17 best action fight movies to watch on Netflix and streaming

The best things in life are movies about martial arts. You can enjoy this genre as a celebration in bodies moving, featuring great choreography, charismatic actors, jaw-dropping scenes and action sequences. They often run for comparatively short times.

Below, we’ve got a list of some of our favorite martial arts movies, all available to watch at home. We’ve got old Hong Kong classics, Jackie Chan action comedies, martial arts sports dramas, and even some Turtle Power for you. We couldn’t include everything we wanted, due to lack of availability and the lack of time on this world to list every great martial arts movie, but enjoy these picks!

The Way of the Dragon

Janus Films

Everyone has a favorite Bruce Lee film. For many, it’s the legendary 1973 spy thriller The Dragon is waiting for you. For me, it’s 1972’s The Way of the Dragon Also known as Return of the DragonIn the US where it was later released. The Dragon is waiting for you). He was an action-lead in his third movie and last film during his lifetime. The Way of the Dragon Lee wrote, directed, and performed in this movie for the first time.

Rome The Way of the Dragon It centers around an attack on a Chinese restaurant by organized crime. Tang Lung (Lee), an aggressive and confident martial arts instructor, is dispatched to Hong Kong to assist the restaurant. He can fight off the gangsters as well as teach staff how to fight. A crime-thriller comedy that combines action and humor. The film features a thrilling fight at the Coliseum, between Lee and Chuck Norris. This is Chuck Norris’s first movie role. The Way of the Dragon is arguably Lee’s most personal film. —Pete Volk

The Way of the Dragon You can stream it for free, with no ads. Pluto TV.

Five deadly venoms

Image: Dragon Dynasty

This Hong Kong classic stars the the actor/choreographer/martial artist/acrobat group Venom Mob, who rose to prominence (and got their colloquial poison-themed moniker) with this 1978 cult hit. Yang Tieh, played by Chiang Sheng, is the final student of the Poison Clan. He’s sent to investigate five former students he suspects are guilty of treachery. The five pupils each have names and fighting styles modeled after one of the Five Poisons: Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Lizard, and Toad (my personal favorite, he has “iron skin” that defends him from almost any form of harm). This film is hilariously funny and was extensively referenced by the Wu-Tang Clan as well. Kill Bill, Five deadly poisons This is a classic. —PV

Five VenomsStreaming is available Fandor, Arrow PlayerYou can stream it for free, with no ads. Pluto TV.

The Wheels of Meals

Rarely have creative groups managed to achieve the consistency of excellence Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao achieved with their Hong Kong martial art action comedy in the 1980s. The Wheels of Meals It is my personal favourite and one of the most outstanding movies in an extraordinary group. The movie was shot in Barcelona and centers on Thomas Chan and David Yuen, a couple of cousins that run a food truck with skateboarding tricks and fall for Lola Forner (a local woman). Their search for the woman leads them to Sammo Hung (an incompetent private detective) and they band together to help her.

The Wheels of Meals features some of the very best fight scenes of Chan’s prolific filmography, as he squares off against legendary kickboxer Benny Urquidez (the two would later fight again in Dragons ForeverHe was at that time one of the most well-known and respected fighters around the globe. Although the whole film is worthwhile, it’s worth taking your time to watch. If you prefer to find their marathon six-minute fight on YouTube, then there aren’t many better things in this world.

You should check this out, if you love it. Projekt A, which came out a year before and features one of the most daring and jaw-dropping stunts of Chan’s prolific career. —PV

The Wheels of Meals You can stream it for free, with no ads. PlexRent for $0.99 Amazon Prime.

Magnificent Warriors

Image by Tai Seng Video Marketing

An Indiana Jones-styled adventure by way of the Hong Kong martial arts movie boom of the 1980s, this is one of Michelle Yeoh’s early roles as an action star. Yeoh portrays an ace pilot working with Richard Ng (a conman) in order to stop the Japanese occupation China’s 1930s. This film features some amazing scenes of Yeoh using a rope dart, as well her usual captivating screen presence. Ja, MadamThe current availability of a is only for rent. —PV

Magnificent WarriorsIt is free to stream with advertisements Crackle.

Lionheart

We’re going with a slightly under-the-radar Van Damme entry for this list. Yes, Bloodsport rules, but if you’re here, you probably already know about that. You can find out more at www.in. LionheartVan Damme is Lyon, the French Foreign Legionnaire. He leaves his position to go see his brother, who has been dying, in hospital. When he’s pulled into an underground street fighting ring, Lyon impresses the organizers with his fighting skills. Directed and directed by BloodsportVan Damme and Sheldon Lettich co-authored the article Lionheart is one of the better entries in the prolific Belgian star’s filmography. —PV

Lionheartstreaming on Amazon Prime VideoFree to stream and without ads Tubi, Peacock, Roku, CracklePlease see the following: Pluto TV.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Image: New Line Cinema

Cab Passenger: [after Raphael jumps over the cab hood]Is that what you were talking about?

Cab Driver: Looked a lot like a large turtle dressed in a trench coat.

[pause]

Cab Driver: You’re going to LaGuardia, right?

Delightfully silly and overwhelmingly ’90s (for better and worse), the original TMNT This is an enjoyable time for all ages. The movie follows intrepid TV reporter April O’Neill (Judith Hoag) as she works with the turtles to stop a crime ring taking over New York City. The suits — designed by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, one of the Muppet master’s last projects — look incredible, and bring a real tangibility to this appropriately comic book-like adaptation. Real suits allowed talent to be specialized (different actors were used in puppetry, voice acting and for skateboarding stunts), which made it possible for the production not only to change people but also allow for audience immersion. The film was produced by the legendary Hong Kong studio Golden Harvest, and distributed by New Line Cinema. TMNT It was an unexpected box office hit and held the record for highest grossing independent movie until that point. Blair With Project. It’s also got a very young Sam Rockwell in a minor role! —PV

Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesThe stream is now available NetflixAnd HBO Max.

Drive (1997)

Image: Simitar Entertainment

It’s a total travesty Mark Dacascos (who some might know of) has done this. John Wick 3, did not become one of the major movie stars of the ’90s and beyond. Dacascos is a charismatic screen presence and an unbelieveably skilled martial artist. He plays Toby Wong in the direct-to-video action film. Dacascos stars as a bionic superhero who team up with a charmant but unhappy songwriter (Kadeem Hartison) and a motelier (“Brittany Murphy”) to escape from a group assassins. This movie is very entertaining and very 90s with great action scenes. Drive The star of the constellation deserves more recognition. —PV

DriveIt is free to stream with advertisements Tubi, Roku, IMDb TVPlease see the following: Pluto TVA stream is available HooplaYou can also get a librarycard.

Only One

Image: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Multiverse movies seem to be all the rage, so why not watch a classic movie? Jet Li plays a sinister cross-universe assassin whose lone goal is to kill every other version of himself in across the multi-verse, leaving him as “The One.” With each version of himself he kills, he gets stronger, gaining superhuman strength, speed and intelligence. Jet Li plays Gabriel Yulaw, his last alter ego, as well as Delroy Lindo, (!) Jason Statham (with an American accent !!!)), and Jason Li. star as multi-verse cops who are sent to locate him. Jet Li kicks people out of the air as soccer balls. Stay for his wild Nu Metal music from the early 2000s. —PV

Only OneIt is now available for streaming NetflixAnd Hulu.

Chocolate

Magnolia Home Entertainment

The action team behind Tony Jaa’s star-making vehicles Ong-Bak The ProtectorPanna Rittikrai and Prachya pinkaew (director) return with this 2008 film about Zen (martial arts artist Jeeja Yanin), a young girl with autism. She becomes obsessed with martial art after she is placed next to a martial artists school and sees martial arts movies on TV. These new skills are used by her to recover money due to her mother who is sick and to pay the medical bills. She also takes down a criminal ring in the area.

With action scenes that are spectacular and supporting actors featuring champion fighters from real life, Chocolate Although the feel-good story is not always clear, it’s a fun ride through martial arts. This movie has many references that will appeal to those who are interested in martial arts. Zen mimics certain moves from Jackie Chan’s films and Jaa when she fights. The movie originally intended the clips that Zen watches to include those from Lee and Chan’s filmographies, but because of rights issues, Chocolate was restricted to clips from Prachya’s previous movies with Jaa. —PV

ChocolateYou can stream the video on FuboFree with Ads TubiAvailable to stream online KanopyYou can also get a librarycard.

The Ip Man Series

Image by Well Go USA Entertainment

Now, the Ip Man is complete Five entries are included in the series, all of which are well worth your attention. The series is a fictionalized account of Ip Man, the Wing Chun master who taught Bruce Lee. Donnie Yen plays one of the most important roles in his long career. He portrays a thoughtful and pensive teacher who uses all his tools (including his unparalleled martial arts prowess), to protect his students. The four “main” entries are directed by frequent Yen collaborator Wilson Yip, with fights choreographed by Hong Kong legends Sammo Hung, Yuen Woo-Ping, or Yen himself, depending on which entry you’re watching — no matter which one you pick, you’re going to get excellent martial arts and a moving narrative.

Note: The spin-off company (Master Z: Ip Man Legacy) does not feature Yen or the Ip Man character, focusing instead on Max Zhang’s character from Ip Man 3It is not as good, but it’s still worth the time. —PV

Ip Man,Ip Man 2,Ip Man 3Please see the following: Ip Man 4 You can stream them on Netflix. Master Z: Ip Man Legacystreaming on Hi-Yah!Free with Ads TubiAvailable to stream online HooplaYou can also get a librarycard.

Blood and Bone

Image: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Michael Jai White is an absolute treasure. (See the first entry.) He has also been a star in many DTV-action movies. Blood and Bone This may be the most important. White is Isaiah Bone (an ex-marine fighter artist who was recently released from prison). He meets Pinball (Dante Basco), a local promoter and he starts to enter underground fights. He discovers how much the corrupt circuit leaders will take to keep their illegal businesses afloat as he dives deeper into underground combat. It was jaw-dropping to see former pro fighters Kimbo Slice, Matt Mullins and Bob Sapp fight. Blood and Bone White is a star as both a film star and as an actor. —PV

Blood and BoneAvailable to stream online Netflix.

Warrior

Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Hollywood is not known for producing quality sports dramas. In Warrior, two estranged brothers — one a former Marine and one-time wrestling prodigy (Tom Hardy), the other a former MMA pro-turned-high school physics teacher (Joel Edgerton) — compete in a massive MMA tournament, with more at stake than just the big cash prize. Gavin O’Connor’s heartfelt siblings-destined-to-collide story features terrific central performances, terrific MMA fight scenes (second unit director J.J. Perry is a modern action legend), and a strong tournament narrative structure that holds the whole thing together. —PV

Warrior You can stream it on NetflixAnd Fubo.

Tai Chi Man

Image: RADiUS-TWC

Keanu Reeves’ directorial debut is a kick-ass underdog story about a young Tai Chi martial artist (Tiger Chen, playing a character named Tiger Chen) who enters an underground fighting ring in need of money. Much of the tension in the movie is about Tai Chi as a martial art: Tiger’s teacher strongly disapproves of using the meditation-based martial art for violent means, and Tiger’s opponents see it as inferior and weaker to their chosen styles. Tai Chi Man It features great fight scenes, including appearances by IkoUwais (star stuntman Jeremy Marinas), and a riveting heel turn from Reeves as the antagonist in his role of a tycoon streaming bloody fights worldwide. —PV

Tai Chi ManYou can stream the video on FuboYou can also get ads for no cost. Tubi, Roku, Vudu, IMDb TVPlease see the following: Pluto TV.

The Assassin

Image by Well Go USA Entertainment

Taiwanese master Hou Hsiao-hsien’s (Sadness in a CityThe 2015 Wuxia Film is loosely inspired by a story about seventh-century martial art and was set in the Tang Dynasty period. Nie Yinniang (Shu Qi), an assassin, kills corrupt officials of the government at the order of her master. As a punishment, her aunt is sent to her cousin’s house in order to save one of her targets. Beautiful film with plenty of tension and appreciation for lush landscapes. You may wonder if there is a deadly Nie lurking in every frame. As Muhammad Ali famously said, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Your hands can’t hit what your eyes can’t see.” —PV

The AssassinIs available for streaming on Hi-Yah!You can also get a free ad on Tubi, YouTube, VuduPlease see the following: Pluto TV.

SPL II: Time to Think About the Consequences

Image by Well Go USA Entertainment

This is a hard-hitting film about martial arts that also doubles up as a thriller and hints at medical drama. SPL II: Time to Think About the ConsequencesThis is one of Hong Kong’s most notable action movies. This talented ensemble includes action stars Tony Jaa and Wu Jing as well as Max Zhang who all deliver top-notch emotional and physical performances.

Kit (Wu) is a cop who has gone undercover to infiltrate a crime syndicate that is running a sinister kidnapping-for-organ-harvesting scheme. When Kit’s cover is blown, he is sent to a prison in Thailand, whose warden (Zhang) is in league with the syndicate. Kit (Jaa), the warden and Chatchai (the prison guard) engage in a series of jaw-dropping combats.

There is not much to go on after the film of 2005. SPL: Sha Po LangYou can watch it safely SPL II You have not seen the first. —PV

SPL II: Time to Think About the ConsequencesYou can stream the video on Amazon Prime VideoAnd Hi-Yah!You can also find them free of charge with your ads Tubi, VuduPlease see the following: Pluto TV.

The Debt Collector

Image: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Scott Adkins is a struggling martial artist teacher who turns to the mob for his money. He’s partnered with a wisecracking veteran debt collector (Louis Mandylor) who shows him the ropes. When the pair are sent on a job that makes them question whether they can keep doing this line of work, they’re faced with a difficult choice and a powerful crime boss (Tony Todd). Jesse V. Johnson is the buddy comedy of action.Avengement, Hell Hath No Fury), The Debt Collector This is yet another delight of the DTV director. —PV

The Debt CollectorAvailable to stream online NetflixAnd HooplaYou can also get a librarycard.

We are all waiting for the night

Image courtesy of Netflix

We are all awake for the nightOk, so fucking whips is all you need. Why waste time on subtlety and preamble; the film certainly doesn’t! Indonesian action thrillers have been enjoying a renaissance period ever since Gareth Evans’ 2011 film RaidAfter kicking the door down, he mollywhopped every other thing in his path. Timo Tjahjanto’s 2018 film certainly follows in the footsteps of Evans’ own, with RaidJoe Taslim stars as Ito the gangland enforcer. He betrays the Triad crime clan by trying to escape the country and sparing the child’s life. Fellow Raid star Iko Uwais shows up here as Arian, Ito’s childhood friend and fellow enforcer, who is tasked with hunting down Ito and recovering the girl. This action is fast-paced and frenetic, featuring kinetic choreography, stunning handheld cinematography, and dramatic hand-held cinematography. Bear in mind: this film is leagues more gory and bloody than the rest you’ll find on this list, with generous blood squibs, dismemberments, and a particularly memorable moment involving a box cutter in the film’s finale. This film will get you pumping. —Toussaint Egan

We are all awake for the nightYou can stream the video on Netflix.