Best Martial Arts Action Films
Martial arts films showcase various fighting styles and often feature themes of discipline, honor, and personal growth alongside spectacular fight choreography.
1. Enter the Dragon (1973)
Bruce Lee‘s final completed film is a martial arts classic that brought the genre to global attention.
Why it’s great:
- Lee’s unparalleled screen presence and martial arts skills
- Blend of Hong Kong action with Hollywood production values
- Influential on subsequent martial arts and action films
2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Ang Lee‘s wuxia epic brought Chinese martial arts films to a mainstream Western audience.
Why it’s great:
- Stunning fight choreography defying gravity
- Beautiful cinematography and score
- Strong performances and emotional depth
3. The Raid: Redemption (2011)
This Indonesian action film follows a SWAT team trapped in a high-rise building controlled by a drug lord.
Why it’s great:
- Intense, innovative fight choreography
- Claustrophobic setting adding to the tension
- Star-making performance by Iko Uwais
4. Ip Man (2008)
Donnie Yen stars as the titular martial arts master who would later train Bruce Lee.
Why it’s great:
- Yen’s powerful performance as Ip Man
- Spectacular wing chun kung fu sequences
- Exploration of Chinese history and culture
5.Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)
Tony Jaa stars in this Thai action film showcasing the power of Muay Thai.
Why it’s great:
- Jaa’s incredible athletic skills and stunts
- Raw, hard-hitting fight sequences
- Minimal use of wirework or CGI .