Top 10 Best Martial Arts Movies

The Return of the Condor Heroes 2006 is an adaptation of the legendary novel by Jin Yong. Directed by the talented Zhang Ji Zhong, this series is another remarkable achievement from the director who previously helmed hits such as 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes,' 'Swordsman,' and 'Water Margin.'

Set during the Song Dynasty under Mongol invasion, the story follows the heroic figures of Yang Guo and Xiao Long Nu. Yang Guo, orphaned at a young age due to his father’s betrayal of the Song Dynasty, struggles to survive on the fringes of society. Despite his tragic background, Yang Guo finds solace and guidance from the legendary Quack Ting and his wife Huang Rong, who take him under their care. However, his relationship with Huang Rong is strained due to his father's past actions.

As Yang Guo matures, he masters the martial arts techniques taught by his adoptive family, especially the 'Heavenly Skill' passed down by his surrogate father. However, misunderstandings and betrayal between his mentors and the disciples of the 'Complete Daoist Sect' push him into a life of conflict. It is during this turbulent time that he crosses paths with Xiao Long Nu, a mysterious and skilled woman who becomes his mentor and companion. Together, they form a powerful duo that defies both fate and martial traditions. Their story is one of love, vengeance, and the quest for justice in a world rife with betrayal and turmoil.

Episodes: 41

Cast: Huang Xiaoming, Liu Yifei, Wang Liding, Kong Lin, Chen Zihan, Yang Min, Chung Zhendao…

Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber is a 2019 production by Tencent, featuring an intricate storyline and high-level production values, including 140 days of filming and nearly two years of post-production. The narrative takes place during the declining years of the Yuan Dynasty, 80 years after the events in 'The Return of the Condor Heroes.' The Yuan Dynasty is weakened by internal uprisings and the lavish corruption of its ruling class. The plot follows the complicated love life of Zhang Wuji and his relationships with four women, while also exploring the brutal struggles in the martial world over two legendary treasures: the Dragon Saber and the Heaven Sword. The legend says that whoever unlocks the secrets hidden in these relics will have the power to control the world.

The story concludes with the fall of the Yuan Dynasty and the retreat of the Mongols to their northern homeland, paving the way for the establishment of the Ming Dynasty under Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhang Wuji, the protagonist, is a more complex character compared to figures like Guo Jing and Yang Guo, which makes him a more relatable and realistic figure. By the end of the series, Zhang Wuji views Zhao Min as the love of his life, although he still holds feelings for three other women. Despite his incredible martial arts skills and noble character, Zhang Wuji lacks the necessary ambition and cunning to become a true leader, which prevents him from ever fully seizing power.

Episodes: 50

Cast: Zhang Junwei, Chen Yuxi, Chuk Sidan,...

Joy of Life is an adaptation of the famous novel by author Mao Ni, set in the later years of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The story begins with the ambitious General Liu Yu overthrowing Emperor Qing, eventually becoming Emperor Wu.

The plot follows Fan Xian, who grew up by the seaside in the remote Damu region with his grandmother. His quiet life is suddenly disrupted when a mysterious teacher arrives, setting him on a path full of danger and intrigue. After a series of poisonings, he journeys to the capital in search of the truth.

In the capital, Fan Xian meets a variety of people, including Liú Rú Nü, his brother Fan Si Jie, his sister Fan Ruo Ruo, and unexpectedly falls in love with his future wife, Lin Yuan Nì. However, his peaceful life soon shatters when he becomes the target of assassination. Despite being saved by his loyal bodyguard, Dèng Zǐ Jīng, who dies in the process, Fan Xian realizes the depths of the conspiracy surrounding him. This revelation makes him understand why his mother, Yè Qīng Mí, wanted to change the world.

Episodes: 46

Cast: Li Shèn, Lì Shùn, Tān Zhī Lóu, Xiāo Jiàn, Sòng Yì, Chén Dào Míng, Zhāng Ruò Quán,...

Moonlight Over the Fire follows the love story of Chong Huo, the young master of the Chong Huo sect, and her romantic yet turbulent relationship with Shangguan Tou, the leader of the Moonlight Sect.

The story begins at the Phoenix Heaven Heroes' Gathering, where the two meet by chance. Being new to the martial world, Chong Huo accidentally loses her sect's treasured artifact and is exiled from the Chong Huo Sect. She faces numerous assassination attempts and is continuously sabotaged. During these difficult times, Shangguan Tou, the leader of the Moonlight Sect, stands by her, offering protection.

As their bond grows stronger, love begins to blossom between them. However, their path to happiness is fraught with obstacles and misunderstandings. Eventually, they marry and unite as a couple. Together, they fight to uncover the truth, defeat evil, and bring peace to the martial world.

Episodes: 48

Cast: La Wanxi, Chen Yuqi, Zhou Dingyu, Dian Yidong, Bao Tianqi,...

The Smiling, Proud Wanderer 2013 is a Chinese television series produced by Yu Zheng in 2012, adapted from the classic novel by Jin Yong. The show stars Wallace Huo, Chen Qiao En, and Yuan Shan Shan, and it aired for the first time in China in 2013.

The plot revolves around themes of friendship, love, deception, betrayal, schemes, and the lust for power. The central figure is Ling Hu Chong, the senior disciple of the leader of the Huashan Sect, Yue Buqun. The story unfolds around a legendary sword technique and the relationships between characters connected to this martial art. According to rumors, the Lam family possesses a secret manual called the "Tianxia Sword Technique". Whoever masters this skill gains incredible speed and martial prowess, becoming a dominant force in the martial world.

Many powerful figures are desperate to acquire it, including renowned leaders like Tuo Lian Tian from the Mount Song Sect, the Five Mountains Alliance leader, Yue Buqun from Huashan, Yu Shang Hai from Qingcheng, and others like Mo Gao Feng and Lao De Nuo. This desire leads to a web of conspiracies, rivalries, and conflicts over the prized manual, as these factions fight for supremacy in the martial arts world.

Episodes: 42

Cast: Wallace Huo, Yuan Shan Shan, Chen Qiao En, Eddie Peng,...

The Heroic Legend of the Condor Heroes is a Chinese television series based on the novel of the same name by Jin Yong. It is the first installment of the Condor Trilogy, produced by Zhang Jizhong, followed by The Return of the Condor Heroes (2006) and The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (2009). The series first aired on China Central Television (CCTV) in 2003.

The story takes place during the end of the Song Dynasty when the Jurchen people of the Jin Empire invade northern China. The Heroic Legend of the Condor Heroes captivates viewers with its dramatic plot, but also offers deeper philosophical meanings. Though fictional, it teaches valuable life lessons through the exploits of heroic characters. The first part of the series focuses on the friendship between Yang Tiexin and Guo Xiaotian, two knights who heroically fight against the cruelty of the Jin army.

The two families are so close that they vow their children will become sworn brothers or even husband and wife when they grow up. The second part of the story follows the hardships both families face. Guo Jing, the son of Guo Xiaotian, grows up in Mongolia under the protection of Genghis Khan, while Yang Kang, on the other hand, becomes a prince of the Jin Empire.

Episodes: 42

Cast: Li Anbang, Zhao Wen, and others...

The Legend of Zhiyao is a Chinese fantasy martial arts drama adapted from the novel of the same name by author Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The production began on October 27, 2017, and concluded on February 12, 2018. In early 2019, the series was broadcast on Hunan TV and also streamed exclusively on the Chinese platform IQiYi.

The story begins when Lu Zhiyao accidentally saves Mo Chang's life. However, when it comes to claiming the Van Quan Sword, it is Mo Chang who gets there first, causing Lu Zhiyao to be injured by the weapon. Over the course of five years, Mo Chang builds his own powerful sect. Zhiyao, hiding her true identity, manipulates Mo Chang’s feelings for her, leading him to take dangerous actions. However, as she begins to see Mo Chang's true love, Zhiyao starts to have second thoughts. Eventually, the two join forces to defeat the fake righteous sect of Lac Ming Xian, revealing the truth to the world.

Episodes: 55

Cast: Xu Kai, Bai Lu, Xiao Yan, Dai Hu...

Legend of the Broken Blade is a Chinese historical drama series based on the novel of the same name by author Priest. The production officially began on September 16, 2019.

The story is set in a period of political unrest and constant civil war. Chu Fei, the granddaughter of the legendary hero Li Zhong, and the young mistress of the 48 brigades of bandits, leaves her home to train and uphold justice. Along the way, she meets the former prince of the previous dynasty, Xie Yuan. Together, they become companions, facing dangers, treacherous schemes for power, and exploring vast lands while growing stronger. Their adventures culminate in a legendary tale that echoes through the martial world.

Episodes: 51

Cast: Zhao Liying, Wang Yibo, Chu Xiu, Zhang Tuiwen, Chen Ruoxian...

The Sword King's Dynasty is a historical drama based on the novel of the same name by Wu Zui. The series is produced by iQIYI in collaboration with Beijing New Power and Beijing Sheng Ji, with director Phung Xiao Gang at the helm. The plot follows Ding Ning, a young warrior from the Wu Kingdom, who rises to fame after showcasing his skills, causing both Emperor Yuan Wu and Empress Zheng Tu to feel threatened. In a world filled with ruthless power struggles, the story not only delves into the martial world’s conflicts but also the political struggles between the imperial court and the common people during the Warring States period. With the support of the brilliant and beautiful eldest daughter of a noble family, Chong Tuan Xian Yue, Ding Ning’s cultivation and strategic plans progress swiftly.

Together, they aim to overthrow the cruel feudal regime established by the First Emperor of Qin. As they face life-threatening challenges, they gradually realize their love for each other and are determined to walk together to the end. As Ding Ning's strength advances, he challenges Emperor Yuan Wu and Empress Zheng Tu in a decisive battle. Ultimately, fate reveals its true face, leaving Ding Ning with only regrets and unfulfilled wishes.

Episodes: 34

Cast: Li Xian, Li Yitong, Liu Shiqin, Yao Di, Zhao Yuan Yuan, He Run Dong, Song Feng Yan...

The Snow Listening Tower is adapted from the historical martial arts novel of the same name by Shang Yue. Produced by Huan Shuei and directed by Yuan Dao and Liu Guodong, the story follows the life of Shu Jing Dong, the daughter of the Blood Demon, who is taken in by the White Emperor’s sect. Growing up with her fellow disciples Qing Lam, Qing Wu, and Xiao Yi, she soon faces tragedy as her beloved master and fellow disciple die one after another. This leads her to believe that the prophecy foretelling her misfortune has come true, causing her to feel deep guilt.

The story begins when the Bai Yue sect wreaks havoc on the martial world, with its ruthless leader, Hua Lian, using a sacred artifact to invade the Blood Demon’s mind, forcing him to kill his wife before taking his own life. Hua Lian is also responsible for the death of Xiao Yi’s parents. With a shared enemy, Xiao Yi and Shu Jing Dong form an alliance to take down the Bai Yue sect, aiming to restore peace to the people. However, the path to victory is fraught with peril, as the two women face countless life-or-death challenges along the way.

Episodes: 56

Cast: Qin Junjie, Yuan Bingyan, Han Chuyu, Yuan Liling, Lam Yuan, Zhao Dongzhe, Zhang Tiandian, Bai Chu...