Originating in China with roots in traditional Chinese opera and martial arts, kung fu films are a genre of action films that typically showcase the skill and abilities of highly trained martial artists. What many most moviegoers may not know is that the first kung fu films were produced in the 1920s and 1930s as silent films. It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that the genre gained significant popularity in Hong Kong. Studios like Shaw Brothers and directors such as Chang Cheh and King Hu set the foundation for the modern kung fu film with their intricate fight choreography and compelling narratives.
Bruce Lee brought global attention to the genre in the 1970s with “Enter the Dragon” and “The Way of the Dragon.” This is considered the golden era for Kung Fu cinema. This era also saw the rise of Jackie Chan, who introduced a unique blend of comedy and action, and Jet Li, whose films like “Shaolin Temple” and “Once Upon a Time in China” became classics. In the 1980s and 1990s, filmmakers like John Woo and Tsui Hark experimented with new styles and storytelling techniques. In 2000, Ang Lee’s Academy Award winning film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” created a new style of Kung Fu cinema focused on epic storytelling and breathtaking visuals.
Today, Kung Fu films have continued to thrive, adapting to modern tastes and technologies. Martial Art trained stars like Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa have kept the spirit of martial arts alive, pushing the boundaries of physical performance and cinematic storytelling.
Here are top 10 kung fu films to watch in 2025.
These include highly anticipated films not yet released and films released in the last decade. For other films, check out this list of the Best Chinese Movies on Netflix and the Best Chinese TV shows for kids on Netflix.
The Legend of Condor Heros: The Great Hero【射雕英雄传2024】(2024)
Louis Cha (pen name: Jin Yong)’s famed Condor Trilogy have been adapted countless times for film and TV. This next iteration is a highly anticipated film trilogy helmed by renown Hong Kong director, Tsu Hark. The film does not yet have a release date but is rumored to be released this summer. The film is set against Genghis Khan’s Mongol invasion of the Jin Dynasty in the north and Song Dynasty in the south. The hero, Guo Jing, must rally the martial arts community of the Central Plains to Xiangyang for the country and the people.
Kung Fu Panda 4【功夫熊猫4】 (2024)
This animated kung fu film is the fourth installment of the popular Kung Fu Panda franchise by DreamWorks Animation. Designed as a character-based wuxia action comedy, the original film was reportedly inspired by Stephen Chow’s 2004 film, Kung Fu Hustle with inspiration from more artful martial arts films, such as Hero, House of Flying Daggers and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The fourth film follows Po the panda, as he undergoes a new journey of growth. With Master Sifu retiring, he must advance to become the Spiritual Leader and pass the Dragon Warrior mantel to a successor. Like its predecessors, the film features an all-star voice cast including Jack Black, Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, and Viola Davis.
Sakra (2023)
Hong Kong legend Donnie Yen directs and stars in this kung fu film. Adapted from the wuxia novel, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils by the famed Hong Kong novelist, Louis Cha (pen name: Jin Yong), this kung fu film tells the story of the respected leader of the Beggar’s Sect who is wrongfully accused of murdering his adoptive parents. The story follows him as he goes on a quest learn his true identity and clear his name.
100 Yards (2023)
Set in 1920s Tianjin in Northern China, this kung fu film follows a battle of succession for stewardship of a wushu academy following the death of a well-respected martial arts master. The rivalry is between the master’s son and his most talented apprentice. Instead of following the rules to settle their dispute behind closed doors, the two men take their fight to the streets. The film was co-directed by Xu Junfeng and Xu Haofeng, who also wrote the script for this film and for The Grandmaster.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
The sixth film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings draws many elements from classic wuxia martial arts cinema. Serving as an origin story for the character, the film modernizes the character and story of Shang-Chi, a comic book hero written in the 1970s that lean heavily on negative stereotypes about Chinese Americans. The film stars Hong Kong legend Tony Leung, rising star Awkwafina, and newcomer Simu Liu.
Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
While not a traditional kung fu film, this Academy award-winning movie blends elements from several film genres including comedy, science fiction, fantasy, martial arts films, immigrant narrative, and animation. It stars the legendary Michelle Yeoh as a Chinese American immigrant mother who learns that she’s key to saving the multiverse as she’s getting audited by the IRS and dealing with a husband asking for a divorce, a lesbian daughter angry at her reluctance to accept her non-Asian girlfriend, and arrival of her disapproving elderly father. Directed by directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the film swept the 2023 award season, winning 11 Oscars including for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020)
Based on the popular Japanese novel Onmyōji by Baku Yumemakura, this fantasy martial arts film takes place in a world where humans and supernatural beings coexist. The story follows two Yin-Yang Masters, Qing Ming and Bo Ya, who must join forces to prevent a dark force from destroying their world. Directed by Guo Jingming, this kung fu film combines stunning visual effects, intricate fight scenes, and a compelling fantasy narrative.
Enter the Fat Dragon (2020)
This kung fu film is considered a comedy-action flick through its combination of slapstick humor and dynamic fight scenes. Its style first pioneered by Jackie Chen. It stars Donnie Yen as Fallon Zhu, a former cop who gains weight after being demoted to the evidence room and because of emotional issues. He is promised a transfer if he takes on a mission in Japan but fails due to the lack of support from the police force. He later becomes a crime buster in Japan and regains his martial arts prowess. The film was originally thought to be a remake of Sammo Hung’s classic Hong Kong action-comedy, but turned out to only share the same name.
The Paper Tigers (2020)
This Asian American produced and directed film is a love letter to kung fu cinema. Director Bao Tran said the film was based on his childhood memories and friendships from studying martial arts growing up. The Paper Tigers is a heartfelt and humorous kung fu film about three childhood friends and former Kung Fu prodigies who have grown apart and lost their martial arts skills. When their old master is murdered, they must overcome their differences, midlife challenges, and rusty skills to seek justice. Despite pushback from Hollywood execs and other Asian American investors, the film features a diverse cast in lead roles. It was also shot in Seattle, Washington, as a homage to Bruce Lee.
Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019)
Directed by Wilson Yip, “Ip Man 4: The Finale” is the concluding chapter of the iconic Ip Man series. Starring Donnie Yen as the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster, this film takes Ip Man to the United States, where he faces cultural clashes and racial prejudice. The film features some of the most breathtaking fight scenes, culminating in an epic showdown.
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