There’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching a well-executed martial arts fight scene. The lightning-fast punches, the acrobatic kicks, and the sheer intensity of every blow; it is a genre that has stunned audiences for decades now. Earlier, it was Bruce Lee and Tony Jaa that dominated and elevated martial arts in movies. And now, in the age of streaming, fans of the genre have the option to simply make a few clicks and have the cinematic world of a martial arts flick in their living room.
Netflix has a rotating gallery of classics and a bunch of original martial arts films available in its streaming catalog, and they are all must-watch masterpieces. This list puts together nine such movies that not only push the genre to new heights but also offers lifelong devotees a chance to immerse themselves in lesser-known, foreign-language movies that are filled with the same kind of high-flying, bone-crunching action as classics like Enter The Dragon and Drunken Master.
9 'Rush Hour' (1998)
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Rush Hour
PG-13
Action Adventure Comedy- Release Date
- September 18, 1998
- Runtime
- 98 minutes
- Director
- Brett Ratner
Cast
-
Ken Leung
-
Chris Tucker
-
Tzi Ma
-
Tom Wilkinson
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
RENT
BUY
- Writers
- Ross LaManna, Jim Kouf
- Sequel(s)
- Rush Hour 3
- Franchise(s)
- Rush Hour
Combining buddy-cop tropes with amazing martial arts mayhem, Rush Hour is an unhinged movie that is both heart-stopping and hilarious. It begins with the daughter of a Chinese diplomat being kidnapped in Los Angeles, which brings together Hong Kong detective Lee and Los Angeles cop Carter. But their mismatched ideals and cultural differences only lead to chaos.
Clash of Cultures and Fists
The premise sets the stage for an explosive clash of personalities that ends in some of the most stunningly choreographed fight sequences ever committed to film. Jackie Chan’s iconic martial arts skills and Chris Tucker’s razor-sharp comedic timing are the heart of the film. It was a global smash hit, and yet, it is often overlooked for its action. Over time, Rush Hour gained enough popularity to spawn two sequels.
8 'Blood and Bone' (2009)
Blood and Bone
R
Action Drama Thriller7.7/10
- Release Date
- February 7, 2009
- Runtime
- 93 minutes
- Director
- Ben Ramsey
Cast
-
Eamonn Walker
James
-
Michael Jai White
Isaiah Bone
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
- Writers
- Michael Andrews
- Producers
- Michael Mailer
Blood and Bone takes place in the gritty underground fight scene of Los Angeles and tells the story of the one man who stands alone – Isaiah Bone. With a dark past as an ex-convict and unparalleled skills in martial arts, he arrives in the city to fulfill a promise to a late friend, only to get embroiled in the illicit fighting circuit, battling formidable opponents and going up against a ruthless crime boss.
Known For Its Unstoppable Combat
Directed with a keen eye for visceral, bone-crushing action, by Ben Ramsey, this movie is pure martial arts brilliance. It focuses heavily on the action sequences but also has a surprisingly heartfelt undertone. Michael Jai White, a respected martial artist in his own right, delivers a career-defining performance by imbuing his character with equal parts lethal physicality and commitment to justice. Grim, gritty, and gloriously wild, it is a straightforward action movie that’s a must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts.
7 'Headshot' (2016)
- Producers
- Mike Wiluan, Shinjiro Nishimura
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, this Indonesian action film from the Mo brothers revolves around Ishmael, a man who suffers a near-fatal gunshot wound and washes up ashore with no memory. One thing leads to another and he gets entangled in a deadly conspiracy involving corruption, violence, and assassins hunting him down.
Intense and Innovative
Headshot is a gripping movie filled with suspense and intense hand-to-hand combat as Ishmael pieces together his identity while facing enemies in a brutal fight for survival. Played by martial arts prodigy Iko Uwais, Ishmael is an incredible character, and you cannot help but root for him. The direction of Tjahjanto and Stamboel is hyper-violent and hyperkinetic, which only amplifies the action in the film and leaves audiences breathless.
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny
PG-13
Action Adventure Documentary Drama- Release Date
- February 18, 2016
- Runtime
- 96 minutes
- Director
- Woo-ping Yuen
Cast
-
Donnie Yen
-
Michelle Yeoh
-
Harry Shum Jr.
-
Jason Scott Lee
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
- Writers
- Du Lu Wang, John Fusco
A sequel to the 2000 film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, this Netflix martial arts movie is set two decades after the events of the original. It follows the legendary warrior Yu Shu Lien as she returns to Peking to protect the Green Destiny sword, which belonged to her late lover. But to retrieve it, she must lead a new band of skilled fighters and fight a vicious warlord determined to use the sword’s power for evil purposes.
A Blend of Elegance and Fury
It goes without saying that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny had big shoes to fill. And while it tries to carve its own path with director Yuen Woo-ping’s vision, it fails terribly. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 20%, with a consensus that reads, “Paling in comparison to its predecessor in every conceivable way, Sword of Destiny is a lazy sequel that never justifies its own cynical existence.” However, Michelle Yeoh is radiant as ever in the lead role, bringing the film’s poetic tone and dazzling fight scenes to life in epic ways.
5 'The Night Comes for Us' (2018)
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The Night Comes For Us
R
Action Crime Thriller7/10
- Release Date
- October 5, 2018
- Runtime
- 121 Minutes
- Director
- Timo Tjahjanto
Cast
-
Joe Taslim
-
Iko Uwais
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
- Writers
- Timo Tjahjanto
The Night Comes for Us, directed by Timo Tjahjanto, is a blood-soaked martial arts thriller that refuses to pull any punches. In the movie, Joe Taslim stars as Ito, an elite Triad enforcer who turns his back on his own gang to protect a young girl, setting off a relentless pursuit against assassins, including Arian, a rising gang prospect and friend of Ito, determined to hunt him down.
Bloody Action and Flawless Choreography
Starting off slowly, the movie escalates at breakneck speed as Ito faces wave after wave of brutal enemies as he tries to redeem himself. Taslim’s raw intensity and Iko Uwais’ unforgettable performance as the antagonist makes every scene crackle with tension. The film also features a lot of expertly staged combat sequences that elevate it to cult-classic status almost instantly. While the violence may not be for everyone, the tense atmosphere and hyper-real storyline places it among the best martial arts films.
4 'Revenger' (2018)
Set against the backdrop of Sura island, which is home to a prison for some of the deadliest criminals, Revenger follows Kim Yool, a police detective, trying to avenge the death of his family. His quest leads him into the island prison, where he must cut his way through a horde of ruthless inmates to finally come face to face with Carlos Kun, the infamous mob boss who murdered his family.
Pure Thrills, No Frills
With Bruce Khan’s phenomenal performance at the center, Revenger is a taut, edge-of-your-seat action epic that boasts a raw and unapologetic showcase of martial arts. As the film’s tortured protagonist pushed to his physical and emotional limits, Khan brings a brooding intensity to the role, seamlessly combining turmoil with fighting prowess. The movie takes a minimalist approach on the storytelling front and makes sure the action speaks louder than words.
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3 'Furie' (2019)
- Writers
- Nguyen Truong Nhan
- Producers
- Veronica Ngo
Furie is a Vietnamese martial arts movie set in the vibrant streets of Vietnam. It follows Hai Phuong, a former gangster who redeems herself and becomes a doting single mother, living in the countryside and working as a debt collector. Her peaceful existence is shattered when her daughter is kidnapped by a human trafficking ring. Fueled by a mother’s love, Hai Phuong tears into criminal dens and rescues her child.
When a Mother’s Wrath is Unleashed
What makes Furie exceptional is its seamless blend of emotional depth and intense martial arts. The fact that the plot is laced with raw emotion, where a mother is desperately fighting for her child’s safety, itself enhances the ferocity of the quest. Directed by Le-Van Kiet, it stars Veronica Ngo as the conflicted protagonist using her lethal skills to take down gang hideouts. On Rotten Tomatoes, Furie holds a 95% score, with critics praising the sharp action scenes and clever camerawork.
2 'Bruised' (2020)
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Bruised
R
Sport
Drama- Release Date
- November 17, 2021
- Runtime
- 129 minutes
- Director
- Halle Berry
Cast
-
Nikolai Nikolaef
-
Stephen McKinley Henderson
-
Valentina Shevchenko
-
Lela Loren
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming
- Writers
- Michelle Rosenfarb
In Bruised, we follow Jackie Justice, a former MMA fighter disgraced for forfeiting a major fight, which leads to her fall from glory. She is offered a chance at redemption and making a comeback in the brutal world of professional fighting when her estranged son re-enters her life. The movie charts her journey as she battles personal demons and trains for the fight that will determine her place in the octagon.
Female-Led Redemption Tale
Marking Halle Berry’s directorial debut, Bruised is a deeply personal exploration of the world of mixed martial arts. It is impressive because it delivers a story that is as much about reconnecting with family as it is about throwing punches. Berry’s turn as Jackie is deeply layered; she brings a palpable sense of vulnerability and strength to the role. The fight scenes are a thrill to watch as well. The film was not universally praised but it is grounded in realism.
1 'Sixty Minutes' (2024)
Directed by Oliver Kienle, Sixty Minutes centers around Octavio Bergmann, a skilled MMA fighter who faces the greatest challenge of his life outside the ring when he has to race against time to get to his daughter’s birthday party or he will lose custody. He ends up abandoning an important match and making enemies who relentlessly follow him through Berlin’s streets.
Pulse-Pounding Race Against Time
Sixty Minutes delivers a unique real-time narrative that keeps viewers invested from start to finish. Emilio Sakraya anchors the film, portraying his character’s desperation and determination in equal parts. With each passing minute, his journey becomes a mix of action, survival, and fatherly love. The movie’s action sequences are choreographed in a way to showcase both street combat and MMA techniques.
