Few cinematic spectacles captivate audiences more than the electrifying clash between two martial arts icons. Martial arts movies are renowned for their unparalleled choreography and charismatic lead actors.
The martial arts genre has been repeatedly reinvented and is one of the most prominent in cinematic history. It created some of the biggest movie stars ever. Bruce Lee, Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chane, and countless others have become legends in the genre. These actors and countless others have faced each other in a handful of classic movies, proffering a climactic final fight made more memorable by the inclusion of multiple icons in conflict.
10. The Way of the Dragon (1972)
Bruce Lee Vs. Chuck Norris
Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris starred in the movie, which saw a man defending his family from brutal gangsters. Both Lee and Norris boasted distinct fighting styles in an intense battle that highlighted their contrasting techniques. Lee and Norris’s The Way of the Dragon fight lasted nearly 10 grueling minutes and culminated in Lee’s victory. The scene demonstrated impressive and realistic choreography, cementing the fight as one of the most important moments in martial arts cinema.
9. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Zhang Ziyi Vs. Michelle Yeoh
Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon showcased a litany of gripping fight sequences delivered with a distinct style. It featured a wealth of martial arts actors who demonstrated their impressive abilities. In Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Ziyi had a thrilling sword fight with martial arts legend Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh starred in many fantastic action movies that highlighted her impressive talent. The scene was more grounded than most others in the movie, though it maintained the film’s elegant beauty.RELATED:
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8. Hero (2002)
Jet Li Vs. Donnie Yen
The 2002 film Hero depicts an intense battle between Jet Li and Donnie Yen. Ian gained widespread popularity after playing Chirrut Emwe in the film Rouge One: A Star Wars Story. Stories,” but he has previously appeared in dozens of acclaimed martial arts films, including the “Ip Man” series. The hero portrayed a defense officer named Nameless (Li), who was summoned by the King of Qin after several assassination attempts. Lee and Yen fought in a beautiful scene that showcased their skill with weapons. Yen’s spear technique was particularly impressive, supported by stunning cinematography and music.
7. The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
Jackie Chan Vs. Jet Li
Jet Li faced another martial arts legend in 2008’s The Forbidden Kingdom: Jackie Chan. Li played the Silent Monk, who battled Jackie Chan’s Lu Yan before he decided to join his quest and aid a young American boy transported back in time to ancient China. The two fought valiantly against each other, demonstrating a series of different fighting styles and poses. The scene infused the genre’s fantastical elements, which were present throughout Jackie Chan and Jet Li’s team-up.
6. Legend of the Drunken Master (1994)
Jackie Chan Vs. Ken Lo
The Legend of the Drunken Master (also known as Drunken Master 2) was the celebrated sequel to Jackie Chan’s 1978 movie Drunken Master. Chan portrayed the Cantonese folk hero Wong Fei-Hung, who became embroiled in a smuggling plot to transport Chinese artifacts out of China. The chief enforcer in this — John — was played by Ken Lo, a martial artist and founding member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. The two engaged in a 10-minute fight sequence which has become legendary in Hong Kong cinema, notable for its creative choreography and protracted action.
5. Ip Man 2 (2010)
Donnie Yen Vs. Sammo Hung
2008’s Ip Man exploded into a robust film series starring a litany of famed martial arts actors. The franchise featured fight choreography by the legendary Samm Hung. Hung also acted in many movies, such as Enter the Dragon and the television series Martial Law. Ip Man 2 saw Donnie Yen’s eponymous protagonist fight Sammo Hung in a dramatic bout upon a precarious tabletop. Both actorsdemonstrated unfathomably quick hand strikes between playful footwork and a balancing act on the table.RELATED:
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4. Kill Zone (2005)
Donnie Yen vs. Sammo Hung
Donnie Yen and Samm Hung fought previously in 2005’s Kill Zone (also known as SPL: Sha Po Lang). The movie depicted Yen as a Hong Kong police officer who attempted to take down a ruthless triad boss (Hung). The movie culminated in a dramatic fight between the two legends, which was notable for its sheer brutality. Yen exhibited his trademark speed and precision, which was contrasted by Hung’s power and surprising agility. The scene was captivating and savage, and it was the undeniable highlight of the movie.
3. Bloodsport (1988)
Jean-Claude Van Damme vs. Bolo Yeung
Bloodsport depicted eminent American martial arts actor Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux. In the movie’s dramatic conclusion, Dux fought the imposing Bolo Yeung, a celebrated martial artist and performer who appeared in Enter the Dragon and Double Impact. In Bloodsport, Yeung played the movie’s antagonist, Chong Li. During the movie’s intense climax, the two fought in an underground martial arts tournament. The scene demonstrated many of Van Damme’s signature kicks and splits, creating a visually striking and startling final fight.
2. Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
Chuck Norris vs. David Carradine
Lone Wolf McQuade. The movie was a novel combination of martial arts and the American Western, in which Carradine played a villainous drug lord pursued by Norris’s Texas Ranger. Their fight drew from both cinematic traditions, combining high kicks and rapid parries from martial arts with the roundhouses typical of Western movies. Though not the most elegant final match, watching the iconic pair fight was incredibly compelling.