From the adrenaline-pumping action to the intricate choreography of combat, fighting movies have captivated audiences for decades.
These films, transcending mere entertainment, often weave compelling narratives with breathtaking martial arts, boxing, or stylized combat, making them unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Whether you’re a fan of classic kung fu, gritty boxing tales, or high-octane action spectacles, the genre offers something for everyone. In this post, we delve into the world of fighting films, highlighting the 20 best fighting movies that have not only defined the genre but also raised the bar for cinematic excellence.
These films are celebrated for their innovative fight sequences, deep storytelling, and iconic characters, setting standards for what fighting movies can achieve. Join us as we explore these cinematic masterpieces that continue to inspire and thrill audiences around the world.
Best Movies With Fighting Scenes and Action:
Enter the Dragon (1973)
Enter the Dragon, a martial arts classic, stars Bruce Lee in his final film appearance. This groundbreaking movie combines a compelling plot with Lee’s iconic fighting style, setting a high standard for martial arts cinema. It follows Lee, a martial artist, who is recruited to infiltrate an island fortress during a martial arts tournament to uncover a crime lord’s opium trade. The film is celebrated for its action sequences, cultural impact, and Lee’s legendary status.
Rocky (1976)
Rocky is an inspirational sports drama starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer. Written by Stallone, it tells the story of a small-time Philadelphia boxer who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship. Known for its rousing training montage and climactic fight scene, the film symbolizes perseverance and the American dream. It won three Oscars, including Best Picture, establishing Stallone as a major star and spawning a successful franchise.
Raging Bull (1980)
Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a biographical film about the life of boxer Jake LaMotta, played by Robert De Niro. Known for its black-and-white cinematography and intense performances, the film explores LaMotta’s turbulent life and career, including his self-destructive behavior and relationships. De Niro’s transformation for the role and the film’s raw depiction of violence in and out of the ring have made it a landmark in cinematic history.
Bloodsport (1988)
Bloodsport stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux, a martial artist who competes in the underground full-contact Kumite tournament. This action-packed film is known for its brutal fight scenes and is based on the alleged true story of Dux. Van Damme’s athletic performance and the movie’s depiction of various martial arts styles garnered a cult following, cementing Van Damme’s status as a martial arts cinema icon.
Kickboxer (1989)
In Kickboxer, Jean-Claude Van Damme plays Kurt Sloane, who seeks vengeance after his brother is paralyzed by a ruthless Thai kickboxing champion. This martial arts film is celebrated for its intense training sequences and climactic fight. Van Damme’s physical prowess and the exotic Thai setting contribute to the film’s appeal. Its success led to several sequels, further establishing Van Damme as a major action star of the era.
Fight Club (1999)
Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, is a psychological thriller based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel. Starring Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, the film explores themes of identity, consumerism, and chaos. It follows the story of a disillusioned office worker who forms an underground fight club with a charismatic soap salesman. Known for its plot twist and critical take on modern society, “Fight Club” has become a cult classic.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” is a visually stunning martial arts epic. This film, set in 18th century Qing Dynasty China, weaves a tale of love, honor, and betrayal, featuring legendary warriors and their quest for a mystical sword. Known for its breathtaking wire-fu action sequences and beautiful cinematography, the film won multiple Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film, and brought wuxia to a global audience.
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior (2003)
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior stars Tony Jaa and revitalized the martial arts genre with its raw action and minimal use of wire work or CGI. Jaa plays Ting, a skilled fighter from a rural village, who heads to Bangkok to retrieve a stolen Buddha statue. The film showcases Jaa’s incredible athleticism and the traditional Muay Thai fighting style, earning it critical acclaim and international success.
Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, “Kill Bill: Volume 1” is a stylish revenge thriller. Uma Thurman stars as the Bride, a former assassin seeking vengeance against her ex-boss and lover, Bill, and his assassination squad. Known for its eclectic style, blending martial arts, samurai cinema, and spaghetti westerns, and its iconic yellow tracksuit, the film is celebrated for its innovative storytelling and choreographed fight scenes.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” is a heart-wrenching drama about a determined female boxer, Maggie Fitzgerald, played by Hilary Swank, and her trainer, Frankie Dunn (Eastwood). The film explores their bond and Maggie’s pursuit of a boxing career against all odds. Known for its emotional depth and strong performances, it won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Swank.
Warrior (2011)
Warrior is a gripping sports drama that combines mixed martial arts with a powerful family story. The film stars Tom
Hardy and Joel Edgerton as estranged brothers who enter the same MMA tournament, leading to an emotional final confrontation. Known for its intense fight scenes and deep emotional core, the film explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the bonds of family.
The Raid: Redemption (2011)
The Raid: Redemption, an Indonesian action thriller directed by Gareth Evans, is renowned for its high-octane action and inventive choreography. The film follows an elite police squad trapped in a high-rise building controlled by a ruthless crime lord. Known for its brutal and relentless fight scenes, it’s celebrated for reviving the action genre and introducing the world to the martial art of Pencak Silat.
Ip Man (2008)
Ip Man is a biographical martial arts film about the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, portrayed by Donnie Yen. Set in 1930s Foshan, China, during the Sino-Japanese War, it follows Ip Man’s life and his resistance against the Japanese occupation. The film is acclaimed for its stunning fight choreography, Yen’s performance, and its portrayal of Chinese martial arts, sparking a successful franchise and renewed interest in Wing Chun.
John Wick (2014)
John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves, is an action-packed thriller that redefined the genre. Reeves plays a retired hitman seeking vengeance for the death of his dog, given by his late wife. Known for its sleek style, innovative gun-fu combat, and relentless action, the film’s success revived Reeves’ career and spawned a critically acclaimed franchise known for its elaborate fight scenes and unique mythology.
Creed (2015)
Creed is a sports drama that extends the “Rocky” series, focusing on Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed. Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, the film follows Adonis as he seeks to carve his own legacy in boxing, mentored by the aging Rocky Balboa. Praised for its character development and fight sequences, the film revitalizes the franchise while paying homage to its roots.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a high-octane action film set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, it follows Max and Furiosa as they rebel against a tyrant in an adrenaline-fueled chase. Known for its practical effects, stunning visuals, and intense action sequences, the film is both a critical and commercial success, reinvigorating the “Mad Max” franchise.
Logan (2017)
Logan, directed by James Mangold, offers a gritty, mature take on the superhero genre. Hugh Jackman’s final performance as Wolverine presents an aging, weary hero in a near-future where mutants are nearly extinct. The film, also starring Patrick Stewart and Dafne Keen, is noted for its emotional depth, brutal violence, and its departure from traditional superhero tropes, offering a poignant conclusion to Jackman’s tenure as Wolverine.
Atomic Blonde (2017)
Atomic Blonde stars Charlize Theron as an undercover MI6 agent in Berlin during the Cold War. Directed by David Leitch, the film is known for its stylish aesthetic, pulsating soundtrack, and brutal, realistically choreographed fight scenes. Theron’s performance as a skilled and relentless spy, along with the film’s twist-filled plot, makes it a standout in the spy thriller genre.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame, directed by the Russo brothers, is the culmination of a decade-long journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This epic blockbuster brings together an ensemble cast of superheroes to reverse the damage caused by Thanos in “Infinity War.” Known for its emotional depth, stunning visual effects, and climactic battle, it’s not just a film but a landmark cultural event, breaking numerous box office records.
Nobody (2021)
Nobody, starring Bob Odenkirk, is an action thriller about a seemingly average family man who reveals a hidden past of violence after his house is burglarized. The film combines dark humor with intense action, offering a fresh take on the revenge genre. Odenkirk’s transformation into an action star and the film’s clever subversion of genre tropes make it a unique and entertaining addition to action cinema.
In conclusion, this diverse collection of fighting movies, spanning over five decades, showcases the evolution of the genre and its impact on cinema. From the martial arts mastery of “Enter the Dragon” to the intense emotional drama of “Million Dollar Baby,” each film brings its unique blend of action, character development, and storytelling. These movies not only entertain but also inspire, highlighting the human spirit’s resilience and the artistry behind cinematic combat.
