Best Martial Arts Movies of the 1980s

As a seasoned connoisseur of martial arts cinema, hailing from the land where karate was born and bred, I have to say that this list is nothing short of a masterpiece! Each film on it showcases the raw power, grace, and artistry of martial arts in all its glory.

A significant number of aficionados of martial arts consider the 1980s as the genre’s golden era. This decade produced films with stunningly choreographed fights, often featuring Asian performers. These movies paved the way for upcoming martial artists. The fame attained by actors such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Biao Yuen not only expanded the opportunities for martial artists but also carved a niche in Hollywood for leading roles played by Asians.

If you’re curious to explore the spirit of martial arts cinema from that time period, take a look at the following films. Some may have slipped into obscurity over the years, but they remain highly relevant and engaging even today.

8 Yes, Madam! (1985)

One Of Michelle Yeoh’s Earliest Lead Roles

Director: Corey Yuen
Release Date: November 30, 1985
Original Movie Title: Huang Jia Shi Jie
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Indeed, Michelle Yeoh, famed for her exceptional acting in movies like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” appeared in one of her initial roles during the 1980s. This film was a significant success and marked a milestone in Yeoh’s career, earning her the Best New Performer award. The movie itself was nominated for Best Action Choreography in Hong Kong.

Spectators admired the exhilarating energy that the film provided during its action scenes featuring the two female leads, offering a novel perspective on martial arts films from the 1980s. The plot revolves around two detectives tracking down two thieves implicated in a homicide. In this movie, the fight sequences were executed primarily by Yeoh and her fellow actress Cynthia Rothrock, with minimal use of stunts or assistance, making it more engaging for viewers to enjoy.

7 The Shaolin Temple (1982)

Launched Jet Li’s Career As A Martial Artist

Director: Hsin-Yen Chang
Release Date: January 21, 1982
Original Movie Title: Shao Lin Si
Streaming: —

One of Jet Li’s early films, titled “Shaolin Temple,” played a significant role in establishing him as a renowned martial artist. The story revolves around a young character portrayed by Jet Li, who embarks on a quest for vengeance following his father’s demise. Along the way, he learns Shaolin Kung Fu from monks residing at the Shaolin Temple. However, there’s a condition – he must swear an oath to abstain from taking lives.

The film was helmed by Hsin-Yen Chang, who also produced two more movies – the comedy-action “Kids from Shaolin” and “Fist of Shaolin”. These movies with a Shaolin theme helped propel Shaolin Kung Fu into global acclaim.

6 Wheels On Meals (1984)

A Mix Of Comedy & Action By The Unmatchable Jackie Chan

Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
Release Date: August 17, 1984
Original Movie Title: Fai Caan Che
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Wheels on Meals is a film featuring the trio of Jackie Chan, Biao Yuen, and Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who showcase choreographed combat sequences. What sets this movie apart is that it was filmed in Barcelona, but more importantly, Jackie Chan, known for not relying on stunt doubles, performs his own fight scenes, making them all the more thrilling to watch.

In the film “Wheels on Meals“, a pair of friends running a food truck are unwittingly drawn into a mystery when a woman is abducted. Notably, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who graces the screen in this movie and has directed numerous other popular martial arts films, such as “IP Man” and “Project A“, is at the helm of this production.

5 Project A (1983)

A Memorable Scene In Which Chan Falls Down From A Clock

Director: Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
Release Date: December 22, 1983
Original Movie Title: ‘A’ gai wak
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

In this article, we’re discussing another legendary film featuring the talented trio: Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, and Biao Yuen. The action sequences in Project A are particularly noteworthy, with some fans claiming that the 1980s marked the pinnacle of Jackie Chan’s career.

This film narrates the tale of a police officer named Chan, who takes up the responsibility of safeguarding the city when the military fails, since pirates have invaded. Notably, Chan’s character performs an iconic stunt by falling off a clock tower in this movie. It offers a blend of action and humor, which is characteristic of Chan’s filmography.

4 Clan of the White Lotus

The Journey Into Defeating The White Lotus Clan

Director: Lieh Lo
Release Date: January 1, 1980
Original Movie Title: Hong Wending San Po Bai Lian Jiao
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

The White Lotus Clan follows the journey of a fighter named Lo Lieh, who is on a quest for vengeance against the powerful White Lotus Clan. This clan’s leader boasts unbeatable strength and martial arts prowess, so our protagonist embarks on an intense training regimen before confronting him.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises for this film, especially its masterfully crafted fight sequences embodying classic martial arts moves. To this day, it continues to leave an indelible mark on the genre, standing tall as a timeless and impactful masterpiece.

3 The Karate Kid (1984)

A Forever Classic Karate Movie

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

In the movie titled The Karate Kid, directed by John G. Avildesen, we find Ralph Macchio and martial arts legend Pat Morita as key characters. The story revolves around Daniel Larusso (played by Macchio), a newcomer to a state where he’s tormented by a gang of kids who are experts in karate.

As a gamer, I can’t help but rewatch this iconic movie again and again. It won the award for Best Iconic Film and was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category, with Pat Morita delivering a truly memorable performance. This Karate film isn’t just about martial arts; it delivers powerful messages of discipline, self-respect, and inner strength that resonate with viewers like me.

2 The Prodigal Son (1981)

A Kung-Fu Classic

Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
Release Date: December 22, 1981
Original Movie Title: Baai Ga Jai
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

In this martial arts film, we follow the protagonist, known as the Prodigal Son (portrayed by Biao Yuen), on a quest to master Kung Fu under a genuine instructor. Notable actors from the 1980s, such as Biao Yuen, Ching-Ying Lam, and Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who also serves as director and writer, grace the screen in this production.

This movie is often praised as one of the greatest Kung Fu films ever produced. Its blend of humor, high-octane action, and meticulously planned fight sequences makes for a captivating and genuine martial arts film experience.

1 The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)

A Shaw Brothers Masterpiece

Director: Chia-Liang Liu
Release Date: February 17, 1984
Original Movie Title: Wu Lang Ba Gua Gun
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter
belongs to the

list of Shaw Brothers films
, and it features violent fight scenes with complex choreography that never fails to grab martial arts fans’ attention. The movie’s plot follows the last member of the Yang family, who seeks revenge after a mortal attack on his family.The movie has a mix of drama and action, bringing themes of loyalty, redemption, and revenge. Viewers can expect iconic pole fights that make them stand out in martial arts movies.

2024-11-17 10:34