Summary

• The best fight scenes focus on showcasing the skills of the actors rather than relying on flashy effects or too many cuts.
• The connection between the actors involved in a fight scene is important for the final result.
• Martial arts icons fighting in movies often lead to timeless, fantastic scenes.

Many martial arts icons have faced off with each other in incredibly well-made action scenes. The choreography of a martial arts fight scene is what can make or break it, but the connection between the actors involved also plays an important part in the final result. The best fight scenes are full of action and showcase the skills of the actors rather than relying on flashy effects. The rawness of outstanding martial arts fight scenes and the dedication of the actors is why the genre has persisted as long as it has.

The physical prowess and immense skill of these icons create an exhilarating atmosphere when they engage in a showdown. The use of popular martial arts styles in movies has allowed martial artists to break into the film industry and showcase their skills in spectacular fight scenes. Stars such as Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, and Michelle Yeoh have dominated the martial arts scene due to their expertise in these scenes.

10 Gordon Liu Vs. Lo Lieh

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Two martial arts icons from the 1970s, Gordon Liu and Lo Lieh faced off in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. Liu played San Te, a monk who learned kung fu after his schooling was interrupted by a failed uprising against the brutal General Tien Ta. San Te finally gets his revenge against Tien Ta when the two meet and fight at the end of the film.

The fight scene itself is rather short, as San Te's training has made him a better fighter by far. Using his invented three-section staff, San Te successfully disarms and defeats Tien Ta. Part of the scene's success is due to its realistic sound. The rattle of the staff's chains and the clanging of Tien Ta's swords work to immerse the viewer in the combat.

9 Donnie Yen Vs. Sammo Hung

Ip Man 2 (2010)

The sequel to the successful biographical Ip Man, Ip Man 2 continues the story of Ip Man's life when he moves to Hong Kong and establishes a school to teach Wing Chun. Ip's school draws the ire of Hung Chun-nam, a Hung Ga teacher played by Sammo Hung, and the two fight. The skills of both Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung shine as their characters fight.

The scene between Ip and Hung is short but interesting, as the whole fight takes place on top of a table. The cooperation needed by Ip and Hung to keep the table balanced while fighting is such an interesting use of foreshadowing for how their relationship develops later in the movie. Ip Man 2 drew inspiration from Jet Li for this scene, as well.

8 Jet Li Vs. Collin Chou

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

The Forbidden Kingdom is full of martial arts icons, as Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Collin Chou are all featured. The fight between Jet Li's Monkey King and Collin Chou's Jade Warlord, however, is the best fight scene in the movie. Called the Battle of the Immortals, the story of the fight is told to Jason Tripitikas by Lu Yan.

As the Monkey King and Jade Warlord are both extremely powerful beings, they have certain powers that they can use in fights. Known as wuxia, the genre combines martial arts skills with spiritual powers inspired by various beliefs. The Monkey King and Jade Warlord are able to use their powers to pull tricks like cloning and manipulating objects to try to win the fight. The scene combines action and humor perfectly.

7 Michelle Yeoh Vs. Zhang Ziyi

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

The sword fight between Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the best sword fights in a martial arts movie. Playing fighters Shu Lien and Jen, respectively, Yeoh and Ziyi duel for ownership of the Green Destiny sword. Shu Lien was meant to bring the sword to Sir Te for her friend, but it was stolen by Jen.

The fight is well-choreographed and exciting. Shu Lien uses a variety of weapons against Jen, as the Green Destiny is powerful enough to break most of the ones she has. Yeoh and Ziyi execute such precise strikes and every movement is clean. The fight is a masterclass in how to portray combat in film, accentuated by the emotions Yeoh and Ziyi convey.

6 Jackie Chan Vs. Hwang Jang-lee

Drunken Master (1978)

The final fight between Jackie Chan's Wong Fei Hung and Hwang Jang-lee's Thunderfoot in the action comedy Drunken Master is an excellent showdown between icons. After being defeated by Thunderfoot in their first encounter, Wong dedicates himself to learning a technique that will make him victorious. When Thunderfoot is sent to kill Wong's father, the duo face off once more.

Part of what makes the fight so good is that Wong doesn't immediately overpower Thunderfoot. Although he is now able to keep up with the skilled fighter, Wong is forced to act on the fly when Thunderfoot reveals his new move, the Devil's Shadowless Hand. The solid back-and-forth between Wong and Thunderfoot sells the suspense and action of the scene.

5 Jet Li Vs. Donnie Yen

Hero (2002)

Another wuxia film, Hero tells the story of Nameless, a man who has come to kill the king. He tells the king how he killed three assassins who had attempted to kill the king. The fight between Nameless, played by Jet Li, and the assassin Long Sky, played by Donnie Yen, is a masterpiece. Set at a gaming house in the rain, the scene is atmospheric.

There are technically two fights within the same scene, as Nameless and Long Sky fight in both their minds and in reality. Both fights have stellar choreography and good back-and-forth. Li and Yen's skills are on full display. The very end of the fight, however, is one of the most stunning visuals, as Nameless breaks through the whirlwind of raindrops that Long Sky created with his staff to kill him.

4 Donnie Yen Vs. Wu Jing

SPL: Sha Po Lang (2005)

Following Inspector Ma Kwun, portrayed by Donnie Yen, SPL: Sha Po Lang has an excellent combat sequence featuring Ma Kwun and an assassin named Jack. Played by Wu Jing, Jack confronts Ma in an alleyway to keep Ma from going after triad boss Wong Po. The two engage in a fight full of action and suspense, which is expected from a Donnie Yen fight scene.

With Ma wielding a baton and Jack a knife, the choreography of the scene hinges on Yen and Jing's abilities to keep up the pace. They deliver with so much energy that it's hard for the audience to keep track of who's doing what. This works so well in a martial arts movie because it allows for the skill of the actors to tell the story more realistically than if the scene were slowed down.

3 Jean-Claude Van Damme Vs. Bolo Yeung

Bloodsport (1988)

Bloodsport is Jean-Claude Van Damme's breakout movie as Frank Dux, an Army captain who s a martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Van Damme shows off his powerful kicks throughout the movie, but his final fight with Chong Li is the most exciting part of Bloodsport. Played by Bolo Yeung, Chong Li is the epitome of physical power.

Chong Li is the clear favorite to win, but Dux puts on a brilliant performance. Li resorts to cheating and throws salt in Dux's eyes, effectively blinding him. The greatest part of the fight is when Dux re his training and uses his other senses to block Li's blows and defeat him. The length of the scene, as well as the underdog aspect, makes Bloodsport's final fight one of the most iconic action movie moments of all time.

2 Donnie Yen Vs. Collin Chou

Flash Point (2007)

The fight scene between Donnie Yen's Ma Jun and Collin Chou's Tony is long and grueling, but it is worth the watch. Sergeant Ma Jun, having finally cornered gangster Tony, realizes that he's run out of ammo and resorts to hand-to-hand combat. The action never stops, ramping up the tension of this final fight.

Similarly to SPL: Sha Pol Lang, the balance between realism and iconic martial arts is what makes this scene so good. Ma Jun and Tony move with such precision as they throw hit after hit at each other with little sign of slowing down. The lack of dramatic pause, a staple in classic martial arts films, and the realistic injuries sustained make the audience forget that it's just a movie.

1 Bruce Lee Vs. Chuck Norris

The Way of the Dragon (1972)

As it stars two of the genre's icons, the fight scene between Tang Lung and Colt in The Way of the Dragon is one of the most iconic martial arts fights. Played by Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, respectively, Tang Lung and Colt face off at the Colosseum after Colt is hired to kill Tang. Even though the scene between Lee and Norris was filmed illegally, it's still incredible to watch. The Way of the Dragon was Chuck Norris's breakout role. Bruce Lee brought him on personally and Steve McQueen encouraged Norris to pursue acting after the success of the movie.

Lee and Norris express so much emotion throughout the fight scene, all while putting on an incredibly skilled performance. Colt's desperation and Tang's reluctance to kill him are made even more powerful by the lack of dialogue. Lee and Norris convey everything through their movements. The subtlety of the scene makes it even more beautiful and iconic. When it comes to martial arts icons fighting in movies, it is difficult to imagine something will ever match The Way of the Dragon.