Key Takeaways:
– Asia, particularly Hong Kong, has been the epicenter for martial arts movies, with its prime time being the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
– The 70s in the US saw an uptick in martial arts movies primarily due to Bruce Lee's popularity.
– More mainstream actors in the 80s started exploring martial arts, despite mixed results.
– There was a divergence in the way fight scenes were shot in the US and Asia, but some great American martial arts movies emerged during that time.
– The current generation sees a mix of traditional martial arts, gunplay, and other action styles in American movies.
From Hong Kong's martial arts peak in the 70s, 80s, and 90s to the stateside Bruce Lee craze following Enter the Dragon's release, the influence of Martial Arts movies cannot be denied. To pay tribute to this genre, we have compiled a list of the best American Martial Arts movies ever made. Please note, however, movies like The Matrix or John Wick, though with significant martial arts sequences, are not included because they also involve a lot of gun play. Let's start!
First, we'd like to mention the Undisputed sequels. Even though they are direct-to-video, these movies still offer something new and fresh to the action world, courtesy of director Isaac Florentine and leading actors Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins.
Starting with number 10 is Kill Bill, Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece that blends martial arts with thrill and drama. With exhilarating fight sequences choreographed by Yuen Woo Ping, it acts as a perfect tribute to martial arts.
Number 9, Big Trouble in Little China, is known for its Hong Kong style action fantasy elements. Despite being a box office flop at the time of its release, it has since gained cult status.
Steven Seagal's Above the Law claims the 8th spot. His ultra-violent aikido style in this movie has highly influenced American action movies of that era.
Coming in at number 7 is Revenge of the Ninja. This movie, part of the late Cannon Pictures' effort to bring ninjas into mainstream cinema, is the best of their loose Ninja Trilogy.
Sixth on our list is Best of the Best. Despite some unlikely casting, it does an excellent job of combining elements of martial arts and sports genre.
In the fifth place is The Last Dragon, a Motown tribute to martial arts films. With catchy music and impressive fight scenes, it captures the cult status of martial arts movies in the inner city.
Jean-Claude Van Damme's Kickboxer, holding the fourth spot, has played a crucial role in introducing Muay Thai into the mainstream. It is also remembered for its incredible final battle.
Bloodsport, another JCVD gem at number 3, introduced the term ‘kumite' into the mainstream and showcased a wide range of martial arts styles.
The Karate Kid takes the second spot. Despite its less-than-stellar fight scenes, it played a huge role in proliferating karate schools across North America, showing that martial arts can instill inner strength.
Taking the crown at number 1 is Enter the Dragon. Bruce Lee's only American movie, it triggered a kung-fu craze in Hollywood. To this day, it remains a cultural phenomenon in the martial arts film genre.
That sums up our list of the best American Martial Arts movies of all time. These films not only exemplify martial arts but also contribute to the evolution of this genre in American Cinema. Enjoy watching!
