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Martial arts movies have had a huge impact on the cultural zeitgeist ever since they first made their way to the screen, creating some iconic rivalries in the process. The best martial arts movies have transcended decades, broken boundaries and impacted most other styles of film in one way or another. From the classics of wuxia, the rise of kung fu in the ‘70s and ‘80s, as well as the modern MMA landscape, these films have produced many superstars and supervillains.
Rivalries in martial arts movies have been as riveting as they’ve been brutal. Iconic match-ups like Bruce Lee vs. Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan vs. Ken Lo, and Michelle Yeoh vs. Ziyi Zhang, have brought to life battles that made audiences feel the emotion in every single roundhouse kick. While a period drama might rely heavily on dialogue, and a comedy will require jokes and visual gags, martial arts films can convey just as much plot and backstory through the way the main antagonists face off against each other.
10 Warrior (2011)
Tommy Conlon vs. Brendan Conlon
Warrior is a 2011 sports drama directed by Gavin O'Connor. The film stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton as estranged brothers who enter an MMA tournament, each driven by personal motives, which culminates in an emotional confrontation. Nick Nolte plays their father, a recovering alcoholic whose past actions have fragmented the family. The storyline weaves themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family bonds.
Director Gavin O'Connor
Release Date September 9, 2011
Runtime 140 Minutes
Set in the brutal world of MMA fighting, Warrior stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, who play bitterly estranged brothers. The root of their rivalry is realistic in a relatable way, as it's all about a difficult family history and a painful past. Tension with their abusive alcoholic father (Nick Nolte), and the tragic death of their mother at a young age, shaped the men in different ways and drove a huge wedge between them.
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They enter the same tournament for very different reasons and end up facing each other in the final showdown. The battle is extremely rough and bloody, but the most savage parts of the fight come from the raw emotion and underlying love that they still feel for each other. All the pent-up anger and feelings of guilt come to the surface with every punch, clinch, and choke. This rivalry is fascinating because of its complexity, as the audience empathizes with each brother. So, once the final blow ultimately lands, there's a lot on the line for everyone.
9 Bloodsport (1988)
Frank Dux vs. Chong Li
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in the martial arts movie Bloodsport as a fictional version of the real-life Frank Dux, a U.S. Army officer who participated in a secret underground martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Directed by Newt Arnold, the 1988 action film helped establish Van Damme as a Hollywood star.
Director Newt Arnold
Release Date February 26, 1988
Writers Sheldon Lettich
Cast Jean Claude Van Damme , Leah Ayres , Forest Whitaker , Donald Gibb , Roy Chiao
Runtime 92minutes
Jean-Claude Van Damme is one of the most prolific action stars in history, having starred in classics such as Universal Soldier, Hard Target, and Kickboxer. But it was Bloodsport that started it all and gave audiences the bitter rivalry between Frank Dux (Van Damme) and Chong Li (Bolo Yeung).
The heroic upbringing of the main protagonist and the untamed ruthlessness of his opponent make it a more straightforward choice when it comes to choosing who to root for, but the ride is entertaining nonetheless. Set in a no-holds-barred martial arts tournament in Hong Kong, each action scene showcases some impressive moves and an exciting array of shots.
Dux wants to avenge his friend who was brutally beaten by Li, who in turn has a deep desire to win at any cost.
As Dux and Li finally come face to face, their disdain for each other is palpable. Dux wants to avenge his friend who was brutally beaten by Li, who in turn has a deep desire to win at any cost. Chong plays dirty, blinding his opponent with a salt capsule mid-fight. This leads to a very satisfying callback to a technique Frank learned from his sensei. He fights blind and wins spectacularly.
8 Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
Jim McQuade vs. Rawley Wilkes
J.J. McQuade is a reclusive Texas Ranger known for his rough and unconventional methods and penchant for working alone. His world is turned upside down when his daughter is kidnapped by a notorious arms dealer. Forced to collaborate with a by-the-book FBI agent, McQuade heads off on a warpath of revenge to save his daughter.
Release Date April 15, 1983
Studio(s) 1818 Productions , Orion , Top Kick Productions
This film mixes martial arts with a Western flair, by rooting the story in deep Americana. With Chuck Norris taking on David Carradine, both their usual onscreen personas take center stage. McQuade (Norris) is a heroic Texas Ranger who protects and serves his community, while Wilkes (Carradine) is a crook who murders innocent people.
Seeing two martial arts greats pitted against each other is always a pleasure, and their tense scenes together do not disappoint. With a lot of the movie relying on various kinds of weapons, the showdown is one of hand-to-hand combat, allowing the rivals to showcase their impressive abilities. McQuade is on the way to being defeated when Wilkes threatens his daughter. A switch is triggered and a new wave of energy takes over him. The classic character archetypes and a welcoming air of simplicity to their reasoning make this rivalry great to watch.
7 House of the Flying Daggers (2004)
Leo vs. Jin
House of Flying Daggers is a 2004 martial arts romance film directed by Zhang Yimou. Set during the Tang Dynasty, the film stars Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, and Andy Lau. The story follows a skilled dancer who becomes embroiled in a rebellion against the government, and the two officers sent to capture her. Known for its vivid cinematography and elaborate fight choreography, the film explores themes of love, loyalty, and deception.
Director Zhang Yimou
Release Date May 19, 2004
Studio(s) Beijing New Picture Film Co. Ltd. , China Film Co-Production Corporation , Elite Group Enterprises , Zhang Yimou Studio , Focus Features , Sony Pictures Classics , Edko Films , EDKO Film
Cast Takeshi Kaneshiro , Andy Lau , Zhang Ziyi , Song Dandan , Hongfei Zhao
Runtime 119 Minutes
In this beautiful tale of intrigue and deception lies a love story for the ages. Former partners turn into rivals as Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Leo (Andy Lau) both end up falling in love with Xiao Mei (Ziyi Zhang). The story requires a lot of attention from the viewers with many twists, turns, and cases of mistaken intent. The chemistry between the three leads is electric, delivering a believable love triangle that culminates in a tragic yet epic fight.
Mei is torn between the former friends and neither of them wants to give her up.
The film culminates in a stunningly shot sequence that is both thrilling and heartbreaking. Utilizing the same storytelling techniques that were all prevalent throughout the movie, the fight mirrors the story of this complex and emotional rivalry and gives a very tragic ending.
6 Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Evelyn Quan Wang Vs. Jobu Tupaki
In Everything Everywhere All at Once, a middle-aged laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis. With just her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to support her through the confusion, she must contend with her overbearing traditional father (James Hong), a pencil-pushing auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her emotionally-distant daughter (Stephanie Hsu).
Director Daniel Kwan , Daniel Scheinert
Release Date March 25, 2022
Runtime 132 minutes
Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once dominated the awards circuit and took audiences on a weird and wonderful journey through the multiverse. The plot might be nearly impossible to explain, but at the center of the story lies a complicated relationship between a mother and her daughter. The film is a genre-defying mix of drama, comedy, and sci-fi, with a heavy dose of spectacular martial arts.
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The fight scenes are a visual feast for the eyes with Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis all putting in powerhouse performances across the board. After traveling through multiple worlds and facing off in almost every reality, when the audience finally discovers the real identity of the "big bad", it becomes apparent that the final fight between the rivals will be a tearjerker. It delivers on every level.
5 Road House (1989)
James Dalton vs. Brad Wesley
With a story and screenplay by David Lee Henry and direction from Rowdy Herrington, Road House is a 1989 Action release starring Patrick Swayze in the lead role. Swayze steps into the shoes of James Dalton, a bouncer that is hired by a club owner to provide security for the establishment.
Director Rowdy Herrington
Release Date May 19, 1989
Writers R. Lance Hill , Hilary Henkin
Runtime 114 minutes
One of Patrick Swayze's most memorable movies, Road House, sees him take on the role of James Dalton, a martial arts specialist who's hired as a bouncer at a very rowdy, dangerous bar. The small town is under the thumb of the ruthless Brad Wesley (Ben Gazzara) who doesn't appreciate Dalton's particular brand of law and order. As Wesley goes to ever more extreme measures of intimidation, he threatens those close to him and pushes James to his limit.
The last straw comes when Dalton finds his close friend Wade Garrett (Sam Elliot) murdered at Wesley's orders. What ensues is a revenge spree filled with brutal fights and a lot of bloodshed, as Dalton fights his way through all of Wesley's henchmen. The visceral hatred that fuels his actions can be felt in every punch and every opponent defeated. He shows he's the better man by sparing his rival's life, but the townspeople he's been protecting ultimately finish the job for him.
4 The Matrix (1999)
Neo vs. Agent Smith
The Matrix, directed by the Wachowskis, stars Keanu Reeves as Neo, a hacker who discovers that reality is a simulated construct controlled by intelligent machines. Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss co-star as Morpheus and Trinity, who help Neo navigate and ultimately challenge the artificial world. The film blends action, philosophy, and groundbreaking visual effects, establishing itself as a pivotal entry in the science fiction genre.
Director Lana Wachowski , Lilly Wachowski
Release Date March 31, 1999
Writers Lilly Wachowski , Lana Wachowski
Runtime 136 minutes
Keanu Reeves is a bona fide action star with many successful franchises under his belt, and The Matrix films are responsible for some of the most game-changing martial arts sequences in history. The Wachowskis introduced the world to the red and blue pill versions of reality, bringing with it reality-altering fight scenes, and a feeling of uncertainty anytime a black cat passes by twice. Reeves' Neo is the chosen one and takes on the ruling robots, represented by a never-ending army of agents. The most ruthless and persistent of them all is Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving).
Smith is a big part of Neo's story and represents the other side of the coin. The fight scenes between the two antagonists are nothing short of incredible and happen not only in the first film but also in the other two direct sequels and 202's The Matrix Resurrections. From dodging bullets in slow motion to the final clash where Neo has finally gained the system, every time these rivals face-off, the results leave the audience aghast.
3 The Karate Kid (1984)
Daniel LaRusso vs. Johnny Lawrence
Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.
Director John G. Avildsen
Release Date June 22, 1984
Writers Robert Mark Kamen
A film that brought martial arts to a younger audience, The Karate Kid offers a more relatable kind of rivalry. When Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves to Los Angeles from New Jersey, he makes an enemy out of the local bully, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). Whether they're fighting over a girl (Elizabeth Shue), over who has a bigger ego or competing against each other in the All Valley Karate Tournament, these two do not like each other.
It could be argued that they were both right or wrong in their own way and that they bullied each other, but the contempt on each side was apparent. While the message of the film is about how karate teaches restraint and honor, the showdown between the two is a long time coming. With another rivalry sub-plot between Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) and John Kreese (Martin Kove), the audience finds themselves rooting against the ways of Cobra Kai, despite what Barney Stinson had said on How I Met Your Mother. Having spawned multiple sequels, remakes, and a spin-off show, this is where it all started.
2 John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
John Wick vs. Caine
Following the events of Chapter 3 - Parabellum, John Wick Chapter 4 will see the titular character battle against some of his most dangerous foes yet. With a bounty on his head that continues to skyrocket, John decides to take the fight to the High Table on a global scale and battles across areas like Osaka and Paris to wipe out some of the strongest players in the underworld.
Director Chad Stahelski
Release Date March 24, 2023
Studio(s) Lionsgate
Runtime 169 minutes
Keanu Reeves showcases an impressive array of fighting skills in the John Wick franchise, as he takes on his many enemies and their henchmen. While it could be argued that it all started with what happened to his dog, the reasons for John going on a four-film (and counting) rampage are much more layered and complex. His fight against the system he had unwillingly been a part of puts him face to face with many rivals.
While a relatively recent film compared to classics of the genre, John Wick: Chapter 4 has already left its mark.
In John Wick: Chapter 4, that rival happens to be Caine (Donnie Yen). A fellow assassin, this intimidating character is a formidable opponent, even with his sight impairment, and the fight scenes between the two are electrifying. The viewers are overcome with dread whenever Caine encounters any of Wick's allies, and their ultimate battle at the Sacre Coeur in Paris is one of the best in the whole franchise. While a relatively recent film compared to classics of the genre, John Wick: Chapter 4 has already left its mark.
1 Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2 (2003/2004)
The Bride vs. Bill
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Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill is a classic tale of betrayal and revenge. When the Bride (Uma Thurman) awakens from a four-year coma, she sets out to settle the score with the team of assassins that betrayed her at the behest of her former boss, Bill (David Carradine). Tracking and killing the world-class assassins isn't easy, but the Bride uses all the tools at her disposal in her relentless pursuit of revenge.
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Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Kill Bill: Vol. 2, directed by Quentin Tarantino, continues the story of The Bride as she seeks vengeance against the remaining members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. As she systematically confronts her former associates, her journey leads to an inevitable showdown with her ultimate target, Bill.
Kill Bill Vol 1 and 2, brought martial arts to a whole new audience. Quentin Tarantino had an in-built audience of fans, some of whom had never watched these types of films but gained a great deal of appreciation for the genre. In this two-part story, Uma Thurman's character goes on an epic journey of vengeance, leaving death and destruction in her wake. Known only as, The Bride, she battles her way through the likes of Daryl Hannah, Lucy Liu, and Michael Madsen to ultimately get to Bill (David Carradine).
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Both films take the audience on a journey of The Bride's past while giving plenty of backstory and context to each supporting character. Every opponent she faces is a piece of the puzzle of what had happened to her, and every stunning fight scene is both spectacular and important for the story.
Through clever use of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling, The Bride's mission to avenge the bloodbath on her wedding day brings her to her former mentor and partner. Their final fight is satisfying to watch on both an emotional and visual level. This rivalry includes elements of mystery, the thrill of the chase, and some stunning action.
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