Martial arts has truly evolved in cinema over the years, but certainly in Hollywood. Ranging from the acrobatic to the practical, it’s a fascinating display of skill, almost akin to dancing, and there have been dozens of movies in that niche genre, too.
However, martial arts movies have been steeped in overseas cinema, keeping it basically inaccessible for mainstream Hollywood audiences. Most don’t care for subtitles, or perhaps the redundancy of fight scenes, and even many classics had something of an exaggerated tone, particularly regarding humor. So, for those who practice self-defense, it can be tough to share their inherent enthusiasm, so here are ten accessible movies for those who can’t get past traditional martial arts movies.
Ip Man
It may seem strange to outright begin with a foreign film, but, more often than most, this serves as an exception. Firstly, the film stars Donnie Yen, who’s recently dipped into Hollywood thanks to Disney. He joined the Star Wars universe in Rogue One, and he’ll also be in the upcoming Mulan remake.
The man is both a talented martial artist and a great actor, which is rare. He successfully brings Ip Man to life, and that biographical angle may help uninitiated viewers. The film can be overzealous at first, but it’s also willing to explore Japanese occupation and family drama. In this case, the combat shares equal screen time with compelling character work. Fortunately, even the English dubbing is satisfactory.
Kill Bill, Vol. 1
As with any Quentin Tarantino movie, this is a super-stylized love letter to cinema past. And, it’s also extraordinarily bloody, so bear that in mind. The list is for movies that subvert inaccessible traits of the genre, rather than appeal to children.
Indeed, this may be one of the goriest films around. However, the broad mythology is absolutely captivating, with a boisterous enthusiasm rivaled by few. The kinetic pace is bolstered by iconic performances, stunning imagery, and memorable music. It really combines the sensibilities of modern Hollywood and Tarantino’s influences, featuring brutal fights fueled by clear motivations.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Pretty much everyone has known a bully at one point or another. Sure, this underdog story is full of countless tropes, and maybe the martial arts isn’t so convincing. Yet, it’s an 80’s classic, and retro is currently all the rage. Besides, with Cobra Kai making a massive comeback on YouTube, there’s no reason to avoid the original.
It’s the quintessential teenage story with an unwilling move, young romance, and persistent bullies. But, for all the melodrama, the relationship between Daniel and Miyagi is very sincere, and they both bring a lot of heart to being bullied and confronting grief, respectively.
Kung Fu Panda
This entry really is for everyone. The Kung Fu Panda series has been around since 2008, featuring staggering ensemble casts. The animation is beautiful, and Po’s weight problem is an important issue, addressed in just the right way. The film is consistently silly fun, and Jack Black really delivers as the titular panda. That comedy alone makes it easy to share, but there’s plenty of homage to its influences. The fighting may not involve people at all, but the spirit of the film captures a genuine reverence for the genre.
Rush Hour
This film literally brings Jackie Chan to America. The buddy cop formula is tried and true, and, although comedy is subjective, there’s no denying Jackie’s star power. The story itself smoothly ties in Chinese interests and language. The protagonists have great chemistry, and Jackie’s practical stunts are absolutely mesmerizing.
The key to his action is that Jackie isn’t an unstoppable hero. He takes damage and makes mistakes, which is more relatable, akin to Indiana Jones. All of Jackie’s movies work this way. His free running and fighting are arguably some of the best on film, combining distinct skill and fun.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
This film is nothing short of brilliant and, consequently, blew up in the states all on its own. The Oscar-winning movie is actually a character-driven romance. It’s deeply rooted in authenticity, featuring awe-inspiring set design, and an emphasis on society and tradition. In fact, it’s all so convincing and intriguing, it’s like stepping into another world.
It is the definitive wuxia film, and, once again, this English dubbing is far superior to most. It is usually crippling beyond reason, but, in this case, remains natural and inviting. Every ingredient of a movie is delivered with excellence—from storytelling to music to performanceand direction. It’s an absolute masterpiece, that happens to include stunning combat.
The Raid 2
This sequel to an action classic would incorporate many tropes regarding mob movies. Rather than a simple Die Hard situation to fuel the action again, this is about a rat. The protagonist has to go undercover to dismantle a crime ring. However, despite leaning on familiar story beats, it handles them with taste and exceptional skill.
The English dubbing is predominantly suitable, and the Fredo-like storyline is fun. It all serves as a more interesting vehicle for some of the most grueling, bloody combat available on film. The techniques feel convincing, despite their swift and elaborate strikes. The camerawork is immersive, the story works, and the fight scenes both impress and satisfy.
John Wick 2
The John Wick franchise was a surprise juggernaut, but the first entry mainly emphasizes gunplay. This sequel further includes grappling, and other forms of Mixed-Martial-Arts for close-quarters combat. The origins of the protagonist are sympathetic, and so this sequel is allowed some deeper world-building.
The many rules are fascinating, creating a more tangible and plausible world, even as the stunts become increasingly wild. The tone is far less serious than the first time around, but the sense of fun is both genuine and entertaining. It’s a gripping universe, with a simple plot and plenty of gunplay to keep viewers interested if hand-to-hand isn’t their thing.
The Matrix
The Wachowskis are clearly fans of classic martial arts movies, even including famed choreographer Woo-Ping Yuen. The man orchestrated countless fight scenes on film and directed more than a few movies himself. This iconic movie packs a lot of elaborate concepts into one story.
It seamlessly blends compelling philosophy, social commentary, nifty science-fiction, and breathtaking action. It’s a visually groundbreaking film, with an unrivaled sense of style and enthusiasm. Widely regarded as one of the best movies of all time, it also reveres and celebrates martial arts. Sure, the fighting may not be as convincing as some of the others here. But the agent of this combat is a rich and engaging story that’s appealing for pretty much anyone.
The Bourne Ultimatum
The original Bourne trilogy remains one of the best all-time action series. The conspiratorial intrigue was always gripping, and they all essentially boil down to a chase movie. Bourne’s pursuit of the truth was always a taut mystery, which plays to our widespread cynicism. His romance with Marie was touching, and by the time part three rolls along, he’s confronting absolution.
Most of all, he’s seeking peace, though he finds a great deal of exciting carnage along the way. Each of these films serve as superb thrillers, but they also introduced a remarkably practical style of combat. It emphasizes improvisation, blending fists, strategy, and one’s surroundings. The martial arts here, particularly with Desh, is jaw-dropping. All this packaged in a spy series so grounded meant that countless others all came to implement its characteristics.
