Now obviously this list is down to personal opinion and I know martial art purests will probably have seen most if not all of these movies so I guess this list is more for casual fans but hey you might discover a new one here. I’m sure there’s many more that I either haven’t seen or forgot about so if there are ones you are personally fond off you think I should check out then please let me know. In order to make this list, the movie has to follow two criteria. A great martial art film and not many people know about it. I’d like to say they are in order but they are really not. The movie at the bottom is just as awesome as the top one. Let’s just say it’s ascending in a way that that’s it’s a crime you haven’t seen the movie at the top. Best thing is most of the older movies are now free to watch on Youtube so whats stopping you? Let’s get started.
The Scorpion King (1992)
I know what you thinking. The Rock right. NO, and I can’t stress the no loud enough. Before Dwayne Johnson made his spin-off from The Mummy, there was only one Scorpion King and I really can’t recommend it enough. Not only is this a hidden gem but quite possibly in my top 5 martial arts movies of all time but everyone I seem to tell about it has never heard of it and assume I mean the other version. Go watch it now.
Ninja 2: Shadow of a tear (2013)
While the first movie is great, Ninja 2 blew my mind. This might be more popular due to Scott Adkins (Boyka) rising in popularity. Also stars the awesome Kane Kosugi. People I tell about it still have never heard of it. Cliché story, Scott Adkins out for revenge after his beloved is murdered. It has one of the greatest end fight scenes I’ve ever seen. Watch it.
Warrior King (The Protector 2005)
Everyone’s heard of Ong Bak and even Ong Bak 2 but I thought Warrior King or the protector as it’s know else ware blew both of those out of the water. It has some truly bone-crunching fights as well as a truly epic fight where Tony Jaa fights his way up a flight of stairs all done in one take. Breath-taking.
Drunken Master 2 (Legend of the Drunken Master 1994)
Everyone’s seen Drunken Master but did you know there’s a Drunken master 2 and even 3. But number 2 might even be better than the first. The end fight goes on forever which is great. An absolute must watch.
In the line of Duty 4 (1989)
Donnie Yen at his absolute peak in this one. In the line of Duty 4 some truly great fight scenes and as usual, the masterful Donnie Yen makes it all look effortless. The previous films are all good but Donnie makes this one truly great.
Iron Monkey 2 (1996)
That’s right there’s an Iron Monkey 2 and it’s awesome. Donnie Yen returns for some truly spectacular fight scenes. Balls to the wall action. If you liked the first you will love the second.
The Wraith of Vajrai (2013)
Now nobody I tell has ever heard of The Wraith of Vajrai. If you have then good on you. Just watching the trailer will make you pumped up to want to watch this one. I actually thought the main Protagonist (Xing Yu) was a sight to behold. You look at him and think I wouldn’t mess with him. The story is a little confusing but some of the fights are truly epic.
Merantau (2009)
Before Iko Uwais made it big in The Raid, he made Merantau and it’s a crime it’s not bigger than it is. Feels similar to Ong Bak but in its own way. Follows our main protagonists as he ventures from the countryside to the big city but gets sucked into the slave trade. A truly great watch and surprising ending.
The Black Sheep affair (1998)
Rouge martial arts cops, Terrorist, plane hijacks, cult leaders what more do you need. The Black Sheep affair has some spectacular fight scenes. Stars Wenzhuo Zhao, you might recognize him from True legend. A must watch.
Shaolin vs Lama (1983)
Not many have heard of Shaolin vs lama. Which is a crime. If you love the old school martial arts films then this is right up there. There is literally a fight every 10 minutes. A skilled fighter is looking for a master who can defeat him and teach him new stuff. Queue rogue student whole stole a forbidden scroll that teaches a deadly style of Kung Fu and we have our main villain.
Spiritual Kung Fu (1978)
Spiritual Kung Fu or sometimes know as it’s other horrendous name Karate Ghostbusters Stars Jackie Chan who learns of a ex-student whole stole a scroll teaching an unbeatable Kung Fu style. The only style that can beat it has been lost for centuries. Chan finds this scroll which happens to be the five animal’s styles of Hung Gar. Upon finding it and learning it, it releases five ghosts that each teach Chan their animal style. Completely crazy but a classic.
Tai-Chi Master (Twin Warriors)
Tai-Chi Master stars Jet Li and Siu-Ho Chin, two former Shaolin monks and best friends who are pitted against each other when they join opposite sides of a rebellion. A few people might have seen or heard of this one hence is lower rankings but if you haven’t then it’s a no-brainer to watch. Jet Li at his peak.
The King of Kickboxers (1990)
The King of Kickboxers goes at the bottom because I think a lot of people have seen it but not all. Cheesy as hell but great like most of Loren Avedon’s movies. It has some truly great fight scenes. It’s basically a complete rip off of Kickboxer but has a much better end fight scene in my opinion.
