Top 10 Fighting Movies that are a must watch for martial arts fans. From goofy action to gritty, brutal fights, these are my top 10 martial arts films.

1. Kung Fu Hustle
2010
In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to
join the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing
complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.
Kung Fu Hustle blends great humor, with a fun plot, and
exceptionally well choreographed fight scenes.
It’s an all time classic, and completely underrated, please watch.
• Refreshingly original
• Emotional but funny
• Dark themes
• Fantastic fight scenes

2. Raging Bull
1980
The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that
led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.
Robert DeNiro runs away with the role of Jake LaMotta, a
temperamental fighter who battles with his demons first, and his
opponents second.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film isa must watch for any
fight fan
• Wonderful visuals
• Intriguing plot

3. The Raid
2011
A S.W.A.T. team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a
ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs.
The Raid (2011) features a compelling plot-line, with incredibly
brutal fight sequences.
The protagonist is a practitioner in Pencak Silat, a Southeast
Asian martial art. Silat employs strikes using every part
of the body, grappling, and throws; traditional
weapons include knives and daggers.
• Incredibly bloody & violent
• Bleak, claustrophobic
• Great plot

4. IP Man
2008
IP man follows the titular character IP Man, played by Donnie
Yen, a practitioner of Wing Chun, and famous grandmaster and
tutor of Bruce Lee.
A plot driven martial arts movie; IP Man takes place in wartime
China during Japanese invasion.
With a heavy, thoughtful narrative, and well executed fight
sequences, IP man is a must watch, and so are its numerous
sequels. (I say they start to drop off after the 2nd installment).
• Compelling, relevant narrative
• Fantastically choreographed fights
• Nowhere near as violent as the RAID

5. Warrior
2011
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home,
where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed
martial arts tournament - a path that puts the fighter on a
collision course with his estranged, older brother.
More family drama than anything, Warrior is a film that has both
gritty fight scenes and a compelling narrative.
• Bleak, gritty and thoughtful
• MMA fight scenes
• Family drama

6. The Raid 2
2014
The Raid 2 (2011) follows the same protagonist as the last film.
“Only a short time after the first raid, Rama goes undercover
with the thugs of Jakarta and plans to bring down the syndicate
and uncover the corruption within his police force.”
Everything the first film did, this does better:
• Car chases
• Group fights
• Knife Fights
• Gritty
• Heavy dialogue & plot driven

7. Cinderella Man
2005
The story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer
who came back to challenge for the heavyweight championship
of the world.
Taking place during the great depression, Cinderella man is a
drama/success story boxing movie, James J. Braddock must
fight for his family’s survival, culminating in an intense
confrontation with Max Baer.
• Historically Relevant
• Protagonist you can rally behind
• Not overly violent

8. Shaolin Soccer
2001
It literally is Kung Fu football. Stephen Chow (same director as
kung fu hustle) directs a fun, action filled, goofy martial arts film
with some half decent narrative themes.
It’s a good watch, some of the CGI has aged badly, but it’s great
for a beer with friends. It even has some musical scenes.
• Goofy
• Doesn’t take itself seriously
• Good chorography
• Easy to follow

9. IP Man 2
2010
The titular IP Man migrates to Hong Kong in 1949 to propagate
his Wing Chun martial art.
IP Man must deal with the retaliation of other martial arts
practitioners, as well as the discrimination coming from the
British occupants of Hong Kong.
IP Man 2 is slightly more exaggerated than the first film, but still
a must watch.
• Compelling, relevant narrative
• Fantastically choreographed fights

10. Million Dollar Baby
2004
Million Dollar baby follows Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined
boxer with rudimentary skills, as she looks to earn her shot at a
world title fight under the tutelage of her coach (played by Clint
Eastwood).
Eastwood acted in and directed this film, and his themes about
family, poverty, determination and achievement really shine
through.
It’s a thoughtful film which will have you at the edge of your seat,
laughing, and crying in the space of 2 hours.