When it comes to martial arts cinema, few stars shine as brightly as Jet Li. Known for his fluid movements, powerful screen presence, and ability to balance drama, action, and comedy, Jet Li has delivered some of the most unforgettable fight sequences in movie history.
Here’s a look at Jet Li’s best movies, from his Hong Kong classics to Hollywood blockbusters.
1. Hero (2002)
A visual masterpiece, Hero casts Jet Li as Nameless, a warrior recounting different versions of an assassination attempt on the King of Qin. The film is a cinematic poem, with vibrant color palettes and breathtaking choreography that symbolize truth, sacrifice, and heroism.
2. Fist of Legend (1994)
A remake of Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury, this film redefined the martial arts genre. Li plays Chen Zhen, a student avenging his master’s death in Japanese-occupied Shanghai. With choreography by Yuen Woo-ping, the fights emphasize realistic combat, setting a new standard for action films.
3. Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
This iconic film made Jet Li a Hong Kong superstar. Portraying folk hero Wong Fei-hung, Li combined historical drama with action spectacle. The film showcases his dedication to Chinese cultural storytelling and remains one of his most important roles.
4. Fearless (2006)
Touted as Li’s final martial arts epic, Fearless tells the story of Huo Yuanjia, a legendary fighter and founder of the Jin Wu Sports Federation. The movie balances brutal, emotional fight sequences with themes of honor, humility, and redemption.
5. Unleashed (2005)
Also known as Danny the Dog, this film highlights Jet Li’s acting range. He plays Danny, a man raised as a human weapon by a gangster. Combining raw fight choreography with emotional depth, the movie explores freedom, trauma, and self-discovery.
6. Tai Chi Master (1993)
Teaming up with Michelle Yeoh, Jet Li portrays a martial artist betrayed by his childhood friend. The film captures both the philosophy and power of Tai Chi, blending wuxia spectacle with character-driven storytelling.
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7. The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk (1993)
A lighter entry in Li’s filmography, this action-comedy proves his versatility. As the impulsive Fong Sai Yuk, he dazzles in creative fight sequences, including the unforgettable battle atop a crowd’s heads and shoulders.
8. Kiss of the Dragon (2001)
One of Jet Li’s grittiest action films, he stars as a Chinese intelligence agent framed for murder. Known for its brutal fight choreography and inventive use of acupuncture needles, the movie cemented Li as a global action star.
9. Swordsman II (1992)
A wuxia classic, Li plays Linghu Chong, a swordsman caught in clan warfare. Known for its wire-fu spectacle, the film blends fantasy, philosophy, and martial arts, showcasing Li’s agility and dramatic weight.
10. Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
Jet Li’s Hollywood debut introduced him to Western audiences as the ruthless villain Wah Sing Ku. With minimal dialogue but lightning-fast martial arts, Li stole the film from stars like Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, proving villains can be unforgettable.
Why Jet Li Is Special
From historic folk heroes to Hollywood villains, Jet Li’s charisma and mastery of martial arts make him one of the greatest action stars in film history. His movies are not just fights on screen — they’re expressions of discipline, culture, and cinematic artistry.
