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What Are The 11 Best Kung Fu Movies?
It's time to kick butt and take names.
May 19, 2025
I remember as a kid wanting to watch martial arts movies and then practicing all the moves on my brother and the neighborhood kids. It wasn't safe, but it was a lot of fun.
Within those movies is a subgenre I really love.
Kung Fu cinema, a genre celebrated for its breathtaking choreography, philosophical underpinnings, and charismatic stars, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
From the gritty realism of early Shaw Brothers productions to the high-flying acrobatics of modern wuxia epics, these films offer a unique blend of action, storytelling, and cultural expression.
So, which are the best?
Let's dive in.
1. Enter the Dragon (1973)
You just cannot argue that this isn't the greatest Kung Fu movie. It's like the one everyone in the world knows exists and many have seen. And it made Bruce Lee the biggest star of his generation.
This U.S.-Hong Kong co-production catapulted Lee to international superstardom and brought Kung Fu into the global mainstream. Its iconic fight sequences and Lee's magnetic presence remain unparalleled.
2. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
A quintessential Shaw Brothers classic. If you didn't know, Shaw Brothers Limited was the largest film production company in Hong Kong, operating from 1925 to 2011.
They made a ton of Kung Fu movies that helped popularize martial arts all over the globe.
This film stars Gordon Liu tells the journey of a young student who masters Kung Fu in the legendary Shaolin Temple. Its detailed depiction of traditional training methods and emphasis on discipline and perseverance became a benchmark for the genre and everyone imitates them today.
3. Drunken Master II (1994) (aka The Legend of Drunken Master)
I think this might be the best Jackie Chan movie. It's mind-blowing what he does with his body in this movie.
This is Chan at his comedic and acrobatic peak. This film showcases his signature blend of intricate fight choreography, slapstick humor, and jaw-dropping stunts. The final fight scene is often cited as one of the greatest in martial arts cinema. I've never seen anything like it.
4. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Is this high for a parody movie? I have no idea, but this homage to all the great Kung Fu movies deserves a spot on this list. And I put it here.
Stephen Chow's unique blend of Kung Fu, comedy, and cartoonish action creates a wildly entertaining and imaginative film. It pays homage to classic Kung Fu tropes while forging its own distinctive path.
5. Fist of Fury (1972) (aka The Chinese Connection)
Another Bruce Lee essential, this film is a powerful expression of Chinese heritage and features some of Lee's most intense and memorable fight scenes, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
6. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Ang Lee's visually stunning masterpiece brought wuxia (martial arts films often featuring swordplay and fantasy) to a global art-house audience.
Seeing it in theaters changed who I am as a person. It was like a spiritual awakening.
Its poetic storytelling, breathtaking wire-fu, and strong female characters earned it critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards.
7. Hero (2002)
Another movie that is best to watch on the biggest screen possible.
Directed by Zhang Yimou and starring Jet Li, this movie is a visually spectacular epic renowned for its stunning color-coded storytelling and balletic fight choreography.
8. Ip Man (2008)
Donnie Yen's portrayal of the Wing Chun grandmaster (and Bruce Lee's teacher) resonated with audiences worldwide.
It's a movie I would put on in college all the time just to show people how insane some of the choreography was.
The film is praised for its grounded and impactful fight choreography, highlighting the effectiveness and philosophy of Wing Chun.
Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
This film, starring Jet Li as the legendary folk hero Wong Fei-hung and directed by Tsui Hark, revitalized the Kung Fu genre in the early 1990s and rekindled people's excitement. It's celebrated for its intricate fight sequences, historical sweep, and Li's commanding performance
Police Story (1985)
Look, this list could have been all Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. I stopped myself from adding even more.
This Jackie Chan vehicle is a tour de force of action and stunt work. I mean, stunts you cannot believe, including the famous shopping mall pole slide. It exemplifies his dedication to practical, high-impact action sequences.
Iron Monkey (1993)
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping (the legendary choreographer behind The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), this film starring Donnie Yen is a prime example of the "wire-fu" style that became popular in the 90s, featuring dynamic and acrobatic fight sequences.
Summing Up The 11 Best Kung Fu Movies
I think Kung Fu movies are entertaining, and such a great addition to the action genre. These are just my opinions, so if you have others to add, I want to hear about them.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
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