Top Ten Kung Fu Films

I've been a fan of kung fu movies ever since I was a little kid, I loved how the action would always keep me on the edge of my seat; wondering what will happen next. Here is my list of what I think is the top ten kung fu/martial arts movies.

10. Ong Bak

If you're looking for a deep storyline with well developed characters and dialogue, this film won't do much for you in that respect. However you won't even miss any of those things because of the high octane action and acrobatic stunt work by Tony Jaa. There is no fancy Hollywood CGI or wire work here, the action is all real and raw. Tony Jaa brings to the screen a mix of Jet Li's fighting and Jackie Chan's stunt work, and then manages to add some of his own style to the mix.

9. Fist of Legend

Jet Li stars in this 1994 remake of Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury", which is one of Li's best films to date. Although less dark than it's predecessor, the action and choreography is top notch and there is plenty of it to go around.

8. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Ang Lee's masterpiece of film, it transcends every border to combine aspects of cinema from throughout the world. With a Hollywood budget, and a plethora of extremely talented actors (Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Cheng Pei Pei). It features breathtaking visuals and wire work, and of course plenty of action.

7. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin

Although it might be unknown to those not familiar with the genre, it is still a must-see film and one of the greatest martial art movies ever made. In what was considered a breakthrough role for Gordon Liu (who plays San Te in the film) it tells the story of a young kid who decides to fight back and rebel against warlords and the training he must endure to do so. This movie has it all, a great storyline and fantastic action.

6. Rumble in the Bronx

The film that made Jackie Chan a household name in America. Following the typical trend of Chan films, it is a mix of comedy and martial arts, but that doesn't mean it is lacking on the action. Among the highlights of this film are an extensive brawl in a pool room which pits Jackie versus a bunch of gang members, in which Chan shows dynamic use of his surroundings during the battle. The stunt work by Jackie and his stunt team provide you some of the most intense action sequences to date; there is simply not a dull moment to be found in this movie.

5. Iron Monkey

Considered by most to be director Yuen Woo-ping's best film, it combines a well done mix of intense ground action and wire work. The story, which resembles Robin Hood in nature fits well and suits the film. Featuring very inventive action packed fights and acrobatics, it is purely stunning from start to finish.

4. Police Story

While this film doesn't blow you away with it's storyline and acting, it does however provide you with some very excellent action sequences and stunts. Oh and of course there's the typical Jackie Chan comedy tied in with all of this that he is known for. Chan stated in his book that of all the films he has done, this was his favorite to work on.

3. Fist of Fury

The story is that of a familiar one, Bruce Lee's Master is killed and he then seeks vengeance for his death. The film is set during a time when Shanghai, China is inhabited by several countries including Japan. Although this film was a huge success, it is mainly famous for it's influence on later films. Including the shift in kung fu movies from sword-fighting to open-hand fighting.

2. Drunken Master II

In what is arguably considered Jackie Chan's best overall film, Drunken Master II does a tight rope act with comedy, drama, and over the top action elements all while developing an engaging storyline. Chan shows off his acting skills along with his superior fighting skills in what was a very dynamic role for him. His "drunken boxing" fighting style provides a lot of eye candy and will leave your jaw on the floor. In particular the final fight in the end against Kenneth Lo, which happens to be one of the best kung fu fights I've ever seen.

1. Enter the Dragon

This film, considered by most to be the definitive kung fu movie, was Bruce Lee's last completed film before his death. It was also the first kung fu film to have been made completely by a Hollywood studio. Considered one of if not the most influential films of this genre, it brought kung fu to the masses in the West. Arguably Lee's most popular film, it is also the most appealing all around. For example the hall of mirrors scene is an iconic piece of imagery from the kung-fu genre.