Top Kung Fu Movies

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is set in a futuristic world where humans are unknowingly living in an artificial reality known as the Matrix. Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer hacker, discovers the truth and joins a group of rebels led by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) to fight against the machines and free humanity from the Matrix. With the help of Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Neo embarks on a quest to save humanity and defeat the machines. Along the way, Neo learns of the power of the Matrix and the potential of his own abilities. As Neo and his allies battle the machines, they discover that the Matrix is not just a computer program, but a prison designed to keep humanity enslaved. In the end, Neo is able to use his newfound abilities to defeat the machines and free humanity from the grasp of the Matrix.

From Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Siu-Wong Fan, Ka-Tung Lam
Rated R

Ip Man is a 2008 Hong Kong biographical martial arts film based on the life of Ip Man, a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun, and master of Bruce Lee. The film follows Ip Man's life from his childhood in a rural town in Southern China, to his days as a master of Wing Chun, to his eventual move to Hong Kong and struggles as a refugee after the Japanese invasion of China. Through his journey, Ip Man displays his formidable martial arts skills, as well as his peaceful and compassionate nature in the face of adversity. In the end, he establishes himself as one of the most respected martial arts masters in the world.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah
Rated R

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she continues her quest for revenge against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad who tried to kill her and her unborn child. She battles her former master, Bill (David Carradine), in a climatic showdown that tests her skills and her will. The film also delves into the Bride's past, exploring the history of her relationships with the other members of the squad, and the secrets that Bill has been keeping from her. With her enemies defeated one by one, The Bride ultimately succeeds in her mission of vengeance, and finally finds closure.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Jet Li, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang
Rated PG-13

Hero is a 2002 martial arts epic directed by Yimou Zhang. The film follows Nameless, a nameless warrior who is summoned to the court of the powerful King of Qin to explain how he managed to kill three of the warlord's most formidable enemies in one day. Nameless must prove his story by demonstrating his martial arts skills and recounting his journey. Through flashbacks, the audience learns of Nameless' travels, his encounters with various martial artists, and his strategy for defeating the King's enemies. Along the way, Nameless discovers a conspiracy involving an assassin, as well as an old tragedy from his past. Ultimately, he is successful in his mission, and earns the title of "Hero," but sacrifices much in the process.

From Ang Lee, starring Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Ziyi Zhang, Chang Chen
Rated PG-13

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is an epic martial arts film from director Ang Lee. The story follows two warriors, Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien, as they search for a stolen legendary sword, the Green Destiny. Along the way, they are met with obstacles, including the mysterious and talented Jen Yu, a young martial arts prodigy, and a villainous warlord looking to take the sword for his own. Through their journey, the characters learn valuable lessons about life, love, and the power of friendship. Filled with breathtaking action sequences and spectacular scenery, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a timeless classic that has become a beloved classic of the martial arts movie genre.

From Stephen Chow, starring Stephen Chow, Wah Yuen, Qiu Yuen, Siu-Lung Leung
Rated R

Kung Fu Hustle is a 2004 action comedy film directed, written, produced, and starring Stephen Chow. The film follows a hapless wannabe gangster who aspires to become one of the notorious "Axe Gang" in 1940s Shanghai. After a failed attempt to intimidate a small apartment building, the gangsters must face the formidable residents of the building, who are in fact martial arts masters in disguise. With the help of a sly beggar, a talented thief, and the accidental unleashing of the power of kung fu, the gangsters are soon no match for the residents. In the end, the aspiring gangster learns the importance of humility and good triumphing over evil.

From Robert Clouse, starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Ahna Capri
Rated R

Enter the Dragon is a 1973 martial arts action film directed by Robert Clouse, starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly and Ahna Capri. The plot follows Lee, a martial artist, as he is recruited by a British intelligence agency to investigate a tournament organized by the criminal Han. During the tournament, Lee must battle a variety of martial arts experts, including Han's top henchman, O'Hara. As Lee faces off against his opponents, he also uncovers a drug-smuggling operation and a network of crime and corruption. Ultimately, Lee must use his martial arts skills to defeat both Han and O'Hara in order to bring justice to the island. Enter the Dragon is widely regarded as one of the greatest martial arts films of all time.

From Ronny Yu, starring Jet Li, Li Sun, Yong Dong, Yun Qu
Rated PG-13

Fearless is a 2006 martial arts action drama directed by Ronny Yu and starring Jet Li. The film tells the story of Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li), the founder of the Jin Wu Sports Federation, a martial arts organization. Set during the early 20th century in Tianjin, China, the film follows Huo Yuanjia's journey as he battles injustice and corruption while attempting to restore his family's honor. Along his journey, Huo Yuanjia must confront his own personal demons and overcome a variety of obstacles in order to become a true martial arts master. With the help of his friends, he is able to eventually reclaim his family's pride and restore peace to the country.

From Toshiya Fujita, starring Meiko Kaji, Toshio Kurosawa, Masaaki Daimon, Miyoko Akaza
Rated Not Rated

Lady Snowblood is a 1973 Japanese action film directed by Toshiya Fujita and starring Meiko Kaji. The film follows the story of Lady Snowblood (Kaji), a young woman out for revenge for the death of her family, who was killed by four criminals. After training as a master swordsman and infiltrating the criminal underworld, Lady Snowblood embarks on a bloody mission of vengeance, taking out the four criminals responsible her family's death one by one. Along the way, she is pursued by a relentless policeman determined to bring her to justice. With her elegant swordplay and chilling ruthlessness, Lady Snowblood is a timeless tale of revenge, justice and death.

From Directors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson, starring Jack Black, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
Rated PG

Kung Fu Panda is a 2008 animated action-comedy directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. It follows the story of Po (voiced by Jack Black), a clumsy, but lovable panda, who is chosen as the Dragon Warrior and must save his village from the villainous snow leopard Tai Lung (voiced by Ian McShane). With the help of his kung fu masters Shifu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman) and the Furious Five (Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper, and Monkey), Po must learn the ways of kung fu to battle and defeat Tai Lung. Along the way, Po discovers inner-strength and courage to become a true kung fu master.

From Directors: Chia-Liang Liu, Jackie Chan, starring Jackie Chan, Ho-Sung Pak, Lung Ti, Anita Mui
Rated R

The Legend of Drunken Master is a 1994 Hong Kong martial arts action comedy film directed by Chia-Liang Liu and starring Jackie Chan. The film follows the story of a martial artist, Wong Fei-hung, who attempts to stop a group of criminals from stealing a valuable Chinese artifact. The film features a unique style of martial arts known as “drunken boxing”, which Wong Fei-hung uses to combat the criminals. The movie contains several intense fight scenes, comedy, and some dazzling stunts. At the end of the movie, Wong Fei-hung successfully defeats the criminals and returns the artifact to its rightful owners. The film was a major success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Hong Kong at the time. The movie is seen as a classic of the martial arts genre and has been praised for its fight scenes and stunt work.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Ziyi Zhang, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Dandan Song
Rated PG-13

House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 Chinese wuxia romance film directed by Yimou Zhang and starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, and Ziyi Zhang. The film follows a police captain's mission to bring down a mysterious rebel group known as the "House of Flying Daggers." As he and his deputy investigate, they encounter a blind dancer who may be the key to unlocking the secrets of the group. As their mission progresses, they discover that their enemies are not what they seem and that love may be their only hope of survival. With stunning martial arts action and a sweeping romantic story, House of Flying Daggers is an epic tale of daring and adventure.

From Woo-Ping Yuen, starring Rongguang Yu, Donnie Yen, Jean Wang, Sze-Man Tsang
Rated PG-13

Iron Monkey is a 1993 Hong Kong martial arts action film directed by Woo-Ping Yuen and starring Donnie Yen, Yu Rong-guang, Jean Wang, and Yuen Shun-Yi. The film tells the story of a legendary masked martial arts master, known as Iron Monkey, whose heroic deeds are renowned throughout the land. He is sought out by the people of his province to help free them from the oppressive rule of the corrupt governor, who is taxing the people heavily while using the funds to live an extravagant lifestyle. Iron Monkey must use his martial arts skills to take on the governor and his henchmen in order to restore justice and peace to the people. Along the way, he meets a young doctor and his daughter who help him in his fight. With exciting action and breathtaking stunts, Iron Monkey proves to be one of the best martial arts films of all time.

From Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Xiaoming Huang, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Lynn Xiong
Rated R

Ip Man 2 is a 2010 martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen as the legendary martial artist Ip Man. The film is a sequel to 2008's Ip Man, and follows Ip Man's relocation to Hong Kong in 1949 and his attempts to establish a school to promote his Wing Chun Kung Fu fighting style. The film follows Ip Man as he faces off against a rival martial arts master, Hung Chun-nam (Sammo Hung), and struggles to protect his school from a group of British martial arts experts led by the arrogant and aggressive Barton Geddes (Darren Shahlavi). Along the way, Ip Man also discovers a talented young student, Wong Leung (Huang Xiaoming), whose exceptional skills attract the attention of both Hung and Geddes. The film culminates in an epic battle between Ip Man and Geddes, during which Ip Man is forced to confront his own sense of self-doubt, and ultimately emerge victorious. Through his struggles, Ip Man learns the importance of humility and respect, and succeeds in achieving his goal of establishing a Wing Chun school in Hong Kong.

From Takeshi Kitano, starring Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano, Yui Natsukawa, Michiyo Yasuda
Rated R

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi is a 2003 Japanese action film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film is set during the early 19th century in rural Japan, and follows the story of a blind masseur and swordsman named Zatoichi. While traveling to a nearby town, Zatoichi befriends a young woman who is being pursued by a group of gangsters. Zatoichi soon finds himself caught up in a violent conflict between two rival gangs, and he must use his skills as a swordsman in order to protect himself and his new friends. The film features a blend of action, comedy, and drama as Zatoichi struggles to maintain his honor and dignity in a world that has been taken over by violence and greed.

From Directors: Jackie Chan, Chi-Hwa Chen, starring Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Yuen Chor
Rated PG-13

Police Story is a 1985 Hong Kong action-crime film written and directed by Jackie Chan and starring Chan, Brigitte Lin, Maggie Cheung, and Lam Kwok-Hung. The film follows Chan Ka-Kui, an officer in the Hong Kong Police Force, as he attempts to bring down crime lord Chu Tao. Chan faces numerous obstacles in his mission, including a lack of support from his superiors, a corrupt police force, and opposition from both Chu Tao and his gang. He also faces personal issues, including the tension between himself and his girlfriend May, and his struggle to keep his brave and incorruptible image. Through a series of thrilling action sequences (including the now-iconic bus-jumping scene) and Chan’s wry sense of humor, Police Story ultimately proves that justice and morality can prevail in the face of overwhelming odds.

From Takashi Miike, starring Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Ikki Sawamura
Rated R

13 Assassins is a 2010 samurai action film directed by Takashi Miike and starring Koji Yakusho and Takayuki Yamada. Set in the mid-19th century Japan, the story follows a group of thirteen assassins who come together to bring down a cruel and ruthless lord in order to stop his relentless reign of terror. When their plans are discovered, they must battle their way through hundreds of enemies in a massive, epic battle. With courage and skill, they fight to restore justice to their homeland and honor to the samurai code.

From Woo-Ping Yuen, starring Jackie Chan, Siu-Tin Yuen, Jeong-lee Hwang, Dean Shek
Rated PG-13

From Jimmy Wang Yu, starring Jimmy Wang Yu, Tien Wu Chu, Kang Chin, Chun-Erh Lung
Rated R

From Stephen Chow, starring Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Yat-Fei Wong, Man-Tat Ng
Rated PG

From Wei Lo, starring Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien, Maria Yi
Rated R

From Bruce Lee, starring Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Nora Miao, Ping-Ou Wei
Rated R

From Prachya Pinkaew, starring Tony Jaa, Phetthai Vongkumlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol, Suchao Pongwilai
Rated R

From Pierre Morel, starring Cyril Raffaelli, David Belle, Tony D'Amario, Bibi Naceri
Rated R

From Louis Leterrier, starring Jet Li, Bob Hoskins, Morgan Freeman, Kerry Condon
Rated R