10 Awesome Martial Arts Movies That Capture the Essence of Jackie Chan

While Jackie Chan has a plethora of classic movies, there are also many outstanding martial arts films that often go unnoticed in the actor's body of work. Alongside Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan is regarded as one of the most influential martial artists in the history of cinema. Chan's early leading roles date back to the late '70s, a time when the popularity of Bruce Lee sparked a surge in demand for martial arts films. One of Chan's early successes was in the 1978 film Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, which blended comedy with kung fu in a unique way.

Chan's subsequent film, Drunken Master, solidified the lighter and more playful tone that set his movies apart from the works of Lee, Sonny Chiba, and the Shaw Brothers. While Jackie Chan continues to create exceptional films to this day, his legendary period of success occurred in the '80s. It was during this time that Chan rose to prominence in Hong Kong action cinema with a multitude of police dramas and action comedies. Films like Project A, the My Lucky Stars series, and the Police Story franchise showcased Chan's mastery in combining acrobatic stunt work, dynamic fight sequences, and physical comedy - a blend that has influenced countless filmmakers.

Tiger Cage 2

This Donnie Yen vehicle could be a lost Jackie Chan movie

Tiger Cage 2: Donnie Yen stands at the ready with a sword. - This Donnie Yen vehicle could be a lost Jackie Chan movie

Tiger Cage 2, starring Donnie Yen, takes on a Jackie Chan-esque vibe in this action-packed sequel. Filled with impressive stunts, intense fight sequences, and a comedic buddy dynamic, the film follows Yen's reckless cop character, Dragon Yau, who finds himself unintentionally involved in a money laundering scheme with Rosamund Kwan's character, Mandy, a divorce lawyer. With its blend of action and comedy reminiscent of Jackie Chan's style, Tiger Cage 2 feels like a movie that could easily fit into the iconic star's extensive filmography.

Kung Fu Hustle

Stephen Chow’s cartoony action calls to mind Chan’s early oeuvre

Kung Fu Hustle The Beast is being hit in the face - Stephen Chow’s cartoony action calls to mind Chan’s early oeuvre

Director, actor, and martial arts star Stephen Chow has always been open about his admiration for Jackie Chan's work. Many of Chow's early films were inspired by Chan's successful movies. While some of Chow's earlier works, such as Forbidden City Cop, show influences from Chan, it was in 2005 with the release of Kung Fu Hustle that Chow truly captured Chan's playful and exaggerated style. In contrast to Chan's traditional approach, Kung Fu Hustle incorporates CGI effects to enhance its action scenes. However, similar to Chan's films, Kung Fu Hustle prioritizes humor, absurdity, and comedic gags over serious drama and violence in its fight sequences.

Ong Bak

Tony Jaa’s breakout movie also combined parkour and martial arts

Ting pointing his fist at a downed opponent while civilians look on in Ong Bak - Tony Jaa’s breakout movie also combined parkour and martial arts

Ong Bak, released in 2004, pays homage to the raw physicality seen in Jackie Chan's earlier works. While Chan's films often incorporated humor, his stunts were undeniably risky, and his darker movies showcased intense fight scenes. In Ong Bak, the straightforward plot follows a martial artist on a mission to recover a statue's head, allowing Tony Jaa to showcase breathtaking free-running and intense combat sequences reminiscent of Chan's early classics.

Mad Monkey Kung Fu

This Shaw Brothers action epic is similar to Chan’s movies

Two men in a fighting stance in Mad Monkey Kung Fu - This Shaw Brothers action epic is similar to Chan’s movies

Before director Lau Kar-leung created Chan’s iconic 1994 sequel Drunken Master II, he first produced another masterpiece in 1979. Despite its title, Mad Monkey Kung Fu defies expectations by delving into a darker storyline. The film follows a martial artist training a young urchin to seek revenge, showcasing impressive fight sequences that rival even Chan’s best work. Lau Kar-leung’s skillful blend of tones in Mad Monkey Kung Fu sets the stage for his successful collaborations with Chan in the future.

The Magnificent Butcher

Sammo Hung’s early hit was designed to cash in on Chan’s success

Magnificent Butcher Sammo Hung punching through a table - Sammo Hung’s early hit was designed to cash in on Chan’s success - The Magnificent Butcher

Any list of movies that evoke the same essence as Chan’s lesser-known works would be incomplete without mentioning Sammo Hung. Known for their frequent collaborations, Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung worked together on numerous films during the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema. One notable film that showcased Sammo Hung's talent was 1979’s The Magnificent Butcher, which capitalized on the success of Chan’s Drunken Master. The Magnificent Butcher deliberately followed the formula of Drunken Master and succeeded in delivering a film with a simple plot and entertaining action sequences.

District 13

This French thriller prioritizes stunts and fights like Chan

A man jumps over the wall in District 13 - This French thriller prioritizes stunts and fights like Chan

District 13, released in 2004, is a dystopian thriller that takes place in a near-future Paris. The storyline follows a scenario where the suburbs are plagued by armed drug dealers, and a small group of agile heroes must undertake a mission to recover a stolen nuclear bomb. While this premise may not immediately bring Jackie Chan to mind, the film's emphasis on free running gives it a distinct similarity to the action sequences found in the Police Story series. The impressive display of athleticism, blending martial arts with parkour, sets District 13 apart and positions it as a hidden gem in Jackie Chan's filmography.

Skinny Tiger Fatty Dragon

1990’s silly martial arts hit revisits Chan’s blend of action and comedy

Sammo Hung and Karl Maka in Skinny Tiger Fatty Dragon-1 - 1990’s silly martial arts hit revisits Chan’s blend of action and comedy

Released during the collaboration of Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan on the My Lucky Stars series, Skinny Tiger Fatty Dragon from 1990 appears to be a spinoff of the action-comedy films. The movie follows a similar buddy comedy formula as Chan's films, focusing on two detectives on a mission to take down a dangerous drug lord. However, the real highlight of the film lies in the impressive stunt work and fight scenes reminiscent of Chan's iconic performances.

Chocolate (2008)

This underrated martial arts drama shares the appeal of Chan’s movies

Zen elbows an opponent in the head in Chocolate 2008 - This underrated martial arts drama shares the appeal of Chan’s movies - Chocolate (2008)

Starring Yanin Vismitananda as Zen, the 2008 film Chocolate follows a martial artist with developmental disabilities who seeks to collect debts from criminal gangs to help her ill mother. Directed by the same filmmaker behind Ong Bak, this action-packed movie prioritizes showcasing the star's impressive fighting skills over a complex storyline. Reminiscent of Jackie Chan's action films from the '80s, Chocolate offers a thrilling and intense viewing experience.

Encounters of the Spooky Kind

This wild action comedy horror hybrid boasts hilarious fights

Sammo Hung aims a fighting stick in Encounters of the Spooky Kind 1980 - This wild action comedy horror hybrid boasts hilarious fights

Despite missing out on Three Dragons sequels, Jackie Chan's collaborations with Sammo Hung are legendary. In the 1980 film Encounters of the Spooky Kind, Sammo Hung battles supernatural threats like vampires, demons, and ghosts in a mix of action, comedy, and horror. This rare movie's slapstick chaos is reminiscent of Chan's later hit, Fantasy Mission Force, showcasing a unique blend of elements not often seen in Chan's films.

Dance of the Drunk Mantis

This hit was promoted as a Jackie Chan movie despite the actor’s absence

Two kung fu masters swap drinks in Dance of the Drunk Mantis - This hit was promoted as a Jackie Chan movie despite the actor’s absence

Dance of the Drunk Mantis, released in 1979, is reminiscent of a classic Jackie Chan film. Being a spinoff of one of Chan's successful movies, it continues the story from Drunken Master. The plot may be odd and disjointed, focusing on Chan's trainer and his new adopted son. Despite its silliness and strangeness, the film showcases impressive stunt work and fight choreography, similar to the iconic Jackie Chan style seen in Drunken Master.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive exploration of lesser-known martial arts films that capture the essence of Jackie Chan's influential style. It highlights the unique blend of action, comedy, and physical prowess that has made Chan a cinematic icon. The selection of films presented showcases the diversity and creativity of martial arts cinema, with each offering its own interpretation of Chan's signature formula.

The article effectively demonstrates how these films have paid homage to and expanded upon Chan's legacy. They have incorporated elements such as acrobatic stunts, dynamic fight sequences, and comedic elements, creating a rich tapestry of martial arts entertainment. The inclusion of films from various countries and eras further underscores the global impact of Chan's work, inspiring filmmakers and audiences worldwide.