished itself as a new generation of martial arts films.

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As Wong Fei Hong, Chan excels as a brazen martial artist who is forced to train under the famous wild beggar Su. Despite the rough start, the pair's dynamic is surprisingly effective. As Wang masters a strange drunken fighting style, he faces dangerous threats to both himself and his father. Set during the Qing Dynasty, the film portrays a hopeful and upbeat mood through its charming leads, folklore and fast-paced story.


4 House of Flying Daggers

An intense and sad look at rebellion and deception

  • Initial release date: December 26, 2004
  • director: Zhang Yimou
  • language: Mandarin

During the final years of the Tang Dynasty, House of Flying Daggers It focuses on the main group of rebels. Pulling a Robin Hood, Majlis supports the needy 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 the Flying Daggers through secret devices. The result is a dramatic and thoughtful action film that covers a variety of themes including identity, romance and betrayal. With elements of tragedy in the winding plot, House of Flying Daggers It is a rewarding and emotional effort with plenty of wuxia action to satisfy fans of the genre.


3 Enter the dragon

Bruce Lee, the classic action legend

  • Initial release date: July 26, 1973
  • director: Robert Close
  • language: Cantonese, English

This popular success catapulted Bruce Lee into mainstream Hollywood. The last film from the career of King Fu icon, Enter the dragon Blending a variety of genres and story elements to create an eclectic piece of action cinema.

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Bruce Lee stars as the aptly named Lee, a martial artist called in for a mission by British intelligence. The result is an intense piece of classic '70s action, as Lee finds himself competing in a dangerous martial arts tournament on an island run by the would-be drug kingpin he's investigating. Acclaimed for its fight scenes, the film is also credited with being the primary inspiration for the sport of MMA.


2 The thirty-sixth chamber of Shaolin

A classic look at the legend of Shaolin

  • Initial release date: February 2, 1978
  • director: Law Kar-Leung
  • language: Mandarin, Cantonese

Famed Shaolin martial artist Sun Teh receives heroic treatment in this seminal kung fu classic. It takes place during the Qing Dynasty. The thirty-sixth chamber of Shaolin It revolves around martial artists who take revenge on the Manchu authorities for destroying their school.

From there, the film follows Sun Tae as he endures the grueling training required to become a Shaolin kung fu master. He becomes one of the deadliest martial artists in the country during several years of training and challenges. San Te's story of sharing his kung fu gifts with the public has distinguished itself as a classic of the genre and has been praised for its plot, combat sequences, and thoughtful study of the principles of Shaolin training.


1 Crouching tiger, hidden dragon

A modern classic that sparked international interest in the genre

  • Initial release date: January 5, 2001
  • director: Ang Lee
  • language: Mandarin

Ang Lee's widely acclaimed martial arts epic, Crouching tiger, hidden dragon It enjoyed a great performance during the 2000 awards season. This Wuxia-themed film is based on a classic novel set in the Qing Dynasty.

Chow Yunfat plays the lead role of Li Mo Bai, a swordsman from the fictional school of Wudang. Li Mo Bai's decision to retire from the world of swordsmanship drives the film's thoughtful narrative. The result is a beautifully crafted action drama with a fiery martial arts ensemble and engaging character arcs and themes. The film's astonishing international success shone an international spotlight on the wuxia genre at the turn of the millennium.


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