Martial arts movies aren’t for everyone because they’re frequently hardcore action movies, sometimes feature intense gore in their action sequences, and can feel like thrill-seeking rides without much substance at times. However, the genre has more to offer than the archetypal definition may suggest, and there’s at least one martial arts movie for every viewer to fall in love with.

From the best martial arts adventure movies to martial arts movies made unforgettable by one fight scene, the range of viewing experiences offered by the genre can seem overwhelming for anyone looking to get into the genre. While the martial arts movies where Jackie Chan is the director and star could be a good place, some of them are typical.

So, instead, the ideal thing for a newcomer to do is start with watching the quintessential martial arts movies that have defined and redefined the genre. Despite the insinuation, this doesn’t only include the most typical examples, as experimental blending with other genres often leads to the conception and creation of influential movies that everyone should watch at least once.

10

Ip Man (2008)

Directed by Wilson Yip

For 41 years, Donnie Yen has entertained fans of the martial arts genre. His earlier Hollywood roles in the 2000s, including a cameo in Blade II, the best film in the movie trilogy, underutilized him, despite his stature as a star in Hong Kong. Yen finally got his big break in 2008’s Ip Man, and is a Hollywood legend today.

Ip Man is loosely based on the тιтular Ip Man, or Yip Man, who became a master and trainer of the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun, and is famously the man who taught Bruce Lee. While the movie is a dramatic interpretation with a significant amount of artistic freedom, Yen’s impressive fight sequences make it an unforgettable must-watch film.

9

Fist of Legend (1994)

Directed by Gordon Chan

The martial arts genre wouldn’t be the same without the legendary Jet Li, and irrespective of one’s relationship with the genre, it is imperative everyone sees at least one of his movies in their lifetime, just to appreciate his craft. Known for his incredible speed, the man has starred in some of the most famous martial arts action films ever.

It’s nearly impossible to fill the shoes of the inimitable Bruce Lee, but Jet Li proves to be beyond capable in the ’94 remake of Fist of Fury. He brings his signature rapid-fire style to Fist of Legend, which showcases what makes the genre so popular. Li is in the spotlight as he beats countless enemies in emotionally charged fights.

8

Bloodsport (1988)

Directed by Newt Arnold

Lovingly nicknamed The Muscles from Brussels, the Belgian action star Jean-Claude Van Damme has starred in an impressive roster of famous Hollywood action movies, ever since his breakout role in 1988’s Bloodsport. Before starting acting, he used to be a professional martial arts fighter with an incredible record in kickboxing, which he has frequently showcased in his intense action movies.

While the credibility of the story of Frank Dux, which Bloodsport is based on, has been rightfully questioned over the years, the movie proves Van Damme’s credibility as an action star. With an impressive frame, a brilliantly agile style of fighting, and blows you can feel landing from this side of the screen, his performance established him in the industry.

7

Enter the Dragon (1973)

Directed by Robert Clouse

You don’t have to enjoy martial arts as an art form or martial arts as a movie genre to enjoy Bruce Lee’s screen presence. One of the greatest martial artists of all time, Bruce Lee’s lightning-fast reflexes and the power of his blows made him a formidable foe even without movie magic. His films might even have toned him down.

While he has many impressive starring roles, none of his movies are nearly as famous as Enter the Dragon. As the most successful martial arts movie of all time, it has inspired generations of filmmakers since its release over 5 decades ago. Lee’s hypnotically rapid fighting style is on full display in the movie that made him a household name.

6

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

With his love for stylized violence and extensive action set pieces, it is unsurprising that Quentin Tarantino has directed one of the biggest showcases of martial arts. With a stacked ensemble cast of martial artists, Kill Bill is a showcase of the art of swordfighting as Uma Thurman’s Beatrix Kiddo goes on a vengeful journey of slaughter in two films.

While the martial artistry in both movies is impressive, the gorgeously filmed fight scenes in the ending of Kill Bill Vol. 1 define the movies. Often considered the best fight scene of the 21st Century, it is a poetic dance of swords and feet in a never-ending clash of metal, sweat, and blood set to an unforgettable background score.

5

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Directed by Ang Lee

The charm of wuxia as a genre is that it features more expansive storytelling and characterization than traditional martial arts cinema. Characterized by gorgeous cinematography, thematic narratives, detailed lore, emotionally gratifying arcs, period costumes, and set pieces with an element of magic in them, wuxia films can win over every viewer, even those uninterested in action and martial arts movies.

While there is a plethora of wuxia films to pick from, the most impressive and influential of them all is Ang Lee’s classic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a fantasy movie that will make you love the genre. Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, both legends of martial arts, showcase their incredible skills in the movie, which continues to inspire stunt choreographers.

4

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Directed by Lau Kar-leung

Few directors have had as major an impact on martial arts cinema as Lau Kar-leung. While his impressive filmography has many contentious тιтles for his most influential movie, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin wins the top spot as his most imaginative film. A martial arts adventure movie, it reinvented the genre, and its influence is noticeable in today’s movies too.

While training arcs are always an important aspect of martial arts movies, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a training arc as a feature film. Everyone should watch the movie to experience the importance of experimenting with form, because the filming of the training in the movie has inspired some of the best training montages in cinema history.

3

Drunken Master (1978)

Directed by Yuen Woo-ping

Unless you’ve lived under a rock for 60 years, you’ve heard the name Jackie Chan. The sheer amount of influence that the martial artist has had on cinema, as we know it, makes him one of the most recognizable movie stars of all time, who has been in over 150 films, showcasing his incredible balance between slapstick and serious stuntwork.

While its sequel, one of Jackie Chan’s best action movies from the 1990s, is better than Drunken Master, it introduces the iconic style that will forever be a part of the actor’s legacy. Jackie Chan performs unbelievable fighting maneuvers with the body language of a drunkard, since his character learns to fight when drunk, giving the movie its name.

2

The Karate Kid (1984)

Directed by John G. Avildsen

As one of the best feel-good movies of the 1980s, The Karate Kid has enthralled generations of fans. It tells the simple and compelling story of a kid who moves to a new high school and learns karate from an unlikely teacher to beat the bullies in a compeтιтion. With a well-thought-out romantic sideplot, the movie has something for everyone.

However, the highlight isn’t the kid’s comeback in the fights or his adorable romance. His mentor, Mr. Miyagi, played to perfection by Pat Morita, is one of the most beloved movie characters of all time, for his unconventional training methods that employ household chores, and his comforting presence. Mr. Miyagi’s life lessons and words of wisdom will always be relevant.

1

Shaolin Soccer (2001)

Directed by Stephen Chow

Creating what is fondly known as The Stephen Chow Phenomenon in the late ’90s, Stephen Chow revolutionized Hong Kong cinema as a martial arts star and director. A comedic actor with incredible control over his body, who uses martial arts to perform hilarious stunts, Chow has an unforgettably entertaining screen presence.

The highest-grossing Chinese film at the time in Hong Kong, 2001’s Shaolin Soccer, is one of the funniest martial arts movies ever made. Washed-up Shaolin monks rediscover their martial artistry and use it to win a football tournament in the most unlikely turn of events. With comically exaggerated stunts and expressions, Shaolin Soccer is a riot from start to finish.