The Best Martial Arts Movies On Netflix
- 1Scott Adkins, Donnie Yen, Kwok-Kwan Chan
Ip Man 4: The Finale marks the culmination of the grandmaster's saga, offering a fitting tribute to the iconic figure that shaped modern martial arts. As Ip Man, played by Donnie Yen, travels to San Francisco, the film deftly explores the clash and integration of Chinese and Western martial arts ideologies. A particular highlight is the exhilarating showdown against Scott Adkins' character, showcasing their respective mastery of Wing Chun and Karate. With its emotional depth, rich narrative, and spectacular choreography, Ip Man 4: The Finale successfully brings to a close one of the most beloved and influential martial arts sagas in cinematic history.
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- 2Jet Li, Hung Yan-yan, Yu Chenghui
Martial Arts of Shaolin is a classic tale of revenge and self-discovery set against the stunning backdrop of China's ancient temples and lush landscapes. Featuring a young Jet Li in his first leading role, the film intricately combines the traditional styles of Shaolin martial arts with Li's own unique brand of acrobatic athleticism. The film is further elevated by director Lau Kar-Leung's keen eye for detail and authenticity, capturing the true essence of Chinese martial arts while dazzling audiences with breathtaking fight scenes. Martial Arts of Shaolin is an inspiring journey that epitomizes the heart and soul of martial arts cinema.
- 3Michael Chan, Lo Mang, Ke Chu
Five Element Ninjas is a thrilling martial arts extravaganza that pits a group of skilled fighters against an onslaught of deadly ninjas, each representing one of the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. Directed by the legendary Chang Cheh, the film features innovative and captivating fight choreography, masterfully weaving together different styles and techniques within the constraints of the elemental theme. The protagonists' journey of self-discovery and mastery of their respective elements serves as an allegory for the constant evolution and growth inherent in martial arts practice. With its intricate storytelling, vibrant sets, and pulse-pounding action sequences, Five Element Ninjas is a cinematic ode to the diverse world of martial arts.
- 4Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle
The Night Comes for Us is a brutal, high-octane descent into the seedy world of the Indonesian criminal underworld. The film's visceral combat scenes showcase a blend of martial arts styles, including the indigenous Indonesian Pencak Silat, which emphasizes fluidity, speed, and precision. The unrelenting violence highlights the darker side of martial arts, illustrating the devastating consequences of such deadly skills in the wrong hands. By using martial arts as a tool of survival and redemption, this action-packed thriller provides a stark contrast to more traditional, spiritually-focused martial arts films.
- 5Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny continues the martial arts epic with a new generation of warriors, portrayed by a star-studded cast including Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh. The film's mesmerizing fight scenes showcase a gamut of martial arts styles and techniques, including Wudang swordplay, Crane Kung Fu, and Tai Chi. Under the direction of renowned martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, the fight scenes are elevated to a poetic and almost balletic level, where combat becomes an art form in and of itself. Sword of Destiny is a thrilling and visually striking entry to the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon saga, fully embracing the mystique and beauty of martial arts.
- 6Bruce Khan, Park Hee-soon, Yoon Jin-seo
Revenger showcases the raw power and speed of Jeet Kune Do and Taekwondo through the powerful performance of Bruce Khan, who portrays a former detective seeking revenge on an isolated island prison. This South Korean action thriller captivates viewers with its relentless pacing, ferocious combat, and skillful blend of martial arts techniques that demonstrate the adaptability and versatility of these fighting styles. By combining bone-crunching hand-to-hand battles with gritty realism, Revenger delivers an intense viewing experience that captures the essence of martial arts and their potential for both vengeance and redemption.
- 7Chia Hui Liu, Lau Kar-leung, Hsiao Ho
Directed by the renowned Lau Kar-Leung, Disciples of the 36th Chamber is another masterful entry in the classic Shaw Brothers kung fu canon. The film centers around the renowned Shaolin monk San Te, who mentors a young troublemaker in the highly disciplined art of kung fu. With its well-paced, intricate fight choreography and emphasis on practical combat techniques, Disciples of the 36th Chamber showcases the true essence of Shaolin martial arts. In its exploration of themes such as discipline, humility, and mastery, the film serves as a reminder that martial arts are more than just physical combat, but rather a way of life.
- 8Gina Carano, Michael Jai White, Kimbo SliceBlood and Bone is a 2009 American direct-to-DVD martial arts film directed by Ben Ramsey and written by Michael Andrews. The film stars Michael Jai White, Eamonn Walker and Julian Sands, and features martial artist Matt Mullins, former professional wrestler Ernest "The Cat" Miller, and MMA fighters Bob Sapp, Kimbo Slice, Maurice Smith, and Gina Carano.More Blood and Bone
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- 9
The Bare-footed Kid
Aaron Kwok, Ti LungThe Bare-footed Kid tells the story of a country boy who learns the art of kung fu while working in a textile mill. Starring Aaron Kwok and Maggie Cheung, this Hong Kong martial arts film showcases a variety of traditional Chinese kung fu styles and techniques in its dazzling fight scenes. The film also explores themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice, examining the ways in which martial arts values can transcend the battlefield and shape one's character. With its engaging mix of humor, drama, and action, The Bare-footed Kid is a charming and heartwarming exploration of martial arts in cinema.
- 10Chia Hui Liu, Alexander Fu Sheng, Lau Kar-leung
Legendary Weapons of China, directed by master filmmaker Lau Kar-Leung, delves into the fascinating world of traditional Chinese weaponry and their various martial arts applications. The film presents exhilarating fight sequences featuring an impressive array of weapons, from the iconic staff and three-section staff to exotic and deadly creations like the flying guillotine. Each character's mastery of their chosen weapon showcases the expertise, discipline, and innovation that underpins the practice of martial arts. A must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts, Legendary Weapons of China celebrates the ingenuity and skill required to wield these formidable instruments of combat.
- 11Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick NolteWarrior is a visceral sports drama that delves into the world of mixed martial arts. It intertwines the lives of two estranged brothers, Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton), who tread their paths in the unforgiving cage-fighting circuit. Tommy, an ex-Marine with a troubled past, seeks redemption, while Brendan, a high-school teacher fighting to keep his family afloat, seeks survival. As they independently enter Sparta, the biggest tournament in the history of the sport, their stories intersect inevitably, leading to a climax that's as intense as it is unexpected. Directed by Gavin O'Connor, Warrior earned Nick Nolte an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Paddy Conlon - the brothers' recovering alcoholic father and former coach.More Warrior
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- 12Shen Chan, Phillip Ko, Ti Lung
Opium and the Kung-Fu Master is a classic martial arts tale that follows a town caught in the grips of a devastating opium addiction. The film's fight scenes showcase breathtaking choreography and traditional Chinese martial arts techniques, as the titular kung fu master, played by Ti Lung, battles to save his community from the drug's destructive influence. The movie delves into themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the transformative power of martial arts, offering a cautionary tale on the perils of addiction and vice. With its gripping narrative and impressive fight sequences, Opium and the Kung-Fu Master is a poignant exploration of martial arts values and their potential for healing and change.
- 13Ngô Thanh Vân, Cát Vy, Phan Thanh Nhiên
Furie stars Veronica Ngo as a mother who embarks on a relentless quest to rescue her kidnapped daughter from human traffickers. The film's brutal, visceral combat sequences showcase a blend of Vietnamese martial arts, including the fast-paced and versatile Vovinam style. Furie's gripping storyline and intense action scenes present a female-driven perspective on the martial arts genre, exploring themes of motherhood, determination, and survival. By placing a fierce, resourceful heroine at the center of its narrative, Furie challenges genre conventions and offers refreshing representation in the world of martial arts cinema.
- 14Mark Chao, Feng Shaofeng, Lin Gengxin
Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings follows the intrepid investigator, played by Mark Chao, as he unravels a conspiracy that threatens to topple the Tang Dynasty. Blending elements of martial arts, fantasy, and detective fiction, this film defies genre boundaries to create a truly unique viewing experience. Expertly choreographed fight scenes showcase a range of traditional Chinese martial arts techniques, as well as thrilling, gravity-defying wirework. Through its inventive storytelling and captivating action sequences, Detective Dee, directed by Tsui Hark, proves that martial arts cinema can be an endlessly versatile and imaginative art form.
- 15
Darc
Tony Schiena, Armand Assante, Kippei ShînaDarc tells the story of a former special forces operative, played by Tony Schiena, who infiltrates a ruthless Yakuza organization to exact vengeance for the murder of his parents. The film incorporates various martial arts styles, such as Karate, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, providing a thrilling showcase of hand-to-hand combat, grappling, and submission techniques. Darc's violent, gritty action sequences underscore the darker side of martial arts, illustrating the potential for devastation in the wrong hands. By exploring themes of revenge, redemption, and the warrior spirit, Darc presents an uncompromising look at the complexities of martial arts in the modern world.
- 16
Enter the Warrior's Gate
Enter the Warrior's Gate is a fantastical martial arts adventure that transports a young gamer, played by Uriah Shelton, into a mystical kingdom where he must use his newfound kung fu skills to save the princess. Blending elements of martial arts, fantasy, and comedy, the film presents a light-hearted take on the genre while still showcasing impressive fight choreography and traditional Chinese martial arts techniques. Directed by Matthias Hoene and produced by Luc Besson, Enter the Warrior's Gate captivates audiences with its engaging storyline and imaginative visuals, offering an entertaining and accessible introduction to the martial arts world.
- 17
Sword Masters: Two Champions of Shaolin
Chin Siu-ho, Cho Tat-wah, Yu HsiaoSword Masters: Two Champions of Shaolin, directed by Chang Cheh, is a riveting martial arts film that chronicles the rivalry between two skilled fighters, played by Lo Meng and Sun Chien. The film's intricate fight choreography and dynamic action sequences showcase an array of traditional Chinese martial arts styles, such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Eagle Claw, and Monkey Fist. With its gripping storyline, engaging characters, and pulse-pounding combat, Sword Masters provides a thrilling and immersive exploration of ancient Chinese martial arts culture.
- 18Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy QuanIn Everything Everywhere All at Once, Michelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn Wang, a seemingly ordinary woman grappling with the bureaucracy of her family-run laundromat. An unexpected visit from an inter-dimensional messenger (Ke Huy Quan) catapults her into a cosmic journey across parallel universes. This sci-fi comedy-drama, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, weaves together themes of identity and connectivity in a universe-bending narrative. The film's intricate storytelling is complemented by its memorable characters including her estranged husband (James Hong) and quirky daughter (Stephanie Hsu), adding depth to this visually stunning cinematic marvel.
- 19Halle Berry, Stephen Henderson, Adan CantoBruised is the directorial debut of Halle Berry. The film depicts Jackie Justice (Berry), a disgraced MMA fighter grappling with personal and professional downfalls. When the son she gave up as an infant unexpectedly reenters her life, Jackie is confronted with a tumultuous battle for redemption. As she returns to the punishing world of mixed martial arts, the film delves deep into themes of perseverance, motherhood, and self-forgiveness. Berry's gritty performance is both physical and emotional, capturing the essence of a fighter on the brink of a last shot at glory. While Bruised didn't capture mainstream awards, Berry's work received recognition for its raw portrayal of a woman fighting life's challenges.More Bruised
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