Best Bruce Lee Movies, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • Bruce Lee broke stereotypes in Hollywood as the first Asian lead actor in a major American movie, Enter the Dragon.
  • Lee displayed his versatility by starting in drama films before dominating the martial arts genre with iconic fight scenes.
  • Game of Death, directed by Bruce Lee, highlighted his martial arts prowess despite being unfinished due to his untimely death.

As a passionate admirer of the legendary Bruce Lee, I find myself utterly captivated by his exceptional journey and the indelible mark he left on the world of cinema. From his humble beginnings in Hong Kong to his meteoric rise as an international icon, each of these films showcases a different facet of his immense talent – be it action-packed martial arts sequences, dramatic performances, or thought-provoking narratives that tackled pressing societal issues.

Bruce Lee, initially known as a champion in Cha-Cha dancing, honed his swift footwork to excel at martial arts, focusing particularly on Gung Fu – an antique form of hand-to-hand combat used for self-defense. He initially taught martial arts to finance his education in psychology and drama, and his skill eventually led him to establish multiple schools in Seattle. Facing racial prejudice and discrimination while attempting to build a career in Hollywood, he ultimately moved back to Hong Kong and launched his own production company.

In time, Warner Bros., who had previously denied Lee a leading role due to his ethnicity, approached him to script a film – one of his most iconic works titled “Enter the Dragon“. Known for his self-assured and innovative nature, Lee shattered stereotypes, fostered cultural understanding, and made history as the first Asian actor to headline a major American movie. By doing so, he paved the way for other Asian actors like Jackie Chan. Martial arts enthusiasts can find in this list some of Bruce Lee’s finest career achievements.

8 Game Of Death (1978)

The Unfinished Yet Successful Movie

  • Original title: Game Of Death
  • Duration: 1h 40m
  • Director: Robert Clouse, Bruce Lee
  • Release date: March 23, 1978
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

The film titled “Game of Death” was jointly written and produced by none other than Bruce Lee himself. Sadly, before its completion, Lee tragically passed away. Since then, Robert Clouse took over directional duties to wrap up the martial arts flick, ultimately substituting Lee (who played a major role) with another artist from Taiwan named Bruce Li.

The plot tells the story of a skilled martial artist who, after being injured during an assassination attempt, is forced to fake his death to get revenge. Viewers can see realistic fights between Bruce Lee and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a 7-foot basketball player and actor.

7 In The Face Of Demolition (1953)

One Of Lee’s Earliest Acting Roles Outside Martial Arts

  • Original title: Wei Lou Chun Xiao
  • Duration: 2h 10m
  • Director: Tit Lee
  • Release date: November 27, 1953
  • Streaming: —

Stepping into the Shoes of the Past” – That’s a gripping drama flick directed by Li Tee, set in bustling Hong Kong. As a passionate gamer and Bruce Lee fan, I couldn’t resist the chance to peek into his early days on the silver screen when he was only 13 years old. Interestingly, he doesn’t take the limelight in this movie, but rather plays a significant role as a supporting actor, offering a unique perspective on his journey towards stardom.

As a fellow gaming enthusiast, let me share some insights about Bruce Lee – he was way beyond just an action star with a black belt! In the early stages of his acting journey, you might be surprised to find him playing roles in dramas rather than martial arts movies. This versatility showcased his talent and potential at a young age, proving that he was more than meets the eye.

6 The Big Boss (1971)

Realistic Fights, With Themes Of Loyalty And Revenge

  • Original title: Tang Shan da Xiong
  • Duration: 1h 41m
  • Director: Wei Lo, Chia-Hsiang Wu
  • Release date: June 25, 1973
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Two years prior to Bruce Lee’s passing, the film titled “The Big Boss” was released, marking one of his initial successful martial arts films. In this production, audiences were treated to numerous fight scenes. The narrative centers around a promise Cheng Chao-an (portrayed by Bruce Lee) made to his mother following her demise.

After his mother’s passing, he vowed never to engage in violent conflicts again. Yet, his circumstances shifted when he secured employment at a factory, where he was frequently confronted by a band of local thugs, constantly challenging his commitment to his vow.

5 An Orphan’s Tragedy (1955)

An Emotional Story of Loss and Revenge

  • Original title: Gu Xing Xue Lei
  • Duration: 1h 53m
  • Director: Ji Zhu
  • Release date: February 11, 1955
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

As a passionate fan, I must say that although Bruce Lee didn’t star as the lead actor in “The Orphan’s Tragedy,” it remains extraordinary because it marked one of his earliest acting roles as a child before he moved to the United States. At only 14 years old, this movie offers a rare glimpse into the budding talent of young Bruce Lee, even though it has its imperfections. However, the raw acting prowess displayed by the teenager makes this movie a captivating watch for any fan.

The story is an adaptation of the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. The plot revolves around a young man, played by Bruce Lee, who becomes an orphan after his parents’ mysterious death. He seeks revenge and eventually becomes a highly skilled martial artist. The story covers themes of loss and grief as well as justice, offering a lot of action and an emotional story as well.

4 The Way Of The Dragon (1972)

The Iconic Fight Between Bruce Lee And Chuck Norris

  • Original title: Meng Long Guo Jiang
  • Duration: 1h 39m
  • Director: Bruce Lee
  • Release date: December 30, 1972
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Under Bruce Lee’s direction and penmanship, “The Way of the Dragon” featured him as the leading actor. This dynamic blend of action and comedy was captured on film within the hallowed grounds of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Its enduring appeal is largely attributed to its realistic portrayal of martial arts techniques.

The story centers on Tang Lung, portrayed by Bruce Lee, as he journeys from Hong Kong to Italy to safeguard his family’s eatery from local thugs. Some of the film’s most memorable moments include the battles between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in Rome.

3 The Thunderstorm (1957)

Shows Lee’s Dramatic Versatility Outside Martial Arts

  • Original title: Lei Yu
  • Duration: 2h 04m
  • Director: Wui Ng
  • Release date: March 14, 1957
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

In “The Thunderstorm,” directed by Wui Ng, it was 16-year-old Bruce Lee who was chosen for the role. What draws fans to this film is that it allows them to witness Lee beyond his action roles. Rather than watching him display his martial arts prowess, viewers can appreciate his acting skills in a more dramatic context.

The tale revolves primarily around the Zhou clan, a prosperous yet turbulent family harboring numerous hidden struggles and discords that ripple throughout their lives. Bruce Lee portrays Zhou Chong, one of the family’s offspring, in one of his earlier significant dramatic films produced in Hong Kong.

2 Fist Of Fury (1972)

Themes Of Justice, Nationalism, And Discrimination

  • Original title: Jing Wu Men
  • Duration: 1h 46m
  • Director: Wei Lo
  • Release date: March 1, 1973
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

In the film “Fist of Fury,” Bruce Lee’s character, Chen Zhen, becomes renowned for a pivotal scene where he boldly defies a “No Dogs or Chinese Allowed” sign amidst discrimination. This iconic moment showcases his courageous battle against unfairness.

The film is loosely inspired by real-life historical occurrences, yet it maintains a fictional storyline. It takes creative liberties from the tensions between China and Japan as its foundation. In this particular movie, Chen Zhen embarks on a quest to uncover his master’s mysterious demise, leading to an unending series of intense confrontations.

1 Enter The Dragon (1973)

An Influential Movie That Solidified Lee As A Global Icon

  • Original title: Enter The Dragon
  • Duration: 1h 42m
  • Director: Robert Clouse
  • Release date: January 11, 1974
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

Bruce Lee’s classic film, “Fist of Fury,” was one of his most impactful and recognized pieces of work. It also marked the debut of an Asian lead actor in a major American production. Tragically, Bruce Lee wouldn’t live to witness the movie’s tremendous success as he passed away a week before its release.

In simpler terms, “Enter The Dragon” is a film where a proficient martial artist and undercover agent enters a martial arts competition to gather intel on a criminal. This movie is known for its thrilling combat sequences, and it played a significant role in making Bruce Lee famous around the world.

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2024-11-13 10:34