- Justin Lee Ford
- Apr 4
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Martial arts movies have always been more than just films—they’re a window into cultures, philosophies, and fighting styles. Whether it’s the rapid-fire punches of Bruce Lee or the gravity-defying stunts of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, these films have captured the imagination of audiences for decades.
But how did we get from the early days of kung fu flicks to the global blockbuster martial arts hits of today?
It’s time to take a journey through the decades to see how the genre has evolved, reflecting both changing times and evolving tastes.
1960s: The Birth of Action
The 1960s weren’t just about rock and roll and the space race—this was also the decade martial arts movies began to burst onto the international scene. While the genre had long been established in Asia, it was during this time that Western audiences started to take notice, and the first real waves of martial arts stardom began.
Why It Was Great:
Kung Fu and Samurai Culture: This decade introduced audiences to traditional martial arts like kung fu, judo, and the art of the samurai. It was a window into ancient philosophies and practices that resonated deeply with fans.
Honor and Duty: Films focused heavily on themes of honor, duty, and loyalty, with heroes who would sacrifice everything for their code. It was the kind of stuff that made audiences cheer.
Notable Films & Shows:
The Green Hornet (1966-1967): This wasn’t just a superhero series—this was where Bruce Lee made his American debut and began capturing hearts with his unparalleled charisma and speed.
The Hidden Fortress (1958): Akira Kurosawa’s samurai epic would lay the groundwork for the films that followed, influencing directors like George Lucas in his creation of Star Wars.
The 1960s were just the beginning. They laid the foundation for what would become a worldwide martial arts explosion.
1970s: Bruce Lee Breaks Through
Bruce Lee—need we say more? The 1970s were truly the decade when martial arts went global, thanks to Lee’s groundbreaking presence on screen. His fluid movements, explosive energy, and profound philosophy turned him into a global icon, and martial arts films quickly went from niche to mainstream.
Why It Was Great:
Philosophy Meets Fists: Lee brought a mix of martial arts and philosophy to his films, creating something deeper than just fight sequences. His personal approach to martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, became as much about mental discipline as physical prowess.
The Lone Fighter: The theme of the solitary hero, often up against corrupt systems or forces larger than life, became a staple in martial arts films. It was all about one person making a difference—often with his fists.
Notable Films & Shows:
Enter the Dragon (1973): Bruce Lee’s magnum opus, blending martial arts with espionage in a way that would influence countless films to come.
Kung Fu (1972–1975): Starring David Carradine, this TV series followed a wandering Shaolin monk, Kwai Chang Caine, and introduced Western audiences to martial arts philosophy, zen teachings, and action.
Five Deadly Venoms (1978): A Shaw Brothers classic that’s still revered by martial arts fans for its unique blend of kung fu and storytelling.
This was the golden era of martial arts, where the genre was finally taken seriously in the West, and Bruce Lee became a household name.
1980s: From Kung Fu to Action Hero
By the 1980s, martial arts had firmly planted itself in global pop culture, but the genre was evolving. The traditional kung fu films were starting to give way to a more Westernized, action-packed style, with stars like Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Steven Seagal becoming popular.
Why It Was Great:
Bigger, Badder Heroes: Gone were the meditative, honor-bound warriors of the 1970s. Now, audiences wanted their heroes big, tough, and invincible. Action took center stage, and martial arts moved from philosophy to pure spectacle.
Escapism and Masculinity: These films were bigger than life. Heroes would take down an army with nothing but their fists, and the films were built on the kind of escapism audiences craved during the 80s.
Notable Films & Shows:
Bloodsport (1988): Jean-Claude Van Damme’s ultimate breakout film, featuring underground fighting and showcasing martial arts in a fresh, high-octane way.
Missing in Action (1984): Chuck Norris solidified his status as the ultimate action star.
The Karate Kid (1984): Not only did this film inspire a new generation of martial artists, but it
became a cultural phenomenon that reached beyond the dojo.
While it wasn’t as philosophical as the 1970s, the 80s brought martial arts to the masses, combining grit and action in a way that would define the next phase of the genre.
1990s: Martial Arts Meets Hollywood
The 1990s saw martial arts movies get even bigger, especially with the emergence of martial arts stars from Asia like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Michelle Yeoh. These stars not only took Hollywood by storm but also brought a new style of fight choreography—one that was just as much about acrobatics as it was about raw power.
Why It Was Great:
East Meets West: The lines between Eastern and Western filmmaking began to blur, with stars from Hong Kong and other Asian countries gaining global recognition. This opened the doors for more diverse storytelling and choreography.
Martial Arts as Choreography: The 90s brought a focus on precision and acrobatics, with martial arts choreography becoming more complex and theatrical than ever before.
Notable Films & Shows:
The Matrix (1999): A game-changer. The film didn’t just use martial arts; it reinvented how action scenes could be filmed, bringing elements like wire-fu and slow-motion choreography to the mainstream.
Rumble in the Bronx (1995): Jackie Chan’s Hollywood debut, blending his signature physical comedy and fight choreography with a more mainstream American sensibility.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000): This film’s release may have been just after the turn of the millennium, but it’s impossible to overlook how it reignited a global interest in wuxia and classic martial arts films.
The 90s were a turning point for martial arts cinema, as stars and fight scenes started crossing cultural boundaries, making martial arts films a more global phenomenon than ever before.
2000s: Wuxia & CGI-Fueled Action
The 2000s marked a transition in martial arts films, where CGI began to play a larger role in choreographed fight scenes. At the same time, wuxia films experienced a resurgence, with more fantastical, gravity-defying combat sequences becoming the norm.
Why It Was Great:
Fantasy and Escapism: The blending of traditional martial arts with fantasy elements like flying warriors and swordplay became a dominant theme.
Global Influence: The era of globalization continued, as filmmakers from around the world collaborated, and stars like Jet Li and Tony Jaa brought their homegrown styles to global audiences.
Notable Films & Shows:
Hero (2002): This visually stunning wuxia film made waves with its poetic combat sequences, reinforcing the genre’s reach.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003): Quentin Tarantino’s tribute to martial arts movies, full of homages to kung fu, samurai, and everything in between.
Ong-Bak (2003): Tony Jaa’s incredible performance and the raw, grounded fight sequences in this film made it an instant classic.
In the 2000s, martial arts films became a mix of tradition and innovation, combining the old with the new to create a fresh, dynamic style that would carry into the next decade.
2010s: Martial Arts in the Digital Age
The 2010s and beyond brought martial arts films into a new era, one where digital technology, social media, and global access played huge roles in shaping the genre. We saw a resurgence in grounded, realistic fight choreography while still appreciating the stylized, almost superhuman performances of stars like Keanu Reeves in John Wick.
Why It Was Great:
Realism Meets Stylization: The trend towards realistic, visceral fight choreography took hold, but stylized, hyper-technical fights continued to dominate.
Global Collaboration: Martial arts stars continued to transcend borders, with filmmakers and actors from all over the world contributing to the genre.
Notable Films & Shows:
John Wick (2014): A game-changer in terms of fight choreography, focusing on precision, fluidity, and reality in its gun-fu and martial arts sequences.
The Raid (2011): A brutal, intense action film that raised the bar for what audiences could expect from martial arts movies.
This era has seen martial arts films continue to evolve, both in style and execution, driven by modern filmmaking tools and the growing digital landscape.
2020s: Martial Arts Meets the Streaming Age
The 2020s have ushered in an exciting new era for martial arts cinema, as streaming platforms, international collaborations, and digital content have created a more accessible and diverse global martial arts landscape than ever before. Martial arts have more fully embraced modern cinematic technology, creating thrilling action films that blend cutting-edge techniques with traditional hand-to-hand combat.
Why It’s Great:
Digital Innovation: From TikTok videos to YouTube creators, martial artists around the world are gaining fame by showcasing their incredible skills online, leading to new opportunities in the film industry.
Diverse Storytelling: Films and series now explore martial arts from around the globe, with narratives that reflect contemporary issues and cultures.
Notable Films & Shows:
Warrior (2019–2020): A TV series based on Bruce Lee’s writings, blending his philosophy with intense action and exploring historical and modern themes.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022): A genre-bending film with martial arts sequences that are both quirky and deeply grounded.
As we continue to navigate the 2020s, martial arts cinema is embracing the future, influenced by both digital platforms and the ongoing quest for more diverse, global storytelling.
The Journey Continues
The evolution of martial arts movies has come a long way, but it’s far from over. With technology continuing to improve and new talent constantly emerging, we’re bound to see even more groundbreaking martial arts films in the future.
Whether it’s through Hollywood blockbusters or indie action films, one thing is certain: the martial arts genre will keep evolving, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats for years to come.
