10 Cheesy '90s Martial Arts Movies You'll Have Fun With

Martial arts films are one of the action genre's most beloved niches, and the 1990s was a banner decade for these projects. Including intricately crafted and moving portrayals of complex characters and downright cheesy films that are entertaining until the end, the diversity of these films offers something for all audiences. The best martial arts film performances won't be found in these films. However, many icons of the genre take on fun comedic roles which allow them to show a sillier side of their personalities.

However, No matter how much humor is added to the story, it never detracts from the explosive action on the screen. Many of these are great martial arts movies for beginners because of the comedic elements and characters that don't take themselves too seriously. Letting loose and watching films that allow the viewer to relax and have fun while also featuring incredible fight sequences is the purpose of this type of project. Longtime fans of martial arts films and newcomers alike will appreciate everything these films have to offer.

10

The Legend (1993)

Directed by Corey Yuen

Jet Li stars as Fong Sai-Yuk, and this name is also used as an alternative title for the 1993 action comedy The legend. Full of disguises, mistaken identity and romance, The legend sees Sai-Yuk de Li enter a competition to win the hand of his beloved, but in a moment of confusion, he withdraws from the match, convinced that the woman he loves is not the one he would marry. Although everyone lives happily ever after at the end of the film, the characters have to jump through some obstacles to get there.

Jet Li's best fight scenes in martial arts films demonstrate why he is such an iconic figure to this day. Most of the plot is just a vehicle to allow Li to showcase his incredible abilities, but that's why it's so enjoyable to watch The legend today. Furthermore, Li is far from the only notable martial artist and performer in the film, as her co-star, Josephine Siao, who plays her mother, is a force of nature. Siao is one of several strong and skilled female characters in this memorable comedy.

9

One Man Army (1994)

Directed by Círio H. Santiago

Jerry Trimble leads One-man armya lesser-known addition to the genre that ticks all the boxes for a campy, fun martial arts film. Trimble's character, also named Jerry, is out for revenge This will pit him against fighters of all abilities and force him to discover the truth about his grandfather's fate. With fantastic stunts and a character driven by rugged, old-fashioned individualism, One-man army pits Jerry against every possible villain and elevates him to an almost god-like status.

At a fast, propulsive pace and less than an hour and a half, It's easy to sit and burn One-man armysmiling all the time. Although it is of its time and its elements are dated, that doesn't change how fun and exciting One-man army It is, even when the stunts are exaggerated. Witnessing the exaggerated effects is what makes One-man army so memorable. There's little more fascinating than being swept away by the kind of low-budget action movie that isn't made today.

8

Wing Chun (1994)

Directed by Yuen Woo-ping

Considered one of the best martial arts films directed by Yuen Woo-ping, Wing Chun It is also often discussed as a highlight of Michelle Yeoh's career. Yeoh plays Yim Wing-chun, the young girl who defends her village against the invading bandit brothers, Flying Monkey and Flying Chimpanzee. Donnie Yen stars opposite Yeoh as Pok-to, her childhood sweetheart, who later joins her on her quest to defeat the bandits and rid the village of them for good. Although many people doubt Wing-chun because she is a young girl, she proves to be the most formidable warrior in the region.

Today, Yeoh is best known for her more serious roles in films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonand his recent foray into science fiction with Everything everywhere at the same time. However, the iconic movie star started working on projects that were a little more exaggerated and let her have fun. Even early in his career, it was clear that Yeoh had the talent to lead any film. However Wing Chun it has a great story and fun fight scenes, it's Yeoh who makes it worth watching.

7

American Samurai (1992)

Directed by Sam Firstenberg

Brother is pitted against brother in American Samuraian explosive film starring David Bradley and Mark Dacascos as Drew and Kenjiro. The two are adopted brothers trained by their samurai father, but when Drew proves to be a superior fighter, Kenjiro can't handle his jealousy and turns to a life of crime. Years later, they are put in each other's path when Drew is investigating a kidnapping that leads him directly to Kenjiro's house. criminal network.

American Samurai is a classic example of a Westernized approach to the martial arts genre, and while there are some inevitable white savior themes, the essence of the story is about action above all else. In terms of plot and stakes, American Samurai leaves a lot to be desired, but Enough tension is created by family ties that the fights between Drew and Kenjiro are iconic. There's plenty of blood and over-the-top violence to keep audiences engaged American Samurai.

6

Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite (1996)

Directed by Alan Mehrez

Blood sportthe 1988 action film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, is one of the top tier cheesy martial arts films from the 1980s and was popular enough to warrant a few sequels. Including one of the best fight scenes from the Jean-Claude Van Damme film, Blood sport inspired the slightly less iconic Bloodsport II: the next Kumitestarring Daniel Bernhardt as newcomer Alex Cardo. While Bernhardt doesn't have Van Damme's star power, he's still a worthy successor and carves out his own niche.

Some critics and audiences may consider Bloodsport II be even better than the originalthanks to the long and arduous final fight scene. The entire film revolves around Cardo's imprisonment and his being forced to fight his way to freedom against some of the fiercest enemies possible. James Hong co-stars as Master Sun, Cardo's mentor and only friend, and their dynamic adds an element of emotional stakes to the violent main plot. Thanks to Master Sun, Cardo learns more about martial arts and rises through the ranks of the competition.

5

Drunk Master II (1994)

Directed by Lau Kar-leung

Often described as the film that catapulted Jackie Chan further into international fame, Drunk Master II is considered even more of an action-comedy masterpiece than its 1978 predecessor, Drunk Master. Based on the premise that Chan's character, Wong Fei-hung, is able to perfectly execute a martial arts style just after having a few drinks, Drunk Master II It already has a hilarious and unexpected premise. However, Chan's incredible fighting style and comedic timing elevate the entire project.

The film was only released in the United States in 2000, but that didn't stop it from being an instant success and already being considered one of the best martial arts films of the decade in Asia. Although there are many aspects Drunk Master II that lean into the cheesy and exaggerated elements of a comedy, it must simultaneously be taken seriously as a fundamental addition to the genre. While some cheesy movies are remembered for being subpar, Drunk Master II proves that fun, campy comedy can accompany brilliant films.

4

Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)

Directed by Stanley Tong

Bringing Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh together was a stroke of genius for Police Story 3: Supercopa film that demonstrates how visionary a sequel film can be. Maggie Cheung also appears, returning in May, a role she played in the first two episodes of the franchise. In many ways, Supercop is Chan's film, since he is the star who made Police story possible, but ultimately, it's an ensemble project that wouldn't work without the main characters' chemistry.

The long, tortuous and slightly convoluted plot is an element of Supercop this lends itself to the genre's cheesier side, but that doesn't mean the project skimps on the action. One of the most enduring parts of films like Police Story 3: Supercop is the fact that Chan and Yeoh do their own stunts and are so skilled at their craft that they can mix things up. and try it out on set. This allows for funny, unexpected moments that draw viewers in and make them want to spend more time with the over-the-top characters.

3

Double Impact (1991)

Directed bySheldon Lettich

Jean-Claude Van Damme plays twin brothers Chad and Alex Wagner, meeting the director of Blood sport in Double Impactone of the most bizarre contributions to Van Damme's career. The brothers don't get along and, after being raised apart their entire lives, neither of them wants to give way to the other. However, their father believes that if they band together, they can take down a crime boss and take revenge for their mother's murder many years ago.

While Van Damme does his best to make Alex and Chad seem like unique individuals, seeing him in a room with himself can be a little silly. Double Impact. Happily, both brothers are skilled fighters and know how to utilize the environment to gain an advantage over your opponents. Although there is still a lot of hand-to-hand combat, action scenes with guns and guns play an important role in the Double Impact. As a film, Double Impact it never tries to be anything other than a wild adventure ride.

2

Riki-Oh: Ricky's Story (1991)

Directed by Lam Ngai Kai

For audiences looking for violence and gore, Riki-Oh: Ricky's Story is the perfect title. Based on the manga of the same name Riki-Oh It's a brutally violent film that doesn't avoid splashing blood and viscera all over the screen. While this style of martial arts film isn't for everyone, the heavy stylization works for Riki-Oh. The protagonist, Ricky, played by Fan Siu-wong, goes through almost comical levels of torture and physical exertion after being sent to a corrupt private prison where the inmates and wardens try to kill him.

However, Ricky, like any good martial arts protagonist, has superior strength and skill this makes him seem almost supernatural in battle. No matter what the antagonists throw at him; Ricky is virtually immune to any harm, while the people around him die in grotesque and extreme ways. Although there is a core of social commentary at the heart of the Riki-Oh: Ricky's Storythe film is ultimately concerned with its level of almost slapstick graphic action, which keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

1

Mortal Kombat (1995)

Directed by Paul WS Anderson

Although film and television adaptations of video games are treated with more respect and notoriety today, the first Mortal Kombat the film did not reach that level of respect. Despite that, was a box office success because of how well it captured the joy of gaming. It's fun to revisit early attempts at bringing these types of narratives to life, and the 1995 film Mortal Kombat is well aware that it can't compete with truly visionary martial arts films, resorting to cheesier elements.

With exaggerated characters and a very strange plot, Mortal Kombat It's a truly thrilling ride, but it doesn't offer the bloody fun of some of its contemporaries. Mortal Kombat is a film that can be watched by both older and younger audiences, making it a great introduction for viewers watching martial arts films for the first time. Over time, Mortal Kombat has developed a cult following that loves its exaggerated, intricate aesthetic and sometimes melodramatic performances.