Most audiences know Yuen Woo-ping as the influential martial arts choreographer behind films like The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but Yuen has also directed some incredible films as well. Yuen began his directing career with a strong start thanks to the Jackie Chan films Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master. The combination of comedy and action seen in the films would continue to pop up throughout Yuen's career as he continued to collaborate with celebrated martial arts actors like Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, and Michelle Yeoh.

Yuen is an undeniable talent, putting together some of the most famous action scenes in both Hong Kong and Hollywood films. Yet, Yuen is also referred to as one of the best martial arts directors of all time. His background as a choreographer has lent itself well to Yuen's job as a director. Yuen has been able to create numerous innovative action sequences that are not only technically sharp but are visually striking as well.

10 The Miracle Fighters (1982)

A Martial Arts Fantasy That's Delightfully Chaotic

Made apparent by scanning his filmography, Yuen isn't afraid to lean into comedy and The Miracle Fighters might just be one of his most absurd films. The Miracle Fighters begins with a Manchu soldier kidnapping the emperor's son and escaping the palace with a target on his back.

Yuen isn't afraid to lean into comedy and The Miracle Fighters might just be one of his most absurd films.

However, the simple premise of the film evolves into a narrative that's all over the place, featuring eccentric characters engaged in multiple conflicts. The Miracle Fighters can be difficult to follow along with at times, and the film is often best enjoyed when audiences give in to all of its slapstick humor.

Sprinkled throughout the film are elements of fantasy, which make their way into the action scenes. While the fight choreography isn't as concerned with technique as other martial arts films, the sequences are creative and keep audiences engaged — even when it's difficult to pinpoint what's happening.

9 True Legend (2010)

Yuen Woo-ping's Return To Directing

After directing Tai Chi Boxer in 1996, Yuen took a break from directing. During this time, Yuen acted as the fight choreographer for films like The Matrix, Kill Bill, and Fearless. Yuen returned to directing in 2010 with True Legend. The martial arts film is set in 1860s China and begins with a battle between Su Can (Vincent Zhao) and his brother Yuan Lie (Andy On).

However, this conflict is resolved somewhat early on in the film, and the remainder sees Su in a fight against dangerous wrestlers. The decision to extend the film beyond its engaging primary conflict left many fans and critics disappointed with Yuen's film. However, the direction, particularly during the rapid action scenes, proves Yuen's still well-equipped. The fight scenes are inventive and display a range of combat styles, implementing the use of both swords and fists.

8 Legend Of A Fighter (1982)

The Story Of Martial Artist Huo Yuanjia

Several martial arts films are inspired by real-life stories, and Legend of a Fighter is one of them. Legend of a Fighter is based on Huo Yuanjia's story, with the famous Chinese martial artist being portrayed by Bryan Leung. The story in the film follows Leung's character learning kung fu, against his father's wishes, from his academic tutor.

Years later, the two reunite in a consequential confrontation. Legend of a Fighter is not without humorous moments, but the film is still mostly serious. The personal drama and tension in Legend of a Fighter isn't strong enough to hold up on its own, but it does lend itself well to the film's action scenes. When the film's two main characters reunite down the line and realize the true nature of their combative relationship, tension builds and explodes in an entertaining final battle.

7 Dreadnaught (1981)

A Masked Criminal Wreaks Havoc

On paper, one might assume Dreadnaught's clashing of multiple genres wouldn't work. The film has the thrills of a horror film, the absurdity of a comedy, and the stunning action sequences expected of a martial arts film. Yet, it all ties together neatly thanks to Yuen's direction and the committed performances from the cast. Dreadnaught follows a laundry man (Yuen Biao) who is determined to defeat a powerful fugitive known as White Tiger.

What appears to be an absorbing story of revenge at the film's start quickly turns into a chaotic cat-and-mouse game between Yuen Biao's character and White Tiger. Dreadnaught isn't as focused as Yuen's other films, often relying on nonstop slapstick humor and fight scenes to push the movie ahead. However, there's no denying the film's ability to entertain.

6 Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018)

A Spin-Off Of The Famous Ip Man Movies

While Master Z: Ip Man Legacy diverts from the original run of Ip Man films in of its story, the quality of action remains the same. Acting as a spin-off of the Ip Man films, Master Z tells the story of Cheung Tin-chi (Max Zhang) trying to lead a normal life before eventually being brought back to a life of fighting. The narrative is largely familiar, but Zhang is a strong lead in Master Z, bringing excitement and energy to the film.

Zhang is compelling as a performer, in both the emotional and physical sense. The action sequences are reminiscent of the best fight scenes in the Ip Man movies. Each scene is more thrilling and creative than the one before, ensuring to keep audiences interested the whole way through.

5 Wing Chun (1994)

An Average Businesswoman Fights Off Forceful Bandits

Michelle Yeoh leads Wing Chun as the titular protagonist who trains to become a skillful martial artist to defend herself and protect her village. Yeoh's character, Yim Wing-chun, is also a famous figure cited as the first master of the martial arts style from which she earned her name. As Wing Chun, some of Yeoh's best fight scenes can be found in the film, with the actress proving, yet again, to be a talented athletic performer.

In addition to its technical accomplishments, Wing Chun is also an incredibly fun film. A majority of the action scenes are executed with wires, but traditional hand-to-hand combat and weaponry are also used. Mixed with Wing Chun's fight choreography are comedic and romantic elements. Yeoh is lively and charming on screen and is complimented well by her co-stars, most notably Donnie Yen.

4 The Magnificent Butcher (1979)

Inspired By Iconic Chinese Martial Artists

Made to replicate some of the fanfare and success that came with Yuen's Drunken Master, The Magnificent Butcher the best martial arts comedies.

The action, as seen in several of Yuen's films, is top-notch and masterfully captured, as Hung's character is seen perfecting his martial arts skills throughout the film. Hung delivers one of his best performances in the film, finding himself to be in a sweet spot amidst The Magnificent Butcher's blend of comedy and high-energy action scenes.

3 Tai Chi Master (1993)

Former Friends Compete With One Another

Jet Li and Chin Siu Ho star in Tai Chi Master as two Shaolin monks studying martial arts. The two get expelled and leave the temple, adopting widely different approaches to martial arts. Michelle Yeoh also makes an appearance in Tai Chi Master in a ing role. Like Yuen's other work, the fight sequences are captivating, and it's in Tai Chi Master where Yuen goes over the top with creativity in these scenes.

Plenty of wirework is used throughout the film to pull off gravity-defying martial arts moves. Still, as extravagant as the fight scenes are, they are grounded by the film's narrative, especially the conflict between Jet Li and Chin Siu Ho's characters. The final confrontation between the former friends is full of exciting tension and highlights the different skills developed by the clashing martial artists.

2 Iron Monkey (1993)

A Fictional Spin On Wong Fei-hung's Life

Reminiscent of the famous Robin Hood character, the titular martial artist in Iron Monkey takes from the rich to provide for the poor and oppressed. To those who live within the latter groups, he's a hero, but the powerful and rich community is desperate to have him captured, ceasing his activity forever.

Iron Monkey is also a fictionalized story that centers around folk hero Wong Fei-hung (Angie Tsang) and his father (Donnie Yen). Implementing the use of wires, Iron Monkey's action isn't realistic but is riveting as characters propel themselves from one corner of the room to another in a swift motion.

Iron Monkey has a Rotten Tomatoes critics' score of 91%.

However, Iron Monkey has just as engaging of a plot. Secret identities and thought-provoking themes about class division prevent the film from being an unconvincing martial arts compilation. Iron Monkey shows off Yuen's skills as a filmmaker and is among the best martial arts films of the '90s.

1 Drunken Master (1978)

The Martial Arts Comedy That Launched Jackie Chan's Career

Famous martial artist Wong Fei-hung has been portrayed in films numerous times, most notably by Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Of the two, Chan was the first to play Wong, leading the martial arts comedy Drunken Master. Featuring Yuen Siu-Tin as Beggar So, Drunken Master tells a fictionalized story about Wong learning the ways of drunken boxing from So.

Drunken Master is one of the most influential martial arts comedies, combining slapstick sequences and precisely choreographed martial arts.

Drunken Master is one of the most influential martial arts comedies, combining slapstick sequences and precisely choreographed martial arts. Yuen and Chan previously collaborated on Snake in the Eagle's Shadow, but it was Drunken Master that cemented the action star as a true powerhouse.

The mix of eye-catching martial arts choreography and comedic moments on top of a simple plot continued to be seen throughout both Chan and Yuen's filmographies. There's no denying the influence of Drunken Master. As only the second film Yuen directed, Drunken Master was a favorable preview of a celebrated career for the director.