10 Recent Kung Fu Movies That Will Someday Be Classics

Although there appears to be less Kung Fu Movies recently released, many of the Kung Fu films released in recent years have been of excellent quality. These films feature meticulously choreographed fight scenes and are packed with action and stunts. Some of these modern films are so good that a few years later they can even be considered Kung Fu classics, like many Kung Fu films from the 90s.

Originally associated with Hong Kong, many other traditional Kung Fu films were created in China. These Kung Fu films have created incredible action stars, with countless Kung Fu classics even including animated films. Still, although the Kung Fu films recognized as classics are generally older, many of the Kung Fu films released today will be contenders for that title in the future.

10

Raging Fire (2021)

Benny Chan’s last film was a success

Directed by the iconic late Benny Chan in his latest film, Raging Fire is a crime thriller that takes its action sequences to the next level. The fight scenes play out in a way that feels rooted in reality, and Donnie Yen’s performance is another incredible addition to a long career of impactful performances. The story itself is put together with more thought than many crime thrillers, making the final product land where so many films fail.

What makes this film so special is that Raging Fire is the final part of Benny Chan’s impressive legacy. He is best known for his extensive work on Jackie Chan films, including 2011’s. Shaolin. This, combined with the fact that the film is a true delight to watch, from the action to the writing, makes it Raging Fire a proud contender for a modern Kung Fu classic.

9

Paper Tigers (2020)

This independent film brings a modern heart to Kung Fu films

Unique compared to many of its big-budget contemporaries, The paper tigers is an American independent Kung Fu film that was funded by Kickstarter. The story documents the lives of three talented martial artists who went their separate ways. Now middle-aged and with lives of their own, they reunite when they discover that their master has been killed.

The film itself is quite funny, taking a humorous approach to a genre that so often focuses on gritty action. This doesn’t mean the film neglects the action. Instead, the film makes great use of its crazy action scenes, bearing witness to the hard work of people who truly love martial arts films.

8

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe Embraced Kung Fu Movie Culture

Normally, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the last place anyone would expect an amazing Kung Fu movie. However, with the launch of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings In 2021, Marvel gave fans something they didn’t know they needed: a Marvel superhero movie that emulates Kung Fu movies. The film introduced the Marvel Comics character Shang-Chi, currently called Shaun, into the film franchise, and did so in bombastic fashion.

With incredibly choreographed action sequences and a gripping story, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings It’s one of the best Marvel movies to come out later Avengers: Endgame. Although it is a box office Marvel film, it still maintains the heart that so many Kung Fu films have had before it, with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings paying homage to other great names in Kung Fu. This level of attention to detail, as well as the care that went into producing this film, will certainly make it a Kung Fu classic someday in the future.

7

Shadow (2018)

This Chinese Wuxia Film Is a Historical Masterpiece

Occurring during the Three Kingdoms period in China, Shadow is an intriguing story that revolves around fighting and military tactics. The title Shadow refers to the main character of Jingzhou, who was taken in and trained to be the shadow or rather the doppelgänger of Commander Ziyu. While it may not look like the traditional Kung Fu film on the outside, traditionally classified as a “Wuxia” historical fantasy, Shadow is incredibly well-rounded when it comes to its grandiose fight choreography and stunning painterly visuals.

The film is not only loved by critics and fans alike, but it has also won its fair share of awards in categories including art direction and visual effects. This is for a good reason. The film is impressive to watch from start to finish, offering a satisfying story that makes it stand out in a genre full of incredible films.

6

Sacred (2023)

Donnie Yen is Featured in Yet Another Modern Kung Fu Masterpiece

Another film starring Kung Fu icon Donnie Yen Sakra is based on the novel Demigods and Demi-Demons. This film is about a martial arts master named Qiao Feng who, after being framed for the murder of his adoptive parents, goes on the run. The film continues as he tries to clear his name and find out what really happened, only to be thwarted at every opportunity.

With an engaging story that keeps the reader alert throughout the film’s running time, Sakra succeeds not only as a Kung Fu film, but also as an adaptation of the source material. The fight scenes are frenetic and Qiao Feng, largely due to Donnie Yen’s performance, truly feels like a master of his craft. In fact, this film should get fans excited for Donnie Yen’s upcoming action films.

5

Triple Threat (2019)

There’s a perfect trio at the center of this Kung Fu movie

Triple Threat is a tense action film that combines the use of martial arts with gratuitous firepower. Starring Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais and Tiger Chen, the film covers the ever-changing alliances between two ex-Special Forces agents and a man seeking revenge. Combining several different fighting styles and the use of very powerful weapons, the three set out to take revenge on Devereaux.

The chemistry between the three main leads is immediately electrifying, and as they fight each other and their common enemies, the film truly comes to life. This perfectly cast trio of actors is the star of the show in Triple Threat, and because of this, the film’s action is consistently high. With any luck, these three will star in a movie together once again, noting Triple Threat like the film where it all began.

4

The Swordsman (2020)

This South Korean martial arts film features kinetic swordplay

The Swordsman is a South Korean action and martial arts film set at a time when South Korea was still part of the Kingdom of Joseon. The story of The Swordsman begins with Tae-yul, who is considered the best swordsman in Joseon, even serving as the king’s bodyguard. However, when his sword is broken in a duel in his king’s name, the metal shards cut his eyes and he is forced to surrender, having failed his king.

The film picks up years later as Tae-yul struggles, both with his impending blindness and the kidnapping of his teenage daughter. His quest to get her back is packed with action and an award-winning performance from Jang Hyuk as Tae-yul. The choreographed swordplay in this film is perhaps some of the best in cinema as a whole, making The Swordsman an instant classic.

3

The Night Comes for Us (2018)

Iko Uwais makes another appearance in this Netflix thriller

This chilling film follows the story of Ito, a repentant member of the Southeast Asian Triad who, after massacring the rest of his village, chooses to save a young girl out of remorse for his actions. When the rest of his gang learns of this, Ito and the young girl are essentially sentenced to death and have to fight their way out if they want to survive. The action in this film is truly brutal, without fear of portraying all the blood that accompanies this type of narrative.

The night comes for us It’s intense viewing from start to finish, constantly leaving the viewer wondering if Ito and Reina will be safe in the end. The acting in this film is incredibly compelling, taking it from being a run-of-the-mill story about gang activity to a bloody and moving story about the victims of this type of violence. Yet, The night comes for us It is one of the most brutal action films ever made and, therefore, should be watched with caution.

2

Monkey Man (2024)

Dev Patel’s directorial debut is more than a John Wick knockoff

Often described as a John Wick impersonator, Dev Patel Monkey Man It’s more than the description might initially make it seem. The film revolves around Kid’s singular quest for revenge, desperate to exact revenge on those responsible for his mother’s horrific death. Starting out as an amateur and untrained, Kid grows along with the film, only becoming more lethal as he learns not only about the people he intends to kill, but also about himself.

In essence, Monkey Man is a story about the marginalized people of India. Their struggles and the way they are viewed in society are exposed starkly and often painfully, but despite the gray lens that reality puts on the film, there is a certain layer of hope throughout. Monkey Man is the perfect directorial debut for Dev Patel, who also starred in the film, already establishing it as a modern classic.

1

Everything everywhere at once (2021)

This reality-altering Kung Fu movie is about family

Absurd and grounded in equal measure, Everything everywhere at the same time is a wacky adventure about a Chinese immigrant named Evelyn Quan Wang and the struggles her family faces as it slowly disintegrates. However, things get even more complicated when Evelyn is visited by a version of her husband, Waymond, from an alternate universe, warning her about a multiversal threat known as Jobu Tupaki. As the film progresses, the two are thrust into increasingly ridiculous worlds, forcing them to fight those loyal to Jobu Tupaki.

Outside, This film is an emotional film about saving the multiverse. But underneath it all, Everything everywhere at the same time is a film full of love, showing the path to family healing. Everything everywhere at the same time highlights the kindness, understanding, and struggles that immigrants face in America in a realistic way despite the film’s wild premise, showing that Kung Fu films are still the perfect way to explore such complex themes.