Since the 1970s, martial arts films have regularly made their way onto the scene. Most are never released in cinemas and are watched by only a limited audience. Nevertheless, many martial arts films have been embraced by the general public. We’ve put together our top 10 “Best Martial Arts Films of All Time” for you.
Best Martial Arts Films
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
When the head of a statue sacred to a village is stolen, a young martial artist heads to the big city and ventures into the underworld to retrieve it.
Rocky (1976)
A small-time boxer from Philadelphia gets an extremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a match where he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.
Ip Man (2008)
During the Japanese invasion of China, a wealthy martial artist is forced to leave his home when his city is occupied. With few resources to support himself, Ip Man and the remaining residents of the city must find a way to survive.
Warrior (2011)
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where his father trains him for competitions in a mixed martial arts tournament. A path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged older brother.
Cinderella Man (2005)
The story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who returned to challenge for the world heavyweight championship.
The Raid (2011)
A S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in an apartment building run by a ruthless gangster and his army of killers and criminals.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
A Shaolin martial artist travels to an island fortress to spy on an opium lord who is also a former monk from his temple, under the guise of attending a fighting tournament.
The Fighter (2010)
A Shaolin martial artist travels to an island fortress to spy on an opium lord who is also a former monk from his temple, under the guise of attending a fighting tournament.
The Karate Kid (1984)
A martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
A determined woman teams up with a seasoned boxing trainer to become a professional.
Your favorite martial arts film?
You probably have one or more martial arts films that belong on this list too. We’re very curious! Will you let us know below?