Top 10 Must-See Martial Arts Movies of the 2000s

Top 10 Greatest Martial Arts Movies of the 2000s

Source: Screen Rant

1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

• Directed by Ang Lee, it features a blend of romance, drama, and fantasy.
• Starring Michelle Yeoh, the film follows her quest to recover a stolen sword.
• Its outstanding visuals and fight choreography made it a groundbreaking wuxia film.

2. Hero (2002)

• This wuxia film showcases stunning colors to symbolize various themes.
• It follows a nameless swordsman, played by Jet Li, in his battles against assassins.
• Critics praise its poetic action choreography and cinematography.

3. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

• Directed by Stephen Chow, this film combines comedy with martial arts.
• It's noted for its over-the-top action scenes and hilarious humor.
• Utilizes CGI and wirework, creating an entertaining viewing experience.

4. Ip Man (2008)

• Biographical story of Wing Chun's legend, depicted by Donnie Yen.
• Highlights the martial artist's journey and the technicality of his fighting style.
• Established a successful film series portraying more of Ip Man’s legacy.

5. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

• Quentin Tarantino's homage to '70s martial arts films, featuring Uma Thurman.
• It narrates a gripping revenge story set against stylized violence.
• The choreography by Yuen Woo-Ping is famously well-executed.

6. Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)

• Introduced Tony Jaa to global audiences, emphasizing traditional Muay Thai.
• Known for its incredible stunts and fight sequences without CGI.
• The narrative revolves around a villager's quest to recover a stolen artifact.

7. Fearless (2006)

• Jet Li stars in a film loosely based on the life of martial artist Huo Yuanjia.
• The film balances historical narrative with gripping action sequences.
• It has a strong focus on hand-to-hand combat, avoiding weapon use.

8. House of Flying Daggers (2004)

• Renowned for its vibrant cinematography and visual storytelling.
• The film combines a romantic subplot with action amidst a historical backdrop.
• Critics highlight the visual elements over the predictable plot.

9. Kung Fu Panda (2008)

• An animated film that stands out through its comedic yet heartfelt narrative.
• Features a relatable protagonist, Po, voiced by Jack Black.
• Inspired by classic martial arts films, appealing to audiences of all ages.

10. The Hidden Blade (2004)

• A character-driven story set in Edo-era Japan with minimal but impactful action.
• Explores themes of love and violence within a samurai context.
• Acclaimed for its cinematography and emotional depth.

These films not only influenced the martial arts genre but also left a lasting impact on the action film industry, blending electrifying fight scenes with compelling storytelling.