Summary

• Martial arts movies have created some of the biggest movie stars in cinematic history, including Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, who have faced off against each other in iconic films.
• These epic showdowns between martial arts icons often symbolize the clash of different cultures or the development of specific characters, but regardless, they always deliver thrilling and memorable fight scenes.
• The choreography and cinematography in these martial arts battles are often stunning, displaying the mastery and distinct fighting styles of the actors involved, making them some of the most important moments in martial arts cinema.

Few cinematic spectacles captivate audiences more than the electrifying clash between two martial arts icons. Martial arts movies are renowned for their unparalleled choreography and charismatic lead actors. Several classic martial arts movies even pitted two of these iconic performers against each other for an epic showdown unmatched by other cinematic genres. These battles often symbolize the clashing of different cultures or specific character development. Regardless of their deeper meaning, they are always thrilling.

The martial arts genre has been repeatedly reinvented and is one of the most prominent in cinematic history. It created some of the biggest movie stars ever. Bruce Lee, Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chane, and countless others have become legends in the genre. These actors and countless others have faced each other in a handful of classic movies, proffering a climactic final fight made more memorable by the inclusion of multiple icons in conflict.

10 The Way of the Dragon (1972)

Bruce Lee Vs. Chuck Norris

Eastern and Western martial arts philosophies collided in 1972's The Way of the Dragon, pitting two iconic martial arts stars against each other in a dramatic showdown. Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris starred in the movie, which saw a man defending his family from brutal gangsters. Both Lee and Norris boasted distinct fighting styles in an intense battle that highlighted their contrasting techniques. Lee and Norris's The Way of the Dragon fight lasted nearly 10 grueling minutes and culminated in Lee's victory. The scene demonstrated impressive and realistic choreography, cementing the fight as one of the most important moments in martial arts cinema.

9 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Zhang Ziyi Vs. Michelle Yeoh

Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon showcased a litany of gripping fight sequences delivered with a distinct style. It featured a wealth of martial arts actors who demonstrated their impressive abilities. Zhang Ziyi, who played Jen, has since become one of China's most celebrated actors, appearing in House of Flying Daggers, Hero, and Rush Hour 2. In Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Ziyi had a thrilling sword fight with martial arts legend Michelle Yeoh. Yeoh starred in many fantastic action movies that highlighted her impressive talent. The scene was more grounded than most others in the movie, though it maintained the film's elegant beauty.

8 Hero (2002)

Jet Li Vs. Donnie Yen

2002's Hero depicted an intense fight between Jet Li and Donnie Yen. Li starred in many movies across both Western and Eastern cinema, including The Expendables, Fearless, and The One. Yen achieved mainstream popularity after he played Chirrut Îmwe in Rouge One: A Star Wars Story, but he previously appeared in dozens of celebrated martial arts movies, including the Ip Man series. Hero depicted a defense officer called Nameless (Li), who was summoned by the King of Qin after several assassination attempts. Li and Yen battled in a beautiful scene that displayed their mastery over weapons. Yen's spear technique was particularly impressive, bolstered by the stunning cinematography and music.

7 The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

Jackie Chan Vs. Jet Li

Jet Li faced another martial arts legend in 2008's The Forbidden Kingdom: Jackie Chan. Li played the Silent Monk, who battled Jackie Chan's Lu Yan before he decided to his quest and aid a young American boy transported back in time to ancient China. Jackie Chan is probably the most recognizable martial arts actor in Western cinema, first appearing in a slew of Hong Kong movies before transitioning to Hollywood blockbusters. The two fought valiantly against each other, demonstrating a series of different fighting styles and poses. The scene infused the genre's fantastical elements, which were present throughout Jackie Chan and Jet Li's team-up.

6 Legend of the Drunken Master (1994)

Jackie Chan Vs. Ken Lo

The Legend of the Drunken Master (also known as Drunken Master 2) was the celebrated sequel to Jackie Chan's 1978 movie Drunken Master. Chan portrayed the Cantonese folk hero Wong Fei-Hung, who became embroiled in a smuggling plot to transport Chinese artifacts out of China. The chief enforcer in this — John — was played by Ken Lo, a martial artist and founding member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, appearing in several of Chan's movies, including Rush Hour, Who Am I?, and Shanghai Knights. The two engaged in a 10-minute fight sequence which has become legendary in Hong Kong cinema, notable for its creative choreography and protracted action.

5 Ip Man 2 (2010)

Donnie Yen Vs. Sammo Hung

2008's Ip Man exploded into a robust film series starring a litany of famed martial arts actors. The franchise featured fight choreography by the legendary Samm Hung. Hung choreographed and directed numerous martial arts movies, collaborating with Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. Hung also acted in many movies, such as Enter the Dragon and the television series Martial Law. Ip Man 2 saw Donnie Yen's eponymous protagonist fight Sammo Hung in a dramatic bout upon a precarious tabletop. Both actors demonstrated unfathomably quick hand strikes between playful footwork and a balancing act on the table.

4 Kill Zone (2005)

Donnie Yen vs. Sammo Hung

Donnie Yen and Samm Hung fought previously in 2005's Kill Zone (also known as SPL: Sha Po Lang). The movie depicted Yen as a Hong Kong police officer who attempted to take down a ruthless triad boss (Hung). The movie culminated in a dramatic fight between the two legends, which was notable for its sheer brutality. Yen exhibited his trademark speed and precision, which was contrasted by Hung's power and surprising agility. The fight seamlessly blended traditional martial arts with a modern cinematic flair. The scene was captivating and savage, and it was the undeniable highlight of the movie.

3 Bloodsport (1988)

Jean-Claude Van Damme vs. Bolo Yeung

Bloodsport depicted eminent American martial arts actor Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux. In the movie's dramatic conclusion, Dux fought the imposing Bolo Yeung, a celebrated martial artist and performer who appeared in Enter the Dragon and Double Impact. In Bloodsport, Yeung played the movie's antagonist, Chong Li. During the movie's intense climax, the two fought in an underground martial arts tournament. The battle showcased Van Damme's agility and acrobatics, pitting them against Yeung's brute strength and menacing presence. The scene demonstrated many of Van Damme's signature kicks and splits, creating a visually striking and startling final fight.

2 Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)

Chuck Norris vs. David Carradine

David Carradine has appeared in numerous martial arts movies, but he is most well known for playing the eponymous antagonist in the Kill Bill movies. He faced the legendary action star Chuck Norris in the climactic final scenes of 1983's Lone Wolf McQuade. The movie was a novel combination of martial arts and the American Western, in which Carradine played a villainous drug lord pursued by Norris's Texas Ranger. Their fight drew from both cinematic traditions, combining high kicks and rapid parries from martial arts with the roundhouses typical of Western movies. Though not the most elegant final match, watching the iconic pair fight was incredibly compelling.

1 Twins Effect 2 (2004)

Donnie Yen Vs. Jackie Chan

Though a sequel to 2003's The Twins Effect, The Twins Effect 2 contained a completely different story. The follow-up was an epic action adventure that combined romance, fantasy, and cutting-edge martial arts. Donnie Yen appeared as General Lone, who battled the Lord of Armor, played by Jackie Chan. Chan's appearance was a surprise cameo, pitting the two legends against one another in a bitter duel. The fight displayed Yen's rapid spear prowess and Chan's sword-fighting abilities. The scene is incredibly striking visually, with startling special effects and choreography. Their fight was the best scene in Twins Effect 2, largely because it featured two martial arts legends fighting each other.