Summary
- Martial arts films showcase amazing physical feats and iconic stars throughout the years.
- Notable stars like Gordon Liu, Tony Jaa, Donnie Yen, and Jet Li have made lasting impacts.
- Each star's unique contributions to the martial arts genre have solidified their places in popular culture.
Martial arts films have changed a lot over the years. From early classics depicting various kung fu styles in highly choreographed fight scenes to contemporary action cinema with its free-flowing combat, martial arts films have stunned audiences with amazing physical feats, heart-pounding action, and iconic stars.
The martial arts world has given audiences many highly skilled, charismatic, and captivating stars. These artists have striven for excellence, not just in acting, but in physical skill and power. Martial arts is a life-long pursuit, and only a special few can make it as true masters. However, through their action and charisma, some actors have made an undeniable mark on popular culture.
10 Gorden Liu
A Cult Classic Star
- Notable Works: Five Fingers of Death (1974), The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), Shaolin and Wu Tang (1983)
While Gorden Liu may not be as well known today as other Eastern action stars, his mark on the martial arts world is no less important. He has starred in some genuine kung fu classics, notably Five Fingers of Death (1974), The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), and Shaolin and Wu Tang (1983). Hip Hop fans will recognize the latter two movies, as both were heavily sampled by legendary New York rappers Wu-Tang Clan.
Gordon Liu’s iconic status was solidified in the West when famed martial arts fan Quentin Tarantino cast Liu in his revenge epic, Kill Bill: Vol.1 (2003) as Johnny Mo. Gordon would return once again in Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004), playing a legendary role from martial arts movie history, Pai Mei.
9 Tony Jaa
Thailand’s Biggest Action Star
- Notable Works: Ong-Bak (2003), Ong-Bak 2 (2008), Warrior King (2005)
Tony Jaa may have had a shorter career than many, but his impact has been just as meteoric. Bursting onto the screen with the phenomenal Ong-Bak (2003), Tony Jaa stunned audiences with his acrobatic skill, speed, and martial power.
He would follow this up with Warrior King (2005), further showing off his exceptional brand of Muay Thai Kickboxing. Tony Jaa brought the action spotlight on Thailand, promoting his traditions and culture, most notably in Ong-Bak 2 (2008). He has established himself as one of the most talented martial arts stars in modern cinema and continues to forge a career with his exceptional physical skills.
8 Donnie Yen
A Modern Martial Arts Star
- Notable Works: Blade 2 (2002), Ip Man (2008), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Donnie Yen has enjoyed a long film career and is a talented actor, stuntman, and martial artist. He made a splash in the kung fu world with films such as Once Upon a Time in China 2 (1992) and Iron Monkey (2005). His star would rise even further with roles in Blade 2 (2002) and Hero (2002).
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After a long career as an action star, he would hit a career-high with Ip Man (2008), playing Bruce Lee’s legendary teacher. This excellent series would showcase both Yen’s acting and martial skills and solidify his place among the martial arts masters. Donnie Yen is one of the few Eastern stars to enjoy a successful career both in Asia and the West and continues to appear in blockbuster franchises, such as Disney’s Mulan (2020) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).
7 Jean-Claude Van Damme
The Muscles From Brussels
- Notable Works: Double Impact (1991), Universal Soldier (1992), Expendables 2 (2012)
While Jean-Claude Van-Damme’s long career has seen as many highs as it has lows, he remains one of the West's most accomplished martial arts actors. Getting his big break in Bloodsport (1988), he enjoyed a run of classic action films throughout the late 80s and early 90s, including Cyborg (1989), Kickboxer (1989), Double Impact (1991), and Universal Soldier (1992).
While his star would slowly fade through the early 2000s, he found a resurgence with the self-aware action comedy JCVD (2008) and the throwback action epic Expendables 2 (2012). Jean-Claude Van Damme has wowed audiences for years with his high-flying kicks, athleticism, and natural charisma. He has even enjoyed a successful martial arts career outside of film, winning several karate championships.
6 Michelle Yeoh
An Idol Of The Silver Screen
- Notable Works: Police Story 3: Supercop (1992), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Michelle Yeoh has proven herself as one of the most accomplished actors of her generation. With early roles in Jackie Chan's classics, Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars (1985) and Police Story 3: Supercop (1992), where she was noted for performing many of her own stunts. Michelle Yeoh’s action career had a meteoric rise and would garner international recognition.
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Her career would truly take off with roles in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), and Memories of a Geisha (2005). Michelle Yeoh’s incredible career has blended amazing action roles, fun comedies, and moving dramas, and she is one of Hollywood's most sought-after stars. These talents came perfectly together for her Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022).
5 Cynthia Rothrock
The Queen Of Martial Arts
- Notable Works: China O’Brien (1990), Tiger Claws (1992), and Yes, Madam! (1985)
Cynthia Rothrock is one of the most accomplished martial artists of her generation. She currently has black belt rankings in seven martial arts styles and has enjoyed a long and successful career in competitive martial arts, winning numerous titles and awards.
Her film career garnered a huge cult following, with films such as China O’Brien (1990), Tiger Claws (1992), and Yes, Madam! (1985), in which she co-starred with Michelle Yeoh. While she has never quite found superstar success like many of her contemporaries, Cynthia Rothrock remains one of the most respected and beloved martial arts stars in film and television history.
4 Jet Li
A True Martial Arts Master
- Notable Works: Once Upon a Time in China (1991), Lethal Weapon 4 (1998), Kiss of the Dragon (2001)
Jet Li has enjoyed a long and varied career in movies. However, before his big break in the films, he was an accomplished Wushu champion, retiring at 18 after a knee injury. His impressive skills would take him far, though, making his debut film with Shaolin Temple (1982). He would follow this with many classic martial arts films, from Once Upon a Time in China (1991), Tai Chi Master (1993), and Fist of Legend (1994).
His big western break came when he was cast as the villain in Lethal Weapon 4 (1998). Western audiences were amazed at his incredible acrobatic skill and martial power. Several action films followed that showcased his skills, from Romeo Must Die (2000), Kiss of the Dragon (2001), and Unleashed (2005). Jet Li has firmly established himself as one of the greats of martial arts movies, standing among the very best of the genre.
3 Chuck Norris
The One-Man Army
- Notable Works: Way of the Dragon (1972), Missing in Action (1984), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2005)
Chuck Norris is a legend in martial arts and holds black belts in Judo, Tang Soo Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He even founded his own fighting system, Chun Kuk Do. His cinematic breakout came when his friend, the legendary Bruce Lee, invited him to play the villain in his classic Way of the Dragon (1972).
His star would rise further with successful action movies, A Force of One (1979) and An Eye for an Eye (1981). Action fans loved his lone warrior persona, which was perfected in Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) and Missing in Action (1984). However, his most famous role was the series Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2005). In modern times, Chuck Norris has become a beloved legend and a man of a thousand memes. His indestructible image has become the subject of countless jokes, lovingly satirizing the mythology around his many action roles.
2 Jackie Chan
Mr. Nice Guy
- Notable Works: Police Story (1985), Rush Hour (1998), Shanghai Noon (2000)
Jackie Chan is one of the most prolific martial arts actors in history and has cemented his name in movie history. With 152 acting credits, his long career has generated numerous classics, with a die-hard fanbase falling in love with his blend of action and comedy.
Jackie’s career started as a stuntman, but after Bruce Lee’s untimely death, he would be cast as a replacement for the legendary star. However, over time, Jackie would find his own style with the films Snake in the Eagle's Shadow (1978), and Drunken Master (1978). These classics shot Jackie into the limelight, with numerous successful movies following. From his director debut, The Young Master (1980), Project A (1983), Police Story (1985), and Amour of God (1986). His films were a fun blend of slapstick comedy, elaborate fight sequences, and heart-pounding stunts. Hollywood would eventually come calling, with numerous successful action comedies such as Rush Hour (1998), and Shanghai Noon (2000). Jackie Chan has now firmly established himself as a cinematic legend and an icon of martial arts.
1 Bruce Lee
The Greatest Of All Time
- Notable Works: Fist of Fury (1972), Way of the Dragon (1972), Game of Death (1978)
For such a short career, Bruce Lee’s impact on the martial arts world and popular culture cannot be overstated. He is largely responsible for bringing martial arts to the West, promoting his philosophy and personal style of martial arts, Jeet Kune Do. His influence can be seen in modern sports like MMA, while his movies continue to be timeless genre classics.
With his incredible skill and undeniable charisma, Bruce lit up the screens in the classic movies The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Way of the Dragon (1972), and Enter the Dragon (1973). After his death, to capitalize on his name, Golden Harvest released Lee’s unfinished movie, Game of Death (1978), featuring stand-ins for Bruce. While the film is rather shameless, it also features some of the best action of Bruce Lee’s career. Bruce Lee will forever remain an icon of cinema, with his small body of work inspiring new martial artists around the world to greater heights of excellence.
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