The genre of fighting movies has been popular for decades. For years, movies have been released with actors as fighters or the other way around: fighters acting. Sometimes light entertainment, sometimes very cringe and sometimes quite interesting or even with some depth.
There are a few actors that everyone in the world knows and who have forever immortalized this specific genre of films in history.
Let's be honest: who hasn't heard of Rocky or Bruce Lee? We've compiled a fun and entertaining list of the most famous actors and fighters that the film world and Hollywood has produced over the years.
The list is far from complete and in no order... which just shows that the Fighting Spirit has been popular with the general public for years!
Tony Jaa
Tony Jaa, born Panom Yeerum (also spelled Phanom Yeerum) on February 5, 1976 in Surin Province, Thailand, is a world-renowned martial artist, actor, action choreographer, stuntman and director. He achieved international fame with his extraordinary acrobatic martial arts and his work in films that often do not use CGI or wires for stunts.
Tony Jaa is most associated with Muay Thai, but he is also trained in Taekwondo, Wushu, Judo and Aikido, among others. His film style combines traditional Thai martial arts with cinematic flair.
Famous for: Ong-Bak 2 (2008) and Ong-Bak 3 (2010), Furious 7 (2015) and xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)
Donny Yen
Donnie Yen is a renowned Hong Kong actor, martial artist and filmmaker, acclaimed for his dynamic roles in both Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood. He is best known for his starring role in the Ip Man series, loosely based on Bruce Lee's teachers.
Born on July 27, 1963 in Guangzhou, China, and raised in Hong Kong and Boston, Yen began his martial arts training with his mother, renowned tai chi master Bow-sim Mark. He later honed his skills in Beijing, where he trained with the Beijing Wushu Team. Yen's diverse martial arts expertise includes tai chi, wushu, taekwondo, boxing, judo, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and Wing Chun.
Famous from: Ip Man, Rogue One, John Wick 4
Jean-Claude van Damme
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a legendary Belgian fighter, actor and filmmaker. He is known as "The Muscle from Brussels" and gained fame in the late 80s and 90s with his roles in several martial arts action films.
JCVD was one of the biggest action movie stars of the 80s and 90s, alongside Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. His films helped popularize martial arts in Western cinema.
Martial Arts Background: Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. Also trained in kickboxing, taekwondo and muay thai.
Famous for: Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Universal Soldier, Timecop, Double Impact, The Expendables 2
Cynthia Rothrock
Cynthia Rothrock is a popular American martial artist and actress from the 80's, widely recognized as one of the first women to achieve international fame in martial arts films.
She mainly played roles in B-movies in the 80s and 90s. She broke gender barriers in action films, particularly in Hong Kong, where she starred in numerous spectacular kung fu films.
Cynthia has a black belt and a lot of experience in various styles, including: Tang Soo Do (5th dan), Taekwondo, Eagle Claw (Kung-fu) and Wushu
Famous for: Yes, Madam!, China O'Brien (1990) and China O'Brien II (1990, Martial Law series (1990–1991), Lady Dragon (1992)
Jet Li
Jet Li, born Li Lianjie on April 26, 1963 in Beijing, China, is one of the most iconic martial arts actors and wushu champions in film history. Known for his technique, speed and power, Jet Li's career has spanned mainland China, Hong Kong and Hollywood, making him a global superstar in martial arts films.
Jet Li started wushu at the age of 8 and was the national champion in China at the age of 11. He won five consecutive gold medals at the Chinese national wushu championships (1974-1979)
Famous for: Once Upon a Time in China (1991), Lethal Weapon 4 (1998), Romeo must die (2000) Kiss of the Dragon (2001)
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris, born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940 in Ryan, Oklahoma, is an American martial artist, actor, former professional fighter, and pop culture icon. Known for his unyielding attitude and powerful kicks, Norris rose to fame as one of Hollywood's biggest martial arts stars in the 1970s and 1980s. Chuck has become an icon in memes, films, and martial arts schools around the world.
Norris was a pioneer in competitive fighting in the United States, defeating famous fighters and gaining a reputation as one of the best celebrity fighters.
Famous for: Way of the Dragon (1972), Missing in Action (1984), Delta Force (1986) Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2005)
Jacky Chan
Jackie Chan is one of the world's most iconic movie stars, known for his unique and highly entertaining blend of martial arts, comedy and action. His influence extends from Hong Kong cinema to Hollywood and audiences worldwide.
Jackie Chan's films are a mix of kung fu and slapstick comedy. He performs almost all of his own stunts – no body doubles, which often results in serious injuries. He likes to improvise in his films, using everyday objects (ladders, chairs, refrigerators) in fight scenes.
Awards and recognition: Honorary Oscar (2016) for his outstanding achievements in film. Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars.
Famous for: Police Story (1985), Rush Hour (1998), Rumble in the Bronx (1995) and Shanghai Noon (2000)
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee was a legendary actor, martial artist, director, and cultural icon. His influence on film and martial arts is immense and enduring. Bruce Lee's legacy extends beyond martial arts and film. He is a global cultural icon who changed the way Asians were portrayed in media, redefined the action film genre, and had a lasting impact on philosophy, fitness, and martial arts.
Bruce Lee is often regarded as the forefather of modern mixed martial arts (MMA), inspiring generations of fighters in combat sports, fitness and film.
Famous for: Fist of Fury (1972), Way of the Dragon (1972), Game of Death (1978)
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone is an iconic American actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker, best known for his roles as tough and invincible characters in action films. He has become a symbol of perseverance and invincibility in Hollywood.
His big breakthrough came with the film Rocky, which Stallone wrote himself and also played the role of Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer from Philadelphia. The first Rocky film (1976) was a huge commercial hit and won three Oscars, including Best Picture.
The franchise has spawned multiple sequels, with Stallone reprising the role decades later in Creed (2015) and Creed II (2018).
Famous from: Rocky series, Rambo series, Demolition Man, Creed series
Jason Statham
Jason Statham is known for his intense, raw and fast-paced action roles, especially the hand-to-hand combat and exciting fight scenes. He has built a reputation as one of the best modern action stars and performs many of his own stunts and fights in a pure, raw and realistic style.
He combines boxing, kickboxing, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu in his choreography. In fact, the entire repertoire of modern MMA. In his films, the fights are often brutal, efficient and fast - less flashy than the films from the 80s and 90s and more practical.
Famous for: The Transporter series (2002, 2005, 2008), Crank (2006) & Crank: High Voltage (2009), The Expendables series (2010, 2012, 2014), Fast & Furious series (2013 onwards)
Bolo Yeung
Bolo Yeung is a legendary martial arts actor best known for his roles as powerful “bad guys” in classic kung fu and action films. With his towering build and intense screen presence, Bolo became one of the most recognizable faces in classic martial arts films in the 1970s and 1980s.
Bolo was a competitive bodybuilder before turning to acting, winning the Mr. Hong Kong bodybuilding title multiple times. He combines raw power with martial arts technique in most of his roles.
Famous for: Enter the Dragon (1973), Bloodsport (1988) and Double Impact (1991)
Randy Couture
Randy Couture is a former UFC champion who later became an actor in fighting films. He is known for his realistic fighting experience and intensity in his roles. He is widely respected as a legend and pioneer in mixed martial arts.
Famous for: The Expendables series (2010–2014), The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008), Setup (2011) and Hijacked (2012)
Michael Dudikoff
Michael Dudikoff is an American actor and martial artist, best known for his roles in B-action films of the 1980s and 1990s, most notably as the lead in the cult classic American Ninja. Although Dudikoff was not originally a traditional martial artist, he nevertheless carved out a niche for himself among fans as the sleek, charismatic, all-American action hero.
Famous from: American Ninja series
Keanu Reeves
Keanu Reeves is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile action film stars, known for his cool, stoic appearance, intense physical preparation, and dedication to authenticity in his roles. He has starred in several genre-defining action films, bringing a mix of martial arts, gunplay, and emotional depth to his characters.
Keanu has actually trained in multiple styles and martial arts: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, wushu and krav maga. He always does as much of his stunt work as possible himself.
Famous for: John Wick series (2014-2023), The Matrix Trilogy (1999-2003), Speed (1995), 47 Ronin (2013)
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is one of the most respected and famous actors in Hollywood. He is best known for his intense charisma, convincing voice, and deep character work. Although he is widely known for his dramatic roles, he has also become an impressive action film star, especially in the later part of his career.
Famous for: The Equalizer Series (2014, 2018, 2023), Man on Fire (2004), Training Day (2001), Safe House (2012), The Book of Eli (2010)
David Carradine
David Carradine was a unique and iconic action film star, best known for his combination of Eastern philosophy and martial arts mysticism with Western storytelling. Although not a traditional fighter, he gained worldwide recognition for his roles as martial arts characters – most notably in the classic TV series Kung Fu – and brought a spiritual, philosophical undertone to his action films.
Famous for: Kung Fu (TV Series, 1972–1975), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 (2003–2004), Circle of Iron (1978), Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh is one of the most iconic and interesting female martial arts stars in the world. She is the type of actress who combines grace, martial arts and dramatic power in roles that are usually attributed to men.
Known for doing her own stunts, she has bridged the gap between Hong Kong martial arts films and Hollywood blockbusters.
Famous for: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Police Story 3: Supercop (1992), Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), The Witcher: Blood Origin (2022), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Michael Jay White
Michael Jai White is an American actor, director, and martial artist, known for his roles in action films and his impressive roles in fighting films.
Michael was born on November 10, 1967 in Brooklyn, New York. He began training in martial arts at the age of seven, eventually earning black belts in several styles including Kyokushin, Taekwondo, Shotokan, and Wushu.
White's first major starring role was in the 1995 HBO film Tyson , in which he played heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson.
In 2024, he starred in One More Shot, a sequel to One Shot, opposite Scott Adkins and Tom Berenger.
Famous for: Tyson (1995), Spawn (1997), Soldier: The Return (1999), Exit Wounds (2001), The Dark Knight (2008), Undisputed II, Black Dynamite (2009) and Dragged Across Concrete (2019).
Iko Uwais
Iko Uwais is an Indonesian actor, martial artist and choreographer known for his dynamic roles in action films and his expertise in Pencak Silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art.
Uwais' film career began with Merantau (2009), directed by Gareth Evans. The film showcased his Silat skills and was well received internationally.
He gained wider international fame with his role in The Raid (2011) , a film noted for its intense action sequences and choreography. The success of The Raid led to a sequel, The Raid 2 (2014).
Iko starred in the Netflix series Wu Assassins (2019-2022), where he played Kai Jin, a chef who becomes the last of the Wu Assassins and is tasked with balancing the power of the ancient Wu gods.
Famous for: The Raid (2011), The Raid 2 (2014), Wu Assassins (2019-2022)
Robin Shou
Robin Shou is a Hong Kong American actor, martial artist, and stuntman, best known for his roles in martial arts and action films. Born on July 17, 1960 in Shanghai, China, his family moved to the United States in 1971.
Robin began his martial arts career at the age of 19, initially studying Kenpo Karate at California State University, Los Angeles. Inspired by a Wushu demonstration, he sold his car to fund a trip to Nanjing, China, where he trained Wushu for a quarter of a year.
Shou later earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, but chose to pursue a career in martial arts and acting.
Shou gained international fame for his role as Liu Kang in the film adaptation of the popular video game Mortal Kombat. He reprised his role in the 1997 sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.
Famous for: Mortal Kombat (1995), Beverly Hills Ninja (1997), Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009)
Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu is known for her dynamic roles in action films, in which she seamlessly combines her martial arts skills with cool acting performances. She is of course famous from the Charlie's Angels and Kill Bill film series.
Lucy Liu's contributions to the action genre are marked by her versatility and dedication to dynamic roles, while fortunately not losing sight of her feminine allure.
Famous for: Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003), Charlie's Angels (2000) & Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003), Shanghai Noon (2000) & Shanghai Knights (2003)
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes is a mega-popular American actor and martial artist, known for his leading roles in several action films in the 1990s and early 2000s. He was born on July 31, 1962, in Orlando, Florida. Snipes began his acting career in the late 1980s and quickly rose to prominence in the action genre.
Famous for: Blade Trilogy (1998–2004), Passenger 57 (1992), Demolition Man (1993)
Phillip Rhee
Phillip Rhee is a South Korean-American martial artist, actor, director, and producer, best known for his role as Tommy Lee in the Best of the Best film series.
Rhee was born on September 7, 1960 in South Korea and moved to San Francisco at a young age. He began his martial arts training at the age of 4 and currently holds a 6th dan in Taekwondo, 3rd dan in Hapkido. In addition to Korean martial arts, he has also studied Wing Chun and boxing.
Famous for: Ninja Turf (1985), Best of the Best (1989), Best of the Best 2 (1993), Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back (1995), Best of the Best 4: Without Warning (1998)
Dolph Lundgren
Dolph Lundgren is a Swedish actor, filmmaker and martial artist, known for his roles in action films. He was born on 3 November 1957 in Stockholm, Sweden, holds a master's degree in chemical engineering and has been practicing martial arts since the age of sixteen, holding a 4th dan in Kyokushin karate.
Lundgren gained international fame with his role as Ivan Drago, the imposing Soviet boxer in Rocky IV. His role as the antagonist in this iconic film cemented his status in Hollywood.
Famous for: Rocky IV, Red Scorpion (1988), The Punisher (1989), The Mechanik (2005), The Expendables, The Expendables 2
Scott Atkins
Scott Adkins is a British actor and martial artist known for his dynamic roles in action films. He was born on 17 June 1976 in England.
Adkins began his martial arts career at the age of 13 with taekwondo and later expanded to include kickboxing, judo, capoeira, Krav Maga and wushu. Adkins gained international recognition with his role as Russian prison guard Yuri Boyka in the fight film Undisputed 2.
Adkins' extensive training in various martial arts disciplines is evident in his film roles, and his dedication to authentic fight choreography has made him a sought-after actor in the action genre.
Famous for: Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006), Undisputed III: Redemption (2010) and Bojka: Undisputed (2017), Accident Man (2018), Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
