Best Karate Movies

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Key Takeaways

  • Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, inspired famous martial arts movies, and influenced Hollywood.
  • Top-rated martial arts movies on IMDb range from the 1970s to 2017, starring iconic actors in Asian films.
  • Karate movie recommendations like Karate Girl, The Empty Hands, and Black Belt offer authentic action and Karate expertise.

As a lifelong martial arts enthusiast and action movie buff, I must say that these three films are absolute gems for any formate lover seeking authentic action!

Karate is a recognized Japanese martial art founded by the father of modern Karate, Funakoshi Gichin. It originated in Okinawa, one of the largest islands in Japan, and has since inspired many Karate movies, including the 2015 documentary The Real Miyagi and IMDb’s top-ranked Karate movie, The Karate Kid (1984).

Based on highly-rated martial arts films on IMDb, it appears that the genre’s golden age spanned from the 1970s to 2017. This collection features renowned actors such as Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, and Pat Morita, whose impact is still felt today. The emphasis of this list will be on Asian movies, which include true-to-life stories like “Karate For Life,” starring martial artist Sonny Chiba.

This article addresses intense violent scenes. Viewers’ discretion is advised.

8 Karate Girl (2011)

IMDb’s Rating: 5.2/10

  • Director: Yoshikatsu Kimura
  • Release Date: February 5, 2011
  • Original Movie Title: Karateci Kiz
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

In a moving narrative, the film titled “Karate Girl” revolves around a devoted father, a skilled karate master, who imparts an age-old martial art form to his two daughters. The story commences with a powerful and emotional sequence where the father is brutally killed by a ruthless gang, and one of the sisters is abducted. Over time, the kidnapped sister is trained in karate for lethal purposes, while the other lives a tranquil life working at a local cinema. As fate would have it, they eventually reunite and take on the gang jointly to seek retribution for their father’s tragic demise.

The film features numerous karate battle sequences, emotional segments, and a straightforward narrative structure. Critics particularly praise the sister’s fight scenes, despite their apparent scripted nature, leading to an IMDb user rating of 5.2 out of 10.

7 The Empty Hands (2017)

IMDb’s Rating: 6.0/10

  • Director: Chapman To
  • Release Date: November 1, 2017
  • Original Movie Title: Hung sau dou
  • Streaming: Apple TV+

The storyline of “The Empty Hands” is exceptionally well-crafted. The main character, Mari Hirakawa, abandons karate due to her father’s overly stringent training regime. Following her father’s demise, she becomes the owner of his dojo, a decision she finds herself torn about. Later on, she reconnects with one of her father’s former students who also inherited half of the dojo. This encounter begins to shift Mari’s perception towards Karate.

Noteworthy is that the director who played a significant role in Hung Sau Dou, also graced the main cast. This multi-talented individual was even recognized with a nomination for the Hong Kong Film Award for Excellence in New Directing. Despite some viewers finding this karate film a tad sluggish, others appreciated it as an enjoyable watch, contributing to its 6.0 rating on IMDb.

6 Champion Of Death (1975)

IMDb’s Rating: 6.6/10

  • Director: Kazuhiko Yamaguchi
  • Release Date: August 9, 1975
  • Original Movie Title: Kenka karate kyokushinken
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

The 1970s film titled “Champion of Death“, or alternatively “Karate Bullfighter“, features Sonny Chiba in a leading role. In this movie, he portrays Mas Oyama, a highly respected Karate master of the time. Mas Oyama was a renowned figure known for his ability to subdue fierce bulls with nothing but his bare hands, as depicted in one of the film’s sequences.

The film about karate is inspired by the real-life tale of Mas Oyama, sparking enthusiasm among karate enthusiasts. Moreover, the movie captivates audiences with its authentic karate sequences and compelling narrative, considering when it was initially released.

5 Karate For Life (1977)

IMDb’s Rating: 6.7/10

  • Director: Kazuhiko Yamaguchi
  • Release Date: May 14, 1977
  • Original Movie Title: Karate Baka Ichidai
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Under the esteemed direction of Japanese filmmaker Kazuhiko Yamaguchi, “Karate For Life” is a factual account centered around the legendary Master Mas Oyama. This film was launched two years subsequent to the karate movie titled “Champions Of Death”, which also falls under the same series. Interestingly, both narratives revolve around the same karate master, but they each present unique storylines.

Life in Karate delves into Mas Oyama’s later life and his traditional beliefs, contrasting with Death’s Conqueror, which explores the early hardships of his existence. These movies are essential viewing for aficionados of Karate. Critics praise the compelling acting performance of Sonny Chiba and the thrilling martial arts sequences. However, be aware that the content is extremely violent, so viewer discretion is strongly advised.

4 Black Belt (2007)

IMDb’s Rating: 6.9/10

  • Director: Shunichi Nagasaki
  • Release Date: May 2007
  • Original Movie Title: Kuro-obi
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

As a devoted fan, I find Black Belt truly captivating due to its authenticity. The director, Shunichi Nagasaki, has chosen to feature genuine Karate experts like Akihito Yagi, Tatsuya Naka, and Yûji Suzuki in the lead roles. This unique choice sets it apart from other martial arts films, making every action sequence feel raw, real, and genuinely impressive.

1930s-era movie received praise for its profound philosophical themes, convincing fight choreography, character growth, and plot that delved into the trials of karate, mental fortitude, and the essence of martial arts. Ideal for martial art enthusiasts yearning for a genuine action flick.

3 The Street Fighter (1974)

IMDb’s Rating: 6.9/10

  • Director: Shigehiro Ozawa
  • Release Date: February 2, 1974
  • Original Movie Title: Gekitotsu! Satsujin ken
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

As spectators delve into “The Street Fighter,” they embark on an exhilarating journey through the zenith of karate movie-making during the 1970s, with the illustrious Sonny Chiba leading the way. In this movie, Chiba portrays a mercenary maneuvering amidst deception and bloodshed, offering a blend of thrilling action and unsparing violence.

The original “Street Fighter” movie significantly contributed to the creation of the renowned “Street Fighter” video game series, cementing its status as a classic within the martial arts community. Moreover, its captivating karate sequences not only provided entertainment but also redefined the visual style for action films and martial arts practitioners.

2 The Real Miyagi (2015)

IMDb’s Rating: 7.1/10

  • Director: Kayvon Derak Shanian
  • Release Date: February 20, 2015
  • Original Movie Title: The Real Miyagi
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

A 2015 documentary titled “The True Miyagi” was released, aiming to enlighten audiences about the authentic roots of karate and unveil the identity of the genuine Miyagi. The intrigue generated by this documentary led to a nomination and ultimately a win at the Canada International Film Festival.

The film spotlights Fumio Demura, an individual who achieved the extremely rare and highly respected 9th Dan Black Belt in martial arts. Beyond his impressive accomplishment, Demura has influenced notable figures such as Steven Seagal and Bruce Lee, and also had a close friendship with Pat Morita, another well-known figure. This documentary is a must-see for those eager to expand their understanding of Karate.

1 The Karate Kid (1984)

IMDb’s Rating: 7.3/10

  • Director: John G. Avildsen
  • Release Date: October 25, 1984
  • Original Movie Title: The Karate Kid
  • Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

The Karate Kid is a classic movie about Karate, centered around the character Daniel Larusso. The story unfolds as a young boy finds himself tormented by a gang of skilled Karate practitioners, who have been tutored by a cruel sensei. However, things take a turn when he seeks guidance from Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita). This relationship leads to significant changes in his life and personal growth. It’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys martial arts films.

Additionally, the film nominated for a Golden Globe (Golden Globe Nominee) featuring karate showcases self-discipline and underscores that true power originates from within. The profound emotional impact of this movie left many viewers in tears. This film’s popularity transcended age groups, leading to numerous sequels and adaptations of The Karate Kid series.

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2024-11-05 16:35