Best Martial Arts Movies -If you enjoy martial arts films, there is some excellent news for you. From legendary masters like Bruce Lee to contemporary comedic and combat luminaries such as Jackie Chan, this thing is certain: martial arts movies have a stellar cast. They are also significantly more diversified than yells and flying punches, covering every genre and demanding a plethora of tactics including wires and camera rigs, as well as months and years of rehearsal.
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When we see a fantastic martial arts film, we are not simply observing the first shot; we’re watching anything as orchestrated as a stage production, a ballet, or a carnival, in which everything needs to go perfectly and where even the smallest mistake may be really painful.
In a nutshell, we like a good martial arts film because we can see the passion, devotion, and work that gets into each take. So have some patience because we are going to highlight 25+ of the best martial arts movies that you can stream right now.
Without further ado, let’s dive into them.
Table of Contents
Best Martial Arts Movies of All Time!
Come Drink with Me (1966)
Come Drink with Me, one of the oldest Shaw Brothers movies, defined the appearance and feel of the kung fu blade battle genre. When the boy of a Chinese noble is abducted and held hostage for the price, the army’s girl Golden Swallow (Cheng Pei-Pei) rushes to save him, ultimately joining up with Drunken Cat, another powerful fighter (Yueh Hua). For years, a remake helmed by supporter Quentin Tarantino has indeed been mooted, and while it looks that will never happen, the film’s effect on Kill Bill is powerful enough to qualify as being one.
Five Deadly Venoms (1978)
Cheng Cheh’s Five Deadly Venoms, a real cult masterpiece, introduced the ‘Venom Mob,’ the cast of performers who would appear in many following Shaw Brothers Company projects. A passing teacher, suspicious that his lessons are being misused, sent his final surviving disciple to examine five of his past classmates, each talented in a unique mammal method. (Snake, Scorpion, Centipede, and so forth.) It’s an enticing idea that enables each combat sequence to have its own separate character. Many kung-fu movie fanbases begin here.
Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)
How much harm can one guy inflict with a bamboo stick? Plenty if he’s Gordon Liu. In this incredible story, created by Hong Kong’s renowned Shaw Brothers company, a warrior turned abbot is immediately drawn into the revenge play when the very jerkoff who abandoned his dad on the battleground abducted his sister. The project was nearly halted when actor Alexander Fu Sheng was killed in an automobile accident midway through filming. Rather, filmmaker Lau Kar-Leung bestowed upon him a gem.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The Karate Kid spawned four films, a Saturday morning cartoon, a remake starring Jackie Chan and Jada Smith, and the YouTube drama Cobra Kai, which is already in its third season. All three primary Daniel-san and Sir Miyagi films are available on Netflix (the fourth was a sequel, The Next Karate Kid, with a teenage Hilary Swank as Miyagi’s young student). Nothing surpasses the classic ‘Wax on, wax off’ as Daniel-san, the trailblazing martial arts geek who defeats his opponents and wins the lady, Ali who is much out of his level. The Daniel-san flicks are all enjoyable and maintain a consistent plotline, but still, nothing tops the first.
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Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
If a film’s title includes the words “once upon a time,” you know it’s going to be incredible, and filmmaker Tsui Hark’s masterwork isn’t any different. Jet Li portrays Wong Fei-hung, a Cantonese national hero from the nineteenth century who raises a force to protect his region from invading Westerners. It’s possibly the finest martial arts film of the 1990s, with stunning graphics. Li would appear in two blockbusters until having his British debut in Lethal Weapon 4 at the close of the decade.
The Bare-Footed Kid (1993)
The Bare-Footed Kid is all you could desire in a martial arts film. There’s melodrama, intrigue, vengeance, and, of obviously, hard-hitting kung fu combat. The film is about a destitute youngster who walks bare feet into a metropolis in search of a job with his deceased dad’s old buddy. He obtains a job at a dyeing factory where the old guy is the manager. The old guy, on the other hand, is skilled in Kung-Fu and passes on his wisdom to the youngster. So when a regional bodybuilder attempts to burn to the ground the dye business, the youngster fights back with remarkable kung-fu abilities. This movie is a throwback, and if you enjoy martial arts films, then this movie is a must-watch only on Netflix.
Rush Hour (1998)
The energy strain in Rush Hour stems not only from personality characteristics but also from the societal intensity. Carter (Chris), an African-American from Los Angeles, and Investigator Lee (Jackie) work for the Hong Kong Sheriff’s Office. They join forces to save an abducted girl. The majority of the jokes make fun of their racial and ethnic groups, but never in an offensive manner, at least in the first half of the movie. Carter and Lee’s friendship is unexpected but has always been amusing.
The Matrix (1999)
Watching the top kung fu films of all time is a terrific idea since they are both enjoyable and academically and historically significant. The Matrix is our other pick: it is a film about the existence of Thomas A. Anderson, a person who leads two identities. He works as a computer engineer during the day and as a hacker dubbed Neo at nighttime, which causes him to question his reality. Afterward, he realizes that he is being pursued by the cops. Government operatives and their remarkable software programs had to be faced by hacker Neo.
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a breathtaking film about a martial arts maestro on a quest to retrieve his cherished sword. The grandmaster had handed his blade to his spouse to preserve, but it was subsequently taken by an unknown masked guy. The film becomes more exciting as the warrior sets off on his quest to find it. The martial arts clashes and fistfights in this movie are incredible. If you’re looking for a martial arts film with tension and drama, this is the movie to watch.
Hero (2002)
Hero is one of the top Netflix films about martial arts. The film tells the epic story of a warrior, portrayed by Jet Li, that continues on to slay 3 lethal killers in China’s seven kingdoms. It’s a great film with just about everything cooked in just the proper amount. There is a complicated and compelling narrative of Chinese History, murder action sequences, and a remarkable hero who rescues the world. What else could you want from an action and thriller film? If you’re a newbie trying to delve into the realm of martial arts films, Hero is a great place to start. This will help you become infatuated with this one-of-a-kind style of filmmaking.
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Kill Bill (2003)
Kill Bill is among the finest American films about combat sports and samurai culture. This Tarantino film is split into two volumes volume 1 and volume 2. The film revolves around a pregnant lady who seeks vengeance after discovering what a bunch of killers has brought to her existence. The voyage takes her to Tokyo, where the plot takes an exciting turn. Kill Bill contains anything you’d anticipate from the martial arts flick. You have a fast-paced drama with lots of action, a power battle sequence, and an exciting tale to add. Kill Bill is a must-see for its genuine representation of combat sports and compelling tale.
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Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Kung Fu Hustle is a well-known film about a thug who torments a community while posing as a member of an enemy gang. With its dark humor and ludicrous gangster pretensions, the film is genuinely amusing. As three karate artists from the community show up to confront the thug, the film transforms into a crime thriller drama. It’s an entertaining martial arts film featuring several fast-paced combats and battle sequences. You ought to see Kung Fu Hustle because it combines humor and kung fu.
Fearless (2006)
Fearless is a film that revolves around a martial arts master, performed by Jet Li, that desires to leave his past behind and lead a normal life. As he goes to his hamlet, though, a fresh problem awaits him. He has been picked to compete in a martial arts tournament against the elite players in order to defend China’s prestige. The movie takes place around 1910 and features amazing sights and excellent choreography. One must not skip this Jet Li masterpiece, which catapulted him to fame.
Ip Man (2008)
Ip Man is regarded as one of the finest martial arts films, shining a spotlight on the Wing Chun style of combat. The plot revolves around the existence of martial arts maestro Ip Man, who also served as Bruce Lee’s teacher. The film depicts how Ip Guy has gone on to educate kung fu and its different forms of conflict to a large number of pupils who went on to become rather famous in their individual rights. This excellent series is comprised of three films. Ip Man is highly recommended if you wish to witness when combat sports developed into a contemporary self-defense battle with superb cinematography.
13 Assassins (2010)
13 Assassins is the film to see if you want to see martial arts performed in the real Samurai style. The film is based on real-life events in slightly earlier Japan when the country was controlled by a brutal ruler. A government insider employs a Samurai to head a squad of 13 assassins to assassinate the monarch. They are on a mission to shoot the king and end his terror-filled sovereignty. It’s an exciting action thriller, and you shouldn’t miss 13 Assassins since it’s one of the finest Netflix martial arts movies.
Ip Man 2 (2010)
Ip Man is regarded as one of the finest martial arts films of all time, as well as its follow-up, Ip Man 2, is no exception. Donnie Yen reappears as a more formidable incarnation with enhanced martial arts abilities. This movie extends its previous narrative by transporting you to Hong Kong during the reign of the British. In this trilogy, he attempts to spread his Wing Chun martial arts discipline but is met with fierce opposition from British-backed adversaries. As regional kung fu practitioners begin to obstruct Grandmaster’s instruction, the film becomes even more heated. If you like the original Ip Man film, the sequel will make the plot even more intriguing to watch.
Haywire (2011)
Gina Carano, another real-life MMA champion converted performer, has returned to the limelight playing Cara Dune in The Mandalorian. Steven Soderbergh directed her first feature picture main role, Haywire. It’s unusual for a well-known filmmaker to choose an unproven female actor as the lead in a film like this. Notwithstanding disagreements between the filmmaker and producer, as well as a technological change, to deepen Carano’s voice, her burgeoning ability for movement and onscreen appearance are already on full show. Carano went on to star in numerous more indie action films, as well as Fast & Furious 6 and, but Haywire still her greatest fascinating performance.
The Raid (2011)
The Raid is an Indonesian film about a skilled squad tasked with infiltrating a building operated by drug lords. As one might anticipate from such an action film, there is a lot of tension and excitement. The group of skilled martial artists fights the drug kingpins with incredible agility and expertise. There are several action moments that are both unusual and entertaining to watch. Pencak Silat, a Chinese martial art combat style, is used to train the squad in the film. If you are looking to witness an advanced adventure with a healthy dose of martial arts, The Raid is a must-see.
Kill Zone 2 (2015)
Kill Zone 2 is among the most well-known martial arts action films in recent years. It’s the tale of an underground cop who is arrested just as he is ready to reveal a massive drug conspiracy. The film takes a further terrifying turn in the institution, as he discovers an organ transplant fraud operated by correctional officers. It’s a startling tale of subterranean frauds and police collusion. You must not miss this film if you want to see the epic fight between undercover cops and inmates.
The Final Master (2015)
The Final Master is an engrossing film about an aspiring kung fu teacher who wants to create a school to teach the next-gen abilities. To start a school, he must first demonstrate his ability by fighting combat artists from 8 schools throughout the area. The plot twists as he discovers his society’s lie as well as how he is only a player in a larger power game. You must absolutely see The Final Master in its final run for its brain plot and dangerous action scenes. Furthermore, The Final Master is undoubtedly one of the finest Netflix kung fu movies, so don’t pass it up.
Headshot (2016)
Headshot is an underappreciated instance of just what Indonesian battle films have been accomplishing recently. It resembles a martial arts version of horror films. The settings are dirty, gloomy caves. There is excessive bloodshed, bone shattering, knife cutting, flesh ripping, and ass stomping, as well as numerous motion-bleeding slobber that they serve as money shots throughout the battles. This film stars Iko Uwais, who has appeared in films such as Mile 22 and Stuber, as well as a tiny appearance in The Force Awakens and, most significantly, the lead character in Netflix’s classic trilogy Wu Assassins. In addition, he has been cast as the ‘Hard Master’ in the forthcoming Snake Eyes: G. I. Joe Origins film.
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Headshot (2017)
Headshot is an Indonesian movie that now has gained fame for its unique perspective on contemporary martial arts combat. The story revolves around an individual who struggles with amnesia loss as a consequence of a catastrophic head injury. The young guy, on the other hand, is tormented by his prior experiences and acts violently without logic or rhyme. However, the plot thickens as criminals attempt to assassinate the general practitioner who helped him survive. Fighting erupts in this confrontation with mafia members, and the film becomes rather graphic. To summarise, if you enjoy action-packed movies with murder and destruction, Headshot is the best martial arts film to watch on Netflix.
The Night Comes for Us (2018)
The Night Comes for Us is among the greatest films showing both brutality and thrills. The plot revolves around a former member of a mob and his rescue from the gang for defending a young woman. The battle between the guy and the mob is breathtaking. You will see fist and hand-to-hand combat, as well as many Wuxia martial art methods, and the great filming adds to the enjoyment. The Night Comes for Us is one of the greatest martial arts films of a long time. You must not overlook it at any cost.
Furie (2019)
Furie is a Vietnamese kung fu film accessible on Netflix that has a nice dose of combat and a vengeance narrative. The story centers around Hai Phuong, a former mobster, and her infant girl. When her child is stolen by a human smuggling gang, the story takes a severe turn. Hai Phuong then returns to her hometown to track out the captors. Furie is an extremely well-shot film with some incredible action moments. If you like Kill Bill, you will undoubtedly enjoy Furie. It’s a contemporary martial arts film with an intriguing tale.
We are Legends (2019)
We Are Legends is the tale of two homeless boys who battle against one another in order to win the MMA title. While the plot is mostly on street battles and kickboxing, martial arts are also included. One youngster attends a decent education and studies boxing from Lei Master, while the other attends an illegal fight club to gain money. They were both trained in a boxing club, and the video takes you to a whole other level when they square off in a boxing match. Simply said, if you enjoy ground battling and wrestling with a healthy dose of kung fu, We are Legends is a Netflix movie worth seeing.
Double World (2020)
Teddy Chan directs this new innovative wuxia film inspired by a well-known Chinese MMORPG with thousands of players. It’s another no-championship, but this time it’s not subterranean. It’s at the Emperor’s request, and it’s set in a fantastical medieval world filled with monsters, huge scorpions, and exotic weaponry and armor. The steep wirework bouts staged by Hong Kong legend Stephen Tung make Double World a stunning piece of visual pleasure. It’s like a live-action anime, the kind of thrilling experience that would have worked well on the big screen but was pushed to streaming because of the epidemic. Netflix wisely chose it for the worldwide market.
Wrapping-Up: Watch the Greatest Martial Arts Films Right Now
That concludes our list of the top martial arts films. You are welcome to view any of them, and we are confident that you will love the intervention portions. To be honest, martial arts have their own allure, and we appreciate how slowly this distinct discipline is evolving. We will update this site anytime a new martial arts film is released on any platform, so keep an eye on it in the future.
That’s all we have for now. If you enjoyed the post, please leave a comment and share with us what you thought of our movie pick.
Happy Watching!
