Bruce Lee’s influence on martial arts and pop culture is so immense that his essence lives on in countless fictional characters. From anime to video games and movies, creators have reimagined his dynamic fighting style, iconic look, and unrelenting spirit.

Whether it's his Funko Pop! figure or the kick-crazy Pokémon he inspired, the Little Dragon's legacy clearly lives on.

Here’s a roundup of some of the most notable Bruce Lee-inspired characters over the years:

1. Fei Long (Street Fighter Series)

Fei Long is perhaps the most direct homage to Bruce Lee in video games. Introduced in Street Fighter II, this martial artist mirrors Lee’s appearance, fighting stance, and signature yells. His philosophy of self-expression through martial arts is also woven into his character.

2. Liu Kang (Mortal Kombat Series)

Although more mystical in nature, Liu Kang channels Bruce Lee’s fighting style, with his swift kicks and fiery determination. Even his story as Earthrealm’s champion echoes Lee’s role as a hero fighting against oppression.

3. Marshall and Forrest Law (Tekken Series)

The father-son duo in Tekken encapsulates Bruce Lee’s physicality and charisma. From their fighting style to their trademark screams and wardrobe, everything screams Bruce Lee tribute.

4. Hitmonlee (Pokémon)

Named after Bruce Lee, this Fighting-type Pokémon specializes in kicking techniques, a nod to Lee’s agility and powerful lower-body strikes.

5. Rock Lee (Naruto)

Rock Lee isn’t just named after Bruce Lee; his taijutsu fighting style and intense training regimen are straight out of the Bruce Lee playbook. Even his green jumpsuit pays homage to Lee’s iconic tracksuit in Game of Death.

6. The Bride (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2)

Uma Thurman’s yellow tracksuit in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill is an unmistakable nod to Bruce Lee’s look in Game of Death. While not a direct mimicry, her resilience and martial prowess are Lee-like in spirit.

7. Gohan and Goku (Dragon Ball)

Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, admitted that Bruce Lee inspired the series’ martial arts focus. Goku and Gohan’s fighting techniques and their drive to master martial arts are rooted in Lee’s philosophy.

Lee Sin in his Dragon Fist skin

8. Lee Sin (League of Legends)

This blind monk character channels Bruce Lee’s aura with his disciplined fighting style and philosophical quotes. His quick, decisive movements reflect Lee’s Jeet Kune Do principles.

Sho'Nuff and his gang facing off against the monk-like Bruce Leroy

9. Bruce Leroy (The Last Dragon)

In this 1985 cult classic, Bruce Leroy takes Bruce Lee fandom to the next level. The protagonist not only emulates Lee but also uses his spiritual teachings to achieve martial enlightenment.

10. Kim Dragon (World Heroes Series)

This lesser-known homage in SNK’s World Heroes arcade game is a South Korean martial artist with a near-identical appearance to Bruce Lee, complete with the iconic screams and fluid motions. Fun fact: the game's lore even has the character's birthday listed exactly the same as the real-life Lee's.

Shang-Chi in one of his comic book appearances

11. Shang-Chi (Marvel Comics / Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Marvel’s Shang-Chi owes much of his essence to Bruce Lee’s legacy. While the original comic book character was modeled after him in the 1970s, the 2021 film brought the homage to life with Simu Liu’s portrayal. From Shang-Chi’s fluid fighting style to his self-discovery journey, the Dragon’s influence is unmistakable. Fun fact: Marvel Comic's Stan Lee actually pushed for Bruce Lee's son, the late Brandon Lee, to play the role in a live-action adaptation.

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