10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Description: This film, like 'Shang-Chi', is a martial arts epic that combines breathtaking action with emotional depth. Both movies explore themes of love, duty, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations. The wirework and choreography in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' set a standard for martial arts films that 'Shang-Chi' builds upon.

Fact: 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. The film's director, Ang Lee, had no prior experience with martial arts films before making this movie. The bamboo forest fight scene took weeks to film and required precise coordination between the actors and the crew.

Description: 'Hero' shares with 'Shang-Chi' a visually stunning portrayal of martial arts, with a strong emphasis on color symbolism and poetic storytelling. Both films delve into themes of sacrifice, honor, and the greater good, wrapped in layers of myth and legend. The fight sequences in 'Hero' are as much about artistry as they are about combat, much like in 'Shang-Chi'.

Fact: 'Hero' was the first Chinese-language film to top the U.S. box office. The film's director, Zhang Yimou, used different color palettes for each segment of the story to reflect the emotional tone. Jet Li turned down a role in 'The Matrix' to star in this film.

Description: This film shares with 'Shang-Chi' a mix of martial arts action and humor, set in a world where ordinary people can achieve extraordinary feats. Both movies pay homage to classic kung fu films while adding a modern twist. The over-the-top action and comedic elements in 'Kung Fu Hustle' are balanced with heartfelt moments, similar to 'Shang-Chi'.

Fact: 'Kung Fu Hustle' was directed by and stars Stephen Chow, who is known for his unique blend of comedy and action. The film's choreography was overseen by Sammo Hung, a legendary figure in Hong Kong cinema. The movie was a box office hit and has since gained a cult following.

Description: This film, like 'Shang-Chi', is a martial arts romance that blends action with a poignant love story. Both movies feature elaborate fight scenes that are as emotionally charged as they are physically impressive. The visual style of 'House of Flying Daggers', with its lush landscapes and vibrant colors, is reminiscent of the fantastical elements in 'Shang-Chi'.

Fact: 'House of Flying Daggers' was shot on location in China's bamboo forests and prairies. The film's lead actress, Zhang Ziyi, trained for months to perform the 'Echo Game' sequence. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

Description: This film shares with 'Shang-Chi' a blend of modern storytelling with ancient Chinese mythology. Both movies feature a young protagonist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery through martial arts. The action in 'The Forbidden Kingdom' is fast-paced and visually dynamic, much like the fight scenes in 'Shang-Chi'.

Fact: 'The Forbidden Kingdom' marks the first on-screen collaboration between Jet Li and Jackie Chan. The film was inspired by the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West'. The production involved extensive training for the actors in various martial arts styles.

Description: This film, like 'Shang-Chi', is a martial arts biopic that combines historical drama with intense action sequences. Both movies highlight the personal and cultural struggles of their protagonists, set against a backdrop of political turmoil. The fight choreography in 'Ip Man' is grounded yet spectacular, much like the combat in 'Shang-Chi'.

Fact: 'Ip Man' is based on the life of the Wing Chun grandmaster who trained Bruce Lee. Donnie Yen, who plays Ip Man, underwent rigorous training to master the Wing Chun style. The film sparked a resurgence of interest in Wing Chun and martial arts films worldwide.

Description: Like 'Shang-Chi', 'The Grandmaster' is a martial arts film that delves into the philosophy and discipline behind the fighting styles. Both movies explore the legacy of their protagonists and the cultural significance of their skills. The cinematography in 'The Grandmaster' is as meticulous and visually arresting as in 'Shang-Chi'.

Fact: 'The Grandmaster' is a biographical film about the life of Ip Man, Bruce Lee's mentor. The film's director, Wong Kar-wai, spent over a decade researching and developing the project. Tony Leung, who plays Ip Man, trained in Wing Chun for three years to prepare for the role.

Description: Similar to 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings', 'Black Panther' is a Marvel film that blends superhero action with deep cultural roots. Both movies explore themes of legacy, family, and the struggle between tradition and modernity. They also feature stunning visuals, intricate fight choreography, and a strong emphasis on their respective cultural heritages (African for 'Black Panther' and Chinese for 'Shang-Chi').

Fact: 'Black Panther' was the first superhero film to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. The film's costume design was heavily inspired by various African tribes, with each outfit telling a story about the character wearing it. Chadwick Boseman, who played T'Challa, learned to speak Xhosa for the role.

Description: This series shares with 'Shang-Chi' a focus on martial arts and a post-apocalyptic setting that blends futuristic elements with ancient traditions. Both feature protagonists who must navigate a world filled with powerful factions and personal vendettas, all while mastering their combat skills. The show's elaborate fight scenes and Asian-inspired aesthetics mirror the action sequences in 'Shang-Chi'.

Fact: 'Into the Badlands' was heavily influenced by classic Hong Kong martial arts films. The show's lead actor, Daniel Wu, is a trained martial artist and performed many of his own stunts. The series was originally conceived as a modern adaptation of the Chinese novel 'Journey to the West'.

Description: Like 'Shang-Chi', 'Warrior' is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and history, featuring intense martial arts action and themes of identity and belonging. Both stories involve protagonists who must reconcile their heritage with their present circumstances, set against a backdrop of organized crime and familial conflict. The fight choreography in 'Warrior' is similarly dynamic and visually striking.

Fact: 'Warrior' is based on an original concept by Bruce Lee, who pitched it as a TV series in the 1970s. The show's fight scenes were choreographed by Brett Chan, who has worked on numerous high-profile martial arts films. Despite its historical setting, the series addresses contemporary issues like racism and immigration.