Twenty Best
Martial Arts Films

1971 | Directed by King Hu | Taiwan

King Hu combines swordplay, spirituality, landscape, and groundbreaking editing in one of the defining achievements of epic, wuxia cinema. Its famous bamboo forest battle influenced generations of filmmakers and makes this an indispensable work of world cinema.

1972 | Directed by Lo Wei | Hong Kong

Bruce Lee channels grief, anger, and resistance into his defining performance as Chen Zhen. The dojo confrontation and unforgettable final image helped transform Lee from a rising star into a cinematic legend.

1973 | Directed by Robert Clouse | Hong Kong & United States

Bruce Lee’s final completed film made him a global icon and helped introduce kung fu cinema to an enormous international audience. Its charismatic star, unforgettable tournament setting, and hall of mirrors finale make it mandatory viewing.

1974 | Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa | Japan

Sonny Chiba gives the martial arts hero a savage new identity as the ruthless and brutal Takuma Tsurugi. Its brutal karate action and grindhouse intensity made it an international cult sensation and an important alternative to the elegance of Hong Kong kung fu.

1976 | Directed by Jimmy Wang Yu | Hong Kong

A one armed fighter, a blind assassin, and a parade of wildly imaginative combatants come together in this glorious tournament style battle. Its bizarre weaponry and video game style progression have made it an enduring and hugely influential grindhouse classic.

1978 | Directed by Lau Kar-leung | Hong Kong

Gordon Liu stars in the definitive martial arts training film, following a student through the ingenious and physically demanding chambers of Shaolin. Its celebration of discipline, perseverance, and education makes it a classic kung fu film that will live forever, just like the Wu-Tang Clan

1978 | Directed by Chang Cheh | Hong Kong

Martial arts most beloved ensemble, through five mysterious fighters with distinctive animal based styles (Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Lizard, & Toad). Its colorful mythology, intricate mystery, and cult influence have made it a permanent Shaw Brothers favorite.

1985 | Directed by Jackie Chan | Hong Kong

Jackie Chan perfected his exhilarating combination of martial arts, comedy, and insane stunt work in this modern action landmark. From the hillside chase to the astonishing shopping mall finale, Police Story contains some of the most fearless physical filmmaking ever captured.

1993 | Directed by Yuen Woo-ping | Hong Kong

Donnie Yen and Yu Rongguang bring astonishing athleticism to this exuberant reinvention of the Robin Hood legend. The climactic battle above a raging fire remains one of the most exciting combat scenes filmed.

1994 | Directed by Lau Kar-leung | Hong Kong

Jackie Chan pushes his comic timing, athleticism, and stunt work to extraordinary heights in this spectacular sequel to Drunken Master. The extended factory showdown must be seen to be believed. And yes, we are declaring that Part Two is even better than the original classic.

2000 | Directed by Ang Lee | Taiwan

Ang Lee combines breathtaking swordplay with romance, longing, and unforgettable performances from Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, and Zhang Ziyi. Its international success brought the epic style of wuxia cinema to a vast new audience and made it one of the most acclaimed martial arts films of all time.

2002 | Directed by Zhang Yimou | Hong Kong

Zhang Yimou transforms wuxia into a breathtaking pageant of color, movement, romance, and political intrigue. With Jet Li leading an extraordinary cast, Hero is a must watch example of martial arts cinema elevated to grand visual art.

2003 | Directed by Prachya Pinkaew | Thailand

Tony Jaa became an international sensation through astonishing leaps, devastating Muay Thai strikes, and a tag line of “No computer graphics. No stunt doubles. No wires.”. Ong-Bak gave Thai martial arts cinema a global breakthrough and broadened audiences’ understanding of what martial arts movies could be. After its release, the genre became increasingly international, embracing a wider range of countries and fighting traditions.

2003 | Directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham | Thailand

Based on the life of transgender Muay Thai champion Parinya Charoenphol, Beautiful Boxer treats martial arts as a path toward identity, dignity, and self expression. It is a moving sports biography that expands our understanding of what a martial arts story can be.

2008 | Directed by Prachya Pinkaew | Thailand

Jeeja Yanin announces herself as a remarkable physical performer in a film built around speed, flexibility, and fearlessly executed stunt work. Its warehouse finale is a modern martial arts showstopper and makes Chocolate essential viewing for anyone who loves practical action.

2008 | Directed by Wilson Yip | Hong Kong and China

Donnie Yen’s controlled, charismatic performance turned the real life Wing Chun master who trained Bruce Lee into one of modern martial arts cinema’s defining heroes. Sammo Hung’s forceful choreography, especially the fight against ten karate students, helped launch an international franchise.

2011 | Directed by Gareth Evans | Indonesia

A simple siege premise becomes an almost unbearably intense display of pencak silat, stunt work, and precise action construction. The Raid reset expectations for modern martial arts cinema and has become one of the definitive action films of all time.

2013 | Directed by Wong Kar-wai | Hong Kong

Auteur Wong Kar-wai offers his own interpretation of the life of Wing Chun master Ip Man, transforming it into a melancholy meditation on memory, honor, and traditions disappearing with time. Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi bring elegance and emotional depth to some of the most beautiful martial arts sequences ever filmed.

2021 | Directed by Yugo Sakamoto | Japan

This inventive action comedy pairs the awkward daily lives of two teenage killers with sudden bursts of expertly choreographed combat. Its mix of deadpan friendship and physical precision has already earned it a devoted cult following. It makes our list because it is tremendous fun, perfectly matches our style, and has become a crowd favorite here at Row House.

2025 | Directed by Kenji Tanigaki | Hong Kong

Kenji Tanigaki assembles an exceptional international cast for a relentless showcase of contrasting martial arts styles and inventive practical choreography. It is a thrilling new addition to martial arts cinema and a potential future classic audiences should experience on the largest screen possible, like the one at Row House – Hollywood.