Martial Arts films, also known as wuxia (martial heroes) films, first gained popularity in the ’70s and ’80s. Thanks to the Shaw Brothers film production company, which produced a number of martial arts films with English dubs, martial arts films began to reach across continents and gain attention in the West.
We also have Bruce Lee to thank for the spread of the martial arts craze, as he brought his legendary moves to the silver screen. He helped inspire many of the martial artist film stars we know and love today, including Jackie Chan. While the subgenre of martial arts films hit its first craze during the Bruce Lee era, a whole new craze emerged in the ’90s. Thanks to martial artists like Jet Li and Donnie Yen, there are a plethora of films made during this wondrous decade that will live on forever.
Related:Best Bruce Lee Movies, Ranked
Updated on August 5th, 2023 byDarren Gigool:This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
15Operation Condor (1991)
Gripping in its essence,Operation Condornarrates the audacious mission of Asian Hawk, personified by Jackie Chan, who undertakes the pursuit of lost Nazi gold hidden in the Sahara. The arduous journey leads Hawk into conflicts with ruthless bandits, wherein lies the true struggle against deceit and the relentless desert environment.
Chan’s physical mastery shines inOperation Condor, with its intricate stunts and impeccably choreographed martial arts scenes, executed without the help or use of stunt doubles. It saw a significant box office triumph and affirmed Jackie Chan’s status as an international martial arts sensation. Chan’s infusion of humor and thrilling acrobatics crafted a unique mold that forever transformed the making of martial arts films.
14The Bride with White Hair (1993)
Depicting a heartbreaking romance,The Bride with White Hairspins a tale of tragic love between the swordsman Zhuo Yihang and the enchanting Lian Nichang, embodied by Brigitte Lin. This film masterfully blends martial artswith romantic tragedy, against the historical canvas of the Ming Dynasty.
Worthy of acclaim is the film’s fusion of genres. The intersection of poignant romance and high-intensity martial arts sequences cultivates an absorbing plot that sets the film apart from its peers. Character evolution in the movie also merits praise. Lin’s transformation from a naive girl to a formidable white-haired witch remains powerfully engaging to contemporary audiences. This film introduced a level of emotional depth to the martial arts genre rarely witnessed before.
13Black Mask (1996)
Propelling Jet Li as a super-soldier-cum-librarian,Black Maskoffers a heart-racing narrative that intertwines an innovative concept with formidable martial arts action. Li’s character is forced to confront his ex-comrades who morph into pitiless assassins. The film’s ceaseless action, coupled with its unique amalgamation of sci-fi and traditional martial arts storytelling, marks it as a must-see for genre aficionados.
Li’s martial arts choreography marks a high point ofBlack Mask. His swift movements, meticulous precision, and creative fight scenes further positioned him as a key figure in the genre, showcasing an unfiltered intensity that captivated audiences.
12Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)
Brimming with action,Police Story 3: Supercoptracks the journey of Chan Ka Kui, a character brought to life by Jackie Chan, in his collaboration with Interpol to dismantle a Malaysian drug syndicate. Alongside him, Michelle Yeoh, as the stern Inspector Jessica Yang, rivals him in competence and cunning. Therelationship between Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeohserves as the film’s emotional core.
Their characters spar in a relentless dance of challenge and retort, thereby escalating the movie’s sense of urgency and conflict. In their action scenes, their strong rapport is clearly evident, turning those moments into unforgettable, engaging spectacles. These sequences, amplified by Chan’s and Yeoh’s palpable charisma, deliver a heart-stopping spectacle, fortifyingPolice Story 3: Supercop’sstatus as an iconic martial arts movie from the ’90s.
11Fong Sai Yuk (1993)
Spinning the narrative of its namesake hero,Fong Sai Yukuncovers the life of a Chinese folk legend. Embodying the youthful and defiant Fong Sai Yuk is Jet Li, who challenges tyranny and advocates for the downtrodden, all the while navigating his familial ties.
Jet Li’s interpretation of Fong Sai Yuk is complex, blending humor, power, and sensitivity. His commanding presence on-screen commands attention, and his nimble martial arts prowess orchestrates captivating action displays. Jet Li’s rendition of Fong Sai Yuk infuses a new depth into the larger-than-life folk legend.Fong Sai Yukmasterfully marries well-orchestrated action scenes with a humorous storyline, qualifying it as a must-watch film from this genre.
Related:Best Wuxia and Chinese Martial Arts Movies, Ranked
10Tai-Chi Master (1993)
Tai-Chi Masterfollows two young martial artists expelled from their Shaolin temple. After taking separate paths in life, the two reunite as men in battle; only they’re fighting for opposing sides.Tai-Chi Master’s lighthearted introduction gives way to a tragic, action-heavy drama for the ages.
Featuring star performances by Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh, and magical fight choreography by director Yuen Woo-ping, it’s a gem of a film that showcases the best of Hong Kong martial arts cinema. Though it initially struggled to achieve popularity overseas, today it’s regarded highly by wuxia aficionados across the globe.
9Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
Based on the life and career of martial arts movie star Bruce Lee,Dragon: The Bruce Lee Storyfollows Lee after he moves to America and begins teaching traditional Chinese martial arts, hoping to gain the approval of his superiors in Hong Kong while also gaining popularity as a celebrity along the way.
Themovie was more than just a biopic, covering a variety of topics and specifically showcasing the racism that Lee faced in Hollywood. Jason Scott Lee (no relation) was praised for his performance as Lee, and while the film was critiqued for its historical inaccuracies,Dragon: The Bruce Lee Storyis a heart-warming movie about the biggest name in martial arts.
8Ashes of Time (1994)
Auteur filmmaker Wong Kar-wai is best known for his cool, smoky mood pieces set in contemporary China, but he also put out an excellent wuxia movie calledAshes of Time.Inspired by a famous novel by Jin Yong,The Legend of the Condor Heroes, the film shows one of the novel’s characters as they descend into villainy.
Ashes of Timethus functions as a kind of “fanfiction” prequel to Yong’s novel. Because it’s helmed by the always stylish Wong Kar-wai, the movie is a visual feast, though its confusing narrative has sometimes flummoxed viewers. But once you wrap your head around the story, it becomes one of the most interesting wuxia films ever made.
7Rumble in the Bronx (1995)
Jackie Chan’s breakout role in Western cinema wasRumble in the Bronx, a story about police officer Keung, who arrives in New York for his uncle’s wedding, but soon finds himself in the middle of a brawl when a biker gang wreaks havoc in Bill’s store.Rumble in the Bronxwas one of the highest-grossing films of 1996, earning 10 times its budget.
The film received marvelous reviews from critics, with particular attention paid to Chan’s performance, both through his comedy and his martial arts. Rumble in the Bronxis a stunt-filled action comedy that even led Chan to break his ankle from one of the stunts. Jackie Chan and Stanley Tong, who choreographed the majority of the fight sequences, earned them a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography.
6Swordsman II (1992)
Swordsman II, also known asThe Legend of the Swordsman, follows traveling martial artist Linghu Chong (Jet Li) and his partner Yue Lingshan as they are faced with an evil sorceress who possesses magic scrolls. The second installment in theSwordsmantrilogy,Swordsman IIis a Hong Kong wuxia film, which loosely translates to “martial heroes” film.
The film was a box-office smash and received a great deal of praise, particularly for Brigitte Lin’s performance as the film’s antagonist Dongfang Bubai.Swordsman IIwas nominated for seven Hong Kong Film Awards and won the award for Best Costume Makeup Design.
