We are here with a list of legendary fighting movie recommendations. Here are the 10 best fighting movies of all time that you can watch on Netflix and other streaming platforms. Although combat sports may seem brutal, many people enjoy watching fighters face off against each other. Fighting movies, where no one is truly harmed, are often packed with action scenes and attract large audiences. These movies can be quite diverse, showcasing boxing, kung fu, and even street fights with no rules. If you’re a fan of this genre, be sure to check out our list of the best fighting movies ever!
The best fighting movies 🥊
When it comes to the best fighting movies, most of us first think of Rocky. However, many other action fighting movies have followed and are etched in our memories. Here are the best fighting movies of all time:
1.Dragon Castle (Enter the Dragon)
We begin our list of the best fighting movies with the legend of Bruce Lee. The iconic creator of Jeet Kune Do starred in several movies that defined the martial arts movie genre. One of Lee’s standout performances is in Enter the Dragon, a spectacular movie where he battles the best in a karate tournament. Lee’s infiltration of the underground prison is considered one of the greatest action scenes of all time. Bruce Lee tragically lost his life during the filming of the sequel, Game of Death, also known as The Three Slayers of the Dragon.
Information about Enter the Dragon (1973)
- Director: Robert Clouse
- Cast: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly, Shih Kien
- Release Year: 1973
- Duration: 102 minutes
- Country: Hong Kong, United States
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Language: English, Cantonese
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Similar Movies: The Way of the Dragon (1972), Bloodsport (1988), Fist of Fury (1972)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Enter the Dragon on IMDb
2.Bloodsport
We continue our list of fighting movie recommendations with Bloodsport, one of the first movies by the renowned Jean-Claude Van Damme. In this movie, Van Damme plays a U.S. soldier who faces the toughest enemies imaginable during a high-stakes martial arts tournament. Van Damme and his Kumite opponents showcase various martial arts disciplines. After thrilling matches, Van Damme and Bolo Yeung face off in the final. The 1988 movie Bloodsport remains one of the most-watched fighting movies of all time.
Information about Bloodsport (1988)
- Director: Newt Arnold
- Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres, Bolo Yeung
- Release Year: 1988
- Duration: 92 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Biography, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Similar Movies: Kickboxer (1989), Enter the Dragon (1973), Lionheart (1990)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Bloodsport on IMDb
3.Rocky movie series
Rocky is widely regarded as the best fighting movie in the history of cinema, remembered not only for its inspiring story but also for its iconic music that motivates sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re watching alone, with family, or friends, this movie has likely been a favorite for many. If you’re a fan of boxing, you can binge-watch this series featuring Sylvester Stallone without missing a beat. In the original movie, Rocky Balboa captures global attention with his relentless determination, unwavering passion, and perseverance. He goes to great lengths to challenge the World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed.
Information about Rocky (1976)
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
- Release Year: 1976
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Sport
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: Rocky II (1979), Creed (2015), Southpaw (2015)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Rocky on IMDb
4.Raging Bull
Raging Bull is a 1980 biopic directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, and Frank Vincent. This movie, a must-watch for fight movie enthusiasts, is adapted from former middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta‘s 1970 memoir, Raging Bull: My Story. The movie chronicles LaMotta’s career, portrayed by De Niro, detailing his rise and fall in the boxing world and his tumultuous personal life marked by anger and jealousy.
Information about Raging Bull (1980)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Cast: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
- Release Year: 1980
- Duration: 129 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Similar Movies: Rocky (1976), The Fighter (2010), Million Dollar Baby (2004)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Raging Bull on IMDb
5.Fight Club
Fight Club is a 1999 movie directed by David Fincher and stars Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. The movie centers around an underground fight club that brings excitement to the mundane lives of its participants, culminating in a mind-blowing conclusion. Fight Club is based on the 1996 novel by Chuck Palahniuk.
Information about Fight Club (1999)
- Director: David Fincher
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf
- Release Year: 1999
- Duration: 139 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Similar Movies: Se7en (1995), American Psycho (2000), The Machinist (2004)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Fight Club on IMDb
6.Nobody
Nobody is a movie that has resonated with audiences worldwide, particularly with fathers. Bob Odenkirk stars as Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary man who returns to a violent past to seek revenge after a robbery targets him and his family. Nobody illustrates how a mild-mannered individual can unleash his inner rage and become a formidable force when his loved ones are threatened. The movie’s most unforgettable moments include the explosive bus fight scene and Mansell’s climactic battle against the mob, making it a standout in the action movie genre.
Information about Nobody (2021)
- Director: Ilya Naishuller
- Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Aleksey Serebryakov, Christopher Lloyd
- Release Year: 2021
- Duration: 92 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Similar Movies: John Wick (2014), The Equalizer (2014), Atomic Blonde (2017)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Nobody on IMDb
7.Last Chance (Southpaw)
Southpaw is a must-watch for boxing movie enthusiasts. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Billy Hope, a former boxing champion who has hit rock bottom. Hope starts training with Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker) to reclaim his title and restore his life as both a competitor and family man. The movie showcases Hope’s journey back to the top of the boxing world, culminating in an especially thrilling match against Miguel Escobar.
Information about Southpaw (2015)
- Director: Antoine Fuqua
- Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, Oona Laurence
- Release Year: 2015
- Duration: 124 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sport
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Similar Movies: Rocky (1976), Creed (2015), Million Dollar Baby (2004)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Southpaw on IMDb
8.The Karate Kid
“A man who catches flies with a stick achieves everything.” This quote comes from the 1980s martial arts classic The Karate Kid. The first movie in the Karate Kid series stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, and William Zabka. The Karate Kid tells the story of Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), an Italian-American teenager from New Jersey who moves to the Reseda neighborhood of Los Angeles with his widowed mother. The struggle between LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) that stands out in the 1984 movie continues to resonate today.
Information about The Karate Kid (1984)
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
- Release Year: 1984
- Duration: 126 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Drama, Family
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Similar Movies: The Karate Kid Part II (1986), Cobra Kai (2018), Rocky (1976)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Karate Kid on IMDb
9.Fist of Legend
Fist of Legend, produced by Jet Li and starring Chen Zhen, is a 1994 Hong Kong martial arts movie. The movie, which is a remake of the 1972 Bruce Lee classic Fist of Fury, focuses on the conflict between China and Japan. After learning that his kung fu master has died, Chen Zhen returns to Shanghai, which is under Japanese occupation. There, he discovers that his master died in a confrontation with a Japanese fighter, likely involving foul play. Chen must fight to restore the honor of his country and his master.
Information about Fist of Legend (1994)
- Director: Gordon Chan
- Cast: Jet Li, Shinobu Nakayama, Siu-Ho Chin, Billy Chow
- Release Year: 1994
- Duration: 103 minutes
- Country: Hong Kong
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Language: Cantonese, Mandarin
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Similar Movies: Ip Man (2008), Fearless (2006), Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Fist of Legend on IMDb
10.IP Man
Donnie Yen stars in the biographical martial arts movie series about the adventures of Bruce Lee’s teacher and mentor, Ip Man. Ip Man is the world-renowned grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun. Yen delivers an outstanding performance as the martial arts genius who overcomes all odds with relative ease. The Ip Man series is considered one of the most popular fighting movies of all time.
Information about Ip Man (2008)
- Director: Wilson Yip
- Cast: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 106 minutes
- Country: Hong Kong
- Genre: Action, Biography, Drama
- Language: Cantonese, Mandarin
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Similar Movies: Ip Man 2 (2010), Fist of Legend (1994), Fearless (2006)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Ip Man on IMDb
11.Creed series
Creed, a spin-off of the legendary Rocky movie series, has more than lived up to expectations. Michael B. Jordan‘s stellar acting and Rocky Balboa‘s dedication to training the son of one of his greatest rivals create an incredible story. The first Creed movie delivers emotional moments that will make you jump out of your seat during the epic final fight scene. Be sure to watch Creed II, which brings together Donnie (Jordan’s character from the first movie), Rocky, and his old rival Drago. The series is completed with Creed III: The Legend Continues.
Information about Creed (2015)
- Director: Ryan Coogler
- Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad
- Release Year: 2015
- Duration: 133 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Sport
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: Rocky (1976), Creed II (2018), Southpaw (2015)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Creed on IMDb
12.Undisputed 4 (Boyka: Undisputed)
When it comes to the most-watched fighting movies, one name that stands out is Scott Adkins. The Undisputed movie series, particularly Boyka: Undisputed, is a must-watch for fans of the genre. This installment focuses on the most personal and emotional struggle faced by Boyka. After accidentally killing an opponent in the ring, Boyka returns to Russia to participate in a series of fights to save the fighter’s widow from the clutches of the Russian mafia. Directed by Todor Chapkanov and produced by Isaac Florentine, Boyka: Undisputed is widely regarded as the best of the series.
Information about Boyka: Undisputed (2016)
- Director: Todor Chapkanov
- Cast: Scott Adkins, Teodora Duhovnikova, Alon Aboutboul, Julian Vergov
- Release Year: 2016
- Duration: 86 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sport
- Language: English
- Age Rating: Not Rated
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Similar Movies: Undisputed III: Redemption (2010), Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018), Blood and Bone (2009)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Boyka: Undisputed on IMDb
Netflix best fighting movies 🎬
Netflix, one of the popular digital platforms, offers a selection of great fighting movies in the martial arts genre. Here are some of the best fighting movies on Netflix that you can watch:
- 60 Minutes
- Revenge
- Kung Fu Hustle
- Bruised
- Tiger and Dragon Sword of Destiny
- Fistful of Vengeance
- Furies
- The Night Comes to Us
For over 50 years, martial arts have been a popular fighting style in action movies. Our list of fighting movie recommendations includes the best fighting movies of all time. We’ve also highlighted the most popular martial arts movies you can watch on Netflix.
