20 Best Kung Fu Movies: A High-Kicking Collection of Martial Arts Classics

Kung Fu movies are a genre of martial arts films that originated in Hong Kong and have since gained worldwide popularity.

The genre typically features action-packed fight scenes, stylized choreography, and intricate martial arts techniques. The term “Kung Fu” refers to the Chinese martial arts, which have a rich history dating back thousands of years.

Kung Fu movies have been entertaining audiences for decades and have produced some of the most iconic characters in cinema history.

From Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” to Jackie Chan’s “Drunken Master,” Kung Fu movies have captured the imagination of audiences around the world with their incredible feats of physical prowess and storytelling.

Today, Kung Fu movies continue to evolve and inspire new generations of filmmakers and martial artists.

Best Kung Fu Movies

With the advent of digital technology, the fight scenes have become even more elaborate and visually stunning, but the heart and soul of the genre remain the same. In this article, we will explore some of the best Kung Fu movies ever made, including both classics and modern favorites.

1. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a classic Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Liu Chia-liang and released in 1978. The film stars Gordon Liu as San Te, a young student who trains at the Shaolin Temple and ultimately becomes a master of kung fu.

The plot follows San Te as he witnesses the oppression of his people by the Manchu government and decides to seek out the Shaolin Temple to learn kung fu and fight back against the tyrannical regime.

He endures rigorous training in 35 chambers of the temple, each specializing in a different aspect of kung fu, before creating his own 36th chamber and becoming a master in his own right.

The film was highly influential in the development of the martial arts genre and has since become a classic. Its themes of perseverance, discipline, and self-mastery continue to resonate with audiences today.

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2. The Prodigal Son (1981)

“The Prodigal Son” is a Christian parable that tells the story of a young man who asks his father for his share of the inheritance and then goes to a distant country where he squanders all his money on a life of pleasure and excess.

When a famine hits the land, he finds himself destitute and decides to return to his father, hoping to be hired as a servant.

As the son approaches his father’s house, his father sees him from afar and runs to greet him, embracing him and welcoming him back with open arms.

He then throws a great feast in honor of his son’s return, much to the chagrin of his older son who has remained faithful and obedient to their father.

The parable is often interpreted as a story of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, as the father in the story represents God and the wayward son represents sinful humanity.

It teaches that no matter how far we may stray from God, He is always waiting for us with open arms, ready to welcome us back into His love and grace.

There have been many adaptations of this parable in literature, film, and art, including the 1981 movie “The Prodigal Son” directed by James F. Collier. This movie follows the story closely, depicting the son’s journey from indulgence to repentance and reconciliation with his father.

3. Drunken Master (1978)

“Drunken Master” is a classic Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Yuen Woo-ping and starring Jackie Chan. It was released in 1978 and is considered one of Chan’s best early works.

The film follows the story of Wong Fei-hung (played by Chan), a young martial arts student who is disobedient and lazy.

His father sends him to study under Beggar So (played by Yuen Siu-tien), a master of the drunken style of kung fu. Wong initially struggles to learn the style, but eventually becomes a skilled practitioner.

The film is known for its innovative fight scenes, particularly those involving Chan’s use of the drunken style of kung fu. The action is fast-paced and humorous, with Chan’s signature blend of physical comedy and martial arts prowess on full display.

“Drunken Master” was a commercial and critical success, cementing Chan’s status as a major star in Hong Kong cinema. It also helped popularize the use of the drunken style in kung fu films.

The film has since become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the best martial arts films ever made.

4. Five Deadly Venoms (1978)

“Five Deadly Venoms” is a martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh and produced by the Shaw Brothers Studio in 1978. The film stars the famous martial arts actors Philip Kwok, Chiang Sheng, Sun Chien, Lu Feng, and Lo Meng.

The plot of the film follows a dying master who sends his final student on a mission to track down his previous students, known as the “Five Venoms,” who are all expert martial artists with unique fighting styles.

The student must find out which of the Five Venoms is the one who has turned to evil and is causing chaos in the community.

The Five Venoms, each named after a different animal, are: The Centipede, The Snake, The Scorpion, The Lizard, and The Toad.

Each of them has a unique fighting style and a hidden identity that makes it difficult for the student to determine who the villain is.

The film is known for its thrilling action sequences, intricate plot, and impressive martial arts skills of the actors. It has become a classic of the martial arts genre and has been influential in popularizing the genre outside of Asia.

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5. Ip Man (2008)

“Ip Man” is a 2008 Hong Kong biographical martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen as Ip Man, a Wing Chun master who was a teacher of Bruce Lee.

The movie is loosely based on the life of Ip Man, who lived during the early to mid-20th century in Foshan, China, and tells the story of his experiences during the Sino-Japanese War.

The film follows Ip Man as he navigates the tumultuous times of the Second Sino-Japanese War and its aftermath, including the Japanese occupation of his hometown and his eventual move to Hong Kong.

Throughout the movie, he demonstrates his mastery of Wing Chun, a style of Chinese martial arts, as he fights to protect his family and fellow countrymen from Japanese oppression.

“Ip Man” was highly acclaimed for its action choreography, cinematography, and Donnie Yen’s performance as the titular character. The movie spawned several sequels and spin-offs, as well as a television series, cementing Ip Man’s status as a cultural icon in Chinese martial arts cinema.

6. Heroes of the East (1978)

Heroes of the East, also known as Shaolin Challenges Ninja or Challenge of the Ninja, is a martial arts movie directed by the legendary Hong Kong filmmaker, Liu Chia-Liang (also known as Lau Kar-Leung), and released in 1978.

The movie follows the story of a Chinese man named Ho Tao (played by Gordon Liu), who marries a Japanese woman named Ineko (played by Yuko Mizuno) and brings her to China.

Ineko tries to introduce Ho Tao to the Japanese martial arts, but he feels that Chinese martial arts are superior. This leads to a friendly competition between the two martial arts, which soon turns into a fierce battle when Japanese ninjas arrive to challenge the Chinese.

The movie is known for its spectacular fight scenes and its portrayal of the cultural clash between China and Japan. It also features appearances by several martial arts stars, including Yasuaki Kurata, who plays the leader of the Japanese ninjas, and Liu Chia-Hui (also known as Gordon Liu), who plays Ho Tao.

Heroes of the East is considered to be one of Liu Chia-Liang’s most entertaining and influential films, and it remains a classic of the martial arts genre.

7. The Avenging Eagle (1978)

“The Avenging Eagle” is a classic Kung Fu movie from 1978 directed by Sun Chung and starring Ti Lung, Alexander Fu Sheng, and Ku Feng.

The film follows a wandering warrior named Chi (Ti Lung) who seeks revenge against the evil clan that killed his parents. Along the way, he teams up with two other skilled fighters, Hsiao (Alexander Fu Sheng) and Feng (Ku Feng), who have their own reasons for seeking revenge against the same clan.

The film is known for its expertly choreographed fight scenes, which showcase the unique fighting styles of each character.

Ti Lung’s character uses a pair of hooks, Alexander Fu Sheng’s character utilizes a long staff, and Ku Feng’s character relies on his swordsmanship. The fight scenes are intense and fast-paced, with each character displaying their own distinct techniques and strategies.

What sets “The Avenging Eagle” apart from other Kung Fu movies of the era is its strong emphasis on character development and storytelling.

The three main characters are complex and well-rounded, each with their own motivations and backstories. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, and does so with a level of depth and nuance that is rare in the genre.

Overall, “The Avenging Eagle” is a must-watch for fans of classic Kung Fu movies. Its expertly choreographed fight scenes, engaging characters, and compelling storyline make it a standout example of the genre.

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8. Warriors Two (1978)

Warriors Two is a 1978 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Sammo Hung and starring Bryan Leung, Casanova Wong, and Sammo Hung himself.

The film is set in the late 19th century and follows the story of a wealthy businessman, Wong Kei-Ying (played by Bryan Leung), who is a master of the Wing Chun style of kung fu. He becomes involved in a power struggle with a corrupt local businessman, Liu, who is backed by a Japanese karate master.

Wong seeks the help of his friend, a doctor named Lu Chan (played by Casanova Wong), who is also a skilled martial artist. Together, they train in Wing Chun and plan to take down Liu and his karate master.

The film is known for its action-packed fight scenes and its depiction of the Wing Chun style of kung fu. It was well-received by audiences and has since become a cult classic in the martial arts genre.

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9. Five Fingers of Death (1972)

“Five Fingers of Death” is a 1972 Hong Kong martial arts film, also known as “King Boxer”. The movie was directed by Chang-hwa Jeong and starred Lo Lieh, Tien Feng, and Wang Ping.

The film follows a young martial artist named Chao Chi-Hao, who seeks to win the prestigious martial arts tournament in his city. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including rival fighters, corrupt officials, and his own personal demons.

The movie was notable for its intense and graphic fight scenes, which helped to popularize the martial arts genre in the West. It also featured an iconic soundtrack composed by Wang Fu-ling, which has become a classic of its kind.

“Five Fingers of Death” was a commercial and critical success, both in Hong Kong and internationally, and helped to establish Lo Lieh as a leading figure in the martial arts film industry. It has since become a cult classic and has been cited as a major influence on later martial arts films, including Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon”.

10. Shaolin vs. Lama (1983)

“Shaolin vs. Lama” is a 1983 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Lee Tso-nam and starring Alexander Lo Rei, Chiang Tao, and William Yen. The film is known for its action-packed fight scenes and its portrayal of the Shaolin Temple.

The story follows the rivalry between the Shaolin Temple and a group of lamas who seek to destroy the temple and steal its secrets. The Shaolin monks, led by San Te (played by Alexander Lo Rei), must use their martial arts skills to defend the temple and defeat the lamas.

The film features a number of memorable fight scenes, including a showdown between San Te and a powerful lama, as well as a climactic battle in which the Shaolin monks face off against a horde of enemy soldiers.

“Shaolin vs. Lama” was a success in Hong Kong and helped to further popularize martial arts films in the 1980s. It is also notable for its use of actual Shaolin monks in the fight scenes, which adds an extra level of authenticity to the action.

11. Enter the Dragon (1973)

“Enter the Dragon” is a martial arts film directed by Robert Clouse and produced by Bruce Lee in 1973. The film stars Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, and Bolo Yeung.

The plot of the film follows Bruce Lee’s character, a martial artist named Lee, who is recruited by an intelligence agency to go undercover and participate in a martial arts tournament on a private island owned by a criminal mastermind named Han.

Lee’s mission is to gather evidence against Han and put an end to his criminal activities.

During the tournament, Lee faces many challenges and obstacles, including competing against some of the best martial artists in the world and uncovering Han’s plot to smuggle drugs. Along the way, he befriends fellow competitors Roper and Williams, who help him in his mission.

“Enter the Dragon” is considered a classic of the martial arts genre and is famous for its impressive fight scenes and Bruce Lee’s iconic performance.

The film is also notable for being one of the first Hollywood productions to feature martial arts on such a grand scale and helped to popularize the genre in the West. Unfortunately, Bruce Lee passed away shortly before the film’s release, making it his final completed film.

12. The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

“The Legend of Drunken Master” is a 1994 Hong Kong action-comedy film directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Jackie Chan. The movie is also known as “Drunken Master II” and is a sequel to the 1978 film “Drunken Master”, which also starred Chan.

The film is set in early 20th century China and follows the adventures of Wong Fei-hung (played by Jackie Chan), a legendary martial arts master.

Wong Fei-hung becomes involved in a plot to smuggle Chinese artifacts out of the country, and he uses his skills in the martial art of Drunken Boxing to fight off the smugglers and their henchmen.

“The Legend of Drunken Master” is known for its inventive fight scenes and choreography, as well as Jackie Chan’s use of humor and physical comedy.

The movie was a commercial and critical success, and helped to solidify Jackie Chan’s reputation as one of the world’s leading action movie stars.

13. Fearless (2006)

Fearless is a martial arts film directed by Ronny Yu and starring Jet Li in the lead role. It was released in 2006 and is based on the life of Huo Yuanjia, a real-life martial artist who lived in China during the early 20th century.

The movie follows Huo Yuanjia’s journey as a young man who initially becomes a martial artist to prove his worth and defend his family’s honor.

However, after a tragic incident, he loses his way and becomes disillusioned with fighting. It’s only after he meets a blind musician named Moon (played by Betty Sun) that he begins to see the true meaning of martial arts.

Huo Yuanjia then embarks on a journey to reconcile with his past and to become a better person, both inside and outside the ring. He eventually finds himself facing off against some of the best fighters from around the world in a tournament that takes place in Shanghai.

The movie is known for its beautiful cinematography, stunning fight scenes, and its emphasis on the importance of humility and compassion in martial arts. It also touches on themes of nationalism, cultural identity, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.

Fearless was a critical and commercial success and is considered to be one of Jet Li’s most memorable performances. It remains a classic of the martial arts genre and is widely regarded as one of the best martial arts movies of all time.

14. Fist of Fury (1972)

“Fist of Fury” is a classic Kung Fu movie from 1972, directed by Lo Wei and starring Bruce Lee in one of his most iconic roles. The film follows Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee), a student of a Chinese martial arts school in Japanese-occupied Shanghai, who seeks revenge for the death of his master.

The film is known for its intense fight scenes, which feature Bruce Lee’s lightning-fast kicks and punches. The fight choreography is expertly crafted, with each fight scene showcasing Bruce Lee’s unique fighting style and athleticism.

The film also addresses themes of racism and national pride, as Chen Zhen takes on Japanese martial artists in defense of his school and country.

“Fist of Fury” was a groundbreaking film for its time, breaking box office records in Hong Kong and establishing Bruce Lee as a major international star. The film’s impact on the Kung Fu movie genre is still felt today, with its influence evident in many modern martial arts films.

Overall, “Fist of Fury” is a classic Kung Fu movie that has stood the test of time. Bruce Lee’s electrifying performance, combined with the film’s thrilling fight scenes and powerful themes, make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

15. Fist of Legend (1994)

Fist of Legend is a 1994 Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Gordon Chan and starring Jet Li, Chin Siu-ho, and Yasuaki Kurata.

The film is set in the 1930s in Shanghai, during the Japanese occupation of China. Jet Li plays Chen Zhen, a martial artist who returns to China from Japan to investigate the murder of his master.

He discovers that the murder was orchestrated by a Japanese officer named Fujita (played by Yasuaki Kurata), who is also a skilled martial artist.

Chen Zhen decides to challenge Fujita to a one-on-one fight to avenge his master and defend Chinese pride. The fight becomes a battle between Chinese and Japanese martial arts, and Chen Zhen must use his skills and wit to defeat Fujita and his team.

Fist of Legend is known for its intense fight scenes and Jet Li’s impressive martial arts skills. The film was a commercial and critical success, and is considered one of the best martial arts films of all time. It has since become a cult classic in the genre and has influenced many other martial arts films.

16. Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)

“Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior” is a 2003 Thai martial arts film directed by Prachya Pinkaew, starring Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, and Pumwaree Yodkamol.

The film follows a young Muay Thai fighter named Ting, who must travel to Bangkok to recover the stolen head of his village’s sacred Buddha statue, which is believed to hold mystical powers.

The film is renowned for its intense and innovative fight scenes, which showcase Tony Jaa’s incredible martial arts skills, including his acrobatic and stunt work.

Unlike many martial arts films, the movie features minimal wire work and special effects, relying instead on Jaa’s physical abilities and the natural beauty of Thailand’s landscapes and architecture.

“Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior” was a critical and commercial success, both in Thailand and internationally, and helped to establish Tony Jaa as a major star in the martial arts film genre.

It has since spawned two sequels, “Tom-Yum-Goong” and “Ong Bak 2”, both of which also feature Jaa’s unique style of fighting and breathtaking stunts.

17. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

“Kung Fu Hustle” is a 2004 Hong Kong action-comedy film directed by and starring Stephen Chow. The film is set in 1940s China and tells the story of a young man, Sing (played by Chow), who aspires to become a member of the notorious Axe Gang.

When Sing and his friend attempt to scam the residents of a housing complex called Pig Sty Alley, they inadvertently attract the attention of the real Axe Gang.

As the Axe Gang begins to terrorize the residents, Sing discovers that several of the residents are actually skilled martial artists who are capable of defending themselves.

The film is known for its blend of comedy and action, as well as its use of elaborate visual effects and wire work. It features a number of memorable fight scenes, including Sing’s battles against the Axe Gang and the final showdown between the residents of Pig Sty Alley and the Axe Gang.

“Kung Fu Hustle” was a critical and commercial success and has since become a cult classic. It is regarded as one of the best martial arts films of the 21st century and helped to establish Stephen Chow as a major director in the Hong Kong film industry.

18. The Way of the Dragon (1972)

“The Way of the Dragon” is a martial arts film directed, written, and produced by Bruce Lee in 1972. The film stars Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, Chuck Norris, and Robert Wall.

The plot of the film follows Bruce Lee’s character, Tang Lung, who travels from Hong Kong to Rome to help his cousins who are being pressured by local gangsters to sell their restaurant.

Tang Lung must use his martial arts skills to protect his cousins and the restaurant from the gangsters, who are led by an American martial artist named Colt (played by Chuck Norris).

The film is known for its thrilling fight scenes, particularly the climactic showdown between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in the Roman Colosseum. The film also explores themes of cultural differences and the importance of respecting other cultures.

“The Way of the Dragon” was Bruce Lee’s directorial debut and is considered a classic of the martial arts genre. It was also the first time that Bruce Lee had complete control over a film’s creative direction, allowing him to showcase his unique vision and philosophy of martial arts.

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19. Chocolate (2008)

“Chocolate” is a 2008 Thai martial arts film directed by Prachya Pinkaew and starring Yanin “Jeeja” Vismistananda in her debut role.

The movie tells the story of Zen, a young girl with autism who discovers she has a talent for martial arts and uses her skills to collect debts owed to her mother.

The film features impressive fight scenes, showcasing Yanin’s abilities in various martial arts styles, including Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and Capoeira.

“Chocolate” also explores themes of family, loyalty, and redemption, as Zen’s mother struggles with debt and illness, and Zen must fight to protect her.

“Chocolate” was a critical and commercial success, receiving positive reviews for its action sequences and the performance of its lead actress.

The movie also helped to further establish the reputation of Thailand as a center for martial arts cinema, following the success of previous Thai action films like “Ong-Bak” and “Tom-Yum-Goong” (also directed by Prachya Pinkaew and starring Tony Jaa).

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20. The Big Boss (1971)

The Big Boss is a martial arts film directed by Lo Wei and starring Bruce Lee in his first major role. It was released in 1971 and marked the beginning of Lee’s rise to international fame as a martial arts superstar.

The movie follows Lee’s character, Cheng Chao-an, as he moves from China to Thailand to work in an ice factory with his cousins. However, he soon discovers that the factory is a front for a drug smuggling operation and becomes embroiled in a dangerous underworld.

As tensions rise and Cheng’s cousins begin to disappear, he takes matters into his own hands and unleashes his martial arts skills to take down the drug lords and their minions.

The Big Boss is known for its iconic fight scenes, which showcase Lee’s incredible speed, power, and agility. It also features memorable villains, including a towering henchman played by former professional basketball player, James Tien.

The movie was a huge commercial success and catapulted Lee to stardom in Asia and around the world. It remains a classic of the martial arts genre and is widely regarded as one of the best martial arts movies of all time.

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3 Characteristics of Kung Fu Movies

Martial Arts: One of the defining characteristics of Kung Fu movies is the emphasis on martial arts. These movies often feature elaborate fight sequences showcasing different styles of Chinese martial arts such as Wing Chun, Tai Chi, and Shaolin Kung Fu.

The fight scenes are often choreographed and executed with great precision and creativity, and are a major draw for audiences.

Cultural Traditions: Kung Fu movies often draw from Chinese cultural traditions and values, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

These movies may explore themes of honor, duty, loyalty, and self-improvement, and often feature characters who embody these values. The use of Chinese language, music, and costumes also adds to the cultural authenticity of these films.

Heroic Protagonist: Kung Fu movies typically feature a heroic protagonist who possesses exceptional martial arts skills and uses them to fight against injustice and oppression.

These characters often display great physical and mental strength, as well as moral and ethical principles, and are admired for their bravery and skill. The portrayal of the protagonist as a hero is a common and important element in Kung Fu movies.

3 Reasons To Watch Kung Fu Movies

Martial arts action: Kung Fu movies are known for their incredible martial arts action sequences, featuring high-flying kicks, lightning-fast strikes, and acrobatic moves. Watching these skilled fighters perform amazing feats of physicality can be both thrilling and inspiring, even for those who aren’t martial arts enthusiasts.

Cultural insights: Many Kung Fu movies are set in Asia and offer glimpses into the culture, traditions, and history of countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Watching these films can provide viewers with a better understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures, and offer a unique perspective on the world.

Entertainment value: Kung Fu movies are often packed with action, humor, and drama, making them highly entertaining to watch.

They can provide a fun and exciting escape from reality, transporting viewers to worlds of heroic fighters, epic battles, and unforgettable characters. Additionally, many classic Kung Fu movies have gained cult followings and are considered must-see films for fans of the genre.

Best Kung Fu Movies – Wrap Up

In conclusion, Kung Fu movies have been a beloved genre of martial arts films for decades, captivating audiences around the world with their thrilling fight scenes, intricate choreography, and compelling characters.

From classics like Bruce Lee’s “Fist of Fury” to modern favorites like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” the genre has produced some of the most iconic and influential films in cinema history.

In this article, we have explored just a few examples of some of the best Kung Fu movies ever made, including “The Avenging Eagle,” “Fist of Fury,” and “Encounter of the Spooky Kind.”

Each of these films showcases the unique strengths of the genre, from intense fight scenes to powerful themes of loyalty, honor, and revenge.

Kung Fu movies continue to evolve and inspire new generations of filmmakers and martial artists, and it’s clear that the genre’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, there’s no shortage of Kung Fu movies to explore and enjoy.