Martial arts movieswith uncomplicated storylines are built on a simple formula of clear goals, high stakes, and non-stop action. They usually skip complex plots and big twists, focusing instead on timeless themes like honor, discipline, and survival while delivering epic fight scenes. The simplicity is what ultimately lets the action take the spotlight, making every punch, kick, and masterfully choreographed sequence the driving force behind the narrative.
While we will always lovemartial arts movies that have intricate stories along with excellent action, sometimes less truly is more. Movies likeThe 36th Chamber of ShaolinandOng-Bak: The Thai Warriorare some ofthe most iconic martial arts classics for beginners, showing how powerful straightforward, action-packed tales can be. There’s no need for extra subplots when the raw energy of the fights speaks for itself, grabbing the audience’s attention through pure physicality and skill.
10Heroes Of The East (1978)
Directed by Chia-Liang Liu
Also known asShaolin Challenges Ninja,Heroes of the Eastis the perfect movie to watch afterEnter the Dragon. At its core, both are straightforward stories with tons of fighting, but the former has a touch of humor to it thatEnter the Dragonmight lack. The story follows Gordon Liu as Ho Tao, a Chinese man who marries a Japanese martial artist. As they argue over which country has the superior fighting techniques, a series of challenges arise, pitting Chinese against Japanese styles and reflecting the clash of cultures.
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Asthe film wisely keeps the focus on the fights, the story essentially serves as an excuse for the action rather than weighing the film down with unnecessary subplots. From judo to sword fighting, each match-up is like a mini showdown of combat history, makingHeroes of the Easta dream come true for martial arts lovers.
Ip Man
Cast
Directed by Wilson Yip, Ip Man is a biographical martial arts film starring Donnie Yen as Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster and mentor to Bruce Lee. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the film depicts Ip Man’s efforts to protect his community and preserve his martial arts traditions despite the atrocities of war.
Even thoughIp Manis partly based on a real person of the same name, the famous Wing Chun master and mentor to Bruce Lee, its plot is still uncomplicated. Honor, survival, and the fight for justice are its key themes, and, similarly, each of theIp Mansequels also has a secret meaningbehind its fight scenes.
Set in 1930s China, the movie shows Man’s (Donnie Yen) peaceful life in Foshan, which is turned upside down when the Japanese invade. Forced to protect his family and defend his people, he becomes a symbol of resistance, using his martial arts skills to fight back. The action is straight to the point, with Wing Chun at its finest. Every fight is sharp and practical, free from excessive drama or flashy moves. Still,the iconic scene of Yen taking on ten karate black belts by himself will satisfy any and all thrill cravings.
Master of the Flying Guillotine
Master of the Flying Guillotine, released in 1976, follows a one-armed martial arts master pursued by an Imperial assassin seeking vengeance for his fallen disciples. The narrative unfolds as the master attends a martial arts tournament, despite attempts to remain hidden, facing adversaries with distinct fighting styles.
While it arguably is an unusual story,Master of the Flying Guillotineis one ofthe best martial arts movies of the ’70s. Jimmy Wang Yu plays a one-armed boxer who is relentlessly pursued by a blind assassin after he kills two of his students. Essentially, it’s a cat-and-mouse chase with no unnecessary distractions, and the action never lets up.
WhenMaster of the Flying Guillotinewas first released, most of its score was used without the copyright holders' permission.
Throughout the movie, the one-armed boxer battles a number of opponents with different fighting styles, from acrobatic martial artists to agile kickboxers and powerful brawlers. The fight scenes are fast and dynamic, featuring quick combos, flips, and close-range combat. Because of this,no fight feels repetitive, making the film constantly engaging in terms of action. Additionally, the assassin’s blindness adds a unique twist, keeping viewers on edge to see how and if he’ll fulfill his mission of revenge.
Bloodsport
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in the martial arts movie Bloodsport as a fictional version of the real-life Frank Dux, a U.S. Army officer who participated in a secret underground martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Directed by Newt Arnold, the 1988 action film helped establish Van Damme as a Hollywood star.
Bloodsportis a movie thatperfectly captures the essence of what martial arts cinema is all about, and that would be hardcore fights, an underdog hero, and a plot that’s as simple as it is effective. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux, a Western martial artist who’s looking to honor his sensei by competing in the underground, invite-only tournament known as the Kumite, a brutal no-holds-barred competition held in Hong Kong.
The plot is far from being groundbreaking, but that’s precisely why it works so well. From the very first scene, the audience is swept into action, yet none of it feels overdone. The choreography is fantastic, and JCVD brought some serious athleticism to the table. His moves look fluid, swift, and painful (in the best possible way). Overall,Bloodsportis undeniably one of those'80s cult classic action movies that are overdue for a remake.
Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior
Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior follows a young martial artist from a rural Thai village as he embarks on a perilous journey to retrieve the stolen head of their sacred Buddha statue, facing dangerous adversaries and showcasing remarkable Muay Thai skills.
When talking about cult classic titles in the martial arts world,Ong-Bak: The Thai Warriorreigns supreme for many fans. The movie is the perfect product of its time and genre, offering a no-frills, straightforward plot with heaps of stunning fight sequences. It features the magnificent Tony Jaa in his first lead role, and he more than delivered. Interestingly,Ong Bak’smost important scene isn’t even one of the fight scenes, proving just how much charisma Jaa actually has.
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Although the street chase scene was jaw-dropping, to say the least, the stunning fight choreography will likely be what reels in most action fans. Unlike many of its modern genre peers,Ong Bakdoesn’t rely on CGI or high-tech to impress. Instead, the movie uses Jaa as its main source of magic, creating a raw, real, and mesmerizing experience that stays with you forever.
The Raid: Redemption
The Raid, released in 2012, follows an elite SWAT team as they attempt to infiltrate a fortified apartment block in Jakarta to apprehend a notorious drug lord. Led by martial arts star Iko Uwais, the team faces relentless adversaries in a battle for survival after their cover is blown.
The Raid: Redemptionunexpectedly redefined what action films can be, but, unfortunately, it’s a grossly underrated title that doesn’t get enough love. In short, it’sa movie that is basicallyDie Hard, but better in almost every aspect. There is no fluff and no filler to this one, but just pure, unadulterated action that’ll have you on the edge of your seat from the first punch to the final showdown.
There is no fluff and no filler to [The Raid: Redemption], but just pure, unadulterated action that’ll have you on the edge of your seat from the first punch to the final showdown.
The thing is,The Raidisn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a basic “cops vs. criminals” setup with a slight twist. It kicks off with a SWAT team that’s tasked with raiding a high-rise building controlled by a ruthless crime lord. The catch is that the place is packed with thugs, killers, and mercenaries. It’s a full-on adrenaline rush that is all about the fight, and that’s why it’s one of the greatest action movies of all time.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin follows Lui, a young man who escapes a Manchu attack and seeks martial arts training to avenge his fallen comrades. Set against the backdrop of anti-Ching resistance, Lui’s journey leads him to the Shaolin Monastery, where he undergoes rigorous training.
As one ofthe best movies of all time, those who have never seen it might be surprised thatThe 36th Chamber of Shaolindoesn’t have a more complex story behind it. However, that’s exactly what one would want from a kung fu flick. It follows the story of San Te (Gordon Liu), a young man seeking revenge after his family and friends are slaughtered by the brutal Manchu government forces. He joins a Shaolin temple, determined to learn kung fu and fight back.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolinwas one of the two movies that inspired Wu-Tang Clan’s first album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” The second movie was Bruce Lee’sEnter the Dragon(1973).
Notably,San Te is on a spiritual journey as much as he is on a physical one, which adds depth to the story. The pace is a tad slower than some might like, but it builds to a crescendo. As he goes through the 35 chambers, the action becomes more intense, ultimately culminating in a final showdown that’s as satisfying as it is epic.
Dragon’s Claws
Dragon’s Claws follows the tale of a “Dragon Claw” master who seeks dominance with a Golden Tablet after betraying China. The narrative unfolds as a grandmaster with a haunting past is defeated, prompting his family to hide. The son trains in unique kung fu to confront the traitor.
Dragon’s Clawsis a hidden gem of the martial arts genre that doesn’t get talked about enough. While not as well-known as some of the big hitters from the golden age of kung fu, this title has some serious punches to throw, both literally and figuratively, making it one ofthe most underrated martial arts movies out there.
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As for the plot,it’s a straightforward revenge story with some deep family ties, which is a hallmark of so many great kung fu flicks. However, there is a solid emotional core to it, which makesDragon’s Clawsstand out in the realm of retribution-driven stories from the 1970s. The real meat of the film, though, is in the action, and it doesn’t hold back. Every fight is brutal, fast, and full of flair, showcasing the raw power of traditional kung fu at its best.
Directed by Gordon Chan and starring the legendary Jet Li,Fist of Legendis a martial arts masterpiece that continues to stand the test of time. In addition to its fabulous combat, the movie features an emotionally charged plot that celebrates the timeless spirit of kung fu. It’s about Chen Zhen, a skilled martial artist, who returns to Shanghai to avenge the death of his master.
Heroes of the East
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Five Element Ninjas
Notably,Fist of Legendis packed with some of the most well-executed fight choreography ever filmed.Jet Li delivers some of his best martial arts fight scenes, bringing everything to the table with his electric performance. He’s fluid and precise, consistently showcasing a level of technical skill that makes each fight feel like a work of art. In the end, despite being an uncomplicated story,Fist of Legendisn’t just about the kicks and punches (though those are incredible) but about the message behind them.
Five Element Ninjas, directed by Chang Cheh, follows a young martial artist seeking vengeance against ninjas who killed his master and comrades. Teaming up with a new mentor and fellow disciples, they confront the formidable Five Element Ninja challenge.
If you’re in the mood for a martial arts spectacle packed with pure ’80s kung fu excitement,Five Element Ninjashas all of it. Featuring thrilling fight scenes, unique characters, and over-the-top action,this 1982 classic doesn’t shy away from what it is, and it nails it. While the plot might not win any awards for complexity, it’s as effective as it is simple.
The movie revolves around a group of martial artists who are out for revenge after their school is destroyed by the infamous Five Element Ninjas. Inherently, the story offers hardly any downtime, but that’s what makes it perfect. Adding to the charm, the eccentric villains are delightfully menacing, each rocking a distinct fighting style that reflects their element.Five Element Ninjasmight not reinvent themartial arts moviegenre, but it plays to its strengths and delivers a highly entertaining and visually exciting experience.
