What was the best martial arts movie ever made? Why?

I'm a huge fan of the genre and am more and more impressed by the quality of choreography (Crouching Tiger) and intensity (Unleashed) that martial arts movies have brought to the big screen. Whether it is the classics of yesterday, Chinese or Japanese, Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, what movie stands out as the best for you and why?


(Sci-Fi and action flicks with strong emphasis on martial arts are welcome as well [The Matrix Series, etc.].)

What was the best martial arts movie ever made? Why?
Bruce Lee's "Enter the Dragon" because it kickstarted the growth of the martial arts worldwide, bring them out of obscurity and into the mainstream. Without this movie and the indominatable Bruce Lee, we would probably not have movies like "Crouching Tiger", "Unleashed", and "The Matrix" series.
Reply:All those movies listed by these people..


even bruce lee's "enter the dragon" cannot compare the best martial arts movie "Flash Point" by Donnie Yen..he is the best...Best martial arts movie i even watched..trust me Report It

Reply:Big Trouble in Little China- Kurt Russell is badass....
Reply:Dude, how could you ask this. The answer is Enter the Dragon. John Saxon ... need I say more?
Reply:drunken master or a bruce lee film, (intense, raw)
Reply:Beverly hill ninja
Reply:Circle of iron funny and makes you think but as Bruce Lee said the best type of karate is no karate but to conform to what works.
Reply:You have a good taste in movies, pal, I love Bruce Lee movies, Lee is the first of that mania. My favorite is Enter the Dragon. The best movie ever??? It's difficult for me to say, but I suggest you must see EQUILIBRIUM and THE RETURNER. EQUILIBRIUM is a movie that a man who knows martial arts, but with guns. It's good movie. THE RETURNER is a japanese movie, not a cartoon, of a woman from the future who help a man to save the world of an aliens. Pal, you'll remember me when you see those two movies, they are great!!! See ya!!
Reply:No Retreat No Surrender


the only movie i know off where Van Damme gets beat
Reply:Karate Kid. I am sure I will get made fun of as everyone is going to pick these huge Hollywood flicks with "awesome martial artists" but I love this flick.


I like it because some little nobody ( Daniel-sun) learns a traditional Okinawan karate ( gojo ryu is implied as Miyagi is the founder of this style) and turns around to beat a bunch of rich McDojo punks. Plus Mr. Miyagi is so chill, I love his one liners.


" Mr Miyagi, can you chop a tree in half?"


" Don't know. Never been attacked by tree."


It is classic.


Plus the cheesy 80's soundtrack rocks.
Reply:BILLY JACK starring Tom Laughlin---why? Just watch the hapkido karate sequence---that's why!
Reply:Bruce Lee's Enter The Dragon .
Reply:Enter the dragon-it just is.
Reply:hmmm....





Enter The Dragon - definitely the best.





The One - cool.





The Best of the Best - martial arts with human drama.





Kickboxer - although very theatrical





The Last Samurai - Yah I know Tom Cruise was there but I love kendo and sword martial arts.





Martial arts combined with a good story. Now that's perfect.





Peace.
Reply:Mostly everybody has great answers and have taken your question seriously! I really agree with most of the responses, especially with the Bruce Lee movies. I will say, though, a favorite of mine since I saw it is "Fist of Legend".


Essentially a remake of Bruce Lee's "Chinese Connection" (of "Fists of Fury" for the connoisseur), it stars Jet Li, shows Chinese martial arts, Japanese martial arts, and even some western boxing and improvised fighting. Cheesy at times, but fantastic choreography.


"Fist of Legend"!!!





...I'm sure I'll think of more later!