The Best Kung Fu Movie Actors
I am not a film historian; I'm just a guy who grew up watching Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee movies and begging his parents to let him rent VHS tapes with fights on the outside.
As I dive in here, I'm just giving you the surface level of these people and why I think they kick ass.
Bruce Lee (1940-1973)
No discussion of kung fu cinema is complete without mentioning the man who started it all.
The guy whose very stance could strike fear into the hearts of movie villains across the planet.
Bruce Lee was a revolutionary figure who brought martial arts to the global stage. With his unparalleled speed, power, and philosophical approach to combat (Jeet Kune Do), Lee shattered cinematic conventions.
His films, including Enter the Dragon and Fist of Fury, are timeless classics that continue to inspire generations of martial artists and filmmakers.
Personally, I really dig Game of Death.
Jackie Chan (born 1954)
Jackie Chan was my gateway into all martial arts movies. I saw Operation Condor when I was a kid, and it blew my mind.
After that, I had to watch everything. And I mean everything,
A true cinematic legend, Jackie Chan is renowned for his unique blend of intricate fight choreography, death-defying stunts, and physical comedy. A graduate of the Peking Opera School, Chan's acrobatic prowess and willingness to perform his own dangerous stunts have made him a global superstar.
His filmography boasts beloved classics like Drunken Master, Police Story, and Project A, showcasing his innovative and often-imitated style.
If you can find Who Am I? That movie has some of the craziest stunts anyone has ever attempted.
Jet Li (born 1963)
Right as I was getting into Jackie Chan movies, Jet Li came to Hollywood, and I felt like there was a perfect crossover for me to also be into his films.
The first one I saw in theaters was probably The One, which is ridiculous.
A former Wushu champion, Jet Li's on-screen presence is defined by his graceful and technically precise movements. He rose to fame in Hong Kong with the Once Upon a Time in China series, where he portrayed the legendary folk hero Wong Fei-hung.
When Li conquered Hollywood, he was in movies like Lethal Weapon 4 and Hero, captivating audiences with his fluid and powerful martial arts displays.
Gordon Liu (born 1951)
Here's a guy I didn't come across until I started listening to Wu-Tang. Gordon Liu is an icon of traditional kung fu cinema. His portrayal of the determined Shaolin monk San Te in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin is considered one of the genre's most iconic performances.
Liu's powerful and authentic fighting style has made him a respected figure among kung fu aficionados, and he's a pillar of the Shaw Brothers Studio era.
Donnie Yen (born 1963)
I feel like his inclusion in Star Wars and John Wick made him a household name, but real ones experienced the IP Man series and knew he was the most dangerous man on the planet.
A multi-talented martial artist, Donnie Yen has become one of the leading action stars of the 21st century. Yen is known for his dynamic and hard-hitting choreography, often incorporating mixed martial arts (MMA) techniques into his fight scenes.
Michelle Yeoh (born 1962)
Just a legend walking. I mean, her work in Supercop was life-changing. She kind of outdoes Chan in that movie and drives a motorcycle on a train.
A trailblazer for female action stars, Michelle Yeoh has consistently demonstrated incredible grace, athleticism, and acting prowess throughout her career.
From her early work in Hong Kong action films to her iconic role in the critically acclaimed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything Everywhere All At Once, Yeoh has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, performing many of her own intricate stunts.
Tony Jaa (born 1976)
Okay, so I found this guy way late in the game. It was during COVID, and I was just polishing off so many of these flicks. And then I saw a YouTube compilation of Tony Jaa and I was like...who is this man?
Hailing from Thailand, Tony Jaa burst onto the international scene with Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. He stunned audiences with his raw, acrobatic, and bone-crunching Muay Thai skills, performing incredible stunts without the aid of wirework or CGI.
Jaa is credited not only with bringing the art of Muay Thai to the forefront of modern action cinema, but with bringing so many "How did he DO that?" screams from my apartment.
Iko Uwais (born 1983)
Modern martial arts and kung fu actors have gotten so good thanks to being brought up on some of the classics.
And Iko Uwais is one of the best doing it right now.
An Indonesian actor and martial artist, Uwais is a master of the traditional Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat. He gained international recognition for his electrifying performances in The Raid and its sequel, which are celebrated for their brutal and realistic fight choreography.
Uwais represents a new wave of martial arts stars showcasing the power and beauty of lesser-known fighting styles.
Other Kung Fu Stars
The world of kung fu cinema is rich with talent, and many other actors have made significant contributions to the genre.
Sammo Hung, a versatile actor and choreographer, is known for his surprising agility and comedic timing. Yuen Biao, another graduate of the Peking Opera School alongside Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, is celebrated for his incredible acrobatic skills.
The late Cheng Pei-pei is often regarded as the first "queen of kung fu" for her groundbreaking work in the 1960s. These actors, and many others, have all played a vital role in shaping the dynamic and enduring legacy of kung fu cinema.
Summing It All Up
If you want to delve into the world of kung fu movies, look for these actors, and you'll find some of the best films of all time.
They're really exciting, and they'll show you some moves you should not try at home.
If there are other landmark actors out there, I want to hear about them. Educate me!
Let me know what you think in the comments.
