Top 15 Hong Kong Action Movies You Shouldn't Miss

Chinese Zodiac, a 2013 theatrical release directed by Jackie Chan, marks his 101st action film and also features some of his final daring stunts in the action genre.

Chinese Zodiac follows the story of a skilled thief turned hero who recovers the 12 bronze zodiac statues of China, stolen by French and British forces from the Summer Palace in Beijing in 1860. Jackie Chan's action films are known for their authentic martial arts and death-defying stunts, and this movie is no exception, as Chan himself performs many of the high-risk scenes to ensure an exhilarating experience for viewers.

The Bodyguard revolves around the story of Ding Hu, an elderly retired bodyguard who now lives a quiet life in a remote village on the border of China, Russia, and North Korea. Struggling with the early stages of dementia, he befriends a sweet young girl named Xiao Xuan Hua, whose life is in danger after her father, Li Zheng Jiu, becomes entangled with the local criminal underworld.

When the father and daughter suddenly disappear, the aging bodyguard must rely on his fading skills to find them and protect the life of his young friend. Directed by Sammo Hung, this action-packed film features a star-studded cast, including Sammo Hung, Andy Lau, and Feng Shaofeng, making it a blockbuster hit in 2016.

The film project Skiptrace, a collaboration between Hong Kong (China) and the United States, stars Jackie Chan alongside Fan Bingbing and Johnny Knoxville. Hong Kong police officer Bennie Chan is investigating a notorious crime lord known as 'The Wrestler,' who dominates the criminal underworld in China.

The only person who holds the key to bringing down the criminal is Connor Watts, a loud and reckless American gambler. This unlikely duo embarks on a thrilling adventure across China, from the Mongolian mountains to the sand dunes of the Gobi Desert.

Operation Mekong, directed by Dante Lam, is based on the true story of the Mekong River massacre that occurred on October 5, 2011. Two Chinese cargo ships were attacked in the Golden Triangle area, and all 13 crew members were killed. The regional police discovered 900,000 methamphetamine pills on the boats.

Under government orders, Captain Cao Cang (played by Zhang Hanyu) from Yunnan Province leads a special forces team to Thailand to meet intelligence agent Tan Wu (played by Eddie Peng) and investigate the truth behind the massacre. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets about a lawless territory and its human cost are slowly revealed.

The Guillotines centers around the secret assassin group known as the Blood Draining Blades, named after a terrifying weapon that strikes fear with its mere mention. This brutal weapon, considered one of the deadliest in Chinese history, is made of serrated blades and chains, capable of killing from a distance in an instant.

Emperor Qianlong orders the Blood Draining Blades to eliminate Tian Lang but secretly plots to destroy the group himself, believing firearms are a more efficient method. The film is a violent, tear-jerking tale of men and their battles, featuring a star-studded cast including Huỳnh Hiểu Minh, singer Li Yuchun, and rising stars Nguyễn Kinh Thiên and Tỉnh Bách Nhiên.

With stunning 3D effects, League of Gods (2016) presents an epic battle between demons and the three realms. In this film, the “red carpet queen” Fan Bingbing portrays Daji, a legendary villainess. She uses her beauty and charm to manipulate King Zhou, driving the ruler to madness and ultimately leading to the fall of his kingdom.

At the same time, Daji uses dark magic to confront legendary heroes such as Jiang Ziya, Lei Zhenzi, Nezha, and Yang Jian. The film also features big names like Huỳnh Hiểu Minh, Jet Li, Louis Koo, and Lei Zhenzi.

Rise of the Legend (2015) is an action-packed martial arts film that tells the story of the legendary Chinese martial artist and historical figure, Wong Fei-hung. This film explores his early years, depicting him as a young, impulsive, and hot-headed individual. Set during the late Qing Dynasty (Tongzhi period), a time marked by both wealth and crime, the story unfolds in the bustling port of Zhujiang in Guangzhou, where black-market gangs engage in despicable human trafficking schemes, particularly the ruthless Black Tiger gang.

Unable to stand idly by, the young Wong Fei-hung, known as A Fei, teams up with his friends to set a trap in an effort to rescue the oppressed from the clutches of the human traffickers. The film stars Hong Kong action legends like Hong Kim Bao, Wang Xue Bing, and rising stars such as Angela Baby.

SPL: Sha Po Lang, also known as SPL, is a 2005 Hong Kong crime-action-thriller directed by Wilson Yip. The film delves into the fierce conflict between the Hong Kong police and the criminal underworld during the period leading up to the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China. Known for its intense action sequences, the film features brutal Muay Thai, Wushu, and wrestling-style combat.

The film opens with a car accident that turns out to be an assassination attempt. The plot follows Inspector Chan Kwok-chung (played by Simon Yam) who is escorting a key witness to court to testify against notorious crime boss Tam Wong (played by Hong Kim Bao). Tam Wong's cold-blooded assassin, Jack (played by Donnie Yen), carries out a hit that leaves only Chan and the witness's daughter alive. Despite a lack of evidence to charge Tam Wong, Inspector Chan, now suffering from a brain tumor, takes the young girl in as his adoptive daughter and vows to take down Tam Wong at all costs.

Time and Tide is a 2000 Hong Kong action film directed, produced, and co-written by Tsui Hark. The story is set in Hong Kong, where a young man becomes a bodyguard and befriends a mercenary who is determined to start a new life with the woman he just married.

In “Time and Tide”, both the action and romance elements serve the greater purpose of delivering a profound life message that becomes clear only by the film's conclusion. While nearly 80% of the film is packed with intense, gritty action sequences, the movie is far from a typical action flick. It carries deep humanistic values, and its themes linger long after the credits roll, prompting viewers to reflect on its meaning.

A Better Tomorrow is a 1986 Hong Kong action film directed by John Woo, starring Ti Lung, Leslie Cheung, and Chow Yun-fat. The film centers on Tong Zihao, a former gangster who is involved in counterfeiting but seeks redemption, and his brother Tong Ziqie, a determined and fiery police officer who despises the criminal underworld. After their father's death, the two brothers become strangers to each other. While Zihao struggles to sever his ties with the underworld, he also yearns to rebuild his bond with his brother. Will he succeed in fulfilling his mission?

Project A is a 1983 Hong Kong action-comedy film featuring Jackie Chan, who also directs, with a screenplay by Chan and Edward Tang. Produced by Tang, Leonard Ho, and Raymond Chow, the movie also stars Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. It was released on December 22, 1983.

Project A is one of the key films that marked the beginning of Jackie Chan's stardom. It blends traditional martial arts with modern action sequences, delivering a thrilling combination of high-octane action and humor.

In the film, Ma Long and his team of officers battle pirates. They devise a secret operation known as 'Project A' to infiltrate the pirates' lair and rescue hostages, with the help of a con artist and a fellow officer.

Exiled is a 2006 Hong Kong action film directed and produced by Johnnie To, starring Anthony Wong, Francis Ng, Nick Cheung, Josie Ho, Roy Cheung, and Lam Suet, with special appearances by Richie Jen and Simon Yam. Set in contemporary Macau, the film revolves around a group of former hitmen who once shared a strong bond.

When one of them suddenly flees to Macau with his wife and children, abandoning his life as a hitman, the others decide to visit him. However, each of them has their own hidden agendas, and one of them has even been hired to kill their former friend. Exiled is a gripping tale of betrayal, loyalty, and revenge.

The Menu opens with a tense scene at the Smart Post office, where Fong Ying, Lok Ka-Fai, and Mallory Mak are busy gathering intel. Their focus is disrupted when a bomb explodes at C99's TV studio, sending everyone into a panic. The bomb was planted by Tam, who seeks to confront the CEO. Tam's daughter was brutally raped and murdered seven years ago by Ko Kin Yan, but despite overwhelming evidence, the jury acquitted him of all charges.

Under Hong Kong's current legal framework, Kin Yan cannot be tried again, prompting Tam to take matters into his own hands in a twisted bid to reveal the truth. The film received widespread acclaim for its powerful exploration of Hong Kong's legal system and its thought-provoking message: pursuing personal revenge can often cause more harm than good.

Buddy Cops is an action-comedy film directed by Peter Chih, featuring notable actors such as Tzi Ma and Wayne Lai. The story follows the investigation into the death of a colleague, Lau Ting (played by Julian Cheung), and centers around two mismatched police officers. Trained investigator Chan Kin-Phi (Wayne Lai), who is energetic and sharp, is paired with the quiet and methodical Sun Nei (Kimberley Ng). Initially at odds, the two must work together, sharing a home and calling each other ‘brothers.’ Their missions often lead to humorous and unpredictable situations, making for a light-hearted yet thrilling experience.

The Ip Man action movie series consists of several installments: Ip Man: The Prequel (2010), Ip Man 2: Legend of the Grandmaster (2010), Ip Man (2013), Ip Man: The Final Battle (2013), and Ip Man 3 (2015). These films chronicle the life of Ip Man, a man who rises to become a grandmaster of martial arts, standing at the pinnacle of martial arts excellence.

The story begins in Guangdong, Southern China, in 1905. Ip Man and his adopted brother, Tian Si, are entrusted by their father to become disciples of Master Chen, the leader of the Wing Chun school of martial arts.