“Do or perish!” It has become a popular stanza among people for their daily battles within themselves. It fits the description perfectly, especially when compared to martial arts.
I’m sure when I mentioned martial arts movies, you immediately thought of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, or Jet Li. Simply put, it’s the flying kicks, quick movements, and action-packed packages.
Today, we’ll talk about action movies with incredible stunt work. Who doesn’t adore them?
We are ready for all of those behind-the-scenes efforts and timely practice to provide us with an eye-catching world.
The Top Ten Martial Arts Films of All Time
We will be delving into their intriguing storyline through their actions. Deciding to line up the best of the best is difficult. As a result, we take your feedback and forward it.
10. The Matrix (1999)
Action / Science fiction is the genre. Time 2 hours and 16 minutes (9.75/10)
Sci-fi was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This film, directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski, features energetic martial arts sequences and suspense.
This film depicts the character of Thomas Anderson, a disgruntled computer programmer. Here, the character attempts to alter his perception of reality through the use of the system, The Matrix.
As a result, it transports the audience to virtual reality battles and exposes them to terrifying creatures. This film has won four Academy Awards in total.
9. The Dragon appears (1973)
Action / Martial Arts is a genre. Time 1 hour and 50 minutes (9.40/10)
This is one of the first martial arts films produced by a major Hollywood studio, Warner Bros. It is, after all, directed by Robert Clouse and stars the one and only ‘Bruce Lee.’
To elaborate, this film is about Lee, a Shaolin martial artist who works as an undercover spy for British Intelligence. It provides an array of emotions in addition to numerous fight scenes and doses of martial arts style.
Yes, you will see rage, pain, sympathy, and sadness all at once! This film is mercilessly brutal.
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8. Hidden Dragon: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Romance / Martial Arts is a genre. Time 2 hours and 5 minutes (9.05/10)
Ang Lee directed this adaptation of a Chinese novel. The plot of the film revolves around the hunt for a stolen sword.
Master Li, a Wudan warrior, asked his lover to pass “The Green Destiny” sword to his friend, which was later stolen.
Well, the film is chock-full of love, theft, conflict, and vengeance. Overall, it depicts a mix of romance and action. The scenes move quickly from one to the next.
This film does not include any unnecessary fights. It also occurs in a variety of settings with a natural flow.
7. The Seven Samurai (1954)
Action / Drama is the genre. Time 3 hours and 27 minutes (9.20/10)
Seven Samurai, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a Japanese film based on an incident that occurred in 1586 during the Sengoku era.
The Akira classic is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, serving as the inspiration for other popular films such as Charlie’s Angels, The Magnificent Seven, and so on.
In terms of the plot, when the village is attacked by bandits, a veteran samurai gathers six other samurai to fight them. Based on Japanese culture, this film provides a high level of suspense and conflict.
6. Triple Danger (2019)
Action / Martial Arts is a genre. Time 1 hour and 35 minutes (8.95/10)
The plot of Jesse V. Johnson’s film revolves around protecting a billionaire’s daughter. Simply put, it depicts a crime scene that is the target of an elite assassin squad.
Hand-to-hand combats, actions, assassins, and explosions will thrill the audience. The plot revolves solely around crimes and features amazing martial arts moves.
5. In China, once upon a time (1991–1997)
(8.3/10) Action / Martial Arts
Tsui Hark’s Once Upon a Time in China is more than just a film; it’s a franchise. It consists of six films starring Jet Li that are based on the real-life experiences of a Chinese martial arts master.
Jet Li is the main character in the first three films and the final installment.
While Vincent Zhao takes on the other two roles. Similarly, it has been adapted into a television series. Although it promotes Chinese culture, it also demonstrates Western culture’s progressive adaptation.
What makes it even more intriguing is the hidden meaning hidden between the scenes and dialogues.
4. Yojimbo (1961) (1961)
Dramatic / Action, Time 1 hour and 50 minutes (8.2/10)
Director Akira Kurosawa depicts the samurai in the frontier with a gripping storyline. The story revolves around a samurai with no master, with a mix of the western exposure.
The film also depicts a slew of previous years’ trade and businesses. Later, it delves deeper into the conflict between two ambitious and unscrupulous men.
3. IP Man (2008)
Action / Martial Arts is a genre. Time 1 hour and 48 minutes (8/10)
IP Man is a biographical martial arts film directed by Wilson Yup. It is based on the real-life grandmaster of martial arts Wing Chun and Bruce Lee’s teacher.
It appears to transport the audience back to the Sino-Japanese War and revolves around his life in Foshan. Not to mention that this film is what everyone refers to as a complete package.
It’s full of actions, stunts, humor, wisdom, and much more. The combination of these elements is presented simplistically while conveying a philosophical meaning.
2. The Invasion (2011)
Action / Martial Arts is a genre. Time 1 hour and 42 minutes (7.6/10)
The Raid is an action film directed by Gareth Evans that features violent martial arts stunts. The film is set in a claustrophobic environment as the team embarks on an unofficial mission.
Also, with so many fists and stunts, it conveys a tremendous amount of rage and suspense. Given its ruthlessness, you’re guaranteed to get an icy chill from it.
1. House of the Flying Daggers (2004)
Action / Romance is the genre. Time 1 hour and 59 minutes (7.5/10)
The House of Flying Daggers, directed by Yi-Mou Zhang, depicts sophisticated action laced with oozing romance.
Similarly, this film not only focuses on characters, dialogue, and action, but it will also capture your heart with its bizarre landscapes and natural setting.
One of the best martial arts films of all time is The House of Flying Daggers.
It dates back to the Tang Dynasty when the House of Flying Daggers was one of the rebel factions. For example, the group speaks out against a corrupt government that oppresses the people.
The film was a huge success in the market from the moment it was released.
Summary
We’ve come to the end of our list of the top ten best martial arts movies of all time. Having said that, not everyone will agree with the opinions expressed here, because movies affect people differently.
Anyway, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best martial arts masterpieces just for you.
- The Assasin (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Kill Bill (1 hour 50 minutes)
- The Legend of the Drunken Master (1 hour 43 minutes)
- Fist of Fury (1 hour 46 minutes)
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