The Best Classic Kung Fu Movies — A List to Choose from

Posted by Classic Movies on May 21st, 2021

When it comes to action films, you can never go wrong with classic kung fu movies. The genre was born in Shanghai, China, back in the 1920s. After that, martial arts stars like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Jet Li brought these movies under the Western spotlight.

Classic kung fu movies are known for their fast-paced action scenes, humorous dialogue, and special effects. To this day, many people enjoy watching these films thanks to their lighthearted yet exciting plots!

A list of the best classic kung fu movies:

1. American Shaolin (1992)

Also known as King of the Kickboxers 2, American Shaolin is an old-school kung fu film directed by Lucas Lowe. In this movie, martial artist Drew Carson suffers a humiliating loss from a kickboxer named Trevor Gottitall. The defeat prompts him to travel to China, where he learns how to fight Shaolin style.

Naturally, the Shaolin monks initially do not accept his foreign and turbulent presence in their peaceful monastery. However, he slowly gains their trust, and they agree to physically and mentally train him to improve his fighting skills.

2. Angel of Fury (1992)

Unlike many popular kung fu movies, Angel of Fury stars a female lead. The film proves that women can be headstrong and hardy too. It follows the story of security specialist Nancy Bolan who is hired to deliver a valuable computer.

Angel of Fury is violent and action-packed, with a high censorship rating not for the faint of heart.

3. Blood Warriors (1993)

Starring David Bradley and Frank Zagarino, Blood Warriors is a classic kung fufilm that tells the story of an ex-Marine and his refusal to join a group of mercenaries. As it turns out, the group is led by an old friend; and the disagreement results in a violent battle between the two men.

4. Bounty Tracker (1993)

A team of professional killers murders the staff of a tax consultant office, and sole survivor Paul Damone gets thrown into the mess. After his murder, his brother Johnathan seeks revenge and hunts down the suspects.

5. Hidden Tiger (1996)

Also known as Balance of Power, this movie revolves around the story of a martial arts expert and his dojo for underprivileged kids. When gangsters invade his warehouse and shoot down one of the children, the trainer seeks revenge and finds himself in a deathmatch.