Highlights
- Martial arts movies focus on revenge and self-discovery amid stunning action sequences.
- Martial arts movies, like
The Matrix Reloaded,
combine philosophical depth with iconic fight scenes. - Jackie Chan’s
Rush Hour 2
topped the box office with its high-octane martial arts action.
The fusion of action and artistry that defines martial arts movies has a long and storied history, beginning with early 20th-century cinema, and evolving into a genre that continues to fascinate audiences.
The first ever martial arts movie was a Chinese film released in 1928, The Burning Of The Red Lotus Temple, a silent film directed by Chinese film director Zhang Shichuan.
Modern martial arts movies mainly focus their storyline on revenge, honor, and self-discovery, all while delivering breathtaking action sequences that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
Hollywood, in particular, has embraced martial arts film, incorporating it into its blockbuster repertoire.
The result has been a series of films that have entertained audiences worldwide and shattered box office records.
In the 1970s, Bruce Lee emerged as a global icon, bringing martial arts to mainstream Western audiences with his unparalleled skill and charisma.
His films, such as Enter The Dragon, set the stage for future martial arts movies.
In the following decades, martial arts films continued to gain popularity, with stars like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen leading the charge.
The genre also expanded to include animated features, family-friendly films, and high-concept sci-fi adventures.
Let’s look at the top highest-grossing martial arts movies of all time, detailing their box office success — and what makes them stand out as iconic films in the genre.
2:36
Rumble At The Box Office! The Highest-Grossing Jackie Chan Movies, Ranked
For over five decades, Jackie Chan has epitomized action and comedy. His $5.681 billion gross and $400 million net worth attest to his global impact.
10 The Last Airbender (2010)
Global Box Office, The Last Airbender – $319,713,881
Despite the high expectations surrounding the live-action adaptation of the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, the action-adventure film was met with a tidal wave of disappointment.
Fans and critics alike were quick to express their disdain for the film’s deviations from the source material, citing a lackluster screenplay, miscast actors, and a distinct lack of the vibrant energy that defined the original series.
However, the film’s spectacle and martial arts-inspired action sequences drew a global audience, particularly Aang’s bending of air, water, and earth.
The production’s grandiose visual effects and ambitious fight choreography aimed to capture the essence of martial arts, though it fell short in other areas.
Produced on a $150 million budget, The Last Airbender grossed $132 million in the United States and $188 million in other countries, totaling $319.7 million worldwide.
|
Estimated Budget |
$150,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$40,325,019 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$131,772,187 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$187,941,694 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$319,713,881 |
9 Rush Hour 2 (2001)
Global Box Office, Rush Hour 2 – $347,325,802
The electrifying duo of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker returned in Rush Hour 2, turning Hong Kong into their chaotic playground.
This time, Detective Carter (Tucker) finds himself a fish out of water in Chan’s stomping grounds as they chase down a Triad kingpin responsible for a bombing at the American embassy.
The film explodes with high-octane action sequences, from thrilling car chases to exhilarating martial arts showdowns, all punctuated by the duo’s signature banter and cultural clashes.
Jackie Chan’s impeccable stunts and choreography, paired with Chris Tucker’s rapid-fire humor, create an on-screen partnership that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
The film opened to an impressive $67.4 million during its opening weekend, securing the number one spot at the box office.
It continued to perform strongly, grossing $226.2 million in North America and an estimated $121.2 million in other countries, for a total of $347.3 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.
|
Estimated Budget |
$90,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$67,408,222 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$226,164,286 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$121,161,516 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$347,325,802 |
2:10
Jackie Chan’s Net Worth: From Hong Kong To Hollywood’s A-List
Jackie, the famous martial artist and actor, has earned a stunning net worth that represents his extraordinary journey.
8 The Karate Kid (2010)
Global Box Office, The Karate Kid – $359,126,022
In a modern re-imagining of the underdog tale, The Karate Kid transports the action from Los Angeles to Beijing, where twelve-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) finds himself bullied and out of place.
Under the mentorship of Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a maintenance man with a hidden past, Dre discovers the transformative power of Kung Fu as a fighting style and a way of life.
The film integrates coming-of-age elements with exhilarating martial arts sequences, culminating in a pulsating tournament where Dre’s newfound skills are put to the test.
Opening to a strong box office performance, The Karate Kid grossed $56 million in North America during its first weekend.
The film continued attracting large audiences, eventually grossing $177 million in the US and Canada and an additional $182 million overseas, for a worldwide total of $359 million on a moderate budget of $40 million.
A sequel is in development for a 2025 release, with Chan reprising his role — alongside Ralph Macchio from the first three films, and the television series Cobra Kai.
|
Estimated Budget |
$40,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$55,665,805 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$176,591,618 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$182,534,404 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$359,126,022 |
7 The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
Global Box Office, The Matrix Revolutions – $427,344,325
In the conclusion to The Matrix trilogy, The Matrix Revolutions thrusts viewers into an all-out war between humans and machines.
Fans eagerly anticipated the resolution of Neo’s epic battle against the machines despite the mixed reception of its predecessors.
The film continued the series’ tradition of combining cutting-edge special effects with complex martial arts choreography, pushing the boundaries of action cinema.
The Matrix Revolutions received mixed to negative reviews, with critics blasting it for focusing on special effects over characterization. During its three-day opening weekend, it would earn $48.5 million.
The Matrix Revolutions grossed over $139 million in North America and approximately $288 million overseas, for a global total of $427 million on a $150 million production budget.
|
Estimated Budget |
$150,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$48,475,154 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$139,313,948 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$288,030,377 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$427,344,325 |
The Highest-Grossing R-Rated Movies, Ranked By Box Office Returns
R-rated films have recently shown strong box office success, but only one R-rated film cracks the top 100 highest-grossing films of all time.
6 The Last Samurai (2003)
Global Box Office, The Last Samurai – $454,627,263
The Last Samurai is a sweeping action drama that transports viewers to 19th-century Japan, where a disillusioned American soldier, Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise), finds himself caught between two worlds.
While not a traditional martial arts film, The Last Samurai features stunningly choreographed sword-fighting sequences that capture the grace and brutality of samurai combat.
The film earned acclaim for its remarkable cinematography, evocative score by Hans Zimmer, and powerful performances — particularly Cruise’s portrayal of a man transformed by his encounter with a different culture and code of honor.
According to Box Office Mojo, The Last Samurai grossed $111 million in the United States and Canada and $345 million in other countries, against a production budget of $140 million.
|
Estimated Budget |
$140,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$24,271,354 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$111,127,263 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$343,500,000 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$454,627,263 |
5 Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Global Box Office, Kung Fu Panda 3 – $521,170,825
Po’s journey of self-discovery takes a cheerful turn as he reunites with his long-lost father and discovers a hidden village of his fellow pandas in Kung Fu Panda 3.
However, their joyous reunion is short-lived when a powerful enemy, General Kai, threatens to obliterate the legacy of Master Oogway.
The film introduces the concept of “chi,” a life force energy that Po must master to defeat the film’s antagonist, General Kai.
The breathtaking visuals of Po and his fellow pandas harnessing their chi to perform incredible feats of martial arts further elevate the film’s status as a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Kung Fu Panda 3 grossed $143.5 million in the United States and Canada and $377.6 million in other territories, for a total of $521.2 million worldwide.
According to Deadline Hollywood, the film netted a profit of $80.65 million, making it one of the most profitable releases of 2016.
|
Estimated Budget |
$145,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$41,282,042 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$143,528,619 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$377,642,206 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$521,170,825 |
2:05
The Highest-Grossing Jack Black Movies, From King Kong To Kung Fu Panda
Jack Black, a comedic talent in Hollywood, netted over $8.9 billion in box office returns and a $50 million net worth.
4 Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Global Box Office, Kung Fu Panda 4 – $529,836,190
Kung Fu Panda 4 was a thrilling continuation of DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed martial arts franchise.
This fourth installment in the franchise introduces new characters and challenges, which delightfully expand the Kung Fu Panda universe.
Tasked with finding and training a successor as the Dragon Warrior, Po teams up with a mischievous fox bandit, Zhen, to thwart the evil sorceress, The Chameleon, who seeks to steal the chi of China’s greatest Kung Fu masters.
Kung Fu Panda 4 revels in its meticulously choreographed fight sequences, deep emotional undercurrents that explore legacy, and themes of courage.
The film was met with a resounding roar of approval from audiences worldwide.
In its opening weekend alone, Kung Fu Panda 4 debuted at $58 million, making it the highest opening weekend for a DreamWorks Animation film.
Kung Fu Panda 4 has grossed $191.9 million in the United States and Canada and $338 million in other territories, for a total of $529 million worldwide.
|
Estimated Budget |
$85,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$57,989,905 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$191,909,190 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$337,902,937 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$529,812,127 |
3 Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Global Box Office, Kung Fu Panda – $632,091,832
Kung Fu Panda introduces the world to Po, the endearingly clumsy panda with an insatiable love for Kung Fu, voiced by Jack Black.
Set in a vibrant ancient China inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, the film follows Po’s unlikely journey as he transforms from a noodle-slinging dreamer into the prophesied Dragon Warrior.
The movie’s appeal lies in its delightful blend of humor, heart, and refreshing martial arts action.
The beautifully choreographed fight scenes, set against lush, radiant backgrounds, coupled with an all-star voice cast, create an immersive experience.
Kung Fu Panda received positive reviews from critics, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
The film topped the box office in its opening weekend, grossing $60.2 million, performing much better than analysts had expected.
It eventually ended up grossing $215.8 million in the United States and Canada and $416.3 million overseas, for a worldwide total of $632 million against a production budget of $130 million.
Kung Fu Panda’s success led to multiple sequels and established a multimedia franchise, including television projects, video games, and merchandise.
|
Estimated Budget |
$130,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$60,239,130 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$215,771,591 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$416,311,606 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$632,091,832 |
Bear Market: The Cast Of Kung Fu Panda 4, Ranked By Net Worth
The Kung Fu Panda franchise blends humor and action, grossing over $1.82 billion globally. With Kung Fu Panda 4 on the horizon, a stellar cast.
2 Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Global Box Office, Kung Fu Panda 2 – $665,692,281
The Dragon Warrior returned to screens in 2011 with a vengeance, a quest for self-discovery, and a box office gross to rival any martial arts legend.
Kung Fu Panda 2 follows Po and his loyal allies, the Furious Five, as they journey to Gongmen City to thwart the villainous Lord Shen, an ambitious peacock with plans to conquer China.
The sequel was released to positive reviews. It was nominated for an Oscar in the category of “Best Animated Feature” at the 84th Academy Awards, losing to Rango.
The film grossed $165.2 million in the United States and Canada and $500.4 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $665.7 million, against its $150 million budget.
Notably, it was the highest-grossing film directed by a woman until Frozen in 2013, and remained the highest-grossing film directed solely by a woman until Wonder Woman’s 2017 release.
|
Estimated Budget |
$150,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$47,656,302 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$165,249,063 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$500,443,218 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$665,692,281 |
1 The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Global Box Office, The Matrix Reloaded – $741,847,937
The Matrix Reloaded revolutionized action filmmaking with innovative visual effects and complex choreography.
The film’s narrative expands on the philosophical underpinnings introduced in the first installment, weaving in high-octane fight sequences that combine traditional martial arts with bullet-time photography.
The Matrix Reloaded features the now-iconic 14-minute freeway chase scene that remains a hallmark of technical ingenuity and creative storytelling in film.
The sequence alone required the construction of a 1.5-mile highway set, emphasizing the film’s commitment to authentic, adrenaline-pumping action.
Critically, while some opined that the sequel could not eclipse the original’s novelty, the film was generally well-received for its ambitious scope and philosophical depth.
Following the box office success of the first film, analysts predicted that the sequel would be an even bigger hit. The film earned $91.77 million during its opening weekend.
The Matrix Reloaded ultimately grossed $742 million worldwide, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2003, behind Finding Nemo and The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King.
|
Estimated Budget |
$150,000,000 |
|---|---|
|
Opening Weekend (Domestic) |
$91,774,413 |
|
Box Office (Domestic) |
$281,576,461 |
|
Box Office (International) |
$460,271,476 |
|
Box Office (Total) |
$741,847,937 |
