10 Best Martial Arts Movies You Should Watch In 2025

Martial arts movies have always captured the imagination of audiences around the world, blending high-octane action, disciplined combat techniques, and rich storytelling into unforgettable cinematic experiences. Below is a list of 10 best martial arts movies you should watch in 2025.

1. Shadowless Sword (2005)

The story revolves around elite female warriors protecting the kingdom, blending fantasy elements with traditional martial arts techniques.

The choreography emphasizes precision, fluidity, and stylized combat, offering a unique perspective on martial arts cinema by highlighting female warriors and honor-driven narratives. It’s a visually arresting film that appeals to fans seeking both action and artistry.

2. Ip Man (2008)

Ip Man is a masterclass in portraying real-life martial arts legends on the silver screen. Directed by Wilson Yip and starring Donnie Yen, this film tells the story of Yip Man, the legendary Wing Chun master and mentor to Bruce Lee.

The film excels in blending historical context with high-octane action, capturing the grace and precision of Wing Chun. Every fight scene, from street brawls to tournament-style duels, is painstakingly choreographed, emphasizing realism and fluidity. Ip Man is not only a feast for martial arts enthusiasts but also an inspiring narrative about resilience, honor, and discipline.

3. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a visually stunning cinematic experience that combines martial arts with the poetic elegance of Chinese storytelling. Directed by Ang Lee, the film presents the wuxia genre at its finest, blending gravity-defying fight sequences with a complex narrative about love, betrayal, and destiny.

The choreography by Yuen Woo-ping introduces a balletic approach to martial arts, where fighters seemingly float across rooftops and glide through forests.

4. The Raid: Redemption (2011)

The Raid: Redemption revolutionized modern martial arts cinema with its relentless action and intense combat sequences. Directed by Gareth Evans, the film is set in a high-rise building controlled by a ruthless crime lord, forcing a SWAT team to fight their way through wave after wave of enemies.

The film’s star, Iko Uwais, delivers jaw-dropping silat-based combat that is both brutal and fluid. Unlike traditional martial arts films, The Raid emphasizes close-quarters combat, stamina, and tactical strategy, making every fight scene feel authentic and visceral. Its success has inspired numerous action films and set a new benchmark for fight choreography worldwide.

5. Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)

Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior introduced the world to Tony Jaa, a martial artist whose athleticism and daring stunts redefine action cinema. The film is a showcase of Muay Thai techniques, emphasizing strikes, elbows, knees, and acrobatics without relying on CGI or wire work.

The storyline follows a villager on a mission to recover a stolen sacred Buddha statue, offering audiences a blend of heroic narrative and relentless action sequences. Every fight is grounded in reality yet visually spectacular, making Ong-Bak a cornerstone of martial arts cinema in the 21st century.

6. The Night Comes for Us (2018)

The Night Comes for Us is a brutal, relentless action film from Indonesia, featuring Iko Uwais in another powerhouse performance. The movie is widely acclaimed for its hyper-violent, masterfully choreographed fight sequences, pushing the boundaries of Silat martial arts on screen.

Every fight is relentless and cinematic, combining creative kills with incredible fluidity. Its intense action and dark narrative make it one of the most talked-about recent martial arts films, appealing to fans who crave raw, edge-of-your-seat combat.

7. Extraction (2020)

Directed by Sam Hargrave, a veteran stunt coordinator, the film’s standout is the long take fight sequences, which incorporate hand-to-hand combat, tactical maneuvers, and brutal realism.

The choreography blends Eastern and Western fighting styles, showcasing modern action-cinema techniques that elevate martial arts to a global audience. Its intensity, fluidity, and technical precision make it a recent must-watch for action enthusiasts.

8. Revenger (2018)

Revenger is a South Korean martial arts action thriller starring Ryu Seung-ryong, delivering both emotional depth and relentless combat. The film focuses on revenge-driven narratives, featuring dynamic swordplay and hand-to-hand combat sequences that are tightly choreographed and visually stunning.

The movie emphasizes honor, strategy, and raw physicality, combining traditional martial arts with modern cinematic techniques. Its cinematic style, suspenseful storytelling, and adrenaline-pumping fights make it a standout in contemporary martial arts cinema.

9. Hero (2002)

Starring Jet Li, the film narrates the story of a nameless warrior attempting to unite warring states, blending choreographed fight sequences with rich cinematography.

The movie stands out for its use of color symbolism, poetic visuals, and choreographed combat that reflects the emotional and moral stakes of each scene. Hero is not just an action film; it is an artistic exploration of sacrifice, honor, and heroism through the lens of martial arts.

10. Shadow (2018)

Directed by Zhang Yimou, Shadow is a visually stunning martial arts epic that blends strategy, intrigue, and breathtaking combat sequences.

What sets Shadow apart is its use of light, color, and cinematography to enhance every fight, turning martial arts combat into visual poetry. The story, centered on a king, a body double, and a rebellion, adds emotional depth and narrative tension, making it a must-watch for modern martial arts enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The martial arts genre offers more than just spectacular fighting—it provides stories of honor, resilience, and human spirit. Watching these movies will not only entertain but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the artistry, dedication, and philosophy behind martial arts.

For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, these films represent the pinnacle of martial arts storytelling and should be part of every cinephile’s must-watch collection. Masterful choreography, compelling narratives, and cultural significance converge in these cinematic gems, ensuring their place in the pantheon of all-time greatest martial arts movies.