84+ Awesome Martial Arts Film Fights You May Not Have Seen
by The_Phantom_Projectionist | created - 17 Dec 2010 | updated - 10 Apr 2016 | PublicDo a fight scene's participants make me believe that either/any fighter has a chance of winning, or that a scene's star can legitimately best an attacking gang? Do the participants exude genuine physical ability, without needing to rely much on stunt personnel? Is the production clean and transparent, free from sloppy camerawork and overzealous editing? If so, the scene earns a place in my heart. If the movie it's from is relatively obscure, it's got a place in my list.
Here you'll find mostly lower-budget American flicks with some international ones tossed in. Some are older, some are newer, and they're in alphabetical order.
Many thanks to Mantis for his suggestions!
Click here for my other list of fight scenes.
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1. Righting Wrongs (1986)
Not Rated | 85 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Yuen Biao plays Jason Chan, a lawyer angry at the way the law seems to protect the bad guys. He decides to take the law into his own hands when a key witness and his entire family are ... See full summary »
Director: Corey Yuen | Stars: Biao Yuen, Cynthia Rothrock, Melvin Wong, Roy Chiao
Votes: 2,012
Yuen Biao vs. Peter Cunningham This film is so packed with great fights, you can feel free to insert your personal favorite here instead. I chose this one for being the most satisfyingly grounded and no-nonsense brawl of the bunch, featuring tons of broken glass and the standout performance of Cunningham's career.
2. Adventures of Johnny Tao (2007)
PG-13 | 90 min | Action, Adventure, Music
Johnny discovers half of a magic spear - it's part of his dad's guitar. When the other half lands in the hands of an evil spirit bent on world domination, the stage is set for bone-crunching martial arts action!,
Director: Kenn Scott | Stars: Ilram Choi, Stirling Everly, Angel Frost, Michael Goetz
Votes: 484
Matthew Twining vs. Matt Mullins A seat-of-the-pants encounter between two promising American Gen-Xers.
3. American Kickboxer (1991)
R | 92 min | Action, Sport
A kickboxing champion is jailed for a accidental murder with the help of testimony from his enemy - but upon his release, he takes on his nemesis in a winner-take-all fight.
Director: Frans Nel | Stars: John Barrett, Keith Vitali, Terry Norton, Brad Morris
Votes: 701
John Barrett vs. Brad Morris A 9-minute epic of realistic kickboxing action.
4. Angel of Death (I) (2009)
R | 77 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A career assassin becomes haunted by one of her victims following a near fatal injury to her brain. Becoming a rogue assassin settling the score with her former mob employers, chaos and power struggles ensue.
Director: Paul Etheredge | Stars: Zoë Bell, Jake Abel, Vail Bloom, Justin Huen
Votes: 2,440
Zoe Bell vs. John Serge Intensity trumps choreography here, as stuntwoman Bell proves she has no equal in terms of physical legitimacy. About as realistic as a staged fight can get.
5. Attack of the Yakuza (2008)
Not Rated | 93 min | Action
On an isolated ranch in the desert, one man must protect his wife from a secret past that he is now forced to confront. With the sun towering in the sky overhead, the ranch sits beneath the... See full summary »
Director: Kôichi Sakamoto | Stars: Johnny Yong Bosch, Dan Southworth, Pamela Walworth, Motoko Nagino
Votes: 242
Johnny Yong Bosch vs. Dan Southworth An extremely tough choice, selected from a great collection of very bloody fights. Both men bring out the best in each other, proving beyond a doubt that they're much more than just ex-Power Rangers.
6. Balance of Power (1996)
R | 92 min | Action
A peaceful karate instructor is propelled into the bloody, underworld kick-boxing circuit by the murder of a close friend. The man responsible is an Asian crime lord with a passion for gambling on the city's underground street fights.
Director: Rick Bennett | Stars: Billy Blanks, Mako, Lisa Jai, Denis Akiyama
Votes: 404
Billy Blanks vs. James Lew A solid karate-fu fight between two well-matched opponents, highlighted by some surprising acrobatics and the highest jumping kicks I've ever seen thrown from a standing position.
7. Bangkok Adrenaline (2009)
R | 90 min | Action, Comedy
Four backpackers arrive in Thailand to party and drink. A gambling game goes wrong and with their lives on the line they desperately decide to kidnap a billionaires daughter. Things go ... See full summary »
Director: Raimund Huber | Stars: Daniel O'Neill, Praya Lundberg, Gwion Jacob Miles, Conan Stevens
Votes: 1,027
Daniel O'Neill & Gwion Miles in a Warehouse Brawl If you can't stand flipping and tricking, you'll hate this one.
8. Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back (1995)
R | 90 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A martial arts instructor comes to the defense of a schoolteacher who has taken a stand against a local white supremacist organization.
Director: Phillip Rhee | Stars: Phillip Rhee, Christopher McDonald, Gina Gershon, Mark Rolston
Votes: 2,474
Pick any of the three encounters wherein Phillip Rhee takes on multiple attackers to show off his peerless forms work.
9. Blood and Bone (2009)
R | 93 min | Action, Crime, Drama
In Los Angeles, an ex-con takes the underground fighting world by storm in his quest to fulfill a promise to a dead friend.
Director: Ben Ramsey | Stars: Michael Jai White, Julian Sands, Eamonn Walker, Dante Basco
Votes: 35,824
Michael Jai White vs. Matt Mullins The technique and timing between these two is immaculate. One of the most methodical fights ever filmed.
10. Bloodfist II (1990)
R | 85 min | Action, Sport
Kickboxing champion Jake Raye thought his fighting days were over, until a call from an old friend draws him to the Far East and into the hands of a madman. This time Jake's fighting for his life!
Director: Andy Blumenthal | Stars: Don Wilson, Rina Reyes, Joe Mari Avellana, Robert Marius
Votes: 804 | Gross: $1.29M
Manny Samson vs. Dardo De Oro
Timothy Baker vs. Jess C.
Monsour Del Rosario vs. Freddie Ondra
Steve Rogers vs. Israel Ong
At least one of these fights - each of them representing a different fighting style - ought to satisfy any martial arts enthusiast.
11. Bloodmoon (1997)
R | 102 min | Action, Thriller
Martial arts action film finds a retired detective returning to action to stop a martial arts master with steel fingers who is killing champions from all sports.
Director: Siu-Hung Leung | Stars: Gary Daniels, Chuck Jeffreys, Frank Gorshin, Darren Shahlavi
Votes: 924
Gary Daniels vs. Darren Shahlavi The undisputed best fight of their careers.
12. Bloodsport 2 (1996)
R | 90 min | Action, Sport
Alex Cardo is imprisoned and disciplined by one of the inmates. His new master also tells him about the brutal yet illegal Kumite tournament - but how will they get there?
Directors: Alan Mehrez, Philip Tan | Stars: Daniel Bernhardt, James Hong, Pat Morita, Donald Gibb
Votes: 3,530 | Gross: $0.68M
Daniel Bernhardt vs. Ron Hall The pinnacle of a movie filled with awesome tournament-style matches. A cool clash of styles.
13. Bloodsport III (1996 Video)
Not Rated | 91 min | Action, Sport
After his trainer is murdered, Alex Cardo uses his martial arts skills and takes on the one responsible.
Director: Alan Mehrez | Stars: Daniel Bernhardt, John Rhys-Davies, Amber Kelleher-Andrews, Uni Park
Votes: 1,698
Daniel Bernhardt vs. Jahi Zuri Zuri's unexpected agility, coupled with Bernhardt's smooth forms, makes for a fight worth waiting for.
14. Born to Defense (1988)
R | 92 min | Action, War
Jet, a young soldier at the end of the second World War must overcome some abusive Americans who are bullying him as well as the Chinese people.
Director: Jet Li | Stars: Jet Li, Erkang Zhao, Jia Song, Kurt Roland Petersson
Votes: 2,092
Jet Li vs. Kurt Roland Petersson Their match in the ring is cool, but I prefer the killer of a fight they share in a metalwork factory.
15. Bounty Tracker (1993 Video)
R | 86 min | Action, Drama
The staff of a tax consultant office are brutally murdered by a team of professional killers
Director: Kurt Anderson | Stars: Lorenzo Lamas, Matthias Hues, Cyndi Pass, Eric Mansker
Votes: 752
Lorenzo Lamas vs. Jeff Pruitt, Tsuyoshi Abe, Burton Richardson, Koichi Sakamoto & Leo Lee A two-part encounter demonstrating a karate & weapons standard that Lamas would never be able to top.
16. Breathing Fire (1991)
R | 74 min | Action, Drama
Michael, a Vietnam vet with two kids, pulls off a bank heist with his gang, which includes the bank's manager. To ensure the loyalty of everyone involved, Mike makes a special set of keys, ... See full summary »
Directors: Lou Kennedy, Brandon Pender, Brandon De-Wilde | Stars: Ke Huy Quan, Eddie Saavedra, Ed Neil, Jerry Trimble
Votes: 669
Jonathan Ke Quan vs. Eddie Saavedra The weirdest and best brother vs. brother showdown ever filmed with kicks.
17. China O'Brien (1990)
R | 86 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A police woman, expert and instructor in martial arts, leaves the city to stay with her dad, sheriff in a town with peace and quiet - or so she thinks. She gets plenty opportunities to show her martial arts skills.
Director: Robert Clouse | Stars: Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton, Keith Cooke, Doug Wright
Votes: 1,421
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton & Keith Cooke in a Rally Brawl One of the best examples of the good that can come from taking three expert fighters and just turning them loose on a gang of bad guys.
18. China O'Brien II (1990 Video)
R | 92 min | Action, Crime, Drama
This time China O'Brien has trouble with a dealer who puts a prize on her head because she had spoiled an important drug deal of his. But all the world's criminals will not be enough to ... See full summary »
Director: Robert Clouse | Stars: Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton, Keith Cooke, Frank Magner
Votes: 687
Cynthia Rothrock & Richard Norton's Industrial Area Brawl The returning heroes spice up this fight with some cool acrobatics and genuine Hong Kong flair.
19. China Strike Force (2000)
R | 103 min | Action, Crime
Assassination at a charity event in Shanghai has 2 cops follow and fighting the assassin or follow a cute, Japanese woman pick-pocketing the victim. Drugs are involved. Chases with motorcycles, race-cars and helicopter follow.
Director: Stanley Tong | Stars: Aaron Kwok, Norika Fujiwara, Leehom Wang, Ruby Lin
Votes: 1,879
Aaron Kwok & Norika Fujiwara vs. Coolio The oddball entry to this list. None of the performers are legitimate martial artists and the choreography is nothing special, but the fight's hazardous setting and the ability of the performers to sell it makes this one pretty unique.
20. Close Range (2015)
TV-MA | 80 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A rogue soldier turned outlaw is thrust into a fight with a dirty sheriff and the cartel he works for to protect his niece and sister.
Director: Isaac Florentine | Stars: Scott Adkins, Nick Chinlund, Caitlin Keats, Madison Lawlor
Votes: 5,639
Scott Adkins vs. Jeremy Marinas Respectively armed with a knife and a belt, both performers go through an impressive series of throws and reversals.
21. College Kickboxers (1991)
PG-13 | 89 min | Action
A college freshman who trains in martial arts is beaten up at work by a racist gang. His co-worker, a Chinese cook, beats the gang up and trains the young man in kung fu. When a tournament ... See full summary »
Director: Eric Sherman | Stars: Ken McLeod, Tak-Wing Tang, Matthew Ray Cohen, Marc D. Williams
Votes: 268
Ken McLeod vs. Jeff Langton The final match of the film's tournament offers a strong exhibition of aggressive, technique-based fighting. This is the undisputed highlight of both their careers.
22. Contour (2006 Video)
R | 101 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
After blowing a big time heist, thug-for-hire Law, must resume his day job as a shady San Francisco tour guide. Before he knows it, Law and his unsuspecting group of tourists are in a race ... See full summary »
Director: Eric Jacobus | Stars: Eric Jacobus, Ed Kahana, Andy Leung, Tyler Wang
Votes: 178
Warehouse Randori A fantastic, extended fight & fall demo in which Eric Jacobus, Andy Leung, Ed Kahana, Dennis Ruel, Ray Carbonel, and Tyler Wang go absolutely kick-crazy for 19 minutes.
23. Death Grip (2012 Video)
96 min | Action
In an effort to set his life straight, Kenny Zemacus checks his autistic brother Mark out of the care home where he's spent the past fifteen years since their mother's death. When Kenny ... See full summary »
Director: Eric Jacobus | Stars: Eric Jacobus, Nathan Hoskins, Johnny Yong Bosch, Rebecca Ahn
Votes: 159
Eric Jacobus vs. Alvin Hsing Easily one of the best knife fights ever filmed.
24. Death Trance (2005)
R | 89 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
An unknown time. An unknown place. Without reasons. With no future. His only desire is - Destruction. I'ts good versus evil, and the awakening of an unlikely hero with ultra-kinetic action to create the "action" spectacle of the year.
Director: Yûji Shimomura | Stars: Tak Sakaguchi, Takamasa Suga, Kentaro Seagal, Yûki Takeuchi
Votes: 1,902
Tak Sakaguchi's Inn Brawl Tak takes on a host of weird opponents, beating them up with his rapid-fire punches and overhead smacks of his sheathed sword. I'm fairly certain he makes actual contact, most of the time.
25. Die Fighting (2014)
Not Rated | 110 min | Action, Thriller
Four actors must use their martial arts skills to save a girl.
Director: Fabien Gorchon | Stars: Fabien Gorchon, Laurent Buson, Didier Buson, Jess Allen
Votes: 574
Didier Buson vs. Xin Sarith Wuku The combatants match each other in flexibility and agility, making for a razor-sharp brawl with admirable choreography.
26. Dragon Fight (1989)
96 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
Two martial artist friends from China are performing a show in the States. Trouble starts when one of them decides to defect and stay in America.
Director: Billy Hin-Shing Tang | Stars: Jet Li, Nina Li Chi, Dick Wei, Stephen Chow
Votes: 1,111
Jet Li's Stable Brawl After performing conservatively for most of the movie, Li reverts to his strengths by dueling with a wooden staff, and the effect is thrilling.
27. Dragonwolf (2013)
Not Rated | 120 min | Action
The Devil's Cauldron, a city where depravity and violence has forged a society in which only the lethal and callous can survive, two young men who possess the intellect and ferocity to ... See full summary »
Director: Raimund Huber | Stars: Kazu Patrick Tang, Johan Kirsten, Macha Polivka, David Winters
Votes: 550
Patrick Tang vs. Brahim Achabbakhe & Anton Kalinitchenko Exciting use of both the tonfa and ball & chain, followed by a most satisfying hand-to-hand exchange.
28. Drive (1997)
R | 100 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A prototype enhanced human, on the run from Chinese-hired hit men, hooks up with a dread-locked bystander, and the two of them elude their pursuers narrowly each time.
Director: Steve Wang | Stars: Mark Dacascos, Kadeem Hardison, John Pyper-Ferguson, Brittany Murphy
Votes: 6,919
Mark Dacascos in a Motel/Garage Fight A lengthy brawl featuring plenty of flips, kicks, use of furniture and footwear as a weapons, and even a sawed-off arm. The definitive Dacascos action scene.
29. Falcon Rising (2014)
R | 103 min | Action, Adventure
Chapman is an ex-marine in Brazil's slums, battling the yakuza outfit who attacked his sister and left her for dead.
Director: Ernie Barbarash | Stars: Michael Jai White, Neal McDonough, Jimmy Navarro, Millie Ruperto
Votes: 9,306 | Gross: $0.01M
Michael Jai White vs. Johnny Yang, Kim Do Nguyen, Sam Looc & Yoshi Iizuka One can't help but be entranced by White's hard-hitting forms, especially when using them to strike opponents out of mid-leaps.
30. Fatal Contact (2006)
110 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A young man learns the fighting techniques of Sanda from a coach. The two become best friends as the young man prepares to enter an underground tournament, competing against some of the top fighters of the world.
Director: Dennis Law | Stars: Jing Wu, Ronald Cheng, Miki Yeung, Theresa Fu
Votes: 1,812
Jacky Wu vs. Xing Yu Viciously fast and brutally choreographed, the fight highlights the two performers at their kickboxing best.
31. Fighting Madam 2 (1988)
90 min | Action
While they are on vacation in Malaysia, the Angels trio finds out that one of Billy's school-chums is now a gun-runner plotting a revolution in Malaysia with his private army. The Angels decide it is up to them to stop him.
Director: Teresa Woo | Stars: Alex Fong, Moon Lee, Elaine Lui, Ting-Wai Chan
Votes: 322
Moon Lee vs. Jackson Ng A fun, frantic exchange in a shed filled with dynamite.
32. Flash Point (2007)
R | 88 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A hot-headed inspector takes on a small but powerful Vietnamese-Chinese gang, after a series of crimes and murder attempts committed and putting an undercover cop and his girlfriend in great danger.
Director: Wilson Yip | Stars: Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Ray Lui, Collin Chou
Votes: 13,819 | Gross: $0.00M
Donnie Yen vs. Collin Chou A cool melding of flashiness and realistic fighting techniques. Yen's love for mixed martial arts is well represented here.
33. High-Kick Girl! (2009)
Not Rated | 81 min | Action
Young girl Kei Tsuchiya(played by Rina Takeda)is a very talented karate pupil, trained by her sensei Yoshiaki Matsumura(played by Tatsuya Naka). But Kei Tsuchiya is very arrogant and spends... See full summary »
Director: Fuyuhiko Nishi | Stars: Rina Takeda, Tatsuya Naka, Ryûki Takahashi, Kyôji Amano
Votes: 919
Tatsuya Naka vs. the Destroyers Karate at its absolute best.
34. Yes, Madam! (1985)
TV-MA | 93 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Two unlucky thieves break into a just murdered man's hotel room and steal his passport with a hidden microfilm wanted by a triad boss. Two hard kicking women cops from HK and UK get the case.
Director: Corey Yuen | Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, John Sham, Hoi Mang
Votes: 2,934
Michelle Yeoh & Cynthia Rothrock vs. Dick Wei & Fat Chung Two fantastic heroines are born here, with the aid of two fantastic and underrated henchmen. One of the best scenes of its era.
35. In Hell (2003)
R | 98 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
A man must survive a prison where hardened criminals battle to the death for the wardens' entertainment.
Director: Ringo Lam | Stars: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lawrence Taylor, Lloyd Battista, Carlos Gómez
Votes: 21,489
Jean-Claude Van Damme vs. Michael Bailey Smith Using a great combination of karate and grappling, Van Damme takes the fight to arguably his most intimidating opponent.
36. Invisible Target (2007)
R | 129 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Three cops team up to bring down a criminal gang of seven, who have their own hidden agenda.
Director: Benny Chan | Stars: Nicholas Tse, Jaycee Chan, Shawn Yue, Jing Wu
Votes: 3,217
Nicholas Tse & Shawn Yue vs. Jacky Wu It's so rare to find a genuinely emotional martial arts fight; this is one. Consider its sheer grittiness and Wu's awesome portrayal as an invincible beast, and you've got a classic on your hands.
37. Kampfansage - Der letzte Schüler (2005)
Not Rated | 102 min | Action, Sci-Fi
Welcome to the future. Civilization has been obliterated by natural catastrophes and global economic collapse. In the rotting skeletons of once great cities, the remnants of mankind ... See full summary »
Director: Johannes Jaeger | Stars: Mathis Landwehr, Volkram Zschiesche, Christian Monz, Zora Holt
Votes: 492
Mathis Landwehr vs. Volkram Zschiesche A quarterstaff fight transitions into a very pleasing hand-to-hand exchange.
38. Kill 'em All (2012)
86 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
Captured international assassins are locked up inside a high-tech bunker known as the Killing Chamber. To break out of this concrete hell they must duel each other, fight deadly ninjas and ... See full summary »
Director: Raimund Huber | Stars: Johnny Messner, Chia-Hui Liu, Ammara Siripong, Joe Lewis
Votes: 1,500
Joe Lewis vs. Ice Chongko The film is filled with a variety of diverse fights, but I especially appreciate this intricately-paced, well-choreographed exhibition of defensive karate by one of the martial arts' best practitioners.
39. Kiltro (2006)
Not Rated | 93 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
The leader of a Chilean gang uses martial arts to protect a girl from a bully.
Director: Ernesto Díaz Espinoza | Stars: Marko Zaror, Caterina Jadresic, Miguel Angel De Luca, Man Soo Yoon
Votes: 823
Marko Zaror vs. a Gang of 20 Proves that you don't have to be 5'6" to perform complex flipping, spinning, cut-your-throat-with-my-heel-blade combinations.
40. Manhattan Chase (2000)
R | 97 min | Action, Drama
After six years as a guest of the state, mob hit man Jason Reed wants nothing more than to get an honest job and spend time with his young son, Tommy. He is not ten steps outside of the ... See full summary »
Director: Godfrey Ho | Stars: Cynthia Rothrock, Loren Avedon, Brendan Kelly, Steve Tartalia
Votes: 182
Loren Avedon & Roberto Gutierrez vs. Steve Tartalia & Brendan Kelly It's amazing that such a sloppy movie can feature such a smooth brawl, full of cool kicks.
41. Martial Law II: Undercover (1991 Video)
R | 91 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A martial arts expert cop teams up with another to take down a criminal organization after one of his fellow detectives suspiciously dies in a car accident.
Director: Kurt Anderson | Stars: Cynthia Rothrock, Jeff Wincott, Billy Drago, Paul Johansson
Votes: 1,164
Evan Lurie vs. Oscar Dillon & Rico McClinton Muscle-bound martial artist takes on two huge bruisers. Believe me, it's very fun to watch.
42. Merantau (2009)
R | 134 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
A young man from the countryside uses his skills in silat martial arts to survive the slave trade.
Director: Gareth Evans | Stars: Iko Uwais, Sisca Jessica, Christine Hakim, Mads Koudal
Votes: 11,451
Iko Uwais vs. Mads Koudal & Laurent Buson One of the more visibly taxing fights I've seen. You get the impression that the performers are genuinely giving it their all, with very pleasing results.
43. Mission of Justice (1992 Video)
R | 91 min | Action
"Law and order" mayorial candidate Brigitte Nielsen is the ruthless and racist leader of a secret neo-fascist group out to take control of the city by whatever means necessary.
Director: Steve Barnett | Stars: Jeff Wincott, Brigitte Nielsen, Luca Bercovici, Matthias Hues
Votes: 1,211
Jeff Wincott vs. "the Gauntlet" Wielding his signature twin clubs, Wincott takes on 18 similarly-armed opponents, featuring some of the best choreography this side of the Pacific.
44. Magic Crystal (1986)
95 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The Russians and the Hong Kong authorities are after a mysterious rock discovered in Athens, Greece, which holds strange powers.
Director: Jing Wong | Stars: Andy Lau, Cynthia Rothrock, Pak-Cheung Chan, Sharla Cheung
Votes: 766
Cynthia Rothrock & Andy Lau vs. Richard Norton Arguably the best fight between Rothrock and Norton, and a powerful early showing by a young Lau...staged next to a flying saucer.
45. Mortal Enemies (2011)
R | 103 min | Action, Crime
After making a brotherly bond with a fellow orphan and reunited by tragedy they fight to save Verdy's fiancée and stop the international crime scandal together.
Director: Asun Mawardi | Stars: Robin Shou, Verdy Bhawanta, Yayu A.W. Unru, Marcio Sebsam
Votes: 132
Robin Shou & Verdy Bhawanta vs. the Pirates This brawl's a star-maker: Shou is serviceable, but newcomer Verdy excels at his capoeira- and pro wrestling-style choreography.
46. Muay Thai Giant (2008)
R | 103 min | Action, Comedy, Sport
An action movie about a 7-foot-tall docile man who learns Muy Thai and then uses his new skills to help solve a case of stolen diamonds.
Director: Nontakorn Taweesuk | Stars: Dan Chupong, Kessarin Ektawatkul, Jason Fenton, Philip Hersh
Votes: 609
Nathan Jones vs. Sylvester Terkay, Luther Reigns & Tom Howard Panna Rittikrai proves that he can choreograph a pro wrestling-style fight just as well as a muay thai match.
47. Ninja: Shadow of a Tear (2013)
R | 95 min | Action, Thriller
Ninjitsu master Casey is back and out for revenge when his pregnant wife is murdered.
Director: Isaac Florentine | Stars: Scott Adkins, Kane Kosugi, Mika Hijii, Markus Waldow
Votes: 13,394
Scott Adkins vs. Kane Kosugi A maelstrom of martial arts technique with some broken furniture and weapons thrown in for good measure. Kane has never looked better.
48. Tough Beauty and the Sloppy Slop (1995)
Action
Two top cops go undercover in the Philippines to bring down a criminal organization.
Directors: Alan Chung San Chui, Bun Yuen | Stars: Biao Yuen, Cynthia Khan, Monsour Del Rosario, Billy Chow
Votes: 56
Yuen Biao, Cynthia Khan & Monsour Del Rosario vs. Billy Chow Overlook the excessive undercranking and you'll see a wonderfully-choreographed fight with Chow at his near-best as an unstoppable brawler.
49. No Retreat, No Surrender (1985)
PG | 85 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Jason, a Bruce Lee fan, sees his karate instructor/dad beaten by martial art thugs. They move to Seattle where, after humiliations, he trains with Bruce Lee's ghost so he can defend himself and others against thugs.
Director: Corey Yuen | Stars: Kurt McKinney, Jean-Claude Van Damme, J.W. Fails, Kathie Sileno
Votes: 18,767 | Gross: $4.66M
Jean-Claude Van Damme vs. Ron Pohnel Most folks tend to laud the final battle featuring Kurt McKinney, but I prefer the faster, lengthier, and technically-sounder fight directly before it.
50. No Retreat, No Surrender 2 (1987)
R | 92 min | Adventure, Action
In this sequel, Scott Wylde, an American kickboxer, must go to Cambodia to rescue his Vietnamese girlfriend from Russian and Vietnamese troops.
Director: Corey Yuen | Stars: Loren Avedon, Max Thayer, Cynthia Rothrock, Patra Wanthivanond
Votes: 2,100 | Gross: $0.11M
Loren Avedon vs. Matthias Hues A furious brawl taking both men through two buildings and finishing in an alligator pit.
51. No Retreat, No Surrender 3: Blood Brothers (1990)
R | 101 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Two feuding brothers (one a policeman, the other a martial arts expert) of different political views, join forces to avenge the death of their father, a retired agent, killed by the mafia.
Director: Lucas Lowe | Stars: Loren Avedon, Keith Vitali, Joseph Campanella, Wanda Acuna
Votes: 1,067
Loren Avedon & Keith Vitali vs. Rion Hunter & Mark Russo Some obvious doubling present, but it doesn't take away from the best fight ever staged in an airplane hangar and atop a scaffold.
52. On Deadly Ground (1994)
R | 101 min | Action, Adventure, Thriller
A blowout firefighter takes on an environmentally destructive oil corporation by causing many deaths and explosions in Alaska.
Director: Steven Seagal | Stars: Steven Seagal, Michael Caine, Joan Chen, John C. McGinley
Votes: 25,456 | Gross: $38.59M
Steven Seagal's Bar Brawl Quite possibly the best fight scene staged in a bar, ever.
53. Out for Justice (1991)
R | 91 min | Action, Crime, Drama
With his partner executed in broad daylight by a psychotic mafia enforcer, a veteran Brooklyn officer vows revenge. But is the unstoppable detective prepared to face the truth and pay the price of blood?
Director: John Flynn | Stars: Steven Seagal, William Forsythe, Jerry Orbach, Jo Champa
Votes: 25,780 | Gross: $39.67M
Steven Seagal's Bar Brawl See above.
54. Police Story (1985)
PG-13 | 100 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A virtuous Hong Kong Police Officer must clear his good name when the drug lord he is after frames him for the murder of a dirty cop.
Directors: Jackie Chan, Chi-Hwa Chen | Stars: Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Yuen Chor
Votes: 41,852 | Gross: $0.11M
Jackie Chan's Mall Brawl The most intense and creative instance of Chan just cutting loose against a gang of opponents.
55. Pedicab Driver (1989)
Not Rated | 95 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
Lo Tung and his friend Malted Candy, pedicab drivers working the streets of Macao, have both fallen in love. The problem is that both their objects of affection--one a baker, the other a ... See full summary »
Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung | Stars: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Siu Chung Mok, Hoi Mang, Lung Chan
Votes: 1,044
Sammo Hung vs. Lau Kar Leung A fierce but humorous brawl. The hand-to-hand portion is good, but the pole fight is what makes this memorable.
56. Raging Phoenix (2009)
R | 112 min | Action, Romance
A violent gang is abducting and killing women around Thailand. Sanim and his friends, having had loved ones abducted, have joined together to break the gang of kidnappers. In a botched ... See full summary »
Director: Rashane Limtrakul | Stars: JeeJa Yanin, Kazu Patrick Tang, Nui Saendaeng, Sompong Leartvimolkasame
Votes: 2,413
Jeeja Yanin vs. Jindasing Roongtawan Though it's a stretch to believe that anybody can absorb *this* many punishing blows of knees, feet, and elbows, it's an amazingly-choreographed and satisfyingly long exchange.
57. Rapid Fire (1992)
R | 95 min | Action, Crime, Drama
When student Jake Lo witnesses a killing, he finds himself caught between two feuding drug lords. Betrayed and set up by the federal agents, the only person he can trust is Ryan, a Chicago cop who reminds Jake of his deceased father.
Director: Dwight H. Little | Stars: Brandon Lee, Powers Boothe, Nick Mancuso, Raymond J. Barry
Votes: 10,391 | Gross: $14.36M
Brandon Lee vs. Al Leong A well matched, well shot, back & forth fight demonstrating complex technical exchanges, tactical feinting, and acrobatics. The best of both their unique careers.
58. Revenge of the Ninja (1983)
R | 90 min | Action, Crime, Drama
After ninjas killed his family, Cho and his son Kane come to America to start a new life. He opens a doll shop but is unwittingly importing heroin in the dolls. When his friend betrays him, Cho must prepare for the ultimate battle.
Director: Sam Firstenberg | Stars: Shô Kosugi, Keith Vitali, Virgil Frye, Arthur Roberts
Votes: 5,865 | Gross: $10.33M
Sho Kosugi & Keith Vitali vs. Steve Ketcher, Donre Sampson, Steven Lambert & Jogi Hollands The ninja warrior and karate fighter turn a playground into a war zone with weapons-inclusive choreography.
59. Ring of Steel (1994)
R | 94 min | Action, Drama
A champion fencer accidentally kills an opponent in a match. Disgraced, he is blackballed from the fencing community, until a mysterious stranger saves his life one night from a gang of ... See full summary »
Director: David Frost | Stars: Joe Don Baker, Carol Alt, Robert Chapin, Darlene Vogel
Votes: 322
Robert Chapin vs. Gary Kasper Not a strict martial arts battle, but the swordfighting equivalent of something so cool you can only find it in a B-movie.
60. Sakura Killers (1987)
83 min | Action
Ninjas steal a research tape. Colonel chuck connors sends two agents undercover to retrieve it. Ninjas are sent to scare them off. The two seek help and are trained by a ninja master to become Ninjas themselves.
Directors: Yu Wang, Dusty Nelson | Stars: Chuck Connors, Mike Kelly, George Nicholas, Cara Casey
Votes: 419
Mike Kelly, George Nicholas & Manji Otsuki vs. Jack Long An exciting, high-speed sword fight accentuated by plenty of outrageous ninja tricks.
61. Showdown (I) (1993)
R | 98 min | Action
An ex-policeman/school janitor (Billy Blanks) shows a new student (Kenn Scott) how to defend himself from a martial-arts bully.
Director: Robert Radler | Stars: Billy Blanks, Kenn Scott, Christine Taylor, John Asher
Votes: 1,265
Kenn Scott vs. Ken McLeod A climatic battle of youths, the strength lies in its emotional impact.
62. Skin Trade (2014)
R | 96 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
After his family is killed by a Serbian gangster with international interests, NYC detective Nick goes to S.E. Asia and teams up with a Thai detective to get revenge and destroy the syndicates human trafficking network.
Director: Ekachai Uekrongtham | Stars: Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, Ron Perlman, Michael Jai White
Votes: 8,572 | Gross: $0.00M
Tony Jaa vs. Michael Jai White Expectations for this one may be unattainably high, but both performers get to show off why they're stars of the martial arts scene.
63. Special Forces (2003 Video)
R | 93 min | Action, Thriller, War
In a former Soviet Republic, the President is oppressing the people and with help from a former Bosnian General who's a sadist, he is extremely hated. An American reporter goes there to ... See full summary »
Director: Isaac Florentine | Stars: Marshall R. Teague, Tim Abell, Danny Lee Clark, Troy Mittleider
Votes: 1,376
Scott Adkins vs. Vladislavas Jacukevicius Adkins' first collaboration with director Isaac Florentine. You know it's a good match when you get such a great, lengthy showdown out of the very first outing. And why the heck hasn't Vlad been in more onscreen fights?
64. Superfights (1995)
TV-14 | 94 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Jack Cody has always wanted to enter the world of the Superfights, a free fighting tournament. One night, he rescues a girl from a mugging and he becomes a national hero. Then, he is ... See full summary »
Director: Siu-Hung Leung | Stars: Brandon Gaines, Feihong Yu, Keith Vitali, Kelly Gallant
Votes: 342
Brandon Gaines vs. Keith Vitali Brave a stunningly poorly-acted movie for a 6-minute encounter featuring some of the best kicking combinations you'll ever see.
65. The Girl from the Naked Eye (2012)
R | 84 min | Action, Crime, Mystery
When Sandy, a call girl at "The Naked Eye", ends up dead, her friend and only ally in the world, Jake, goes on a manhunt to find out who killed her.
Director: David Ren | Stars: Jason Yee, Samantha Streets, Ron Yuan, Dominique Swain
Votes: 2,156 | Gross: $0.02M
Jason Yee vs. Sonny Sison, Chad Guerrero, Masaaki Endo & Anthony Nanakornpanom Shot in a single take with a single panning camera, this is simultaneously one of the smoothest and one of the most believable one-against-many fights I have ever seen.
66. The King of the Kickboxers (1990)
R | 99 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A cop goes undercover in Thailand to avenge his brother's death in this martial arts film.
Director: Lucas Lowe | Stars: Loren Avedon, Richard Jaeckel, Don Stroud, Billy Blanks
Votes: 2,004
Loren Avedon vs. Billy Blanks Wearing costumes representing rivalling Hindu deities, they bring the house down inside a huge bamboo cage with nonstop flying and spinning kicks.
67. The Master (1992)
R | 88 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A former Chinese Kung Fu master working in L.A. as a medicine man is targeted by an ex-student, and it's up to one of his Hong Kong disciples, who's visiting America, to defend his master's honor.
Director: Hark Tsui | Stars: Jet Li, Wah Yuen, Crystal Kwok, Jerry Trimble
Votes: 3,004
Jet Li vs. Jerry Trimble From the Li archives comes the miniature dream match of wushu expert vs. champion kickboxer. The movie is questionable but their final fight doesn't disappoint.
68. The Perfect Weapon (1991)
R | 83 min | Action, Crime, Drama
An expert in "kenpo" karate avenges his Koreatown friend, slain by a mobster in Los Angeles.
Director: Mark DiSalle | Stars: Jeff Speakman, John Dye, Mako, James Hong
Votes: 4,848 | Gross: $14.06M
Jeff Speakman vs. James Lew, Ray Sua & Leo Lee Excellent choreography in a three-on-one fight that does an sound job of bringing kenpo karate to Hollywood.
69. The Process (1998)
R | 90 min | Action
A martial arts champion saves the life of a street fighter and must fight for him in the ultimate fight to the death.
Director: Ernie Reyes Jr. | Stars: Ernie Reyes Jr., Corin Nemec, Ernie Reyes Sr., Shishir Inocalla
Votes: 111
Shishir Inocalla, Ernie Reyes, Jr. & Sr. Home Invasion An action-packed segment featuring three very talented men using acrobatic kicks and a variety of weapons to fight off waves of attackers, along with UFC star Kimo Leopoldo.
70. The Protector 2 (2013)
R | 104 min | Action
When the owner of a major elephant camp is murdered, Kham finds himself the number one suspect and on the run from both the police and the deceased's vengeful twin nieces. But luck is on ... See full summary »
Director: Prachya Pinkaew | Stars: Tony Jaa, RZA, Phetthai Vongkumlao, JeeJa Yanin
Votes: 7,522 | Gross: $0.00M
Tony Jaa vs. Marrese Crump A rough match taking place in front of an enormous docked ship. Crump looks absolutely legitimate as he takes the fight to Jaa and drives him to desperation.
71. The Tournament (2009)
R | 95 min | Action, Thriller
A tournament is watched by dozens of wealthy men betting on which one of the 30 assassins will survive the next 24 hours "kill or die" and claim the USD10,000,000 prize. It takes place in an English town with plenty of CCTVs.
Director: Scott Mann | Stars: Ving Rhames, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Hu, Ian Somerhalder
Votes: 36,265
Kelly Hu vs. Scott Adkins A relentlessly vicious brawl in a church that secured Hu's reputation as an action heroine.
72. Thunderbolt (1995)
R | 110 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
In order to release his kidnapped sister, sports car mechanic Chan Foh To (Jackie Chan) has to beat a supercriminal street racer.
Director: Gordon Chan | Stars: Jackie Chan, Anita Yuen, Michael Wong, Thorsten Nickel
Votes: 10,002
Jackie Chan's Garage Fight No one takes on multiple opponents quite as entertainingly as Jackie.
73. Tiger Cage II (1990)
TV-14 | 95 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
An ex-cop and divorce lawyer team up with a gangster to clear their names after getting involved in a dirty money scheme led by a vicious money launderer, who plans to expand his business and wipe out anyone who stands in his way.
Director: Woo-Ping Yuen | Stars: Donnie Yen, Rosamund Kwan, David Wu, Robin Shou
Votes: 1,329
Donnie Yen vs. John Salvitti The real-life friendship between these two translates into an absolutely mesmerizing swordfight that only two guys who know each other this well can pull off without killing each other for real.
74. Triple Impact (1992 Video)
TV-MA | 97 min | Action
Three experts in different styles of combat must join forces when they're hired to go to the jungles of Asia and find and retrieve a priceless artifact, the golden head of Buddha. A team of evil mercs wants to get to the head first.
Director: David Hung | Stars: Dale Cook, Ron Hall, Bridgett Riley, Robert Marius
Votes: 77
Dale Cook, Ron Hall & Bridgett Riley vs. Ned Hourani's Gang A ton of action from some of the most underrated performers of this genre.
75. U.S. Seals II (2001 Video)
R | 95 min | Action, Adventure
A commando of retired US SEALs must invade an island in North Japan from where a rogue ex-SEAL menaces to launch a nuclear strike against the US. Because of a leak of natural gas, fighting is restricted to blade weapons.
Director: Isaac Florentine | Stars: Michael Worth, Karen Kim, Damian Chapa, Marshall R. Teague
Votes: 909
A weapons-filled randori in a junkyard featuring Michael Worth, Karen Kim, Hakim Alston, Mitch Gould, Dan Southworth, Sophia Crawford, Marshall Teague, and Andy Cheng supplying as much martial arts action in a few minutes as some people see in a whole year.
76. Under the Gun (1995)
R | 90 min | Action
A debt-ridden night club owner has to take on Italian and Asian mobsters, corrupt police, and an angry pimp that he threw out of the club to try to keep his club in business.
Director: Matthew George | Stars: Richard Norton, Kathy Long, Jane Badler, Peter Lindsay
Votes: 296
Richard Norton vs. Sam Greco Proves that with enough skill and imagination, you can stage a very neat bar brawl on a micro budget.
77. Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing (2006 Video)
R | 98 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Sequel to the 2002 film. This time, Heavyweight Champ George "Iceman" Chambers is sent to a Russian Jail on trumped-up drug charges.
Director: Isaac Florentine | Stars: Michael Jai White, Scott Adkins, Ben Cross, Eli Danker
Votes: 39,213
Michael Jai White vs. Scott Adkins Choose between two very good encounters.
78. Undisputed 3: Redemption (2010 Video)
R | 96 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Boyka is back. This time he is fighting in the first ever inter-prison tournament with one knee.
Director: Isaac Florentine | Stars: Scott Adkins, Mykel Shannon Jenkins, Mark Ivanir, Hristo Shopov
Votes: 44,555
Scott Adkins vs. Lateef Crowder No two fighters have ever moved so gracefully while hitting each other so hard.
79. Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)
R | 114 min | Action, Horror, Mystery
John looks to take down Luc Deveraux after a home invasion claims his wife and daughter. The fight pits John against Andrew Scott and an army of genetically enhanced warriors; meanwhile, he must contend with a UniSol in relentless pursuit.
Director: John Hyams | Stars: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Scott Adkins, Mariah Bonner
Votes: 21,387 | Gross: $0.01M
Scott Adkins vs. Andrei Arlovski A bloody brawl in a sporting goods store, featuring both combatants beating the heck out of each other with baseball bats.
80. Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2009)
R | 97 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Terrorists kidnap the Russian Prime Minister's 2 kids, take Chernobyl nuclear power plant and threaten to blow up a reactor. 4 Universal Soldiers go in but are no match to a Next Gen. UniSol Luc (Jean-Claude Van Damme) goes in but faces 2 NGUs.
Director: John Hyams | Stars: Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Andrei Arlovski, Mike Pyle
Votes: 26,540
Jean-Claude Van Damme vs. Andrei Arlovski Van Damme visibly ages several years during what's arguably the most aggressive and demanding fight of his career. Arlovski is virtually unstoppable.
81. Wheels on Meals (1984)
TV-14 | 100 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Two Chinese friends, who operate a food truck in Barcelona, Spain, use their martial arts expertise to help their private investigator friend protect the pickpocket Sylvia, who's been targeted by a ruthless gang.
Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung | Stars: Jackie Chan, Biao Yuen, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, Benny Urquidez
Votes: 15,170
Jackie Chan vs. Benny Urquidez Using his excellent kickboxing techniques, Urquidez beats back the comedian in Jackie and draws out the martial artist for arguably the best grounded fight he's ever had.
82. Who Am I? (1998)
PG-13 | 108 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
A Secret Agent loses his memory after falling from a crashing helicopter. He is then chased by several other agency operatives, but he has no idea why.
Directors: Benny Chan, Jackie Chan | Stars: Jackie Chan, Michelle Ferre, Mirai Yamamoto, Ron Smerczak
Votes: 42,940
Jackie Chan vs. Yung Kwan & Ron Smoorenburg A creative encounter in which everybody shines. Smoorenburg in particular is a virtual tornado of kicks.
83. Wicked Game (2002)
PG-13 | 95 min | Action
A pair of small time thieves bungle their biggest heist, get pulled into a scheme of deadly deceit and ultimately stumble onto a second chance to redeem themselves.
Directors: Kôichi Sakamoto, Makoto Yokoyama | Stars: Motoko Nagino, Michael Hexum, Johnny Yong Bosch, George Cheung
Votes: 79
Johnny Yong Bosch in a Hangar Brawl Yong is like a young Jackie Chan as he fights, flips, falls, and utterly amazes with the aid of the spectacular Alpha Stunts team.
84. Knockabout (1979)
PG-13 | 92 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
Two brothers and small time crooks Yipao and Taipao convince a martial arts expert to take them on as students, completely oblivious to his sordid past.
Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung | Stars: Ka-Yan Leung, Chia-Yung Liu, Biao Yuen, Kuang Yu Wang
Votes: 1,577
Yuen Biao & Sammo Hung vs. Lau Kar Wing The most entertaining and genuinely acrobatic demonstration of monkey kung fu ever put to film, and one of the few fights choreographed in the "classic" Hong Kong style that I actually like.
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