Best Martial Arts Movies of the 1980s

Many martial arts fans believe that the 1980s was the golden age for the genre. Movies from this decade featured incredible choreographed fights with Asian actors, opening the way for all the next generation of martial artists. The success of actors like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Biao Yuen helped create a space in Hollywood for Asian people starring in lead roles.

For those who want to see what this era of martial arts cinema was all about, check out the movies below. Some have been forgotten in the decades since their release, but are more than worth revisiting today.

8 Yes, Madam! (1985)

One Of Michelle Yeoh’s Earliest Lead Roles

• Director: Corey Yuen
• Release Date: November 30, 1985
• Original Movie Title: Huang Jia Shi Jie
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Yes, Madam! stars Michelle Yeoh (known for her brilliant performances in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything Everywhere All At Once) in one of her first roles in the 1980s. The movie was highly successful and a breakthrough for Yeoh, who won Best New Performer, while the movie was nominated in Hong Kong for Best Action Choreography.

Fans praised the rush that the movie delivered in the action scenes by the two female leads, which brought a fresh side to martial arts movies from the 1980s. The film tells the story of two inspectors looking for two thieves involved in a murder. The fight sequences in this movie were performed by Yeoh and her co-star Cynthia Rothrock without much intervention or stunts, making it more fun to watch.

7 The Shaolin Temple (1982)

Launched Jet Li’s Career As A Martial Artist

• Director: Hsin-Yen Chang
• Release Date: January 21, 1982
• Original Movie Title: Shao Lin Si
• Streaming: —

Shaolin Temple was one of Jet Li’s first movies, which helped launch his career as a martial artist. The plot centers around a young kid (played by Jet Li) who is on a journey to get revenge for his father’s death. He starts to learn Shaolin Kong Fu from monks at the Shaolin Temple. However, he needs to make a vow to never commit murder.

The movie was directed by Hsin-Yen Chang, who released two additional movies, the comedy-action Kids From Shaolin and Fist From Shaolin. These Shaolin-themed films brought international recognition to Shaolin Kong-fu.

6 Wheels On Meals (1984)

A Mix Of Comedy & Action By The Unmatchable Jackie Chan

• Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• Release Date: August 17, 1984
• Original Movie Title: Fai Caan Che
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Wheels On Meals is a film with choreographed fight sequences starring the trio of Jackie Chan, Biao Yuen, and Sammo Kam-Bo Hung. This movie, which was shot in Barcelona, stands out because Jackie Chan is known for not using stunt doubles, making it more entertaining to watch his fight scenes.

The plot of Wheels on Meals centers around two friends who own a food truck and find themselves in the middle of an investigation of a kidnapped woman. The talented Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who also stars in the movie, has directed many other successful martial arts movies, like IP Man and Project A.

5 Project A (1983)

A Memorable Scene In Which Chan Falls Down From A Clock

• Director: Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• Release Date: December 22, 1983
• Original Movie Title: ‘A’ gai wak
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Here’s another iconic movie with the brilliant trio of Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, and Biao Yuen. The action scenes of Project A are memorable, and some fans believe the 1980s was the golden era for Jackie Chan.

The plot tells the story of a police officer (Chan) who’s defending the city from pirates because the military is unable to. Remembered thanks to his character’s fall from the clock, this movie delivers a mix of action-comedy, as expected from Chan’s movies.

4 Clan of the White Lotus

The Journey Into Defeating The White Lotus Clan

• Director: Lieh Lo
• Release Date: January 1, 1980
• Original Movie Title: Hong Wending San Po Bai Lian Jiao
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Directed and starring Lo Lieh, Clan Of The White Lotus tells the story of a fighter who seeks revenge on the White Lotus Clan after the killing of his loved ones. The clan’s leader has invincible strength and kung fu skills, so the story’s protagonist must go into rigorous training before facing him.

The movie is praised for its choreographed fight scenes that show traditional martial arts techniques. Even today, it remains a memorable and influential movie when it comes to the genre.

3 The Karate Kid (1984)

A Forever Classic Karate Movie

• Director: John G. Avildsen
• Release Date: October 25, 1984
• Original Movie Title: The Karate Kid
• Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

The Karate Kid, directed by John G. Avildesen, is a classic movie featuring Ralph Macchio and the martial artist icon Pat Morita. The plot centers around Daniel Larusso (Macchio), who, after moving states, is bullied by a group of kids who are highly trained in karate.

Easily rewatchable, this movie is an award winner for Best Iconic Film and an Oscar nominee for Best Supporting Actor (Pat Morita). This Karate film isn’t just about Karate; it carries messages of discipline, self-respect, and inner strength to all its viewers.

2 The Prodigal Son (1981)

A Kung-Fu Classic

• Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• Release Date: December 22, 1981
• Original Movie Title: Baai Ga Jai
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

This martial arts movie tells the story of the titular Prodigal Son (played by Biao Yuen), who goes on a journey of learning Kung Fu from a real master. It stars some of the best actors of the 1980s: Biao Yuen, Ching-Ying Lam, and the director and writer, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung.

This film is widely considered one of the best Kung Fu movies ever made. A mix of comedy, action, and choreographed fighting scenes results in an entertaining and authentic martial arts movie.

1 The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)

A Shaw Brothers Masterpiece