Best Martial Arts

Journey to the West is a television adaptation of Wu Cheng'en’s novel, featuring a narrative centered around a pilgrimage undertaken by four individuals: Sun Wukong, Tang Sanzang, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing. The series was directed by Yang Jie and cast Liu Xiao Ling Tong in the role of Sun Wukong, al...

Once Upon a Time in China (1991) depicts the life of Cantonese martial arts master Wong Fei-hung, portrayed by Jet Li. The film features Yuen Biao, Jacky Cheung, Rosamund Kwan, and Kent Cheng as supporting cast members. It serves as the initial entry within the Once Upon a Time in China series, esta...

Yojimbo is a 1961 Japanese jidaigeki film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It depicts a wandering samurai who becomes embroiled in a conflict between two rival criminal factions vying for control of a town. The narrative features a cast including Toshiro Mifune and explores themes of violence and power d...

Hero is a 2000s action film rooted in Chinese wuxia tradition. Directed by Zhang Yimou, it tells a historical story of revenge and political intrigue set in the People's Republic of China. Jet Li and Tony Leung Chiu-wai star in this visually stunning cinematic experience recognized with an Academy A...

The Nippon Budokan is an indoor arena in Chiyoda, Tokyo, located within Kitanomaru Park. It was built to host the judo competition at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the first Olympiad to include judo as an official sport. The octagonal building, modeled after the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Hōryū-ji temp...

A mind-bending, genre-defying masterpiece, 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' transcends traditional comedy. It's a chaotic, heartfelt exploration of family, regret, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe. Michelle Yeoh delivers a career-defining performance as a Chinese-Ame...

House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 wuxia film directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, and Zhang Ziyi. The film had a limited theatrical release beginning December 3rd, 2004, in New York City and Los Angeles, expanding to other US locations shortly after. It achieved notable...

Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a visually stunning 2000 martial arts film blending Chinese folklore with a sweeping romance narrative. The movie garnered widespread acclaim and secured four Academy Awards including Best Picture. It's notable for its innovative action sequences and compe...

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is a 1978 Hong Kong martial arts film set during the Qing Dynasty’s 17th century. Gordon Liu stars as a fictionalized version of the legendary Shaolin disciple San Te, following his journey within the temple's hidden chambers. The film was produced by Shaw Brothers Studio...

Kung Fu Panda is a hilarious and heartwarming film that blends martial arts action with a surprisingly insightful story. The film follows Po, an unlikely panda who must embrace his destiny as the Dragon Warrior. The animation is vibrant and dynamic, and the films humor appeals to audiences of all ag...

Raise the Red Lantern is a 1991 period drama set during the Warlord Era of the 1920s. The film depicts a young woman’s life as the fourth wife within a wealthy household in Shanxi Province, China. It was adapted from a novella and marks a collaboration between director Zhang Yimou and actor Gong Li.

The Raid 2 follows Rama as he infiltrates Jakarta’s criminal underworld to uncover corruption involving law enforcement. Iko Uwais reprises his role alongside a new cast including Arifin Putra, investigating a network of collusion between police and organized crime. The film depicts intense action s...

Warrior tells the story of two estranged brothers, Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, who compete in a mixed martial arts tournament. The film explores their personal struggles and fractured relationship through the context of professional combat sports. Supporting cast members include MMA athletes alongs...

Police Story, released in 1985, stars Jackie Chan as Detective Kevin Chan Ka-Kui investigating accusations of murder following an attempt to apprehend a drug trafficker. The film’s plot involves Chan clearing his name while working alongside Brigitte Lin and Maggie Cheung. It serves as the initial i...

The Assassin is a critically acclaimed 2015 Hong Kong wuxia film directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien. It adapts the ancient Chinese legend of Nie Yinniang, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge through a deliberate, visually stunning narrative. Starring Shu Qi and Chang Chen, the movie’s patien...

Way of the Dragon is a 1972 action film notable for being Bruce Lee’s final directorial effort. The movie blends British and Hong Kong influences showcasing innovative martial arts sequences. Chuck Norris made his acting debut in this project alongside Nora Miao and Wei Ping-ou. It remains significa...

Kill Bill: Volume 2 follows The Bride’s relentless pursuit of retribution against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. She confronts Bill, her former husband, in a final showdown related to the attempted murder of her and their child. The film concludes her extended mission...

Ip Man 2 depicts the early life of Ip Man in British Hong Kong following the events of its predecessor. The film focuses on his efforts to spread Wing Chun while contending with rival martial artists like Hung Chun-nam and Taylor “The Twister” Miller. Donnie Yen reprises his role as the influential...

The Raid depicts a unit of Indonesian police tasked with infiltrating a Jakarta apartment building controlled by a drug trafficker. Following an initial raid, the squad becomes trapped and engages in intense combat against a surrounding group of armed criminals within the multi-story structure. The...

Ip Man is a 2008 biographical martial arts film depicting the life of Wing Chun master Ip Man during the Sino-Japanese War in Foshan. Donnie Yen portrays the character, with choreography by Sammo Hung, set against the backdrop of wartime events and featuring a cast including Simon Yam and Bruce Lee’...

Ninja Gaiden is a 1988 hack-and-slash platform game created by Tecmo for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was initially released in Japan in December 1988, with North American distribution following in March 1989 and European release in August 1991. The title has since been ported to various pl...

Fearless, directed by Ronny Yu, is a 2006 Hong Kong-Chinese co-production depicting the life of Huo Yuanjia. The film portrays his challenges against foreign fighters during the decline of the Qing dynasty, aiming to bolster Chinese nationalism. Jet Li’s performance marked what he considered his fin...

Zatoichi is a Japanese martial arts film centered around a blind swordsman navigating the Edo period. Directed by Takeshi Kitano, the story showcases his skill and provides a unique perspective on samurai culture through the character’s disability. The film appeals to viewers interested in historica...

Ranma 1/2 is a long-running manga series by Rumiko Takahashi. The story follows Ranma Saotome, who gains the ability to transform into a girl when exposed to cold water and a boy when subjected to heat. This transformation is often triggered unexpectedly and leads to chaotic situations filled with m...

Gosei Sentai Dairanger is a Japanese tokusatsu television show from Toei Company that aired between 1993 and 1994. It’s notable for its distinctive martial arts action sequences and the unique “Daira” (circle) power system utilized by the rangers. The series primarily targets children interested in...

Cobra Kai is a television series revisiting the world of The Karate Kid films. It follows Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence as they navigate personal struggles and seek revenge decades after their initial rivalry. The show explores themes of family legacy, redemption, and the enduring impact of chi...

Fist of Fury is a 1972 Hong Kong martial arts film starring Bruce Lee as Chen Zhen, a disciple of Huo Yuanjia. The narrative centers on Chen Zhen’s quest to avenge his master’s murder and protect Chinese interests against foreign adversaries. Lo Wei directed the film for Golden Harvest, featuring No...

Kill Bill: Volume 1 follows Beatrix “the Bride,” a former assassin seeking retribution against those who murdered her and her unborn child. She travels to Japan to confront a group of killers led by Bill, engaging in violent confrontations with the yakuza. The film depicts her relentless pursuit of...

The Grandmaster is a 2013 martial arts drama depicting the life of Ip Man, a Wing Chun grandmaster. Co-produced by Hong Kong and China, it premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and was selected for the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The film received nominations for Best Cinema...