The Best Kung Fu Movies

Key Takeaways

Legendary warriors transitioned to the big screen, breaking boundaries with Kung Fu films post-WW2.
Top-notch classics like
Enter The Dragon
and
The Big Boss
define the genre with iconic stars.
Films like
Ip Man
showcase the masterful martial arts of stars like Jet Li and Donnie Yen, bridging the gap to the Western world.

In my humble opinion, both films are absolute masterpieces that showcase the incredible power and depth of Kung Fu, each in its unique way. As a lifelong martial arts enthusiast, I find myself deeply moved by the stories of these two legends – Jet Li and Ip Man.

Martial art known as Kung Fu (or Wu Shu) has been a significant part of the film industry since 1938. Over the years, numerous legendary warriors have moved from being martial artists and traditional performers to the silver screen. The roots of Kung Fu lie in traditional forms developed across various lineages of ancient masters, who imparted their unique insights into what constitutes a genuine martial artist through their schools.

The martial art form originating from Ancient China gained global recognition primarily due to influential Kung Fu films, produced post World War 2. Pioneers such as Bruce Lee blurred the lines between classic Kung Fu and contemporary Wu Shu, inspiring a legion of actor-martial artists. Today’s leading martial artist on screen, Donnie Yen, is another example of this trend. We invite you to explore some of the greatest Kung Fu movies ever made, featuring these stars and numerous others.

10 The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin

A Timeless Classic, Worthy Of Praise

Original Title: 少林三十六房 (Shao Lin san shi liu fang)
Released: 1978
Main Cast: Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, Wong Yue, Yu Yang

In this tale, the renowned Gordon Liu takes center stage as we follow the character Liu Yude on his path of retribution. This narrative unfolds during the era of the Manchu Uprising, a turbulent historical time marked by violence and resistance against the Qing dynasty. During this period, martial artists and political dissidents united to overthrow the regime. This film serves as an illustration of how Kung Fu began to gain global recognition, becoming a significant part of what is known as the Seventh Art.

The film “36th Chamber of Shaolin,” released in 1978, showcased remarkable martial arts choreography without relying heavily on action doubles. Despite facing numerous challenges, it managed to make its way to the big screen. This movie depicts, in a semi-realistic manner, the journey every trainee must undergo to master the traditional Shaolin (Siu Lam) arts.

9 Enter The Dragon

The Pinnacle Of Bruce Lee’s Career As Martial Artist Actor

Original Title: 龍爭虎鬥
Released: 1973
Main Cast: Bruce Lee, Jim Kelly, John Saxon, Ahna Capri, Bob Wall, Shih Kien

Enter the Dragon

Without a doubt, the Jeet Kune Do style of Bruce Lee stood out brilliantly in this film, and the action sequences were simply unmatched during that era. Today, it continues to be one of the most revered classics in the annals of Kung Fu cinema, serving as an enduring symbol of Bruce Lee’s lasting influence.

8 The Big Boss

An Iconic Film, Every Kung Fu Fan Can Recognize A Scene Or Two From This Movie

Original Title: Fists of Fury (唐山大兄)
Released: 1973
Main Cast: Bruce Lee. Maria Yi, James Tien, Han Ying-chieh

The original title, “The Big Boss,” can be rephrased as “My Ancestral Martial Arts Mentor from China” or simply “Chinese Senior Master.” This title is significant because it relates to the story’s origin and reflects how martial artists in traditional Kung Fu address senior practitioners of the same school.

As a diehard gamer, I’d say purists argue that “The Big Boss” isn’t strictly a Kung Fu film, but rather a blend of Mixed Martial Arts, considering its incorporation of modern styles like Jeet Kune Do, Tae Kwon Do, and ancient techniques such as Kalaripayattu, along with Hun Gar – a Cantonese style born from the teachings of master Hung Hei-gun. However, I personally believe that “The Big Boss” remains one of the most iconic films in the genre regardless of its technical categorization.

7 My Young Auntie

A Before And After In The Martial Arts Genre

Original Title: Zhang Bei
Released: 1981
Main Cast: Chia-Liang Liu, Kara Ying Hung, Wai Hou Hsiao, Gordon Liu

Starring the iconic Chia-Liang Liu and Kara Ying Hung, this film plays a pivotal role in cinema’s Kung Fu history as it brought the character of the female Kung Fu master defending her family honor to the attention of Western viewers for the first time. It is one of the early examples that blends family drama narrative with Kung Fu movie themes.

In addition to the appearance of Master Gordon Liu, which adds appeal to the film, it’s Kara Ying Hung’s performance that truly sets My Young Auntie apart as one of the finest in its genre.

6 Iron Monkey

The Story Of A Noble Warrior And Healer

Original Title: Siu nin Wong Fei Hung chi: Tit ma lau
Released: 1993
Main Cast: Rongguang Yu, Donnie Yen, Jean Wang, Sze-Man Tzang

As a passionate admirer, I’d like to share my excitement for a film that brings together the talents of Rongguang Yu and Donnie Yen. This captivating production is inspired by authentic events from the late 19th Century in Foshang. What makes this movie truly unique is its portrayal of a folk hero, but it also delves into the complexities of being a martial artist during one of China’s most intricate historical periods, where vigilantism was not just a choice, but a survival tactic.

The tale of “Iron Monkey” is comparable to the emergence of another revered legend: Master Wong Fei-Hung. In the film, he appears as a young and inexperienced character, but later in life, he would earn recognition among Canton’s Ten Tigers, inherit the potent Hun Gar Southern Style, and become a historical figure who defended the masses using martial arts and treated them with traditional medicine.

5 Dirty Ho

The Precursor To Kung Fu Detective Movies

Original Title: Lan tou He
Released: 1979
Main Cast: Yue Wong, Chia-Hui Liu, Lieh Lo

In a classic film that’s been cherished by many, a mysterious Kung Fu adept and a cunning street trickster team up to thwart an evil scheme, contributing significantly to the Shaolin Sleuth genre. Notably known as “Dirty Ho“, this movie has earned a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.

By skillfully merging classic martial arts techniques with contemporary filmmaking and action sequences, Dirty Ho earned legendary status within the genre and is now hailed as one of the greatest Kung Fu movies ever made. It also pioneered the “hidden master” or “disguised master” narrative trope in this genre.

4 Shinjuku Incident

Jackie Chan Proving His Dramatic Acting Chops

Original Title: Xin Su shi jian
Released: 2009
Main Cast: Jackie Chan, Naoto Takenaka, Daniel Wu

The Shinjuku Incident could very well be one of Jackie Chan’s finest Kung Fu films. Notably, Jackie Chan, who once served as Bruce Lee’s stunt double, then student, and eventually friend, delivers an exceptional performance in this movie. This film showcases Jackie Chan’s versatility as both a skilled dramatic actor and a formidable martial artist.

This film narrates the journey of a man reconnecting with an old flame, only to discover she’s married to a criminal boss. It delves into the complexities of the Chinese underworld and showcases intense street gang battles. For enthusiasts of this genre, it serves as a heartfelt tribute.

3 Hero

One Of The Best Martial Arts Movies Of All Time

Original Title: Ying xiong
Released: 2002
Main Cast: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung

The exceptional choreography, costumes, setting, and outstanding acting performances make Hero a timeless masterpiece in the Kung Fu genre. In this movie, Jet-Li, portraying Nameless, outshines even the brightest star, demonstrating not only his martial arts prowess but also his acting skills.

In simpler terms, this passage describes Li as an expert in Ving Tsun (or Wing Chun), a powerful martial art style that has endured for centuries and is closely linked with Bruce Lee and Ip Man, often considered the founder and global ambassador of traditional martial arts. The movie showcases the impact this style had on Li’s journey, but it’s not the only one represented. Maggie Cheung, a versatile martial artist, practices several styles such as Hun Gar, Modern Shaolin, and Taichí Chuan, all of which are vividly demonstrated in the film.

2 Fearless

Jet Li In His Prime, Showing The World The Power Of Kung Fu

Original Title: Huo Yuan Jia
Released: 2006
Main Cast: Jet Li, Li Sun, Yong Dong

In this film, Jet Li delivers another exceptional performance, considered by some as his finest work yet. His skillful demonstration of his martial arts progression is truly remarkable, but what sets it apart is his proficiency in various martial art forms such as Tai Chi, Ving Tsun, and the Lóng jiàn sword style from Northern Shaolin, which allows him to skillfully wield a sword.

In “Fearless,” we delve into the life of Huo Yuanjia, another Kung Fu icon who mastered the obscure Mizong Quan style. Jet Li’s commitment to this film was extraordinary, as he trained diligently in the modern interpretation of Mizong Quan for years prior to shooting. This dedication allowed him to authentically portray some of the unique techniques associated with this legendary art form, leaving both viewers and critics in awe. The choreography and costumes used in the film significantly contribute to the overall masterpiece that is “Fearless.

1 Ip Man

The True Story Of The Man Who Built A Bridge Between The Western World And Kung Fu

Original Title: Ip Man
Released: 2008
Main Cast: Donnie Yen, Lynn Xiong, Simon Yam, Louis Fan

Without a doubt, one of the top-tier Kung Fu films ever made, starring the versatile martial artist Donnie Yen, who is proficient in Wing Tsun, Jeet Kune Do, Tai Chi, and Hun Gar, the movie Ip Man swiftly established itself as a contemporary Kung Fu classic. Yen’s portrayal of Ip Man, an ancestor of sorts in the martial arts world, is a legend and the central figure in this film. This initial foray into Ip Man’s illustrious career, which revitalized Kung Fu after World War 2, finds Yen playing the role of a young Master Ip, deeply affected by the hardships inflicted upon his people during the Japanese invasion of their homeland during the war.

In the film, Yen demonstrates not only his physical abilities but also shows himself as a fitting successor to the Ving Tsun tradition and a true disciple of Ip Man, who was also a student of Bruce Lee in later years. To put it simply, Bruce Lee learned martial arts from Master Ip. As Yen carries on Ip Man’s legacy, he convincingly portrays the man who revived Kung Fu. Throughout the movie, viewers witness not just fictional events but a re-creation of Master Ip’s life, his struggles, the harsh realities of war, and how he used Kung Fu to endure despite many giving up on this martial art form. The film Ip Man is a must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts, particularly those interested in understanding how Kung Fu evolved into its current form and how it gained popularity in the Western world due to Master Ip’s perseverance. His story is both amazing and inspiring, making it no wonder that the film spawned three sequels.

2024-10-27 16:04