Summary
Hollywood has long been a home for big-budget action movies, bringing big stars with bigger explosions. However, Hollywood has embraced a different kind of action movie over the decades, bringing Eastern martial arts to Western audiences.Martial Arts movieshave been a staple of cinema since the 1970s. The influence of Eastern cinema can be seen throughout Hollywood, from its stars to its stunt work.
Many of these movies have achieved worldwide success,winning multiple awardsand becoming all-time classics.Hollywood martial arts moviesremain popular around the world for their stunning choreography, charismatic characters, and heart-pumping action. These movies are pure cinema, firmly grabbing audiences and never letting go until the credits roll.
Updated Jul 11, 2025, by Andy Chapman: Martial arts remains a popular genre among movie fans. From low-budget gems to big-budget blockbusters, almost every action film involves complex fight choreography involving advanced martial arts. However, as the stars of the last generation enter into older age, martial arts movies have taken a back seat in mainstream cinema. With no obvious successor to Jackie Chan, Jet Li, or Donnie Yen, the genre is primed and ready for another star to emerge. This article has been updated to include additional entries to give a broader view of Hollywood martial arts movies.
14Blood and Bone
A Hidden Gem With Great Fight Scenes
This direct-to-DVD, low-budget movie may not be as well known as other films on this list. However,Blood and Boneshines where it matters: in the action. The film stars Michael Jai White as Isaiah Bone, an ex-convict and ex-marine who finds himself embroiled in the underground fighting world of Los Angeles.
While the plot is nothing to write home about, Michael Jai White carries the film with his expert martial skill and onscreen charisma. The movie also features other big names from the fighting world, including Gina Carano and the late Kimbo Slice, who bring extra authenticity to the film.Blood and Boneis a great low-budget action film that fans of Western martial arts movies will appreciate.
13Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
A Memorable Biography
Starring Jason Scott Lee as the legendary action star,Dragon: The Bruce Lee Storystands on its own as a worthy martial arts film. The movie follows the life of Bruce Lee from a young age and into the movie industry, where his films inspired generations of martial artists. Jason Scott Lee does an excellent job as Bruce, while the film’s heart and soul is the relationship between Lee and his wife Linda.
While the film can sometimes over-mythologize the star and some historical events have come into question,Dragon: The Bruce Lee Storyis a must-watch for any martial arts fan.
Runtime
1h 44min
The Forbidden Kingdom(2008) may not go down in history as the best Kung Fu movie of all time, but this fun fantasy martial arts movie will please fans of the genre looking for a lighthearted adventure.Starring two movie legends, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, the film followKung-Fu-lovingving kid who finds himself transported back in time to ancient China.
The film is a love letter to the Kung Fu films of old, with Jackie bringing his iconic drunken fighting style back to the screen. The film is steeped in Chinese folklore, with Jet Li also playing the Monkey King.TheForbidden Kingdomis a hidden gem for Kung Fu movie fans, who are treated to some fantastic fight sequences between two icons of the martial arts world.
2h 12min
The MCU has dominated the worldwide box office for over a decade, bringing big-budget superhero movies to the cinema-going public. Their blend of explosive spectacle, sharp comedy, and likable characters has influenced every summer blockbuster that has come after. The list ofMCU moviesis long and includes some genuine classic superhero movies.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings(2021) is Marvel’s big-budget martial arts move and features a predominately Asian cast. The film follows Shang-Chi’s difficult relationship with his criminal father, who is attempting to force entry into a mythical village to gain incredible power. The film was praised for its positive representation of Asian culture, fun story, and fantastic visual effects.Shang-Chiis a great addition to the MCU and a must-watch for fans of the long-running franchise.
10Romeo Must Die
Jet Li Arrives in Hollywood
Romeo Must Diewas Jet Li’s first big breakout Hollywood action film and co-starred the singer Aaliyah, who would tragically die only a year after the film was released.
The film is a loose retelling of Shakespeare’sRomeo and Juliet, with two warring crime families at the center. The story follows Han Sing, played by Li, who comes to America after discovering his brother was murdered. The film features a fantastic soundtrack and a strong supporting cast. However, it is Li who shines with his effortless martial arts and onscreen charisma that made him a superstar in China.
1h 37min
80s action star Jean-Claude Van Damme made his big break in 1982’sBloodsport, where the world was introduced to the star’s skill and athleticism. He would follow this up with severalsuccessful action movies, including 1989’sKickboxer.
Kickboxerfollows Kurt Sloane, played by Van Damme, who seeks revenge after his brother is paralyzed in a fight in Thailand. The film features some brutal fight and training sequences, where Van Damme is at the peak of his physical strength.Kickboxeris largely responsible for introducing the martial arts style of Muay Thai to a broader audience and remains an extremely influential martial arts movie today.
12h 20min
The biggest fighting style to emerge in modern times is inarguably Mixed Martial Arts. MMA has greatly impacted the sporting world, with its biggest stars becoming world-renowned athletes.Warrior, the 2011 movie starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, may not have introduced the world to the MMA fighting style, but it helped push the sport to an even wider audience.
The film follows estranged brothers, Tommy and Paddy, as they compete in a famous MMA tournament, gaining national recognition as they progress. The film depicts some great fight sequences, with manyreal MMA fightersfeatured in the film. However, at its core,Warrioris an emotional story of a broken family finding their way back together. The film has garnered a cult following and continues to introduce new fans to MMA.
7Bloodsport
Van Damme’s Breakout Role
Bloodsportfollows AWOL US Army Captain Frank Dux, as he competes in the underground fighting tournament known as the Kumite.Bloodsportwas a break-out hit for Jean-Claude Van Damme and showed off his incredible gymnastic and fighting abilities. It would mark the beginning of a long career in martial arts and action movies.
Bloodsportis also credited with popularizing martial arts in the USA and inspiring the classic fighting gameMortal Kombat, with the character Johnny Cage being based on Van Damme himself. WhileBloodsportfollows many of the clichés common in the genre, it is undeniably a classic of Western martial arts movies.
2h 6min
The Karate Kid(1984) is inarguably one of the most iconic teen movies of the 1980s. Spawning several sequels, a remake, and the more recent TV spin-off,Cobra Kai,The Karate Kidintroduced a generation to the Japanese martial art Karate. The movie follows Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio, as he navigates a new school, a new love interest, and local bullies.
Befriending Mr. Miyagi, a local Japanese handyman, Daniellearns the art of self-defenseand gains confidence through this newfound friendship.The Karate Kidbecame a hit movie and made stars of Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. It also helped to popularize Karate in the United States.
1h 38min
Jackie Chan’s irresistible brand of action and humor made him a worldwide star. From Kung Fu classics such asSnake in the Eagle’s Shadow(1978) andDrunken Master(1978) to his 80s action classicsPolice Story(1985) andArmour of God(1986), Jackie blends slapstick comedy, acrobatic fight sequences, and death-defying stunt work to iconic effect.
While he was a legend of Hong Kong cinema for decades, his breakthrough in Hollywood wouldn’t come until 1998 withRush Hour. This action comedy, co-starring Chris Tucker, was an instant hit. Chan and Tucker’s onscreen chemistry made it the perfect East meets West mash-up, with Tucker bringing the laughs while Jackie brings the action.Rush Hourkickstarted Jackie Chan’s Hollywood career and cemented his place as an international movie icon.
