Top 15 Best Hong Kong Martial Arts Movies (Feature Films)

Hong Kong martial arts movies are renowned for their dramatic action sequences, talented cast, and exquisite martial arts skills. Within the realm of feature films, Hong Kong martial arts cinema has produced numerous exceptional works. Below are the Top 15 Best Hong Kong Martial Arts Movies (Feature Films) that you shouldn't miss.

1. Fist of Fury

• Release Year: 1972
• Duration: 90 minutes

The first Hong Kong martial arts film we want to introduce to you in this article is Fist of Fury. This movie is one of the earliest films to emerge in Hong Kong cinema, and it is closely associated with the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. The main storyline of this film follows Chen Zhen, a disciple of Huo Yuanjia, who seeks revenge for his master by infiltrating a Japanese martial arts school.

Although highly acclaimed, being one of the early productions, Fist of Fury did not receive many awards, as it predates the prestigious Hong Kong Film Awards (established in 1982), and Hong Kong cinema was still in its early stages. Nevertheless, it remains a pinnacle of Bruce Lee's martial arts legacy. Fist of Fury is undoubtedly a must-watch martial arts film that you shouldn't miss.

2. SPL: Sha Po Lang series

• Release Years: 2005, 2015, 2017
• Duration: 93 minutes (Part 1), 120 minutes (Part 2), 101 minutes (Part 3)

SPL, known as a Hong Kong action martial arts film series, revolves around the battle of wits and strength between the Hong Kong police and the underworld before the year 1997. This series boasts tightly written scripts and a longstanding theme of gangland vendettas, which have always been the strength of action films. SPL has impressed audiences with its incredibly intense and powerful fight scenes. Despite the considerable gap between the production of each of the three parts, all these films have maintained their quality and imagery in line with the original spirit.

3. The Bodyguard

• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 100 minutes

When it comes to Hong Kong martial arts films, The Bodyguard cannot be overlooked. The storyline revolves around the character Ding Hu, introduced as a retired special forces soldier. After losing his biological granddaughter, Ding Hu retreated to live quietly in a peaceful village located on the border of Russia, China, and North Korea. Here, he befriended Little Spring Flower, the daughter of Li Zhengjiu, a very close neighbor. Due to involvement in a skirmish with a notorious criminal gang, both Li Zhengjiu and his daughter suddenly disappeared without leaving any information. Ding Hu decided to embark on a journey to rescue his friend's daughter, and through that, he succeeded in finding his beloved lost granddaughter.

This blockbuster movie has brought together a stellar cast of famous Hong Kong actors such as Louis Koo, Hung Kam-Bo, promising to deliver viewers incredibly captivating and dramatic action scenes.

4. Wong Fei-Hung: The Legend Begins

• Release Year: 2014
• Duration: 125 minutes

The martial arts action film Wong Fei-Hung: The Legend Begins. Adapted from a highly acclaimed film with many viewers. The film is set in the late Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, telling the young days of the legend Wong Fei-Hung - an immensely influential martial artist in the history of China. After witnessing the despicable human trafficking schemes of the Black Tiger Gang, the teenager A Phi decided to rise up with his friends to lead a battle to liberate the innocent people of the Port neighborhood. From there, he established a new stable leadership for the poor people and became the revered legend Wong Fei-Hung.

In addition to the straightforward battle against evil like the motifs of typical martial arts films, this movie also incorporates stories of friendship, love, and the aspirations of youth. This martial arts film deserves to be among the top must-watch movies for fans of Hong Kong action martial arts genre.

5. Chinese Zodiac

• Release Year: 2012
• Duration: 120 minutes

Chinese Zodiac is known as one of the classic action-packed films of Hong Kong, directed and starring the action star and martial artist Jackie Chan. This is also the final adventurous action film in the genre series of this most talented film actor.

This film revolves around the character JC - a genius antique thief who specializes in hunting valuable artifacts. At an auction of antiques in London, the bronze statue of the 12 zodiac animals, known as a valuable Chinese artifact, is auctioned off at an incredibly high price. In order to win a hefty reward, JC embarks on a journey to hunt down the statue with his associates David, Simon, Coco, and Katherine. It's an exciting film with breathtaking action scenes that you shouldn't miss.

6. Skiptrace

• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 107 minutes

Skiptrace revolves around the mission of police officer Bennie Chan to rescue the daughter of his close colleague Samantha - who is being hunted by the most notorious gang leader on the Mainland. Alongside captivating action sequences, this martial arts action film also offers audiences authentic scenes from majestic mountains to endless grasslands in 5 locations: Macau, Hong Kong, China, Russia, and Mongolia. Starring box office guarantee Jackie Chan and the beauty Phạm Băng Băng, Skiptrace has been praised as a light, humorous, easy-to-watch film with the characteristic signature of Jackie Chan's movies.

7. Ip Man

• Release Year: 2008, 2010, 2015, 2019
• Duration: 108 minutes (Part 1), 110 minutes (Part 2), 144 minutes (Part 3), 145 minutes (Part 4)

Ip Man is a series of 4 films that have been highly acclaimed and beloved worldwide. Throughout the series, director Wilson Yip has successfully depicted the life of the Grandmaster - Master Ip Man. This character is considered the founder of the famous Wing Chun martial art, with Bruce Lee being his most famous and exemplary student. With a fairly high IMDb rating of 8/10, Ip Man has become one of the most successful films in the history of Hong Kong cinema, winning numerous prestigious awards at festivals such as Fantasia Film Festival, Golden Horse Awards, and more.

8. Time and Tide

• Release Year: 2000
• Duration: 113 minutes

“Time and Tide” is a martial arts action film crafted by the renowned director Tsui Hark, capturing over 80% of the scenes that intricately depict the essence of Hong Kong action cinema. The protagonist of this iconic film is the young 21-year-old Tyler, who harbors dreams of a peaceful life by the South American coast. However, the harsh reality of life's chaos and turmoil hinders him from realizing his aspirations. Interwoven between elements of romance and action, this film delivers numerous humanistic values and life lessons on the journey to pursue one's dreams, leaving viewers with indescribable emotions long after the film concludes.

9. Project A

• Release Year: 1983
• Duration: 97 minutes

Set in Hong Kong in the early 19th century, Project A opens with scenes of turmoil during a politically turbulent era. In such circumstances, a group of passionate youths rises to demand justice, confronting pirates head-on. With support from the police and a gambling expert, they successfully rescue British hostages from the pirates' clutches. This film is immensely popular and beloved, a must-watch for all.

10. The Guillotines

• Release Year: 2012
• Duration: 110 minutes

The Guillotines boasts a star-studded cast including Huynh Hieu Minh, Ly Vu Xuan, Nguyen Kinh Thien, and Du Van Lac. The plot revolves around the 'Guillotines,' a squad established to assassinate anti-government elements. Despite their loyalty to Emperor Qianlong, the Guillotines cannot escape the king's betrayal. While outwardly issuing orders for the Guillotines, the king secretly eliminates the group, recognizing the miraculous power of firearms from the West.

Enveloping this renowned film is a fast-paced and intense atmosphere filled with action-packed scenes, blood-soaked torture, and deeply moving moments depicting the brotherhood among members of the Guillotines organization.

11. Brotherhood Scenes (Buddy Cops)

• Release Year: 2016
• Duration: 102 minutes

Brotherhood Scenes is an action-comedy film revolving around the investigation into the truth behind the death of their colleague, Liu Ting. It forces two police officers, Tran Kien Phi and Ton Ni, from being 'foes in narrow alleys' to becoming close friends as they work together on the case. Renowned for its captivating storyline closely following the film's theme and featuring a star-studded cast including Stephen Chow, Teng Jee Wei, and Kim Kinh, this martial arts action film promises to deliver thrilling action sequences, superb special effects, as well as plenty of hilarious and entertaining moments.

12. Drunken Mastery – Drunken Master

• Release Year: 1978
• Duration: 110 minutes

Drunken Mastery is an immensely successful martial arts film from Hong Kong, not only achieving high box office revenue but also leaving a significant cultural impact. It has inspired numerous films, music, manga, anime, and video games in Hong Kong thereafter.

The storyline of Drunken Mastery revolves around the character Wong Fei-Hung (Jackie Chan) in his youth. He is portrayed as a carefree and mischievous young man with a strong sense of righteousness, often finding himself in numerous troubles.

Father Wong Fei-Hung decided to discipline him by making him train in martial arts more diligently. Eventually, Wong Fei-Hung had the opportunity to learn the Drunken Boxing style and became a renowned martial artist.

13. The Apprentice – The Young Master

• Release Year: 1980
• Duration: 106 minutes

Another film starring the legendary Jackie Chan. The Apprentice revolves around the character Dragon (Jackie Chan), a young man portrayed as exceptionally talented and skilled in martial arts. However, after experiencing a setback in a lion dance competition due to betrayal by his siblings, Dragon reluctantly leaves his martial arts school. Determined to reunite with his siblings and rectify past mistakes, Dragon embarks on a journey filled with challenges and engages in numerous martial arts fights to redeem himself.

14. Legendary Martial Arts - Fist Of Legend

• Release Year: 1994
• Duration: 103 minutes

Legendary Martial Arts is a renowned martial arts film that tells the story of martial artist Tran Zhen (portrayed by Jet Li). In 1937, he studied at Kyoto University. During his time in Japan, Tran Zhen faced considerable pressure due to being Chinese. Despite increasing hostility from bullies, Tran Zhen managed to defeat them easily.

After hearing the news of his master Huo Yuanjia's (played by Tien Xiao-Hao) death following a defeat to a Japanese martial artist, Tran Zhen returned home to mourn his master. He later discovered discrepancies in his master's death and decided to investigate to uncover the truth.

15. Shaolin Soccer Squad

• Release Year: 2001
• Duration: 102 minutes

The final Hong Kong martial arts film we want to introduce to you in this article is Shaolin Soccer. This film is one of the best Hong Kong martial arts films and has been highly acclaimed in the history of Hong Kong cinema. It won the Best Film award at the Hong Kong Film Awards and is considered one of Stephen Chow's finest works.

The story of Shaolin Soccer revolves around Sing (Stephen Chow), a Shaolin monk who lost all his fellow disciples after his master suddenly passed away. Hoping to revitalize the Shaolin martial arts tradition, he seeks out and invites his five former brothers to form a Shaolin soccer team together.

Under the guidance of former footballer Minh Phong (Ngô Mạnh Đạt), the Shaolin Soccer team has achieved numerous impressive victories thanks to the combination of superhuman strength and exquisite kung fu techniques.

In this article, we have compiled for you the Top 15 Best Hong Kong Martial Arts Movies. Wishing you a wonderful day ahead!