Movies

8 Must-See Martial Arts Comedies That Will Leave You in Stitches!

BBG News

Many martial arts films aim to captivate viewers beyond merely stunning fight scenes by infusing humorous storylines, peculiar characters, and extravagant martial arts demonstrations. The funniest martial arts flicks maintain a playful tone without sacrificing the quality of their action sequences or choreography.

These films offer a hilarious yet engaging experience, blending impressive fight sequences skillfully into the plot. They astound viewers with their creativity and grandeur. Some of the action genre’s leading performers, such as Jackie Chan, execute the stunts and martial arts scenes. Known for his iconic martial arts comedies, Chan’s work has significantly impacted subsequent films in this genre. For those seeking laughter-filled martial arts spectacles, these movies are a must-watch.

8. Mr. Vampire (1985)

Directed by Ricky Lau

In the movie “Mr. Vampire,” produced by Sammo Hung, we see an exciting blend of comedy, horror, and martial arts. This film takes its cue from the Chinese mythical creature, the jiangshi, which shares similarities with what the world recognizes as zombies and vampires. The horror-comedy follows Taoist priest Master Kau (played by Lam Ching-ying) and his disciples as they band together to confront a menacing jiangshi causing trouble for those in their vicinity.

In the movie “Mr. Vampire,” Master Kau possesses extraordinary powers that prove crucial during combat. However, his companions, who lack such abilities, provide comic relief instead. This film is significant as it set the stage for jiangshi genre movies worldwide, introducing numerous tropes that persisted in later productions. The enduring appeal and iconic status of “Mr. Vampire” led to subsequent films, although these sequels share no storyline continuity with the original, only thematic connections.

7. The Last Dragon (1985)

Directed by Michael Schultz

Initially receiving a mixed reaction from critics upon its release in the mid-’80s, The Last Dragon has since gained cult status, and it’s not hard to understand why. This film skillfully combines elements of action movies, comedies, music videos, and romance films into a largely successful blend. The Last Dragon follows the journey of Leroy Green (Taimak), a young martial artist residing in New York City, who dreams of emulating his hero Bruce Lee.

In “The Last Dragon,” viewers get to see Leroy embark on a journey of love while also uncovering some truths about himself. The film’s unique humor may not appeal to everyone, but its distinctive charm has helped it build a dedicated fanbase over time. It’s evident that the creators of “The Last Dragon” have a deep understanding and admiration for martial arts films, as this is reflected in the action scenes and character development of Leroy.

6. The Magnificent Butcher (1979)

Directed by Yuen Woo-ping

Drawing upon the acclaim of the previous year’s “Drunken Master”, “The Magnificent Butcher” showcases renowned Chinese folk heroes, Wong Fei-hung (portrayed by Kwan Tak-hing) and Beggar So (Fan Mei-sheng). In this film, Sammo Hung’s character, Lam Sai-wing, seeks to hone his kung fu abilities under the tutelage of these skilled martial artists. Hung’s athletic prowess is noteworthy, and his comedic delivery makes “The Magnificent Butcher” a must-see for those seeking laughter.

Although the influence and resemblance of “Drunken Master” can be seen in Sammo Hung’s film, it didn’t initially receive as warm a reception compared to his later work, “The Magnificent Butcher.” Today, this martial arts comedy is highly regarded by audiences and fans of Sammo Hung, and justifiably so. It boasts captivating action scenes, an outstanding portrayal by Hung himself, and, needless to say, numerous humorous instances.

5. Shaolin Soccer (2001)

Directed by Stephen Chow

Jackie Chan is well-known for starring in a variety of genre blends, but there are also many successful martial arts comedies that don’t feature him, such as “Shaolin Soccer.” This early 2000s martial arts film follows the story of Sing (played by Stephen Chow), a kung fu expert and former monk who gathers his friends for an intense soccer match. His goal is to popularize Shaolin kung fu among a wide audience.

In the climactic soccer match, Sing and his teammates showcase extraordinary talents that make the game more thrilling than ever, with an extravagant exhibition of martial arts. The daring action scenes are softened by a tender romance plot and the endearing personalities of the characters. Over time, Stephen Chow’s Shaolin Soccer has become an adored cult classic due to its delightful blend of sports movie conventions and martial arts.

4. Big Trouble In Little China (1986)

Directed by John Carpenter

John Carpenter and Kurt Russell have collaborated on multiple projects throughout their careers, with many considering their most successful joint effort to be “The Thing“. Although Carpenter is widely acclaimed for his horror filmmaking, “Big Trouble in Little China” marks a departure from the norm as it’s his unique take on martial arts cinema. The movie revolves around Russell’s character, Jack Burton, who finds himself entangled in a supernatural conflict against the malevolent sorcerer Lo Pan (James Hong).

Although Big Trouble in Little China struggled with commercial success upon release due to its blend of martial arts, fantasy, and humor, it has since grown into a beloved cult film. Its humor is undeniable, and its distinctive qualities that differentiate it from other films by Carpenter continue to be appreciated.

3. Wheels On Meals (1984)

Directed by Sammo Hung

The trio consisting of Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, and Sammo Hung have made several films together across different years. While people might argue about which of their collaborations stands out the most, the martial arts comedy “Wheels on Meals” is cherished by fans of these actors, and rightly so. Although it may not always be ranked among Chan’s top martial arts comedies, it remains a side-splitting action movie that guarantees an enjoyable viewing experience for audiences.

The film “Wheels on Meals” primarily revolves around the escapades of restaurant owners Thomas (Chan) and David (Yuen Biao), along with their buddy Moby (Sammo Hung). Together, they embark on a thrilling journey to rescue a young woman (Lola Forner). The camaraderie between these actors, who are actually friends in real life, is beautifully portrayed within the movie’s comical atmosphere. However, “Wheels on Meals” also boasts some impressive action sequences. Notably, the fight between Chan and Benny Urquidez towards the end is often cited as one of the best fights in Chan’s career.

2. Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Directed by Stephen Chow

After the release of Shaolin Soccer, Stephen Chow took on multiple roles as co-writer, director, and actor in the 2004 film Kung Fu Hustle. This sequel is even more outlandish than its predecessor, offering a delightful dose of absurdity. The story revolves around an ambitious wannabe gangster (portrayed by Chow) with dreams of joining the notorious Axe Gang. The film is rich in references to other movies and boasts fight choreography that verges on the fantastical, under the expert guidance of Yuen Woo-ping, a kung fu legend.

In “Kung Fu Hustle,” the tempo and action are relentless and incessant, yet seldom does it bore viewers due to its engaging narrative. This is partly because the film skillfully blends an endearing protagonist (Chow’s character), peculiar supporting characters, and a surprising dose of emotion. A standout martial arts movie from the 2000s, “Kung Fu Hustle” boasts a compelling plot, is genuinely humorous, and leaves audiences captivated.

1. Drunken Master (1978)

Directed by Yuen Woo-ping

One of Yuen Woo-ping’s standout films and a significant addition to Jackie Chan’s filmography, “Drunken Master” is a highly impactful martial arts comedy that played a crucial role in propelling the actor into stardom. Throughout his career, Chan has often depicted the martial artist and folk hero Wong Fei-hung, with his portrayal as the fictionalized version of the iconic figure in “Drunken Master” being particularly memorable. In the movie, Wong learns the techniques of drunken boxing from Beggar So, played by Yuen Siu-Tin.

The impact of “Drunken Master” can be seen not just in the comedic martial arts films that came after it, but across the entire action subgenre. This iconic ’70s martial arts movie, known for its seamless blend of funny slapstick scenes and expertly choreographed martial arts sequences, has received widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers. The charismatic Chan, who is renowned for his roles in films with a similar humorous tone, is an incredibly entertaining lead character that keeps audiences in stitches.

Read More

2025-04-20 00:31

Previous post The Shocking Secret Behind Baby Ruby’s Twisted Ending
Next post 10 Marvel Comics to Recharge Your Fanatic Soul