10 Movies and Shows Similar to Drunken Master (1978)

Description: This film shares with 'Drunken Master' a focus on national pride and the defense of Chinese martial arts against foreign oppression. Both films feature protagonists who use their skills to stand up against injustice, with intense and dynamic fight scenes that highlight the artistry of kung fu.

Fact: Stars Bruce Lee as Chen Zhen, a role later reprised by Jet Li in 'Fist of Legend.' The film is loosely based on the life of Huo Yuanjia, a real-life martial artist. It features one of the most iconic scenes in martial arts cinema: Bruce Lee breaking a 'Sick Man of Asia' sign.

Description: Like 'Drunken Master,' 'Enter the Dragon' combines martial arts action with a compelling narrative. Both films showcase the physical prowess and charisma of their lead actors (Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, respectively) and feature themes of honor, revenge, and self-discovery. The fight choreography in both films is highly stylized and influential.

Fact: Bruce Lee's final completed film before his untimely death. The first Chinese martial arts film produced by a major Hollywood studio (Warner Bros.). It is often considered the film that introduced kung fu to Western audiences.

Description: Similar to 'Drunken Master' in its focus on martial arts training and personal growth, 'The 36th Chamber of Shaolin' is a quintessential kung fu film that emphasizes discipline, perseverance, and mastery of martial arts. Both films feature a protagonist who undergoes rigorous training to overcome adversaries, embodying the classic underdog story.

Fact: Directed by Lau Kar-leung, a legendary figure in Hong Kong cinema known for his authentic portrayal of martial arts. The film is often credited with popularizing the 'training sequence' trope in martial arts movies. It spawned several sequels and influenced many future martial arts films.

Description: Directed by and starring Jackie Chan, 'The Young Master' shares with 'Drunken Master' a focus on traditional kung fu and comedic elements. Both films feature Chan's signature blend of humor and action, with intricate fight sequences that highlight his physical prowess.

Fact: This was Jackie Chan's first film for Golden Harvest after leaving Lo Wei's studio. The film was a major box office success, cementing Chan's status as a leading action star. It features one of the longest single-take fight scenes in martial arts cinema.

Description: Another Jackie Chan vehicle, 'Dragon Lord' continues the tradition of combining martial arts with comedy, much like 'Drunken Master.' The film features elaborate action sequences and a lighthearted tone, with Chan's character often finding himself in over-the-top situations.

Fact: The film's original title in Chinese is 'Long Xiao Ye,' which translates to 'Young Master in Dragon.' It features a unique sport called 'Dragon Dance,' which involves a ball and a large team of players. The film was a commercial success and showcased Chan's ability to innovate within the martial arts genre.

Description: This film shares with 'Drunken Master' a mix of martial arts and comedy, featuring Jackie Chan in a leading role. Both films showcase Chan's athleticism and comedic timing, with fight choreography that is both entertaining and technically impressive.

Fact: The film's title is a pun on the phrase 'Meals on Wheels.' It features a legendary fight scene between Jackie Chan and Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez. The film was shot in Spain, giving it a unique European flavor compared to other Hong Kong martial arts films.

Description: While 'Police Story' is a modern action film compared to the period setting of 'Drunken Master,' both films highlight Jackie Chan's unique blend of martial arts, comedy, and death-defying stunts. The emphasis on practical effects and real stunts is a hallmark of both films.

Fact: Jackie Chan directed, wrote, and starred in the film. The shopping mall fight scene is considered one of the greatest action sequences in cinema history. Chan performed all his own stunts, including the famous slide down a pole covered in lights, which left him with severe burns.

Description: While 'Operation Condor' is more of an adventure film compared to 'Drunken Master,' it still features Jackie Chan's trademark blend of action and comedy. Both films highlight Chan's ability to perform daring stunts and his knack for physical humor.

Fact: The film is also known as 'Armour of God II: Operation Condor.' It was one of the most expensive Hong Kong films made at the time. The desert chase scene took months to film and involved complex logistics.

Description: This film, like 'Drunken Master,' explores themes of cultural identity and the preservation of traditional Chinese values in the face of modernization and foreign influence. Both films feature legendary martial artists (Wong Fei-hung in 'Once Upon a Time in China' and Beggar So in 'Drunken Master') and showcase spectacular fight sequences.

Fact: Stars Jet Li as Wong Fei-hung, a role that made him a household name. The film's success led to five sequels and a television series. It features the iconic 'No Shadow Kick' move, which became synonymous with Jet Li's portrayal of Wong Fei-hung.

Description: Similar to 'Drunken Master,' 'Iron Monkey' blends action, humor, and a strong moral message. Both films feature charismatic leads who use unconventional fighting styles (drunken boxing in 'Drunken Master' and a Robin Hood-like vigilante in 'Iron Monkey') to fight corruption and protect the innocent.

Fact: Directed by Yuen Woo-ping, who also choreographed the fights in 'The Matrix.' The film was initially less successful in Hong Kong but gained a cult following overseas. Donnie Yen, who plays the titular character, was relatively unknown at the time but later became a martial arts superstar.