If you loved the epic martial arts action and historical drama of 'Once Upon a Time in China' (1991), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same spirit of heroism, breathtaking fight scenes, and rich cultural storytelling. Whether you're a fan of Jet Li or just crave more wuxia adventures, these recommendations will keep you entertained.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
Description: A classic kung fu film that follows a student's rigorous training in the Shaolin Temple, emphasizing discipline, perseverance, and mastery of martial arts.
Fact: The film inspired numerous sequels and is considered a cornerstone of the kung fu genre.


Iron Monkey (1993)
Description: A martial arts film set in 19th-century China, featuring a heroic folk figure who fights against corrupt officials, blending action with themes of justice and rebellion.
Fact: The film was initially banned in China due to its portrayal of government corruption but later gained a cult following worldwide.


Fist of Legend (1994)
Description: A remake of Bruce Lee's 'Fist of Fury,' this film showcases intense martial arts choreography and explores themes of national pride and resistance against foreign oppression.
Fact: Jet Li performed most of his own stunts, and the fight scenes are considered some of the best in martial arts cinema.


The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)
Description: This film combines humor with spectacular fight sequences, focusing on a young martial artist who uses a unique drunken boxing style to combat villains.
Fact: The final fight scene is often cited as one of the greatest in martial arts film history, lasting over 10 minutes.


Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Description: A poetic and action-packed wuxia film that delves into themes of love, honor, and destiny, featuring gravity-defying martial arts and deep emotional resonance.
Fact: It was the first foreign-language film to gross over $100 million in the U.S. and won four Academy Awards.


Hero (2002)
Description: A visually stunning wuxia film that weaves together multiple narratives, exploring themes of sacrifice, love, and the greater good through breathtaking martial arts sequences.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and is known for its use of color to differentiate between storylines.


House of Flying Daggers (2004)
Description: A romantic wuxia film with elaborate fight scenes and a tragic love story, set against the backdrop of a rebellion in ancient China.
Fact: The film's bamboo forest fight scene took over a month to shoot and is renowned for its beauty and choreography.


The Grandmaster (2013)
Description: A biographical martial arts film that explores the life of Ip Man, blending historical drama with beautifully choreographed fight sequences and philosophical depth.
Fact: The film was in development for over a decade and underwent multiple edits before its final release.


The Assassin (2015)
Description: A slow-burning, visually exquisite wuxia film that focuses on a female assassin's internal conflict, blending minimal dialogue with stunning cinematography.
Fact: The film won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival and is noted for its historical accuracy and meticulous detail.


Shadow (2018)
Description: A visually striking wuxia film that uses a monochromatic color palette to tell a story of political intrigue, doppelgängers, and revenge.
Fact: The film's unique aesthetic was achieved by using only shades of black, white, and gray, creating a painterly effect.
