Since the 1970s, martial arts films have regularly appeared. Most never make it to the cinema and are watched by only a limited audience. Yet there are many martial arts films that have indeed been embraced by the general public. We present 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 goes to the big city and ventures into the underworld to retrieve it.
Rocky (1976)
A small boxer from Philadelphia gets an extremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a match where he strives to go all out 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 care for himself, Ip Man and the remaining members of the city must find a way to survive.
Warrior (2011)
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home where he is trained by his father for matches 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 so-called washed-up boxer who made a comeback to challenge for the world heavyweight championship.
The Raid (2011)
A S.W.A.T. team gets trapped in a rental barracks run by a ruthless gangster and his army of killers and criminals.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
A Shaolin martial artist travels to a fortress on an island to spy on an opium lord, who is also a former monk from his temple, under the pretense of attending a fighting tournament.
The Fighter (2010)
A Shaolin martial artist travels to a fortress on an island to spy on an opium lord, who is also a former monk from his temple, under the pretense 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 yourself that belong on this list. We're very curious! Will you let us know below?