Top 10 Best Martial Arts Movie Fight Scenes

Martial arts movies deliver some of the most jaw-dropping, pulse-pounding moments in all of cinema. The genre combines physical skill, high-stakes drama, and a touch of choreography that often feels more like an art form than a fight. Whether you grew up watching Bruce Lee revolutionize the genre or discovered the acrobatic brilliance of newer stars like Tony Jaa, there's something undeniably thrilling about a well-executed fight scene.

This list brings together the most iconic and thrilling martial arts movie fights ever put to film. From one-on-one showdowns to massive, multi-fighter brawls, each of these scenes highlights the incredible talent and dedication of martial artists and filmmakers alike.
The Top Ten
Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris in "Return of the Dragon" (1972) Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris battle in the Colosseum, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat and philosophical undertones. The scene is iconic for its realistic choreography and emphasis on strategy.

We often see this fight scene at the top of lists for one reason only: Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris. The climactic showdown between Bruce and Chuck is a cinematic masterpiece. The fight is a display of true martial arts ability. Like I mentioned earlier, no tricks, no wires, no CGI - just the greatest martial artist of all time vs. one of the greatest karate champions of the 20th century.

This scene is mainly why we still know Chuck Norris today. It drastically boosted his movie career and celebrity status.

Final fight scene in "Legend of the Drunken Master" (1994) Jackie Chan, as Wong Fei-hung, utilizes drunken boxing against a powerful foe in a brutal and dynamic factory setting. The fight is notable for its mix of humor, acrobatics, and intense choreography.

Hard work and full contact. Quick response - he must show his generation in his famous life story.

Now it's time for the next scene of his generation's children's fists. We are waiting...

Simply breathtaking, and my favorite martial arts film. The staircase and restaurant scene in The Protector was pretty impressive too. That would be my second pick.

Jackie Chan's final fight of the movie. Great skills with that touch of humor Jackie became known for.

Chen Zhen vs. General Fujita in "Fist of Legend" (1994) Jet Li's Chen Zhen faces General Fujita in a dramatic and fast-paced showdown blending martial arts styles. The fight is characterized by its fluid techniques and emotional stakes.

Gritty and suspenseful, the absence of flashy effects and over-the-top choreography shows how brutal the fight actually is. It makes one wonder how each fighter can withstand so much punishment and which one's resolve will break first.

Nobody has done better than this to date. Good speed, intelligent moves, and so much more. It is the best in my opinion, unlike the fighting scenes in The Legend of the Fist. Donnie Yen won his fights so easily...

Jet Li vs. Billy Chow - speed and amazing power. My personal favorite.

Tony Jaa vs. restaurant gang in "The Protector" (2005) Tony Jaa's character battles multiple opponents in a continuous tracking shot through a multi-level restaurant. The scene highlights Jaa's athleticism and Muay Thai skills.

I think the only reason this isn't in first or at least second place is that most people here haven't seen the movie. Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris is also a great 1 vs. 1 fight scene.

It's still not on top because so many people haven't watched this movie.

Jen Yu vs. Yu Shu Lien in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh engage in a graceful yet intense duel over the Green Destiny sword. Their fight combines intricate choreography and wirework.

This one was ridiculously precise! Even the camera operators had to watch closely!

The first fight between Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi. Deadly grace, skill, and beauty.

Jackie Chan vs. Benny Urquidez in "Wheels on Meals" (1984) Jackie Chan and Benny Urquidez deliver a tightly choreographed and fast-paced duel in a dining hall. The scene is remembered for its realistic exchanges and mutual respect between the fighters.

The choreography is absolutely amazing in this film, and you get to see Jackie Chan in his prime versus kickboxer Benny The Jet. This showdown is the definition of awesome, to say the least. Jackie Chan is truly one of the bar setters in martial arts movie history. Not since Bruce Lee have you seen such well-done sequences in martial arts films. Jackie Chan is a legend and a truly talented stuntman and martial artist, and this is by far his best fight scene ever.

It still saddens me that Benny The Jet is underrated, even after starring in a few Jackie Chan movies, including this one! This dude is a legend. Just look up more about him, and you'll see why Benny The Jet is an absolute beast in the ring!

Jet Li vs. Donnie Yen in "Once Upon a Time in China II" (1992) Jet Li and Donnie Yen clash in a visually stunning duel using staffs and martial arts mastery. The fight is celebrated for its technical brilliance and tension.

Two of the most amazing martial arts styles I have ever seen.

Donnie Yen vs. ten black belts in "Ip Man" (2008) Donnie Yen's Ip Man takes on ten karate black belts in a ferocious and high-impact sequence. The scene emphasizes Ip Man's Wing Chun technique and resilience.

WIN! The legend of Ip Man was well portrayed in this movie, as well as the sequel. One of the greatest fight scenes of all time for sure. Even Bruce Lee wouldn't have wanted to take on more than five men at a time, let alone highly trained martial artists.

Best martial arts film I've ever watched and the best fight scene I've ever seen. It's so realistic you wouldn't think it's been choreographed. If you've never watched IP Man, you really have to see it.

Ip Man, the man who mentored Bruce Lee, is portrayed by Donnie Yen in this film. Donnie Yen is truly one of the most talented martial arts movie actors today, with his display of the Wing Chun style in Ip Man. The bone-crunching, chain-punching, ass-whooping he delivers to the ten black belts in the movie is a martial arts movie scene gem.

Beatrix vs. the Crazy 88 in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003) Uma Thurman's Beatrix Kiddo faces off against the Crazy 88 in a violent and stylized sword fight. The scene features a mix of bloodshed, acrobatics, and varied combat styles.

Quentin Tarantino can make pretty much every movie great, especially a film involving martial arts. The coolest fact about that scene is that it was originally planned to be shot in full color, but it was changed to black and white because it was too graphic and violent for the cinema audience to see. Despite that not being his initial plan, he's a genius.

A lone warrior bent on revenge facing many foes at once. A modern version of a classic theme.

Sing vs. the Axe Gang in "Kung Fu Hustle" (2004) Stephen Chow's Sing confronts the Axe Gang, unleashing powerful kung fu in a surreal and comedic battle. The sequence combines traditional martial arts with exaggerated special effects.

Martial arts meets Looney Tunes in this great fight scene.

The Newcomers

? Matt Murdock vs. Bullseye in "Daredevil" (2003)
? Final Fight in "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior" (2003)
The Contenders
Mad Dog vs. Rama and Andi in "The Raid: Redemption" (2011) Rama and Andi team up against Mad Dog in a brutal and fast-paced fight in a confined space. The scene is known for its intense choreography and relentless pace.

I am a big martial arts fan, and I have seen a lot of fight scenes on screen. Summing up all my experiences to date, this was by far the most realistic scene. Not only is the fight choreography amazing in this particular ordeal of roughly 20 minutes, but the movie also takes you to another dimension of challenge. Instead of two villains against a lone hero, it's vice versa, which is pretty badass.

The attacks don't emphasize styles or spin kicks. The best part is seeing Rama and Andi getting their asses kicked so helplessly that they start losing their patience to put down Mad Dog and still fail. Extremely sensational.

Bruce Lee vs. Han in "Enter the Dragon" (1973) Bruce Lee faces Han in a climactic showdown featuring strategic combat and psychological tension. The mirrored room setting adds a unique visual and thematic layer.

This amazing fight scene should at least be in the top 5. Bruce Lee was a true legend, a role model for all Asian people and martial artists. The fight between Bruce and Han is legendary. The kick Lee delivers to Han was sped up for the film, but only a tiny bit. Bruce was fast and powerful and is the best of all time.

The end fight in Enter the Dragon is single-handedly the most epic martial arts fight scene of all time. No tricks, no wires, no CGI - just Bruce Lee and his breathtaking martial arts ability. In the midst of the fight, he dishes out a roundhouse kick that is so fast you have to watch it in slow motion to really see it. The mirror scene was a well-thought-out, well-choreographed, and well-shot ending to the greatest martial arts movie ever made.

Neo vs. Smith in "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003) Neo and Agent Smith engage in a climactic battle in the pouring rain, combining martial arts and superhuman powers. The scene culminates in an epic conclusion to their rivalry.

The fact that it's raining and you can see all of the special effects in the water droplets was genius!

Final match in "The Karate Kid" (1984) Daniel LaRusso faces Johnny Lawrence in the All Valley Karate Championship, utilizing the iconic crane kick. The match underscores the film's themes of perseverance and growth.
Neo vs. Morpheus in "The Matrix" (1999) Neo and Morpheus spar in a training program, blending martial arts with virtual reality elements. The fight is pivotal in Neo's journey to understanding his potential.
George Chambers vs. Yuri Boyka in "Undisputed II: Last Man Standing" (2006) Michael Jai White's George Chambers faces Scott Adkins' Yuri Boyka in a brutal prison match, showcasing different fighting styles. The fight highlights Boyka's agility and Chambers' raw power.
Yuri Boyka vs. Dolor in "Undisputed III: Redemption" (2010) Yuri Boyka battles Dolor in a high-stakes underground tournament final. The fight emphasizes Boyka's resilience and tactical adaptability.

I like Yuri Boyka because he is a good martial arts fighter. I love his kicks and punches because I am a martial arts trainer.

Boyka lets his brutal KOs do the talking if anyone asks him too many questions about being the champion. Boyka is the champion.

Yuri Boyka is the most complete fighter in the world.

First fight scene in "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior" (2003) Tony Jaa's Ting demonstrates his Muay Thai prowess in a small underground ring. The scene is marked by its raw energy and fast-paced choreography.

The final fight scene in this movie is so epic that it should be in the top 10 of this list. This movie shows Tony Jaa's Muay Thai fighting skills at their best.

Lord Shen vs. Kung Fu Council in "Kung Fu Panda 2" (2011) Lord Shen confronts the Kung Fu Council with his weaponized army, leveraging his tactical advantage. The fight combines martial arts action with Shen's reliance on machinery.
Jackie Chan vs. the Scorpions in "Around the World in 80 Days" (2004) Jackie Chan takes on a gang called the Scorpions using his trademark acrobatic style. The fight features inventive choreography and Chan's comedic timing.

A fantastic film with some incredibly well-performed fight scenes.

Chosen One vs. Master Betty in "Kung Pow: Enter the Fist" (2002) The Chosen One faces off against Master Betty in a parody-filled martial arts duel. The fight mixes exaggerated combat with absurd humor.
Jackie Chan vs. the two hitmen in "Who Am I?" (1998) Jackie Chan fights two skilled hitmen on a rooftop, employing innovative stunts and combat techniques. The sequence showcases Chan's agility and use of environmental props.
Final fight scene in apartment complex in "Unleashed" (2005) Jet Li's character Danny engages in a vicious hand-to-hand battle within a tight apartment space. The fight is intense, emphasizing close-quarters combat and raw emotion.

Great movie with great fight scenes. In one part of this fight scene, they're fighting in a hallway with barely any room to maneuver.

Donnie Yen vs. Colin Chou in "Flash Point" (2007) Donnie Yen fights Colin Chou in a gritty and fast-paced MMA-inspired duel. The scene blends traditional martial arts with modern fighting techniques.
Hsia Sa vs. Koo Ting-Sang in "Snake in the Monkey's Shadow" (1979) Hsia Sa and Koo Ting-Sang clash using snake and monkey styles in a classic kung fu showdown. The fight is characterized by its fluid and animal-inspired movements.

The Snake Style fighter vs. Monkey Style fighter in the woods. The Snake taking the bark off the tree - that was cool.

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