As a kid, I was obsessed with martial arts movies. I’d watch them wide-eyed, then run outside to try out every kick and punch on my brother and the neighborhood kids. Totally unsafe—but absolutely unforgettable.
Out of all those action-packed films, one subgenre always stood out to me: Kung Fu cinema.
Celebrated for its stunning choreography, deeper philosophical themes, and larger-than-life stars, Kung Fu films have thrilled audiences around the world for generations. From the raw, gritty realism of early Shaw Brothers classics to the elegant, gravity-defying wuxia tales of recent years, these movies deliver a powerful mix of action, storytelling, and cultural richness.
So, which ones rise above the rest?
Let’s take a look at the best Kung Fu films ever made.
What Is a Kung Fu Movie?
Kung Fu films are a specific branch of the larger martial arts genre, originating primarily in Hong Kong. What sets them apart is their focus on intricate, often acrobatic hand-to-hand combat, drawing from a range of Chinese martial arts traditions.
These movies are known for showcasing intense physical skill—often in stylized, larger-than-life ways—and exploring themes like honor, discipline, perseverance, and justice.
While Kung Fu films can be set in ancient dynasties or modern-day streets, they almost always spotlight personal growth through physical and spiritual struggle, making them both thrilling and deeply resonant.
So, which Kung Fu films stand out as the greatest?
- Enter the Dragon (1973)
There’s just no debating it—Enter the Dragon is the Kung Fu movie. It’s the one everyone recognizes, whether they’ve seen it or not. And for good reason: it turned Bruce Lee into a global phenomenon and forever changed the way the world viewed martial arts on screen.
A groundbreaking U.S.-Hong Kong co-production, the film blended Eastern philosophy with Western action tropes, creating a cinematic explosion of style, swagger, and skill. Bruce Lee’s electrifying presence, paired with unforgettable fight sequences—including the iconic mirror-room showdown—cemented Enter the Dragon as the gold standard of Kung Fu cinema.
More than just a movie, it was a cultural milestone that brought Kung Fu into the global mainstream—and it’s still influencing action films today.
- The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
A definitive Shaw Brothers masterpiece starring Gordon Liu, this film follows a young rebel who trains at the Shaolin Temple to master Kung Fu and fight injustice.
It’s packed with grueling training sequences, spiritual growth, and iconic fight scenes. Every Kung Fu movie made since owes a debt to this one.
- Drunken Master II (1994)
Also known as The Legend of Drunken Master, this is Jackie Chan at the absolute peak of his powers—blending slapstick comedy, acrobatics, and jaw-dropping martial arts.
The final fight scene? Arguably the greatest ever filmed.
- Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
A love letter to classic Kung Fu cinema wrapped in cartoonish chaos and absurd humor. Stephen Chow creates a world where fight scenes defy gravity and logic, yet somehow honor every film that came before.
It’s parody, homage, and masterpiece all in one.
- Fist of Fury (1972)
Another Bruce Lee essential, this film is raw, emotional, and defiant. Lee plays a student avenging his master’s death, and the film’s nationalist undertones struck a powerful chord with audiences in Asia.
It’s Lee at his most intense—and unforgettable.
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Ang Lee brought the poetic beauty of wuxia to the global stage with this visually stunning film. The choreography is dreamlike, the story is heartbreaking, and the performances—especially from Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi—are legendary.
It’s a film that transcends genre and borders.
- Hero (2002)
Directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Jet Li, Hero is a feast for the senses. Every color-coded chapter is a work of visual poetry, and the swordplay is graceful and balletic.
Watch it on the biggest screen you can find—it’s that beautiful.
- Ip Man (2008)
Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Wing Chun master Ip Man, Bruce Lee’s mentor, brought stoicism and grace to the genre.
With grounded choreography and a powerful wartime setting, this film reintroduced the values of discipline and humility to a new generation of martial arts fans.
- Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
Jet Li stars as the legendary Wong Fei-hung in this Tsui Hark-directed epic that revitalized the Kung Fu genre in the 1990s.
Historical drama, dazzling stunts, and national pride converge in one of Li’s most celebrated performances.
- Police Story (1985)
If Bruce Lee is the soul of Kung Fu cinema, Jackie Chan is its heartbeat. Police Story is full-throttle action with stunt work so insane, it still boggles the mind.
The mall pole-slide? Iconic. The film is a showcase of Chan’s unmatched dedication to real, high-impact action.
- Iron Monkey (1993)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping—yes, the same man behind The Matrix and Crouching Tiger—this wire-fu gem stars Donnie Yen and delivers kinetic, airborne fight scenes with style and substance.
It’s a perfect blend of old-school values and 90s flair.
Final Thoughts
Kung Fu movies are more than just fight scenes—they’re cinematic expressions of philosophy, honor, and artistry. Whether you’re watching Bruce Lee deliver a one-inch punch or Jackie Chan dangle from a clock tower, you’re witnessing a legacy of passion and discipline on screen.
These 11 films aren’t just great Kung Fu movies—they’re great movies, period.
So if you’re ready to jump into the world of flying kicks, moral codes, and unforgettable action, this list is your starting point.
