The Best Kung Fu Movies Of The 1980s
- 1Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres
This intense martial arts film introduced the world to Jean-Claude Van Damme, who stars as Frank Dux, an American soldier participating in a dangerous underground fighting tournament called the Kumite. The story is inspired by the real-life experiences of martial artist Frank Dux and features incredible fight scenes that showcase Van Damme's impressive skills. Memorable scenes such as the blindfolded training sequence and the final battle with the ruthless Chong Li continue to resonate with fans of Kung Fu movies.
- 2Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
A quintessential coming-of-age story, this film follows Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) as he moves to California and learns karate from the wise Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), in order to defend himself against bullies at his new school. LaRusso's journey of personal growth through karate, culminating in an intense and emotional tournament showdown, has made this film a beloved classic among martial arts enthusiasts. Pat Morita's performance as Mr. Miyagi earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
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- 3Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Alexio, Dennis Chan
Jean-Claude Van Damme returns to star as Kurt Sloane, whose brother Eric is paralyzed after competing in an underground kickboxing match in Thailand against the formidable Tong Po. Determined to seek revenge, Kurt trains under a wise master named Xian Chow and learns the ancient art of Muay Thai kickboxing, preparing himself for a brutal rematch against Tong Po. This action-packed film showcases some of Van Damme's most memorable fight sequences and further solidified his status as a martial arts icon.
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- 4Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun
This cult classic directed by John Carpenter blends martial arts action with supernatural comedy elements to create a truly unique adventure. Starring Kurt Russell as truck driver Jack Burton and Dennis Dun as expert martial artist Wang Chi, they must navigate through the mysterious underworld of San Francisco's Chinatown to rescue two kidnapped women and defeat an ancient sorcerer. Notable for its thrilling fight scenes, colorful characters, and witty dialogue, this film remains a fan favorite among Kung Fu movie aficionados.
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- 5James Earl Jones, Eric Roberts, Louise Fletcher
A gripping story of teamwork and perseverance, this movie features an all-star ensemble cast including Eric Roberts, James Earl Jones, Sally Kirkland, and martial arts legends Phillip Rhee and Simon Rhee. It follows a group of talented American martial artists who must come together as a team to face off against Korea's elite Taekwondo competitors in an international tournament. Blending intense training sequences with emotional character-driven drama, Best of the Best has cemented its place as a classic 1980s martial arts film.
- 6Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung
Directed by and starring Jackie Chan as Hong Kong police officer Ka-Kui Chan, this film showcases some of the most incredible stunt work and action set pieces in Kung Fu cinema history. Tasked with protecting a key witness in a criminal case while also facing corruption within his own department, Ka-Kui must use his acrobatic fighting prowess to unravel the dangerous situation at hand. A masterful blend of comedy and high-stakes action make Police Story an essential entry into any list of great Kung Fu movies.
- 7Taimak, Vanity, Christopher Murney
A unique blend of martial arts action, Motown music, and romance, this film stars Taimak as Leroy Green, a young kung fu prodigy searching for the elusive "Glow" – the highest level of martial arts mastery. As he navigates through New York City's urban landscape, he encounters memorable characters such as Vanity's Laura Charles and Julius Carry's Sho'nuff - The Shogun of Harlem. With its catchy soundtrack and unforgettable style, The Last Dragon is a beloved cult classic that still resonates with fans today.
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- 8Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Tamlyn Tomita
The sequel to the beloved original finds Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) traveling to Okinawa where they become entangled in a feud between Miyagi’s former best friend Sato and his nephew Chozen. As Daniel trains for an intense traditional combat called O-bon, he further develops his karate skills and strengthens his bond with Mr. Miyagi. The film builds upon the success of its predecessor while also delivering fresh new challenges for our heroes to overcome.
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- 9Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kim Tai-chung, Kurt McKinney
In this breakthrough film for Jean-Claude Van Damme, he stars as the fearsome Russian fighter Ivan Kraschinsky. The story follows Kurt McKinney's Jason Stillwell, a young martial artist who faces adversity from local bullies and learns to fight back with the help of Bruce Lee's spirit. Building to a bone-crunching final showdown between Stillwell and Kraschinsky, No Retreat, No Surrender is an underdog story in which dedication and determination ultimately triumph over adversity.
- 10Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Judie Aronson
A fusion of martial arts action and military intrigue, this movie stars Michael Dudikoff as Joe Armstrong, a disgraced American soldier who becomes embroiled in an international arms trafficking conspiracy. Utilizing his ninja training to take on mercenaries and assassins alike, Armstrong proves himself a formidable force to be reckoned with throughout the film's thrilling action sequences. A box office hit that spawned several sequels, American Ninja remains a classic within the genre.
- 11Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Bill Tung
Jackie Chan reprises his role as Ka-Kui Chan in this high-octane sequel that sees him demoted to traffic duty before being called back into action against a gang of ruthless bomb-making extortionists. Continuing the original's blend of jaw-dropping stunts, comedic moments, and dramatic intensity, Police Story 2 solidifies the franchise's position as a landmark series in martial arts cinema.
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- 12Steven Seagal, Pam Grier, Henry Silva
Steven Seagal makes his film debut as Nico Toscani, an ex-CIA agent turned Chicago cop who uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving drug trafficking and government corruption. Utilizing his formidable Aikido skills to take on the criminals and expose their plot, Seagal delivers a powerful performance that would cement him as an action star for years to come. With thrilling fight scenes and tense drama, Above the Law remains an essential entry into 1980s martial arts cinema.
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- 13Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Hark-Sun Lau
Jackie Chan directs and stars as Dragon Ma Yue Lung in this swashbuckling adventure set in turn-of-the-century Hong Kong. Tasked with taking down notorious pirate leader Sanpo (Dick Wei), Dragon teams up with Foon (Sammo Hung) and Inspector Tzu (Yuen Biao) to bring justice to the high seas. Meticulously choreographed stunts and comedic timing combine for an exhilarating Kung Fu spectacle that remains one of Jackie Chan's defining works.
- 14Shô Kosugi, Keith Vitali, Virgil Frye
Ninjutsu master Sho Kosugi stars in this action-packed tale of vengeance as Cho Osaki, a man who loses his family to a brutal assassination carried out by rival ninja clans. After relocating to America and rebuilding his life, he is forced to once again don his ninja garb when it becomes clear that the enemies from his past have not forgotten him. Featuring stunning choreography and costume design that showcase true ninja techniques, Revenge of the Ninja is considered one of the definitive films of the ninja movie craze.
- 15Chuck Norris, David Carradine, Barbara Carrera
In this stylish action thriller, Chuck Norris stars as J.J. McQuade, a renegade Texas Ranger who teams up with a rookie partner to take on the ruthless arms dealer Rawley Wilkes (played by David Carradine). Packed with explosive stunts and memorable fight scenes, including a climactic showdown between Norris and Carradine, Lone Wolf McQuade remains a standout entry in 1980s martial arts cinema.
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- 16Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao
This Hong Kong martial arts comedy sees the legendary trio of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao star as three friends working together to run a fast-food truck in Barcelona while becoming entangled in the plight of a young woman targeted by criminals. Combining breathtaking stunts with slapstick humor and an engaging story, Wheels on Meals demonstrates the impeccable chemistry between its leading men that helped them create some of the most unforgettable Kung Fu films ever made.
- 17Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao
Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao reunite for this fast-paced action-comedy that sees them playing lawyers-turned-vigilantes working together to expose a corrupt business tycoon involved in drug trafficking and murder. Packed with high-energy fight scenes that showcase each actor's unique talents, Dragons Forever remains a beloved classic among fans of Hong Kong martial arts cinema.
- 18Jean-Claude Van Damme, Deborah Richter, Vincent Klyn
Jean-Claude Van Damme delivers another knockout performance as Gibson Rickenbacker, a "slinger" (bounty hunter) tasked with escorting a cyborg carrying vital information across a post-apocalyptic wasteland in order to salvage what's left of humanity. Along the way, they encounter dangerous foes led by Fender Tremolo (Vincent Klyn), resulting in brutal battle sequences that showcase Van Damme's trademark athleticism and finesse.
- 19Chuck Norris, Karen Carlson, Lee Van Cleef
Chuck Norris takes on ninjas in this thrilling martial arts film centered around Scott James, a retired karate champion drawn back into action by a nefarious terrorist plot masterminded by his own brother. Scott's journey to confront his sibling and prevent further bloodshed showcases Norris' dynamic skills in a variety of exciting combat scenes, making The Octagon an essential viewing experience for Kung Fu enthusiasts.
- 20Jackie Chan, Wei Pai, Biao Yuen
An early directorial effort by Jackie Chan, this film follows Dragon Ho (Chan) as he tries to clear the name of his fellow student who has been framed for a crime while also dealing with the threat of a dangerous criminal on the loose. With its innovative fight choreography and slapstick comedy, The Young Master is a standout among 1980s Kung Fu movies and showcases Jackie Chan's skill both in front of and behind the camera.
- 21Jackie Chan, Carina Lau, Alan Tam
In this globe-trotting action-adventure, Jackie Chan stars as Asian Hawk, a former pop singer turned treasure hunter who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving an ancient artifact known as the Armour of God. As he races against time to rescue his kidnapped ex-girlfriend (Rosamund Kwan) and recover the relic, he engages in thrilling action sequences that feature some of Chan's most unforgettable stunts. Equal parts Indiana Jones and martial arts extravaganza, Armour of God is a testament to Jackie Chan's enduring legacy as an action star.
- 22Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Robyn Lively
Although facing increased criticism from fans for departing from the formula of its predecessors, this third installment still offers solid martial arts action and compelling character development for Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita's Mr. Miyagi. This time around, the duo faces a new set of enemies in the form of the ruthless Cobra Kai sensei Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) and his protégé Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan).
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- 23Jackie Chan, José Ferrer, Kristine DeBell
This Golden Harvest production directed by Robert Clouse stars Jackie Chan as Jerry Kwan, a martial artist who becomes involved in the seedy world of underground fighting after his father's restaurant falls victim to extortionists. Featuring expertly choreographed fight sequences that showcase Chan's unique blend of acrobatics and humor, The Big Brawl marks an important milestone for both Chan's career and American audiences' exposure to Hong Kong martial arts films.
- 24Michael Dudikoff, Gary Conway, Steve James
Michael Dudikoff returns as Joe Armstrong in this action-packed sequel to American Ninja, joined by sidekick Curtis Jackson (played by Steve James). This time, they must infiltrate a mysterious Caribbean island to rescue fellow soldiers who have been kidnapped by a group of lethal ninjas with sinister plans. With thrilling fights scenes and exciting stunt work, American Ninja 2 continues the legacy of its predecessor.
- 25Chuck Norris, Henry Silva, Bert Remsen
In this gritty police thriller, Chuck Norris stars as Eddie Cusack, a tough Chicago cop caught in the crossfire between warring gangs while contending with corruption within his own department. Balancing intense martial arts action with a gripping crime story, Code of Silence highlights Norris' versatility as an actor and continues to captivate fans of Kung Fu cinema.
- 26Fred Ward, Joel Grey, Kate Mulgrew
In this action-adventure film based on the popular series of pulp novels, Fred Ward stars as Remo Williams, a New York City cop-turned-secret agent who undergoes extraordinary training under the tutelage of legendary martial arts master Chiun (played by Joel Grey). Featuring thrilling fight sequences and breathtaking stunts set against iconic New York City backdrops, Remo Williams offers an engaging blend of martial arts spectacle and espionage thrills.
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- 27Michael Chan, Lo Mang, Ke Chu
This classic Shaw Brothers production features some of the most intricately choreographed fight scenes in martial arts cinema history. Directed by Chang Cheh and starring Lo Mang and Michael Chan, Five Element Ninjas tells the story of a young Kung Fu practitioner seeking revenge on the titular ninjas who slaughtered his friends. Each representing one of the five Chinese elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), these deadly foes present unique challenges for our hero to overcome on his path to vengeance.
- 28Shô Kosugi, Michael Constantine, James Booth
Sho Kosugi stars as Akira Saito, a Japanese businessman who moves with his family to Los Angeles only to become embroiled in gang violence and corruption. Calling upon his ninja training to protect those he loves and take down the ruthless criminals threatening their livelihoods, Saito delivers a formidable performance that showcases his considerable martial arts prowess.
- 29Franco Nero, Susan George, Shô Kosugi
This groundbreaking film helped kickstart the 1980s ninja craze and stars Franco Nero as Cole, a Westerner who trains in the art of ninjutsu and becomes embroiled in an international conspiracy. As he faces off against deadly assassins and treacherous allies, Cole proves that the way of the ninja is one of honor, loyalty, and fierce combat. Enter the Ninja remains a seminal entry in martial arts cinema history.
- 30Chuck Norris, Christopher Lee, Richard Roundtree
Chuck Norris stars as Sean Kane, a San Francisco cop seeking revenge after his partner is murdered by drug traffickers. Teaming up with a television reporter (played by Christopher Lee) and utilizing his formidable martial arts abilities, Kane sets out to bring the criminals to justice and expose the corruption that allowed them to operate unchecked.
