December 6, 2024 (NYC)–Top 10 Martial Arts Films of 2024. 2024 was another phenomenal year for Martial Arts movies. The globalization of entertainment combined with the multitude of outlets for viewing and streaming martial arts movies is a benefit to martial arts movies fans. We have had a chance to see many of the movies released this year; however, if there was a great martial arts movie we missed please be sure to let us know. We would be happy to screen and review it. One of the great things about this year’s list is that it is comprised of the most internationally diverse group of films we have ever had reach the top.
Here is our list of the Top 10 Martial Arts films of 2024:
#10: The BeeKeeper (USA)- A kind-hearted landlady commits suicide after falling victim to a phishing scam, leading former “Beekeeper” operative Adam Clay to set out on a brutal campaign for revenge upon those responsible. Jason Statham is always good, even when he underlying film he is in is not.
#9: Blind War (China)– After breaking protocol during a surprise courthouse siege that leaves him permanently blinded, a SWAT captain retires from the force in disgrace. But while he adjusts to his new reality as a civilian, his beloved daughter is kidnapped, forcing him to seek out an unlikely ally to help him pursue justice from the shadows.
#8: The Mob (China)- After the murder of its high-profile patriarch, the Zhou family seeks revenge against a ruthless rival clan moving to expand its own territory, sparking a brutal conflict between the warring families that throws Shanghai into chaos. This film has a terrific climactic fight scene.
#7: Chief of Station (USA)– After learning that the death of his wife was not an accident, a former CIA Station Chief (Aaron Eckhart) is forced back into the espionage underworld, teaming up with his protege (Alex Pettyfer) and a rogue agent (Olga Kurylenko) to unravel a dark conspiracy that challenges everything he thought he knew. This is another terrific film from Director, Jesse V. Johnson. Aaron Eckhart really does a great job in the role of gritty action hero in this one.
#6: Baby Assassins 2 (Japan)–As teenage assassins Chisato and Mahiro are suspended by their guild due to a rules violation, they are hunted down by two brothers and fellow assassins looking to kill them for a large bounty. A super charged and funny sequel to one of the most exciting and fun martial arts films to come out of Japan in the last twenty-five years(25) years.
#5: Foggy Mountain (Philippines)– In order to raise money for his wife’s medical treatment, professional martial artist Phi competes in a series of increasingly brutal prize fights in nearby villages. However, after winning his final match, he runs afoul of powerful crime lord Ba Rau, who ruthlessly retaliates in a cruel attack on Phi’s wife. Blinded by grief and rage, Phi vows revenge and tracks Ba Rau across Vietnam—right into the heart of a criminal enterprise that has been terrorizing local villagers for years.
From our review, “Foggy Mountain is a hidden gem and worth watching. I recommend it.”
#4: One Per Cent Warrior (Japan)– After his devastatingly fast, samurai-style combat approach sets filmmakers against him, a legendary action star (Tak Sakaguchi) films his own movie—on turf claimed by feuding yakuza gangs, including Japan’s deadliest martial arts assassin.
This film defies the notion that Japanese is not renowned for its martial arts films. This one is very well done and the fighting is exciting.
#3: Twilight of the Warriors (China)– Follows troubled youth Chan Lok-kwun as he accidentally enters the Walled City, discovers the order amidst its chaos, and learns important life lessons along the way.
A throw back to 1980’s Hong Kong Action style. Filled with great stars and great fight scenes.
#2: 100 Yards (China)– In volatile 1920s Tianjin, a mere decade after China’s last imperial dynasty was overthrown, a clandestine martial arts circle arose to deter crime and maintain peace between rival martial arts schools. But after a renowned master dies and names his apprentice—rather than his son—as his successor, he unwittingly kicks off a fierce power struggle that will bring the entire city to the brink of chaos.
Great Story. Great Setting. Terrific Fight Choreography. This is among the best that Chinese cinema has to offer this year.
#1: The Shadow Strays (Indonesia)– Codename 13, a 17-year-old trained assassin is under suspension because of a sloppy mission in Japan. The girl built a conscience when she met Monji, an 11 year old boy who lost his mother to a crime syndicate. When Monji is captured, 13 is hellbent on setting a path of destruction to rescue the boy, including going against her mentor and the organization who hires her, the Shadow.
From the creator of some of the best martial arts films of all time, Timo Tjahjanto. This is not The Night Comes for Us, but it is still really good. Violent, explosive, and gritty. The filmmaking is great by any standard and the fight choreography is unparalleled. This is a great move and martial arts movie.
-by Marc Zirogiannis
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