Summary
Two things that really makemartial arts filmsgreat are the action-packed fight scenes and the unique stories, but the best ones of them all are those that arebased on real-life martial artists. These kinds of movies don’t just showcase brilliant combat skills, but they also give viewers the chance to look into the lives of the iconic and legendary figures who paved the way in the world of martial arts.
From biographical dramas to thrillers that keep fans on the edge of their seats, thebest martial arts movies based on real-life martial artistsserve as a unique amalgamation of history and cinema. This list features seven of the most remarkable films that have made their name for being some of the best martial arts movies of all time, and they tell the stories oftrue martial arts icons.
7Fighter In The Wind (2004)
Based On The Life Of Masutatsu Oyama
Fighter in the Windis a biographical drama that’s based on Choi Yeong-eui’s life—a South Korean martial artist and the founder of Kyokushin Karate who later came to be known asMasutatsu Oyama. The film tells the story of how Oyama started from humble beginnings, later climbing up the ladder to be one of the most influential andrespected martial artistsever known.
Viewers get to see how rigorously he trained, the legendary battles that he was a part of, and how he grew into his iconic status. It definitely is one of the great martial arts movies and tells a story of discipline and persistence—two qualities that are a must-have for a martial arts legend.
6Man Of Tai Chi (2013)
Based On The Life Of Tiger Chen
This film is inspired by the real-life story ofTiger Chen—a former stuntman and a skilled Tai Chi practitioner. Keanu Reeves both directed and starred in the film, and the story follows Chen’s journey, showcasing how he gets involved in an underground fight ring, and the line between good and bad gets blurred.
Man of Tai Chiis a verygood martial arts movie, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Viewers get to witness the depth and magnificence of Tai Chi along with an good deal of action and philosophical elements—a slightly different take on the genre.
5The Grandmaster (2013)
Based On The Life Of Ip Man
This 2013 movie follows the enthralling life story ofIp Man,the iconic Wing Chun master who is known to have mentored Bruce Lee. Directed by Wong Kar-wai,The Grandmasterexplores Ip Man’s amazing martial arts skills along with his philosophical depth. Viewers get a deeper understanding of martial arts as a physical and spiritual pursuit from this story.
Additionally, this isn’t a typical martial arts film.The Grandmasterfocuses more on storytelling to go along with its elegantly choreographed fight scenes. Plus, the character development is also beautifully translated on-screen, fully conveying Ip Man’s personality.
4Fearless (2006)
Based On The Life Of Huo Yuanjia
This movie pays tribute to the life ofHuo Yuanjia, a respected martial artist who became a symbol of Chinese pride in the early 20th Century. His character is played by theone and only Jet Li, and fans watch Yuanjia transition from a reckless fighter to a national hero. Themes of self-discipline and humility are highlighted as he grows to be an unstoppable force for his country.
Huo is also known as an expert in Wushu and wasn’t afraid to defy foreign fighters in a time that was dominated by Western imperialism, introducingChinese martial artsto the world. As one of the top martial arts movies,Fearlessconveys the cultural impact of Huo Yuanjia’s legacy.
3Bloodsport (1988)
Based On The Life Of Frank Dux
Bloodsportis one of the most iconic 80s martial arts movies, and it is based on the real-life story ofFrank Dux—a martial artist who claims to have emerged as the champion of a secret underground tournament called the Kumite.Jean-Claude Van Dammeplays Dux, and viewers witness him enter the brutal underground competition to pay tribute to his master’s legacy while also proving his skill.
Some parts of the movie have been disputed; however, this doesn’t change the fact that it remains a cornerstone in martial arts cinema. Another thing that the movie is known for is Van Damme’s signature athleticism and the impressive grappling combat choreography.
2Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
Based On The Life Of Bruce Lee
This biographical martial arts film tells the tale ofBruce Lee’slegacy—one of the most influential martial artists ever known. Directed by Rob Cohen, the movie emphasizes Lee’s pathway to fame, the struggles that he faced in his personal life, andhis untimely death. There’s plenty of both action and emotional depth to be witnessed.
One of the best 90s martial arts movies, viewers ofDragon: The Bruce Lee Storyget a chance to see the unwavering determination and spirit that made Bruce Lee reknowned in both Hollywood and martial arts culture. For fans of old martial arts movies, this movie is a must-watch, and it has had a profound impact on the overall genre.
1Ip Man (2008)
This is another martial arts biography film that’s based on the life ofIp Man—the legendary Wing Chun master who mentored Bruce Lee. The movie is set in the 1930s, during the Sino-Japanese war, and it tells of Ip Man’s rise to fame as a martial artist and his effort to protect his community from the Japanese invasion.
Directed by Wilson Yip, Donnie Yen takes on the main role, as viewers get to see Ip Man’s out-of-this-world skills and respectable principles. It’s more than just an action-packed movie, it also shows the personal challenges and sacrifices that the iconic figure faced and made for the sake of his country.
