The 100 Best R-Rated Martial Arts Movies

Ranker Film
Updated August 26, 2023 2.2K votes 165 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 100 Best R-Rated Martial Arts Movies
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List of R-Rated martial arts movies, ranked from best to worst with movie trailers when available. This list takes the best R-Rated martial arts movies and pits them against each other to see once and for all what the greatest R-Rated Martial Arts movie of all time is. This list of popular R-Rated martial arts movies includes information like who directed the film, when it was released and which actors starred in the movie. If you think the top R-Rated Martial Arts movie isn't as high as it should be then be sure to vote it up so it can take its rightful place among the other great R-Rated Martial Arts films on this list. If you're trying to find a specific R-Rated Martial Arts film you can search this list and filter to find what you're looking for.

List ranges from Kung Fu Hustle to Cyborg, plus much more.

If you're trying to find out "What are the best R-Rated martial arts movies?" and "What are the most famous R-Rated martial arts movies?" then this list is the perfect resource for you.

Use this list if you're looking for some new martial arts movies that are rated R. Between Netflix, Hulu and other services there are thousands of great martial arts movies rated R, so get out there and start watching.

Re-rank this page, delete movies you don't think belong, then put your personalized list up for a vote on Facebook, Tumblr or Twitter. {#nodes}

Quentin Tarantino and Jackie Chan are among the directors that have worked on a R Martial arts film.

Most divisive: Blind Fury
Ranked by
  • Fist of Fury
    1

    Fist of Fury

    Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien
    26 votes
    • Released: 1972
    • Directed by: Lo Wei
    Chen Zhen (Bruce Lee) has left his homeland of China and relocated to stay with family in Thailand. Chen, who swore to his mother that he would avoid violence in his new life and even wears a necklace to remind himself of this oath, is tested when he confronts trouble at his job. When he finds out the factory he works at is a cover for a drug ring, and his family members are murdered by members of the gang, he can avoid fighting no more and decides to confront his corrupt boss.

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  • Ip Man
    2

    Ip Man

    Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Louis Fan
    44 votes
    • Released: 2008
    • Directed by: Wilson Yip
    In the martial arts biopic Ip Man, lead character Ip Man (Donnie Yen) is a grandmaster of Wing Chun, a form of close combat. Set in 1930s Foshan, China, the film delves into his life during the Sino-Japanese War. Amidst turmoil and invasion, Ip Man's skills are put to test as he fights for dignity and freedom. Directed by Wilson Yip, this action-packed drama won Best Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards. With its compelling narrative and impressive fight choreography, Ip Man stands as a notable entry in the genre of historical martial arts films.

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  • Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior
    3

    Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior

    Tatchakorn Yeerum, Mum Jokmok, Pumwaree Yodkamol
    32 votes
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
    Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, also known in the United States as Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior is a 2003 Thai martial arts action film. It was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, featured stunt choreography by Panna Rittikrai and starred Tony Jaa. Ong-Bak proved to be Jaa's breakout film, with the actor hailed internationally as the next major martial arts star. Jaa went on to star in Tom-Yum-Goong and directed two prequels to Ong-Bak: Ong-Bak 2 and Ong-Bak 3.

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  • Bloodsport
    4

    Bloodsport

    Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres
    31 votes
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: Newt Arnold
    In the gripping film Bloodsport, Frank Dux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), an American martial artist, finds himself drawn into the dangerous underworld of an illegal, full-contact fighting tournament known as the Kumite. Training under the guidance of his mentor Senzo Tanaka (Roy Chiao), Frank prepares to battle deadly opponents from around the globe, each possessing unique and lethal skills. As he steps into this violent realm where survival is uncertain, Frank must rely on his strength, speed and spirit to claim victory. This action-packed drama expertly combines elements of sports and thriller genres.

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  • The Legend of Drunken Master
    5

    The Legend of Drunken Master

    Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Anita Mui
    33 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Jackie Chan, Lau Kar-leung
    Drunken Master II is a 1994 Hong Kong kung fu film directed by Lau Kar-leung and Jackie Chan, who stars as Chinese folk hero, Wong Fei-hung. It was Chan's first traditional style martial arts film since The Young Master and Dragon Lord. The film was released in North America as The Legend of Drunken Master in 2000. The film is a follow-up to Chan's 1978 film Drunken Master, directed by Yuen Woo-ping, but not a direct storyline sequel. Another film, Drunken Master III features little in common with either this or its predecessor, and is not considered a sequel. In 2005, Drunken Master II was named one of the top 100 best films of all time by Time magazine.
  • Rumble in the Bronx
    6

    Rumble in the Bronx

    Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Bill Tung
    27 votes
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Stanley Tong
    Hong Kong policeman Keung (Jackie Chan) arrives in New York for the wedding of his uncle Bill (Bill Tung), a grocer who recently sold his Bronx store to the fetching Elaine (Anita Mui). After a biker gang bursts into the store to wreak havoc, Keung springs into action, giving up his vacation to defend the weak and protect the innocent with his extraordinary martial arts skills. As Keung investigates local gangs, he learns more about a criminal syndicate that needs to be brought to justice.

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