Games

The Best Chinese Martial Arts Movies

Published

40 seconds ago

October 21, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Chinese martial arts films celebrate history with deep themes.
Drunken Master
blends humor and choreography for a unique style.
House of Flying Daggers
is a tragic masterpiece with thrilling wuxia action.

Over the years, the Chinese film industry has set itself apart when it comes to the martial arts genre. Garnering a sterling reputation for their impressive storytelling and jaw-dropping choreography, these films have frequently set new bars for martial arts cinema as a whole.

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These films have frequently celebrated China’s rich history of martial arts, and have showcased all manner of fighting styles. Some classics have even managed to mix philosophy into the action, providing viewers with thoughtful, deep dives into themes such as self-discovery, honor, and discipline. Protagonists often exhibit great strength and tenacity, as viewers follow them through a life-changing journey of personal growth. With incredible cinematography and attention to detail, the Chinese martial arts genre continues to influence cinema worldwide today.

5 Drunken Master

A Humorous Kung Fu Flick With A Satisfying Pay-Off

Initial Release Date: October 5, 1978
Director: Yuen Woo-ping
Language: Cantonese

In one of the earlier examples of successfully blending martial arts and comedy, Jackie Chan showcased his unique action-hero style to great acclaim. Between the physical humor and impressive martial arts choreography, Drunken Master quickly set itself apart as a new breed of martial arts film.

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As Wong Fei-hung, Chan excels as a cheeky martial artist who is forced to train under the notoriously brutal Beggar So. Despite a rough start, the pair’s dynamic proves to be surprisingly effective. As Wong masters the bizarre drunken fighting style, he also encounters dangerous threats to both himself and his father. Set during the Qing dynasty, the film captures a hopeful, good-humored spirit through its engaging, folklore-esque leads and fast-paced plot.

4 House Of Flying Daggers

An Intense, Unexpectedly Tragic Look At Rebellion And Deception

Initial Release Date: December 26, 2004
Director: Zhang Yimou
Language: Mandarin

Set during the closing years of the Tang Dynasty, House of Flying Daggers focuses on the titular group of rebels. Pulling a Robin Hood, the House 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 enforcers tasked with infiltrating the House of Flying Daggers via undercover means. The result is a dramatic, thoughtful action flick that encompasses a variety of themes, including identity, romance, and betrayal. With elements of tragedy in its twist-filled plot, House of Flying Daggers is a rewarding, emotional effort with plenty of wuxia action to satisfy genre fans.

3 Enter The Dragon

A Seminal Classic Starring Action Legend Bruce Lee

Initial Release Date: July 26, 1973
Director: Robert Clouse
Language: Cantonese, English

This beloved hit saw Bruce Lee finish bringing martial arts cinema to the Hollywood mainstream. The final film of the king fu icon’s career, Enter the Dragon blends a variety of genres and plot elements to create an eclectic piece of action cinema.

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Bruce Lee plays the appropriately named Lee, a martial artist called in for a mission with 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 potential drug lord he is investigating. Praised for its fight scenes, the film is also credited for serving as an early inspiration for the sport of MMA.

2 The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin

A Classic Look At A Shaolin Legend

Initial Release Date: February 2, 1978
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Language: Mandarin, Cantonese

Famed Shaolin martial artist San Te gets the action-hero treatment in this seminal kung fu classic. Set during the Qing dynasty era, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin revolves around martial artists taking brutal revenge on the Manchu authorities for destroying their school.

From there, the movie follows San Te as he endures the grueling training required to become a Shaolin kung fu master. Through a variety of training phases and challenges over several years, he becomes one of the deadliest martial artists in the country. Sharing his kung fu gifts with the populace, San Te’s story here has set itself apart as a classic of the genre, earning praise for its plot, combat sequences, and thoughtful study of Shaolin training principles.

1 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

A Modern Classic That Ignited International Interest In The Genre

Initial Release Date: January 5, 2001
Director: Ang Lee
Language: Mandarin

Ang Lee’s widely praised martial arts epic, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon enjoyed a great run during the year 2000’s awards season. Based on a classic novel, this wuxia-themed flick is set during the Qing dynasty.

Chow Yun-fat takes on the lead role of Li Mu Bai, a swordsman from the fictional Wudang school. Li Mu Bai’s decision to retire from the world of swordsmanship sets the film’s thoughtful narrative into motion. The result is a beautifully shot action drama, boasting incendiary martial arts set pieces, and compelling character arcs and themes. The film’s surprising international success shone an international light on the wuxia genre at the start of the millennium.