Kung fu cinema has many icons. Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Donnie Yen brought the genre into the spotlight, especially for American audiences. Studios like Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest built their action legacy by saving the best final fights in classic kung fu movies for last.
Kung fu became a catch-all term for martial arts films in the 1970s, but that’s misleading. Tony Jaa and Iko Uwais showcase Muay Thai and Silat, while Japanese karate and Korean Taekwondo come from entirely different traditions. This ranking focuses on Chinese Wushu styles like Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, and Tai Chi, though many of the best have mastered several disciplines.
Placement weighs each star’s pioneering influence, authentic martial arts expertise, underappreciated contributions, screen presence, and ability to blend fighting skill with engaging action choreography. Here is how the best kung fu stars of all time stack up.
Honorable Mentions
- Michelle Yeoh: A trained ballet dancer, Yeoh did her own stunts in Yes, Madam! (1985) and Police Story 3: Super Cop (1992), decades before winning Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards.
- Ti Lung: The Shaw Brothers leading man anchored classics like The Blood Brothers (1973) and The Avenging Eagle (1978), then reinvented himself in John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow (1986).
- Kara Hui: A Lau Kar-leung regular, Hui steals Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979) and My Young Auntie (1981) with fast, fearless fight work.
- Wu Jing: A former Beijing Wushu Team member, Wu broke out as a knife-wielding killer in SPL (2005) before directing and starring in the Wolf Warrior films.
10
Lo Lieh
Five Fingers That Shook America
What Makes Lo Lieh Legendary: Lo Lieh is one of the most recognizable kung fu stars. He made his mark with unforgettable performances in classics such as Executioners from Shaolin (1977), The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), and Fists of the White Lotus (1980), also known as Clan of the White Lotus. But his most important role was in Five Fingers of Death (1972), one of the first international martial arts hits and a spark for America’s kung fu craze in the 1970s.
Why Lo Ranks Here: Although Lo was not formally trained in martial arts, his electrifying acting made him a true chameleon. He brought unforgettable energy to iconic white-haired villains, shone as comic relief, and captivated audiences as a leading man, filling his filmography with extraordinary variety. Between 1964 and 2001, Lo appeared in over 200 films, securing his legacy as one of kung fu’s most prolific and dynamic stars.
9
Cheng Pei-pei
The Original Queen of Swords
What Makes Cheng Pei-pei Legendary: American audiences often don’t give Cheng Pei-pei the credit she deserves, yet her influence is undeniable. Although kung fu cinema predominantly featured male leads, Cheng changed the genre forever with her role in 1966’s Come Drink with Me. That performance made her a pioneer of martial arts roles for women, as Variety noted in her 2024 obituary. She also helped define wuxia, a genre that blends martial arts with chivalrous themes. Like Michelle Yeoh, Cheng came from a dancing background, and her skills suited choreographed fighting.
Why Cheng Ranks Here: After her breakthrough, Cheng reprised her iconic role in Golden Swallow (1968). She left an indelible mark on Shaw Brothers classics such as The Golden Sword (1969) and The Lady Hermit (1971). Her influence soared far beyond her earliest performances, as she kept acting late into life in international releases like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and the 2020 live-action Mulan. Without traditional kung fu training, Cheng brought unparalleled elegance and charisma to a male-dominated genre, rightfully earning the affectionate title “Queen of Swords.”
8
Yuen Biao
The Third Dragon Deserves More
What Makes Yuen Biao Legendary: Yuen Biao is one of the legendary “Three Dragons” who helped reshape 1980s kung fu cinema, alongside his collaborators Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. While the trio starred in several films together, Yuen is often considered the most underrated, with some arguing he’s even more physically skilled than Chan. He’s an accomplished actor, martial artist, and stuntman with credits including work with Bruce Lee and Jet Li.
Why Yuen Ranks Here: Yuen is trained in Wing Chun, Hapkido, and boxing, bringing distinct agility to his on-screen roles. He is known for rapid-fire kicks, which are all the more impressive for their precision. His acrobatic style only adds to his versatility, making Yuen an undeniable presence throughout kung fu cinema, with over 100 credits to his name. His best example of acting and fighting comes from his starring role in The Prodigal Son (1981), directed by Hung and one of the classic kung fu movies no one talks about, but he also stands out in Wheels on Meals (1984), a “Three Dragons” classic.
7
Angela Mao
Lady Kung Fu Earned Her Belt
What Makes Angela Mao Legendary: Angela Mao has a memorable fight as Su Lin, the sister of Bruce Lee’s character in Enter the Dragon (1973). Before this role, Mao demonstrated her elegant Hapkido skills in Hapkido (1972), released in North America as Lady Kung Fu, and Lady Whirlwind (1972). Her continued work in films such as The Himalayan (1976) and Dance of Death (1979) solidified her reputation, and her authentic martial arts prowess helped cement the “Lady Kung Fu” nickname at her peak.
Why Mao Ranks Here: Cheng Pei-pei helped pave the way for female action heroes, but Mao distinguished herself by learning several martial arts disciplines. Skilled in Chinese Wushu and Korean arts like Taekwondo, Mao trained seriously and even earned a black belt in Hapkido. While many co-stars simply learned choreographed routines, Mao’s real expertise set her apart and defined her legacy.
6
Sammo Hung
Big Frame, Lightning Feet
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Sammo Hung in The Iron-Fisted Monk (1977) Golden Harvest -
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Mandarin Films
What Makes Sammo Hung Legendary: Sammo Hung is an unbelievably prolific martial arts star, director, and fight choreographer. From the start of his career, Hung surprised audiences with exceptional agility despite his larger frame. He has a legitimate background in Wing Chun, Taekwondo, and Hapkido. After appearing in classics like Enter the Dragon (1973), Hung showcased his unique style in his directorial debut, The Iron-Fisted Monk (1977), in which he also starred.
Why Hung Ranks Here: Hung made notable contributions to kung fu cinema across several decades. In the early 1980s, he shifted to urban settings, including the underrated Wheels on Meals (1984). He also pioneered martial arts comedies alongside Chan, employing physical gags in his fights. He even branched into kung fu horror, directing Encounters of the Spooky Kind (1980) and producing Mr. Vampire (1985). With Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024), Hung proved he can still elevate a modern genre hit.
5
Gordon Liu
The Monk of the 36th Chamber
What Makes Gordon Liu Legendary: As one of the biggest kung fu actors of the 1970s and 1980s, Gordon Liu starred in several beloved classics, including The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), Heroes of the East (1978), and The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984). Widely praised for his acting ability, Liu delivered impeccable performances alongside his renowned fighting skills. Quentin Tarantino was so impressed by his talent that he cast Liu in the Kill Bill films.
Why Liu Ranks Here: Liu trained in Hung Ga, a southern Chinese kung fu style. From an early age, he developed his skills at Lau Cham’s martial arts school, which connected him with director Lau Kar-leung. Lau directed Liu in several films, most notably The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, one of the classic martial arts movies with 10/10 action. While modern audiences may know Jet Li or Jackie Chan better, Liu paved the way as a shining example of screen presence and fighting ability.
4
Jet Li
A Wushu Champion Turned Icon
What Makes Jet Li Legendary: Jet Li is an undisputed icon, known for lightning-fast speed and fluid execution. As a Wushu prodigy, he won numerous awards, demonstrating an aptitude for traditional weaponry and empty-hand techniques, such as the rapid strikes of Fanziquan. CCTV notes that he won five gold medals at China’s national championships from 1974 to 1979.
Why Li Ranks Here: Li used his kung fu skills to redefine martial arts cinema with some of the greatest martial arts films ever made, including Once Upon a Time in China (1991), Fist of Legend (1994), and Hero (2002). His filmography continued to bridge the gap with American audiences in movies like Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) and The Expendables (2010). After years of semi-retirement, he made a surprising martial arts return in Blades of the Guardians (2026), proving his influence on kung fu endures.
3
Donnie Yen
Ip Man and Far Beyond
What Makes Donnie Yen Legendary: Donnie Yen is one of kung fu cinema’s most accomplished stars. He is instantly recognizable from the Ip Man franchise, showcasing an impressive Wing Chun style. While Yen is often associated with this tradition, he also blends styles like boxing and kickboxing. His mother, a Tai Chi and Wushu master, began training him as a child, according to Grunge. He is also considered one of the fastest fighters to grace the screen, pushing the limits of speed and precision set by past greats like Yuen.
Why Yen Ranks Here: Building on his extraordinary martial arts background, Yen has electrified audiences in blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and John Wick, while also forging new genre classics such as SPL (2005) and Flashpoint (2007). Far more than an actor, he dazzles as a director and fight choreographer. With Yen now directing and starring in his own John Wick spin-off, his work keeping kung fu cinema thriving isn’t over yet.
2
Bruce Lee
The Man Who Started It All
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Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee in The Way of the Dragon (1972) Golden Harvest/courtesy Everett Collection -
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Golden Harvest
What Makes Bruce Lee Legendary: Recapping Bruce Lee’s films seems unnecessary, though debate still rages over whether The Way of the Dragon (1972) or Enter the Dragon (1973) stands superior. More importantly, Lee didn’t just revolutionize the genre; he ignited a cultural phenomenon, catapulting kung fu cinema into the American mainstream and establishing himself as an unparalleled martial artist on screen.
Why Lee Ranks Here: Lee’s expertise was forged through relentless discipline. He learned Wing Chun under the legendary grandmaster Ip Man. His father taught him Tai Chi, and through regular sparring and friendships, he gained experience in judo, Taekwondo, and karate. Lee also created his own discipline, Jeet Kune Do, championing the freedom to counter any attack. This artistry reached its zenith in The Way of the Dragon, which Lee wrote, directed, and choreographed.
1
Jackie Chan
The Stuntman Who Never Said No
What Makes Jackie Chan Legendary: Few are more recognizable in the world of kung fu than Jackie Chan. The martial arts star revolutionized action comedies by combining humor with innovative choreography. Thanks to his early experience with Lee, Hung, and Yuen, Chan draws on an eclectic array of styles, including Wing Chun, drunken boxing, Hapkido, and Taekwondo. He builds on Lee’s foundation, creating a modern take on martial arts films. Beyond his choreography and style, Chan’s approach to filmmaking sets him apart in another crucial way: his willingness to perform physically demanding stunts himself.
Why Chan Ranks Here: Chan risks his body on death-defying stunts to get unique shots. He slid down a pole covered in breaking glass in Police Story (1985) and skidded down the glass side of a 21-story building in Who Am I? (1998). Chan does what no one else would dare. His stunt work made him an international star, with Rush Hour (1998) and Shanghai Noon (2000) as beloved as the classics that defined his contributions to the kung fu genre, such as Drunken Master (1978) and Project A (1983).
- Birthdate
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April 7, 1954
- Birthplace
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Hong Kong
- Birthname
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Kong-sang Chan
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