Top 10 martial arts movies of the 2000s

Offering expertly choreographed fight scenes, action-packed scenes featuring a variety of martial arts styles primarily of East Asian origin (e.g. kung fu, judo, karate, kendo, etc.), and well-written stories with themes of duty, honor, and loyalty, the martial arts genre has understandably grown in popularity over the years.

The genre originated many years ago, specifically in China in the late 1920s, but quickly became popular among film fans around the world and even made its way into Western cinema through iconic films. Quentin Tarantinoof Kill BillIt's not hard to understand the undeniable appeal of martial arts films. The 2000s in particular were a great decade for the genre, with a ton of must-see films released in the genre. To celebrate just how beloved these films are, here are some must-sees from around the world. We look back at the best martial arts movies of the 2000s and rank them by entertainment value and iconicity..

Ten “Hidden Sword” (2004)

Director: Yoji Yamada

Yoji YamadaA historical drama set in the era of cultural assimilation in 19th century Japan. Masatoshi Nagase He faces prejudice due to the actions of his late father and must confront his past involving his maid and his best friend.

Original title Demon Claws, Hidden Blade A truly gripping, if underrated, samurai film. The film benefits from superb editing and top-notch cinematography. In addition to a compelling story that ponders honor, loyalty, and justice, Yamada's film features some fantastic action scenes, making it one of the best in the genre. However, this is not at all surprising given the ethos behind it. Yamada is one of the most celebrated film directors not only in Japan but in the world, and his efforts on this film are simply stunning.

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9 Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004)

Director: Quentin Tarantino

In the first installment Quentin TarantinoThe two-part series is probably the best of the bunch (even though they were made by the same production company). Kill Bill Vol.2 Also worth checking out is the 2004 film The Bride.Uma Thurman She took on a career-defining role and her former boss (Jun Kunimura), her lover Bill (David Carradine), Bodyguard Bad (Michael Madsen), One-Eyed El (DarylHannah).

In addition to Thurman's excellent performance, Kill Bill Vol.2 It has often been praised for being a more intelligent work than its predecessor, giving the audience a deeper insight into the protagonist's life. In the end, it's all a matter of taste. Tarantino's second film also deserves to be counted among the best martial arts movies of the 2000s..

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8 Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Director: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson

It is considered one of the best animated films of the 2000s. Kung Fu Panda is an overweight and clumsy panda (voiced by Jack blackThe one chosen to be the guardian of the Valley of Peace is Artemis, the Valley of Peace's greatest enemy, but his worthy role will be put to the test when the Valley's greatest enemy appears.

Academy Award nominees for Best Animated Feature Film are worthy of attention from audiences of all agesespecially if you like martial arts movies. Although it is a PG-rated movie, it is a really fun and interesting movie with great animation and memorable characters. The voice acting is also noteworthy, and Jack Black certainly puts his skills to good use.

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7 “Hero” (2002)

Director: Zhang Yimou

Zhang Yimou's 2002 film is known for its stunning use of color, making each frame seem like it came straight out of a beautiful painting. Hero Defense Officer (Jet LiThe Nameless One, who viewers will come to know as “The Nameless One,” is summoned by King Quinn to be questioned about his role in executing three warriors. The Nameless One tells his story, immersing the audience in the non-linear storytelling.

If you are a martial arts fan, you probably already know this. Hero, Its iconic status remains one of the best martial arts films of the 2000s and is worth mentioning.The best thing about this film is the breathtaking cinematography and action scenes, but its brilliant premise and execution make it one of the best in its category.

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6 Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Director: Stephen Chow

A stylish and entertaining mix of comedy, action and fantasy. Kung Fu Hustle Set in 1940s Shanghai, China, the story follows an aspiring gangster who finds himself lost in a slum area ruled by landlords who are actually incredible kung fu masters in disguise, and hatches a plan to join the “Axe Gang.”

Stephen Crowe's film is one of the best martial arts movies of the 2000s and a must-see.While the flawless humor is perhaps what stands out the most, there are undoubtedly many other characteristics that contribute to its success, from the fantastic CGI to the way it highlights martial arts as a means of self-improvement to tarantism versus individualism. Kung Fu Hustle This is a production that audiences definitely won't want to miss.

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Five “House of Flying Daggers” (2004)

Director: Zhang Yimou

Not mentioned Zhang YimouIt's a huge loss to not have this incredible film on this list, as it has cemented its reputation as one of the greatest martial arts movies of all time. House of Flying Daggers The Police Chief's Story (Andy Lau) Destroying attractive members (Zhang Ziyi) out of prison and helps him reunite with his friends, with unexpected results.

Featuring a strong female protagonist and a compelling story House of Flying Daggers A monumental martial arts film.is one of the best works of its genre in the 2000s. Not only is it entertaining, it's also a very beautifully stylized film with a captivating production design. It was unsurprisingly chosen as China's entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, even though it wasn't ultimately nominated.

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Four Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Director: Ang Lee

starring Everything, everywhere, all at onceis an Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh — a brilliant actor known primarily for his performances in martial arts films — Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Set in the 19th century lover's(Chow Yun Fat) The stolen sword. The story takes a new turn when the search reaches Yu's house.

Sincerely Brokeback Mountain and Life of Pi 11-time Academy Award nominated director Ang Lee, This important martial arts film will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable films of the decade.It sends out strong messages about honor, loyalty and duty (themes often discussed in the genre), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon It's an example of phenomenal work in the genre.

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3 The Twilight Samurai (2002)

Director: Yoji Yamada

Based on a short story Bamboo sword by Shuhei Fujisawa, Yoji YamadaA Japanese period drama set in mid-20th century Japan. John WickAn unforgettable actor HiroyukiSanada and Rie Miyazawa The film is set a few years before the Meiji Restoration, and follows a widowed samurai struggling to balance his personal and clan life with two young daughters and an aging mother, while his childhood sweetheart comes into the picture.

Those who enjoy romance Twilight Samurai Considering it's a perfect blend of genres in that the martial arts and romance subplots are truly believable, 2002 also offers audiences a fantastic portrayal of rural Japan in hard times. It's more of a drama film than an action movie, though. Yamada's work deserves to be counted among the best of the 2000s..

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2 “Ip Man” (2008)

Directed by: Wilson Yip

Ip Man The audience is taken back to the Japanese invasion of China,Donnie YenAlso appearing in the latest film John Wick The protagonist, a young boy, is forced to flee his home when his city is occupied. During this time, he must learn how to survive in the chaos alongside those who remain in the city.

Wilson Yip's kung fu epic is a substantial addition to martial arts cinema, and a title that has remained relevant for many years. This Hong Kong film has garnered attention for its action-packed storyline and top-notch choreography, but what's even better is the fact that it's a biopic based on a real person who was a master of the renowned martial art of Wing Chun and a renowned martial artist and martial arts master. Bruce Lee.

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1 Kill Bill (2003)

Director: Quentin Tarantino

It was a critical and commercial success. Kill Bill Vol.1Tarantino's unforgettable film has garnered a cult following and become a hit among moviegoers, and the martial arts epic first introduced audiences to Thurman's The Bride, which sees her emerge from a coma four years after being shot in the head and embarking on a journey of revenge.

It's not hard to understand Kill BillThe timeless appeal ofEspecially as it's a perfect blend of spaghetti western, revenge thriller and flawless martial arts action scenes, there are so many reasons to watch this 2000s movie now: not only does the lead character easily go down as one of the most iconic action heroines in cinematic history, but the stunning direction cements the movie as a true masterpiece.

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