Top 15 Shaolin Monk Martial Arts Movies: Ranked List of Epic Kung Fu Action

Shaolin Showdown! The 15 Best Martial Arts Movies About Shaolin Monks

The Enduring Legacy of Shaolin Monks in Martial Arts Cinema

Shaolin monks? They're legendary, folks! Their stories have fueled countless classic martial arts Movies for ages! Combining Zen philosophy and insane martial arts skills; they represent that perfect blend of spiritual depth and serious, unwavering physical discipline which made this an appealing subject to make into films; This makes their inclusion and prominence within the film industry totally unsurprising! This article goes through some of the absolute best movies showing their impressive skills and those uniquely intense fighting styles that defined much of Kung Fu film!

These amazing films all blend intense action, intricate fight choreography, and deep explorations of philosophy and self-discovery. Many were directed by legendary directors like Chang Cheh,Lau Kar-leung and feature some of the biggest names in Kung Fu cinema: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Gordon Liu– these actors created this uniquely amazing genre and really helped these movies gain such popularity worldwide.

Also Read: Kung Fu Parody Movies: The Best Laughs in Martial Arts

Top 15 Shaolin Monk Martial Arts Movies: A Ranked List of Epic Action

Shaolin - Poster - Andy Lau, Nicholas Tee & Jackie Chan Image

15. The Shaolin Avengers (1976): A Tale of Betrayal and Revenge

This classic tells the story of Fang Shih-yu (Sheng Fu) avenging his temple's betrayal. Good fight scenes and flashbacks, making this a totally fun watch! Although this failed to be uniquely different from various other Shaolin movies, those nostalgic moments provide some great experiences; but doesn't entirely stand out when considering various similar films, with a predictable storyline and some obvious, and easily guessable events throughout.

14. Legend of the Red Dragon (1994): Jet Li and Father-Son Action

Starring Jet Li and Chingmy Yau, this historical revenge flick has five Shaolin monks pursued by the government, all carrying parts of a treasure map. It has well-executed action, lots of spear-fighting, humor, and great Shaolin insight, however it ultimately didn't entirely stand out for what this film really needed: A completely new twist that could've created a completely original work and avoid reliance on predictable plot conventions used in so many others which focused on similar story elements. This particular story, however, didn’t offer anything new.

13. Five Shaolin Masters (1974): A Pseudo-Sequel with a Burning Temple

The Shaolin Avengers (1976) Directed by Cheh Chang Image

A sort-of sequel to Chang Cheh’s Shaolin Temple (1976), this depicts Shaolin's battles against the Qing Dynasty, focusing on five monks seeking vengeance. While the story falls short of other great Chang Cheh films; the storyline still maintains quality; featuring an engaging premise centered around revenge which serves as another action-filled movie to showcase this great setting.

12. Fist of Shaolin (1975): A Straightforward Revenge Story

A commercial flick from the 1970s. It’s focused on intense fight choreography and a simple revenge tale. While lacking in artistry, the core aspect– a boy becoming a Shaolin monk to avenge his family; remains classic and this classic trope continues to generate that same amazing momentum found in other movies which focus on those kinds of related storylines.

11. Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1985): The Weakest Link in a Great Trilogy

A young fighter in Legend of the Red Dragon (1994) Directed by Wong Jing and Corey Yuen Image

The third film in that famed 36th Chamber trilogy. It's good, yet not great—a great and popular Shaw Brothers production. Starring the amazing Gordon Liu, it showcases a talented fighter, Fong Sai-Yuk; protected from corrupt officials. Lots of great fight sequences however fail to live up to that earlier trilogy. The obvious attempt to emulate that level of intensity from its prior entries failed in this one.

10. Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts of Shaolin (1986): Jet Li’s Continuing Adventures

The third Shaolin Temple movie has a young orphan trained as a monk and fighter. Jet Li stars, with that expected great mix of action and comedy. Those highly skilled choreographed sequences remain excellent, although this once again does little that other installments already presented, relying on repeating formulas already mastered rather than pursuing something entirely different; failing to live up to those amazingly high expectations established in that famous trilogy.

9. Shaolin Temple (1976): Chang Cheh's Shaw Brothers Masterpiece

Five Shaolin Masters (1974) Directed by Chang Cheh Image

A totally different Shaolin Temple than that Jet Li franchise; Chang Cheh's Shaw Brothers classic showed the Shaolin Temple's rebellion against the Qings. While that strong narrative includes plenty of characters; some less important, the incredible fight sequences were superb, an obvious element used frequently throughout that specific series.

8. Shaolin (2011): Jackie Chan's Remake with a Twist

A remake of Shaolin Temple! But instead of Jet Li; this one has Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, and Nicholas Tse! This awesome Wuxia story showcases a warlord's redemption, adding that famous blend of impressive production values, plenty of action and ensemble performances and showing off just why Jackie Chan would choose a seemingly impossible role; that kind of intense action requires someone at this level. The high production level shows that remakes aren't always worse!

7. Shaolin and Wu Tang (1983): The Wu-Tang Clan's Inspiration

Fist Of Shaolin (1975) Directed by Ying-wen Yang Image

This was Gordon Liu’s directorial effort; it’s what inspired Wu-Tang Clan. The awesome Shaolin vs. Wudangquan rivalry! Two fighters become rivals thanks to that insanely jealous chief; showing off the rivalry inherent within Kung Fu movies. That incredible opening fight shows what’s ahead!

6. Shaolin Soccer (2001): Kung Fu Meets the Beautiful Game

Stephen Chow totally nailed that blend of high-stakes action and laugh-out-loud comedy in this sports comedy. A struggling soccer player gets trained by a Shaolin monk. This crazy idea shows just how well those action scenes combined with comedy can become memorable; it’s just ridiculously fun, showing those elements completely integrated. That level of chaotic energy elevates its brilliance.

5. Shaolin Temple 2: Kids From Shaolin (1984): Another Hit from Jet Li

Gordon Liu as Monk San Te trains in the rain in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. Image

This sequel to the first Shaolin Temple has little connection to that initial story. Instead; it focuses on orphans trained in Kung Fu to beat scheming bandits. This one uses some creative choices that were already mastered, and used them differently in this unique setup. Another amazing showing from Jet Li, who appears yet again!

4. Return to the 36th Chamber (1980): A Hilarious and Action-Packed Sequel

A classic that introduced a lot of fun; with the signature Shaw Brothers Kung Fu excellence. A con artist poses as a monk. Then gets actually trained at the 36th Chamber; ultimately resulting in those moments that makes this one special. This is fantastic. That simple premise combined with clever humor takes Gordon Liu’s martial arts mastery to a new level which had never been previously demonstrated; showcasing just why this actor alone had achieved so much.

3. The 8 Diagram Pole Fighter (1984): Revenge, Betrayal, and Shaolin Skill

Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts Of Shaolin (1986) Directed by Lau Kar-leung Image

While not focused entirely on Shaolin monks, this Shaw Brothers masterpiece—another Gordon Liu film!—featured his character training there to learn pole-fighting. The amazing story—based on the Yang Family legend—uses themes of vengeance. The inclusion and prominence of pole-fighting alone is quite unique, showing a new direction for the already famous Kung Fu films; also giving this underrated entry something special.

2. The Shaolin Temple (1982): Jet Li’s Epic Debut!

Shaolin Temple (1976) Directed by Chang Cheh Image

Jet Li’s debut is the ultimate blend of action, comedy, and romance; using the iconic Shaolin Monastery as that fantastic setting! Its simple premise (a man escaping persecution trains in Kung Fu, seeking vengeance), made it a massive hit; helping to resurrect martial arts' appeal globally. The originality found in this entry truly made it memorable.

1. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978): A Genre-Defining Masterpiece!

Gordon Liu, Lo Lieh, and director Lau Kar-leung’s greatest creation. This masterpiece focused not just on awesome action, but on discipline, spirituality! The legendary 36th Chamber’s training and the struggle against the Manchu is what defines Kung Fu cinema; an impact undeniable which makes it one of those all-time favorites. Its story combined with amazing skills completely changed the cinematic landscape; providing memorable fight sequences; making it one of those films that greatly impacted subsequent genres! That influence is incredibly impressive. This iconic, genre-defining movie earned the number one position.

Also Read: Jet Li: The Martial Arts Master's Greatest Fight Scenes

Conclusion: The Unwavering Spirit of Shaolin on Film!

These fifteen films represent Shaolin’s importance in Martial Arts cinema; showcasing that continued appeal over generations of fans worldwide. From iconic actors and creative narratives, this continues to be an inspiration and the impressive martial arts and their deeper significance create those uniquely appealing moments. Their creative genius combined with those well-executed plotlines truly showcases that lasting cultural impact; a legacy for a unique genre!