The best martial arts movies of the 1980s

Many martial arts fans I think the 1980s were the golden age of the genre. The films of this decade featured incredibly choreographed fights with Asian actors, paving the way for the next generation of martial artists. The success of actors such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Biao Yuen helped create a space in Hollywood for Asians to play leading roles.

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

8 Yes ma'am! (1985)

One of Michelle Yeoh's earliest lead roles

• Principal: Corey Yuen
• release date: November 30, 1985
• The original title of the film: Huang Jia Shi Jie
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Yes ma'am! stars Michelle Yeoh (known for her brilliant performances in Crouching tiger, hidden dragon and Everything Everywhere Once) in one of her first roles in the 1980s. The film was a huge success and a breakthrough for Yeoh, who won Best New Artist, while the film was nominated in Hong Kong for Best Action Choreography.

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

7 Shaolin Temple (1982)

Launched Jet Li's career as a martial artist

• Principal: Hsin-Yen Chang
• Release date: January 21, 1982
• Original movie title: Shao Lin Si
• Streaming: —

Shaolin Temple was one of Jet Li's first films, which helped launch his career as a martial artist. The plot centers around a young child (played by Jet Li) who is on a journey to avenge his father's death. He begins learning Shaolin Kong Fu from the monks at the Shaolin Temple. However, he must take an oath never to commit murder.

The film was directed by Hsin-Yen Chang, who has released two additional action-comedy films Children of Shaolin and The Fist of Shaolin. These Shaolin-themed films brought Shaolin Kong-fu international recognition.

6 Wheels On Meals (1984)

A mix of comedy and action from the incomparable Jackie Chan

• Principal: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• release date: August 17, 1984
• The original title of the film: Do Caan Che
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Wheels at the tables is a choreographed fight sequence film featuring 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 stunts, which makes the fight scenes more fun to watch.

Plot of Wheels at the tables centers around two friends who own a food truck and find themselves in the middle of an investigation into a kidnapped woman. The talented Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who also stars in the film, has directed many other successful martial arts films such as IP Man and Project A.

5 Project A (1983)

A memorable scene where Chan falls from a clock

• Principal: Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• release date: December 22, 1983
• The original title of the film: 'A' gai wak
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Here is another iconic film 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 that the 1980s were Jackie Chan's golden age.

The plot tells the story of a police officer (Chan) who defends the city from pirates because the army cannot. Remembered for his character's fall from the clock, this film offers a mix of comedy-action as expected from Chan's films.

4 The White Lotus Clan

The journey to defeat the White Lotus Clan

• Principal: Lieh Lo
• release date: January 1, 1980
• The original title of the film: Hong Wending San Po Bai Lian Jiao
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

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

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

3 The Karate Kid (1984)

A classic karate movie forever

• Principal: John G. Avildsen
• Release date: October 25, 1984
• Original movie title: The Karate Kid
• Streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

The Karate Kiddirected by John G. Avildesen, it is a classic film starring Ralph Macchio and martial artist icon Pat Morita. The plot centers around Daniel Larusso (Macchio), who, after moving, is bullied by a group of kids who are highly trained in karate.

Easily rewatchable, this film is a Best Iconic Film winner and an Oscar nominee for Best Supporting Actor (Pat Morita). This Karate movie is not just about Karate; conveys messages of discipline, self-respect and inner strength to all viewers.

2 The Prodigal Son (1981)

A Kung-Fu classic

• Principal: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• Release date: December 22, 1981
• Original movie title: Baai Ga Jai
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

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

This movie is considered one of the best Kung Fu movies ever made. A mix of comedy, action and choreographed fight scenes result in a fun and authentic martial arts film.

1 The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)

A Shaw Brothers masterpiece