The martial arts movies are not only the scenes when characters hit each other and deliver kicks–they are a reflection of the protagonist’s discipline, charm, and pure bodily craftsmanship. Top martial arts actors don’t perform fights just for movies; they revolutionize the action genre by meshing traditions with modern techniques and thus, leaving an impression on the entire globe. Below is a countdown of 15 actors who defined the genre, from unknown baddies to international heroes.
15. Fung Hak-on
Typically, the bad guy you wouldn’t be able to forget, Fung Hak-on, established his career as Hong Kong cinema’s most dependable bad guy. Beginning as a stuntman, then transitioning into notable roles in Police Story and Ip Man 2, Fung’s aptitude and on-screen presence earned him a staple figure in the business.
14. Yuen Biao
Although overshadowed too often by Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao established his own place as one of the greatest acrobats in the history of martial arts films. Having doubled for Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, he proceeded to star in such movies as Knockabout and The Prodigal Son. His radiant athleticism and comedic timing won him a loyal following.
13. Angela Mao
Nicknamed “Lady Kung Fu,” Angela Mao opened the doors for women in action films. Trained in hapkido, she broke through with Lady Whirlwind during the’70s0, then earned international fame as Bruce Lee’s sister in Enter the Dragon. Her daring performances made her a trailblazer for future generations of martial arts heroines.
12. Lo Lieh
Before Bruce Lee was known worldwide, Lo Lieh was the face of martial arts movies. The film he starred in, King Boxer (Five Fingers of Death), was the first one to take the genre outside Asia, and later movies like Executioners from Shaolin only confirmed his status. Lo Lieh’s powerful acting and commitment to the art kept him at the center of kung fu cinema for a very long time.
11. Sammo Hung
Sammo Hung was one of the most versatile stars of martial arts movies, whose agility was perfectly complemented by his creative choreography. As an actor, director, and fight coordinator, he was everywhere and very influential in the making of Hong Kong’s New Wave action films. Hung’s contribution is tremendous not only in the “Three Dragons” films with Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao but also in his horror and comedy works.
10. Bolo Yeung
Few bad guys possessed the raw presence of Bolo Yeung. Famous for his physique and glaring stare, he fought Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon and Jean-Claude Van Damme in Bloodsport. Trained in tai chi and wing chun, Bolo’s sheer body made him memorable.
9. Michelle Yeoh
Beauty and ferocity characterize Michelle Yeoh’s professional life. From her wire-work stunts in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to her genre-mashing performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once, she’s demonstrated unequalled range. Yeoh has performed all her own stunts, earning herself a reputation as one of the most iconic martial arts stars of cinema.
8. Gordon Liu
Whether as the heroic Shaolin monk in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin or the bald killer in Kill Bill, Gordon Liu demonstrated his versatility time and time again. A Shaw Brothers icon, Liu excelled in both heroic and villainous roles, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the development of kung fu films.
7. Sonny Chiba
During the 1970s, Sonny Chiba shocked audiences with his feral, violent energy. His movies helped take martial arts cinema in a more violent, visceral direction, and his cult status later gained him new fans when Quentin Tarantino cast him in Kill Bill. Chiba’s intense screen presence ensured that he had a cult following.
6. Tony Jaa
Tony Jaa revolutionized stunt work with breathtaking athletic stunts in Ong-Bak and The Protector. Eliminating wires and doubles, he used only his proficiency in Muay Thai, Taekwondo, and gymnastics. His rough-and-tumble, high-risk approach put Thai martial arts on the international map.
5. Jean-Claude Van Damme
The “Muscles from Brussels” blended martial arts with European sophistication. Gaining fame for his splits and helicopter kicks, Van Damme became a Hollywood staple throughout the late ’80s and ’90s in Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Universal Soldier. His blend of athleticism and movie-star magnetism earned him a place in action cinema history.
4. Jet Li
With his Wushu background, Jet Li brought a unique blend of precision and elegance to martial arts films. From Shaolin Temple to Hero and Fearless, he revitalized traditional Chinese action while also crossing into Hollywood with Lethal Weapon 4 and The Forbidden Kingdom. Li’s influence is both global and enduring.
3. Donnie Yen
As the lead actor in the Ip Man franchise, Donnie Yen brought Wing Chun to the world. Aside from that, his versatility has seen him move from period dramas to franchises such as Rogue One and John Wick 4. Famous for advancing fight choreography to new heights, Yen is perhaps the face of contemporary martial arts films.
2. Jackie Chan
Mixing comedy with action, Jackie Chan redefined the martial arts movie. From Drunken Master to Hollywood blockbusters such as Rush Hour, he always did his own jaw-dropping stunts, sometimes at the cost of personal injury. With his combination of wit, imagination, and determination, Chan emerged as one of the world’s most popular action heroes.
1. Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee’s brief career was nothing less than revolutionary. With movies such as Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon, and Enter the Dragon, he not only set box office records but also transcended cultural ones. His philosophy, physical prowess, and on-screen presence altered the way the world perceived martial arts–and film itself–forever.
From their genre-defining masters to their boundary-breaking contemporary stars, these 15 martial artists have demonstrated that fight scenes are not just spectacle–they can be art, philosophy, and downright cinematic sorcery.