Kim Dung martial arts films, TVB martial arts dramas, Chinese martial arts films with compelling storylines and fantastic cinematography create some of the greatest films of all time. In the article below, I will compile the most iconic works of this captivating genre. Stay tuned!
Compilation of the Best Martial Arts Films
Top-rated martial arts films today
1. Heroic Eagle Shooting - The Legend Of The Condor Heroes
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Release Date: 01/21/1983
Genres: Martial Arts, Action, Adventure
Duration: 59 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Directors: Johnnie To, Ng Yat-fan, Lau Si-yuk, Siu Hin-fai
Main Cast: Felix Wong, Barbara Yung, Michael Miu, Sharon Yeung
Heroic Eagle Shooting - Kim Dung martial arts renowned series produced by TVB Hong Kong. The story revolves around the relationship of the two Duong and Quach families.
As the sequel to The Legend of the Condor Heroes, the film revolves around the story of Dương Quá - the son of Dương Khang. After being orphaned, Dương Quá was taken in by Quách Tĩnh. Initially living on Dao Hoa Island, he was later sent to the Complete Perfection Sect for cultivation but inadvertently caused injuries to many disciples there.
The timely appearance of Little Dragon Girl opened up a new life for this child with mysterious powers. Dương Quá considers Little Dragon Girl as his elder sister and follows her to study martial arts at Mộ Cổ. Gradually, the teacher-student relationship turned into love, also sparking off a series of tragedies.
3. The Duke Of Mount Deer - Lộc Đỉnh Ký
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Release Date: 09/011984
Genre: Martial Arts, Action
Duration: 40 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Directors: Johnnie To, Lau See-yuk, Siu Kin-hang
Starring: Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Teresa Mo, Kiki Sheung
Lộc Đỉnh Ký - a humorous martial arts film revolving around the life of Vi Tiểu Bảo - a royal eunuch who possesses all qualities but is also extremely cunning.
Being the offspring of a courtesan, in a moment of being pursued, Tiểu Bảo assumes the identity of the royal eunuch Tiểu Quế Tử. Later on, he becomes close friends with Emperor Kangxi (known as Tiểu Huyền Tử at that time). Leveraging his connections, Tiểu Bảo successfully lives within the palace for many years without being discovered, wielding power and even marrying 7 wives.
In addition to the main storyline, the film depicts the tense battle among major forces in the martial world to obtain the 'Forty-Two Chapter Classic' - a secret related to the fate of the Qing dynasty.
4. Ashes Of Time - Dong Ta, Tay Doc
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Release Date: 09/17/1994
Genres: Martial Arts, Action, Adventure
Duration: 100 minutes
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Starring: Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Carina Lau
Ashes Of Time is listed among the best wuxia films by Jin Yong. The main character revolves around Ou-yang Feng. After leaving the mountains, he sets up a tavern at the foot of the desert and vows to solve all emotional problems for others.
Adapted from the storyline of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, alongside beautiful sword-fighting scenes, the film also portrays the profound sorrows deep within the hearts of the heroes.
5. The Demi Gods And Semi Devils - Thiên Long Bát Bộ
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Release Date: January 18, 1999
Genre: Martial Arts, Action
Duration: 40 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Ly Thiem Thang
Starring: Sunny Chan, Charmaine Sheh, Felix Wong, Maggie Shiu
Snow Mountain Warriors is a Chinese historical drama revolving around the age-old vendetta between four clans: Miao, Pham, Dinh, Ho, and the journey of revenge for Ho Phi's father.
By the fourth generation, the Ho and Miao clans were manipulated by Dinh Quy Nong to create misunderstandings but he failed. Ho Nhat Dao and Miao Nhan Phung, from sworn brothers to husband and wife.
The two pledged that after exchanging sword techniques, they would erase all clan grievances, but Dinh Quy Nong secretly poisoned the sword, causing Ho Nhat Dao to perish. As for Miao Nhan Phung, after giving birth to a son, Ho Phi, she also committed suicide following her husband. Upon reaching adulthood, Ho Phi diligently trained with the vow to avenge his parents.
7. Skyblade: The Golden Rift - Celestial Sword Saga
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Adventure, Romance
Release Date: June 6, 2012
Duration: 35 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Ly Quoc Lap
Starring: Ho Ca, Tuong Kinh Phu, Luu Thi Thi, Duong Yen, Co Luc Na Trat, Lam Canh Tan
=> Watch Skyblade: The Golden Rift - Celestial Sword Saga on TV360 here.
=> Listen to the soundtrack of Skyblade: The Golden Rift - Celestial Sword Saga on Nhaccuatui.com
Skyblade: The Golden Rift - a Chinese martial arts film revolves around the struggle for a mythical weapon among prominent figures in the martial world. Whoever possesses this treasure will dominate the world, no one can oppose.
The central character revolves around Vu Van Thac - descendant of the Northern Chu family. During his quest for mythical artifacts, he develops a complex romantic relationship with the district princess Doc Co Ninh Kha - a person of incredibly mysterious background.
8.Ancient Swords of Legend - Chronicles of Mythical Blades
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Release Date: July 2, 2014
Genre: Martial Arts, Action, Adventure, Period Drama
Duration: 52 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Directors: Liang Shengquan, Huang Junwen
Starring: Li Yifeng, Yang Mi, Qiao Zhenyu, Gillian Chung, Ma Tianyu, Zheng Shuang
Chinese period martial arts film Ancient Swords of Legend - Chronicles of Mythical Blades is adapted from an online game, focusing on the story of Bach Ly Do To - a young man possessing a mysterious power coursing through every inch of his flesh.
During the journey to find a cure for his comatose mother, Do To befriends and forms brotherhood with Phuong Lan Sinh and Au Duong Thieu Cung. Alongside good friends, there are also villains seeking to exploit him for their own gains. So who is the villain? Who is the good person?
9.The Legend of White Serpent - Fate of the Ivory Snake
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Release Date:
Genre: Martial Arts, Action
Duration: 60 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Directors: Yi Tao, Liu Guohui
Starring: Yang Zi, Ren Jialun, Mao Zijun, Li Man
=> Watch The Legend of White Serpent on POPS here.
The Legend of White Serpent revolves around the love story of the pharmacist Hua Xuan and the little white serpent Bai Yao Yao. During a flower festival, the two meet by chance and fall in love.
Hua Xuan has no idea that his apprentice, Lanh Nhung, has been secretly in love with him for a long time. When she discovers another girl in his heart, she feels jealousy and envy. This is also the reason why the love story of Hua Xuan and Bai Yao Yao goes through countless obstacles.
With an enticing plot and beautiful character designs, The Legend of White Serpent is the perfect choice if you're looking for a great martial arts film to watch on your free day.
10. The Legend of Fei - Huu Phi
Genre: Martial Arts, Period Drama, Romance, Action
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Release Date: December 16, 2020
Duration: 51 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Ngo Cam Nguyen
Starring: Zhao Liying, Wang Yibo
=> Watch the series Huu Phi on YouTube here.
=> Listen to the soundtrack of Huu Phi on Nhaccuatui.com
Huu Phi tells the story of a girl named Chu Phi. During her journey in the martial world, she coincidentally meets and becomes close with Ta Doan. Both of them go through numerous power struggles to eventually write a legend that shakes the martial world.
With stunning martial arts performances, the martial arts series Huu Phi promises to deliver the most spectacular action scenes to the audience.
Above are some suggestions for the best wuxia films by Jin Yong, TVB wuxia series, and the best Chinese wuxia films of all time that you shouldn't miss. Hope this article will be helpful and assist you in selecting your favorite works!
