The 10 Greatest Fight Movies of All Time
(Just one of the reasons why you should rent “The Story of Ricky” immediately.)
Long before we became obsessed with MMA, martial arts flicks satisfied our thirst for blood. We now pay tribute to the best of the best — and the kickass fight scenes and iconic stars that made these movies so essential. Click the links for video clips, and let us know how you feel in the comments section…
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10. Kickboxer (1989)
Say what you will about Kickboxer, but it delivers what it promises. Jean-Claude Van Damme plays Kurt Sloane, the European-accented brother to an American kickboxing champion (?) who travels to Thailand only to be paralyzed by the vicious Tong Po. It isn’t until Sloane seeks out the wisdom and awesomely unorthodox training of Xian Chow that he is ready to seek revenge in a brutal underground match that features no shortage of broken glass-encrusted fists and long, drawn-out screams.
Best Ass-Kicking: How do you prepare for the fight of your life? By getting drunk and beating up bar patrons while dancing horribly in pleated pants. How else?
Classic Quote: “I tell them you say they no good fighters… and that their mothers have sex with mules.” (Xian Chow)
9. The Legend of Drunken Master aka Drunken Master II (1994)
Widely considered to be Jackie Chan’s masterwork, The Legend of Drunken Master centers on a good-natured devotee of “drunken boxing,” who — like Popeye with his spinach — becomes an unstoppable force whenever he gets some booze in him. It’s a perfect representation of Chan’s trademark mix of slapstick comedy, white-knuckle stunts, and machine gun-paced kung fu, and the climactic eight-minute sequence is possibly the most astounding piece of fight choreography committed to film. If the whole movie was like that, Drunken Master would be much higher on our list. Unfortunately there’s a lot of filler about ginseng roots and Western imperialism that you have to wade through to get to the good stuff.
Best ass-kicking: The aforementioned final fight between Wong Fei-hung (Chan) and the movie’s two villains, which features fire-breathing, an attempted chin-in-eye submission, and some truly diabolical feats of agility.
Classic quote: “What does it mean when there’s a picture of a skull?” “Good Stuff!” (Mrs. Wong and Wong Fei-hung)
8. The Protector (2005)
These days, Tony Jaa is the only action star worth watching. His films are marked by a high-impact ultra-realism, due to the fact that he’s genuinely kicking the shit out of his unfortunate co-stars. (Like Jackie Chan, Jaa also foregoes the use of wires and body-doubles.) In The Protector, he plays Kham, a man trained in Muay Thai as a guard/caretaker of his family’s sacred elephants. When his father is murdered and their prize elephant is stolen by a smuggling ring, Kham is sent into a kill-crazy rampage for justice. From his vicious arm-breaking spree near the end of the movie to his face-off against a pack of roided-out man-freaks, it’s a thrilling showcase of Jaa’s awe-inspiring abilities.
Best ass-kicking: The monumental tracking shot as Kham makes his way to the hideout of the smugglers. Four minutes of uninterrupted destruction, with no camera cuts — an absolute must-see.
Classic quote: “He came from Thailand; a stranger who lived by a code of honor that we have all but forgotten. His were the old ways, and there were those who mocked him for it. But his was the right path. The just path. And for me, he will always be a hero.” (Mark)
7. The Karate Kid (1984)
It’s hokey and it’s dated, but it’s still the classic that had kids in the eighties signing up for karate lessons and wearing flimsy gi’s as pajamas. I mean, at least I heard some kids did that, the losers. Daniel LaRussa is everyone’s favorite underdog as he stands up to the bullies at the Cobra Kai with Mr. Miagi’s help and romances Elizabeth Shue en route to winning a karate tournament and being declared “all right” by the formidable Johnny Lawrence.
Best Ass-Kicking: Mr. Miagi is Daniel’s savior as he drops in ninja-style to dismantle the skeleton crew from the Cobra Kai dojo.
Classic Quote: “Fear does not exist in this dojo, does it?” “No, sensei!” (John Kreese and Cobra Kai)
6. Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky (1991)
It might just be the most batshit crazy cult classic of all time — and it’s definitely the grossest. Riki-Oh tells the tale of a young man born with superhuman strength, who is sent to prison after avenging his girlfriend’s sort-of-accidental death. Since it’s the year 2001 (!), all prisons are privately-owned, and this one is run by a corrupt warden and his henchmen in the Gang of Four. Ricky quickly lands on their shitlist, and spends most of the movie fighting for his life. Along the way, heads are crushed, eyeballs are punctured, and Ricky is nearly strangled with an attacker’s intestines. Trust us, it’s absolutely hilarious.
Best ass-kicking: Ricky punches holes through two men in the shower room; an honorable mention goes to his unforgettable demolition of Tarzan (clips from both scenes can be seen here, at the 0:51-1:34 and 2:13-2:37 marks).
Classic quote: “You got a lotta guts, Oscar!” (Assistant Warden)
5. The Street Fighter (1974)
With his intimidating, wolfish demeanor and practicality-over-flash style, Sonny Chiba was never going to be the mainstream star that Bruce Lee was. But his films were undeniably badass, and The Street Fighter was his finest moment. Chiba plays Terry Tsurugi, a stone-cold mercenary who decides to protect a wealthy heiress from the Yakuza after they give him a lowball offer for her kidnapping. IMDB says that The Street Fighter was the first film to get an X-rating for violence; though the flick may seem a bit tame by today’s standards, the testicle-ripping scene still makes us cringe to this day.
Best ass-kicking: Tsurugi beats down an entire karate school (starts at the 1:45 mark), though he has a little trouble with their rotund master.
Classic quote: “Tell that bitch who sent you how sorry I am I can no longer be her friend.” (Terry Tsurugi)
4. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Quentin Tarantino regurgitated everything he loved about kung fu movies and the female-revenge exploitation sub-genre into this, the most frenetic and visually stunning film of his career. Brutalized and left for dead on her wedding day, the Bride (Uma Thurman) emerges from a coma four years later, intent on destroying her former associates/would-be killers in the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, as well as her boss and former lover, Bill. Along the way, she picks up the blade-of-all-blades in Japan, thanks to retired swordsmith Hattori Hanzo (Sonny Chiba in a brilliant cameo), and by the end, two names on the Bride’s death list are satisfyingly crossed out.
Best ass-kicking: The Bride slashes through the entire “Crazy 88″ bodyguard crew, turning the House of Blue Leaves into a gore-soaked killing floor; directly followed by the climactic snow-garden showdown with O-Ren Ishii.
Classic quote: “Those of you lucky enough to have your lives, take them with you. However, leave the limbs you’ve lost. They belong to me now.” (The Bride)
3. Bloodsport (1988)
It’s everything that UFC 1 aspired to be. The Kumite, an ultra-secret underground fighting tournament in Hong Kong, draws the best in all disciplines from all over the world. Among them is Frank Dux, an American Army soldier and martial artist with an inexplicable European accent (?!). Ogre from Revenge of the Nerds is there too. Things get serious when Chong Li — with his enormous pecs and complete lack of ethics — takes a little too much pleasure in hurting people. He must be stopped. But by who? Could it be the clean-cut guy who’s banging the hot eighties blond chick? We won’t spoil it for you.
Best Ass-Kicking: You never think you’re going to need that blindfolded training. That is, until Chong Li blinds you — Mr. Fuji style — in your final match and you’re forced to win without aid of your vision. Thanks, Tanaka.
Classic Quote: “Aren’t you a little young for full-contact?” “Aren’t you a little old for videogames?” (Ray Jackson and Frank Dux)
2. Fight Club (1999)
It’s almost dismissive to refer to this as a fighting movie. It’s more a film about angst and modern masculinity with fighting as a vehicle for enlightenment. Or some bullshit like that. Beyond being extremely well-written and well-acted, not to mention being directed by the gritty, detail-obsessive David Fincher, it captured the zeitgeist of the corporate American consumer culture and threw in some bloody beatings for good measure. Not only did the opening of this movie prompt one CagePotato writer to dump a girlfriend who insisted it was “stupid”, it also still has the ability to immediately transfix 18-34 year-old males when it comes on HBO late at night.
Best Ass-Kicking: Edward Norton destroys something beautiful, and that something is poor Jared Leto.
Classic Quote: “This is your life and it’s ending one minute at a time.” (Narrator)
1. Enter the Dragon (1973)
Perhaps the most perfect martial arts movie ever made. Bruce Lee infiltrates the secret island lair of an evil mastermind by way of entering his martial arts tournament. Not only does this film have all the prerequisite elements — faceless crowds of henchmen, evil dude with deadly hand attachments, philosophical digressions — it also features a cast that’s a who’s who of martial arts movies, including Black Belt Jones himself, Jim Kelly, as well as Bolo Yeung and Jackie Chan (uncredited). If the plot seems cliché, that’s probably because it’s been copied so much since then. Because it works.
Best Ass-Kicking: The penultimate fight scene, during which Bruce Lee takes on every martial arts extra in existence during the 1970’s.
Classic Quote: “Don’t think. Feel. It is like a finger pointing away to the moon. Do not concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.” (Lee)
Here’s the part where you tell us how we left out, like, the sickest fight movie ever. Throw in your $0.02 in the comments section.
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July 25th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Ok I kind of agree with the ranking but Karate Kid over Jack Chan? I doubt it!
Holla!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:05 am
How about Hard Times with Charles Bronson?
July 25th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Seriously this list sucks. Where is ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’ and ‘Best of the Best’?
July 25th, 2008 at 7:15 am
No Jet Li movie made the list? Have you seen this guy fight? I don’t understand Karate Kid but no Jet li.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:17 am
what about rocky
July 25th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Haven’t seen The Protector yet, but Ong Bak certainly has some outstanding Tony Jaa action scenes.
The best line from that is when his teacher tells him at the beginning that he should never use his Muay Thai skills. Then he proceeds to spend the next hour and a half using his Muay Thai skills.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Oh Ben. You knew you were asking for trouble when you put this list together….
“Bloodsport”: Yes. It was a groundbreaking martial arts film that really exposed the different styles of martial arts throughout the world.
“Kickboxer”: WTF? Are you serious? That is probably one JCVD WORST films. I’ll assume it was just the booze talkin’…
Notably absent suggestions:
- Brandon Lee’s “Rapid Fire”
- Wu Jin’s “Fatal Contact” (Come on! It’s an MMA/streetfight flick)
- Donnie Yen’s two BRILLIANT, must-see films “Flash Point” and “SPL” aka: “Sha Po Lang”
- Director Walter Hill’s “Hard Times” with Charles Bronson as a depression era bare-knuckle brawler and “Streets of Fire”. Yes, I know S.O.F. is a cheesy 80’s music video of a movie, but the final fight scene with Maichael Pare and Willem Dafoe going at each other with pointed sledgehammers while the lead singer of the band Fear goads them on NEVER gets old!
- Jackie Chan’s groundbreaking “Police Story” and highly entertaning “The Big Brawl” aka “Battle Creek Brawl”.
- And the classic Chuck Norris masterpiece of ass-kickery: “Lone Wolf McQuade”.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:24 am
decnt list lots of my favs on ther.e but IMO Jet Li’s Fist of legend is something to behold every fight is brutal and the whole movie is an homage to Bruce Lee.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I think if you put fight club on this list you have to put the matrix on as well.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I am sure that most have different opinions, but I see this as a guide to rent a couple of movies that I have heard about but not seen yet. Thanks.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I want to see Bruce Leroy on this list.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:38 am
what about UNLEASHED?
July 25th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Best of the Best is great, how you beat dislocating shoulders and “the ridge hand!”. Only with stunning Triple flying butterfly kicks executed flawlessly by the Rhee brothers. Also features Chris Penn and God. By God I mean James Earl Jones.
Also missing Jet fucking Li, what’s up?! I suggest The One, for the awe-inspiring final sequence in which Li, playing both sides, demonstrates -perfectly- the classic Hsing-I vs. Bagua form. Each punch is accented by kodo drums adding to the impact of the scene.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:54 am
gymkata bitches!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:59 am
How could no one remember, NO RETREAT NO SURRENDER.
Jean Douche first movie,
The title is the best line in the movie.
its pure genius!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Retreat,_No_Surrender
July 25th, 2008 at 8:00 am
seriously though…
once upon a time in china 2
iron monkey
master killer
twin warriors
fist of the red dragon
i guess i’m kinda partial to HK fu flicks, tho
July 25th, 2008 at 8:06 am
FIST OF LEGEND
July 25th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Bump the Van Dam movies & slap on Master Killer(Gordon Liu) & Fist of Legend(Jet Li)
July 25th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I GLADE THIS WAS PUT UP. NOW LISTEN TO ALL THE WANNA BE FIGHTERS PUTTING IN THERE .02 WORTH COMMENTS,TOO FUNNY.. ALL GOOD MOVIES EVEN THE .02 LIST LOL!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Donnie Yen’s “Flash Point” has real MMA moves in it. It was reported that before he starred and did the choreography for this film that we was really getting into MMA. You will see Arm Bars and Take Downs through out the film, really bad ass.
This list could not be complete without Jet Li’s “Fist of Legend”
July 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
“Fist of Fury”, also known as “The Chinese Connection”, not to be confused with “Fists of Fury”
Had Bruce Lee in it, his second major film after “The Big Boss”
Best one Imo.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
@ “glaz”, “MMA18″ and “Hunkgolden”
All good suggestions and great movies. But I would define them more as “martial arts” flicks as opposed to “fight” films. I know I’m splitting hairs, but that was my impression of the list. BTW, Iron Monkey RULES.
@ “DROP DEAD JACK”
Great suggestion! I just watched UNLEASHED again the other night. This is one of those films that has martial arts elements, but falls into the fight catagory IMO.
@ “TOO FUNNY”
…you’re not.
But gee, we’re all “glade” you stopped by. Now stop shouting and go milk your goat.
And by the way, if your looking for “wanna be fighters”, just go to bloodyelbow.com.
…or just look in mirror, jackass.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Its not a fight movie persay, but how abotu a vote for the greatest fight scene in a movie ever made. John Carpenter’s They Live! circa 1988. I think it got voted greatest fight scene ever somewhere online, i remember reading it.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:42 am
NEVER BACK DOWN SHOULD BE #’s 1-10
July 25th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Great List, but Fist of legend undeniably deserves to be in top 3. I behold it 2 on my list.
I get the feeling Ben hates highflying cable kung fu (I only dislike), but minus the couple wire scenes in this movie, Jet-Li’s natural mimicking ability and body control has to be acknowledged.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8DP1OhX-fA
How many actors in your 10 ten list can box like that?
July 25th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Jet Li - Fist of Legend, is missing.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:49 am
The Last Dragon?
July 25th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Don’t forget The Prodigal Son and The Magnificent Butcher!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Berry Gordy’s ‘The Last Dragon’
Sho’Nuff!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
You missed the mark totally you turd.
Where is Chuck Norris and Steven Segal? Many of their movies deserve to be at the top of this list
July 25th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Legend of Red Dragon, the kid in that movie with Jet Li is sick, I don’ t know his name but he was in a few of Jet LI’s movies, also what about Big Trouble in Little China, and American Ninja
July 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am
If anyone is thinking of renting The Protector i suggest you look for the original Thai version which is called Tom Yong Goong. they edit out some stuff in the american version.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Come on guys, The Last Dragon is the greatest fight movie ever. Bruce Leroy vs. The Shogun of Harlem? Classic!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:38 am
The Protecter Sucked!!! The whole elephant thing was retarted….I think Jet Li’s Fearless was a good Movie, but the one you guys needed on this list instead of the Protecter was Kung Fu Hustle, That movie was classic!!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:50 am
ONG BAK biatches.
CG - that was a good line, but i think the best was in the chase through the market, tony’s bumblin sidekick has a cleaver and pursuers stop dead in their tracks….here comes the old lady, “knives for sale”
July 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I don’t know how you missed Jet Li’s “Hero”….
July 25th, 2008 at 10:10 am
GLAD you included Riki-Oh.
MAD you included Kill Bill.
SAD you left out the Once upon a time in China series.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:21 am
yea i gotta say Fist of Legend is the best
July 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Classics- Fist of Fury. Lee’s best, I think.
New- Kung Fu Hustle original, not dubbed. I can watch that one over and over.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:06 am
SHOALIN SOCCER?
July 25th, 2008 at 11:18 am
no hold barred should be at least # 3
July 25th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I really thought the recent Redbelt was a really great film.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Chuck Norris in The Octagon,
Tagline: “The Ninja, unholy master of terror. No one will admit they still exist”
“Only one man can stop him.” “No-one will admit he still exists! Unholy master of terror…”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Octagon_%28film%29
July 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Good list guys, but too many American movies in my opinion.
“Kill Bill” was inspired by a great Japanese movie called “Lady Snowblood”, check it out.
Other non-american “fighting” movies that need to be watched.
Shogun Assassin-All 5 of them
Tokyo Rampage
Oldboy- Best fight scene ever in any movie- also my favorite movie ever.
Ichi the Killer
Mr. Vampire
The House of Flying Daggers
Seven Samurai
Battle Royale-All of them
Have a good day, Guys!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Karate Kid Gotta Go……Should have Rapid Fire, No Retreat No Surrender,Onk Bak Instead of Protector…….And YOU Gotta Have BRUCE LEROY….SHONUFF!!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Yea, this list seems like a “best of fight movies I’ve seen recently” … not to mention Kill Bill isn’t even a fight movie. It’s a spaghetti western via Kurosawa swirled with the Tarantino-style-swizzle-stick.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
how can BIG TROUBLE LITTLE CHINA not be on here this is a traveshamockery!
July 25th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
i think you have to put a bruce lee #1 just because, and van dam should get a spot but i dunno about giving him 2, and jackie chan should obviously be on there, but how do you leave out jet li? someone else mentioned hero and that was a great movie.
crouching tiger hidden dragon needs to be here
i think you need to put the matrix in too
and kung fu hustle was actually a really good movie too
but with kill bill, fight club, the matrix, crouching tiger, kung fu hustle, and hero, you would have 6 out of your 10 being movies from the last 10 years. those really are my favorites though i would probably list them, and then put 1 jackie chan movie, 1 bruce lee movie, and 1 van dam movie. i might give karate id the 10 spot im not sure though id have to think about it more.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Seriously!?, Fist of Legend should be in the top three of every list, but it isn’t even on here.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
What about NEVER BACK DOWN
July 25th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Its totally cool and uber realistic with a one-of-a-kind plot line that really does a service to the sport of mixed martial arts
July 25th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
What a racist pile of crap this list is!
Racism is the only explanation for inexplicably ignoring ‘The Last Dragon’ when compiling your list.
This was the preeminent martial arts movie for all the brothas out there. How do you find anything better than Bruce Leroy battling the evil shogun of Harlem, Sho’nuff?
Best movie ever. Ya’ dig?
July 25th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Fist of the Northstar, live action not anime.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
This list is great… for Amateurs.. im really dissapointed.
There were some great mentions, but as far as entertainment value… Chuck Norris? Where is the man-god Chuck Norris…
I nominate Chuck Norris in Lone Wolf McQuaid
“Go get me a beer kid.”
July 25th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
You All forgot about the two greatest movies ever made
“Mortal Kombat”
“Street Fighter: The Movie”
Watching johnny cage punch goro in the balls is classic
July 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
“Bruce Leroy Says:
July 25th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
What a racist pile of crap this list is!”
now i heard it all a racist movie list when will this world jus learn to live together shame on you top 10 movie list
July 25th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
How is “Shogun Assassin” not listed here?
“Ong Bak” was far better than “The Protector.”
“Kill Bill” had great fight scenes, but the second iteration was a much better film.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
BEST OF THE BEST!!!
and
UNDER SIEGE!!!!
I idolized Seagal in Under Siege, and it was Busey’s last good role.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
The original drunken master was better than that piece of shit. Jackie chan still owns though, he and chris tucker would fuck up Lee and Norris
July 25th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
You left out Three Ninjas Kick Back,
the Hillary Swank Karate Kid and Only the Strong.
But seriously Yojimbo and Sword of Doom are sweet.
I agree with the Once Upon a Time in China outcry
and Master of the Flying Guillotine.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
the best martial arts movie of all time was beverly hills ninja…and “sweep the leg” is the best line of karate kid…end of story
July 25th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Hey first, gang of cold vomit faces, Never back down is a fucking shit. Don’t anyone know the film « Born to fight»? It’s produce by the same guys than Ong-Bak and the Protector. That’s a real fucking martial art movie. Jackie Chan and Jet Li look like fags compare to the guys who do the stunts in that movie. Go cop’ that bitches
July 25th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Brandon Lee’s “Rapid Fire”
Chuck Norris “Lone Wolf McQuaid” or “The Octagon”
The Matrix
Jet Li “Kiss of the Dragon”
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Iron Monkey
Redbelt
All deserving of this list
July 25th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
MMA Scraps mentioned the greatest fight movie ever, Old Boy. Fan-FREAKIN-tastic! Watch it, you’ll love it.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
what about beverly hills ninja and double dragon. or the saved by the bell episode when zach and slater get in a fight
July 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I should change my name to cagepotato nuthugger:
I completely love your list.
mad props for just doing the list and giving love to these movies. I really enjoyed em all.
Again thank you.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
How about Hard Times with Charles Bronson?
July 25th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
What about Rowdy Roddy in They live,”put on the glasses”.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Ken Takahura in the Yakuza, damn scary swordfight.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
where’s fearless hyena?! shaolin llama!?! snake in monkey’s shadow!??! SHAOLIN DOLOMITE!?! hahahaha
July 25th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I have to agree that Fist of the Northstar deserves Honorable mention. Yes it was full of cheese but that actor Gary Daniels(?) is a fucking badass. Some of his scenes are just nuts his kicks are insane. I do think that the Transporter deserves mention. Jason Statham is one mean Mofo. And Blade #1 should be on the list Wesley Snipes throws in all kinds of moves in that movie. He even does a couple of Capoeira kicks. BLADE KICKS ASS!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
The Best of the Best definately deserves to make the top 10….
Maybe even the 90’s Streetfighter with Van Damme and Raul Julia. Classic.
“Quick, change the channel” - Zangief
July 26th, 2008 at 12:41 am
Every reputable boxing expert says that the best representation of boxing on film is either “Raging Bull” or “Million Dollar Baby.”
But if you want some real fun, check out the spoof of “Enter the Dragon” in “The Kentucky Fried Movie” (by the guys who went on to do the Airplane and Naked Gun movies). A cult classic with HILARIOUS fight scenes (e.g. car transmission wielded, out of nowhere, to finish a down opponent in tournament).
July 26th, 2008 at 2:09 am
I was sad to not see Gordon Liu’s “Shaolin Drunken Monk”. He was the original Drunken Master and it kicks Jack Chans ass.
July 26th, 2008 at 2:40 am
10-
9-
8-
7-
6-
5-
4-
3-
2- bloodsport
1- twin warriors
July 26th, 2008 at 5:44 am
The Born Losers (Billy Jack)…Tom Laughlin…early 70’s.
“i’m goin to put my right foot on the left side of your face…and there’s nothing you’re going to do about it.”
very inspiring to a seven year old.
best fight scene ever- the Bride vs Black Mamba in the trailer…that bitch was PISSED!
July 26th, 2008 at 7:06 am
“What about Rowdy Roddy in They live,”put on the glasses”.”
LOL! Longest, drawn-out fight in the history of movies! Classic.
Has anyone mentioned the ninja craze of the 80’s? Revenge of the Ninja, 9 Deaths of the Ninja, Ninja 3 the Domination. Sho Kosugi was/is a badass mofo.
July 26th, 2008 at 8:04 am
CONSUME, COMFORM,REPRODUCE…..gotta get me some of those glasses.
July 26th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Everyone of you missed The Return of the Dragon!! Bruce Lees best film. He totally kills him some Chuck Norris at the end
July 26th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Guy on above me said it first damnit. Return of the Dragon simply because Bruce kills Chuck Norris after he rips his chest hair out… OUCH!
I don’t have any real complaints about the list. Maybe take out Karate Kid and put in Rumble in the Bronx. and I liked Ong Bak better then The Protector but i still liked the protector alot.
July 26th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Anyone ever seen Equilibrium????
July 27th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
No Fist of Legend = WTF? Where’s Iron Monkey? Don’t mind the wires just watch the fights! No Best of the Best or Chinese Connection[Fist of Fury]“So why did you kill my teacher then? WHYWHYWHYWHY!!!” Where’s Kung Fu Hustle? Corny but awesome! The Executioner? How about The Perfect Weapon?JK the last one! HAHAHA!!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
@ Jitterbug
Equilibrium is cool. Outlandish as hell, but cool. Gotta love when Bale slices off Taye Diggs’ face…nice!
Wimmer also used the “Gun-Kata” in Ultraviolet.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Kickboxer sucked. Fight Club? There’s no shortage of violence, but it’s more than a stretch to call it a fight movie. It’s aa fucking joke. Good movie, if overrated, but #2 fight movie of all times? MADNESS!!! Sorta surprised I didn’t see Redbelt, it would’ve seemed to be an obvious choice considering the subject matter. Maybe some more Kung Fu old school madness like Master of the Flying Guillotine or The Five Deadly Venoms or some other movie of that flavor. Bloodsport was a great choice and is a worthy number 2. Maybe one the Rockies, Rocky 4? Ivan Drago is maybe one of the greatest villains ever.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Like Old, Bald and Irish said: Donnie Yen.
“Flash Point”, “SPL - Sha Po Lang” (or “Killzone”, as it was called in its butchered american version), “Dragon Tiger Gate”, “Seven Swords”… hell, those are just some recent films of his. You could easily put on a Top 20, fill it with Donnie Yen movies, and each one of them would kick this Top 10’s ass over and over again!
Just watch this tribute video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YdfOv8Vv0qU
July 29th, 2008 at 11:48 am
“The Master” has got to be on the list. Thats old school Jet li with no wires and special effects shit.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:12 am
KUNG FU HUSTLE!!!!!!!!!
Just kidding. I think you guys pretty much nailed it. Karate Kid and Fight club might be a stretch, but I really can’t think of anything better off the top of my head. Although Octagon was kind of prophetic.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:33 am
WTF?!!!! How can Lionheart no be on this list? AHHH!!! LEOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 9:29 pm
…Enjoyed many on that list.
Even though this isn’t really considered a ‘fight’ movie,’ one of my all-time favorite fight scenes is in ‘Matrix: Reloaded” when Neo takes on the swarm of Mr. Smiths. For the odds-not-in-your-favor category, that’s a classic scene to me.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:12 am
ok
so i know this is an ongoing trend on this comment board,regardless, i’m going to keep going with it.
JET FUCKING LI!
pardon me….no idea where that came from.
oh wait!
he’s not on the damn list!
and i also agree with it being the no wires old school.
that and where are the real old school shit.
japanese and chinese.
maybe we are a dying breed of fan?
i dunno.
i did enjoy the list however.
i just think there should be a few more added to it.
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:50 am
No really a true fight movie…but still kicks ass: Shogun Assassin!
November 13th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I agree that list need some Jet Li movies.
For example: “Danny the Doog”
November 17th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA
IDIOT!