If you loved the gritty action and dramatic storytelling of Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same essence of martial arts, crime, and historical intrigue. Whether you're a fan of intense fight scenes or compelling period dramas, these picks will keep you hooked.

Fist of Legend (1994)
Description: A remake of Bruce Lee's 'Fist of Fury,' this film updates the classic story with more realistic fight choreography and a focus on national pride and personal justice.
Fact: Jet Li's performance and the film's fight scenes are often cited as some of the best in martial arts cinema.


The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)
Description: A high-energy martial arts comedy that showcases the unique Drunken Boxing style, blending humor with jaw-dropping fight sequences.
Fact: Jackie Chan performed all his own stunts in the film, including the infamous final fight scene where he was severely burned.


Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Description: A masterpiece of the wuxia genre, combining gravity-defying martial arts with a deeply emotional narrative about love, duty, and personal freedom.
Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, and became the highest-grossing foreign-language film in the U.S. at the time.


Hero (2002)
Description: A poetic and visually striking wuxia film that explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the complexities of heroism through its layered storytelling and vibrant cinematography.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, marking a significant milestone for Chinese cinema.


House of Flying Daggers (2004)
Description: A romantic wuxia film known for its lush visuals, intricate choreography, and a tragic love story set against a backdrop of political intrigue.
Fact: The bamboo forest fight scene took over a month to shoot and required precise coordination between the actors and stunt team.


Ip Man (2008)
Description: A biographical martial arts film that showcases the life of a legendary Wing Chun master, emphasizing honor, resilience, and the cultural significance of kung fu.
Fact: Donnie Yen, who plays Ip Man, trained in Wing Chun for months to authentically portray the martial arts master.


The Grandmaster (2013)
Description: A visually stunning martial arts film that delves into the philosophy and artistry of kung fu, blending historical drama with breathtaking fight sequences.
Fact: The film was shot over three years, with director Wong Kar-wai meticulously crafting each scene to reflect the elegance and discipline of martial arts.


The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Description: A gritty and emotional action thriller that follows a mysterious man's quest for vengeance, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat and a poignant storyline.
Fact: The film's knife fight scene is considered one of the most realistic and brutal in modern action cinema.


Dragon (2011)
Description: A martial arts crime drama that combines intense action with a mystery narrative, exploring themes of redemption and the consequences of violence.
Fact: The film's fight scenes were choreographed by Donnie Yen, who also starred in the lead role.


The Raid 2 (2014)
Description: A brutal and relentless action film that expands on its predecessor's premise with more complex storytelling and even more visceral fight sequences.
Fact: The film's climactic kitchen fight scene took seven days to shoot and required extensive rehearsal to perfect the choreography.
