10 Martial Arts Films Where The Baddie Was The Better Fighter

Martial arts movies have a long and storied history in the world of cinema. They offer a unique blend of action, drama, and philosophy, and often feature protagonists who are highly skilled in various martial arts disciplines. These heroes are usually tasked with overcoming great odds and defeating powerful adversaries to achieve their goals. However, what makes martial arts movies truly captivating is the quality of their villains.

In many martial arts films, the villains are not just mere obstacles for the heroes to overcome; they are often portrayed as formidable fighters with superior martial arts skills. These villains push the heroes to their limits, and sometimes, they even outshine the protagonists in terms of combat prowess. This dynamic adds depth and complexity to the story, making the final showdown between hero and villain all the more thrilling.

In this article, we will explore ten martial arts movies where the villains proved to be the better fighters. These films showcase the power and skill of the villains, emphasizing the hero’s struggle to barely emerge victorious. Each of these movies contributes to the timeless appeal and influence of martial arts cinema in the genre.

1. Wu Chow in “Shanghai Knights” (2003)

“Shanghai Knights” is a martial arts action-comedy film that finally gave audiences the long-awaited showdown between two martial arts legends: Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen. Donnie Yen’s character, Wu Chow, serves as the primary antagonist in the film. As the story unfolds, Chan’s Chon Wang is determined to stop the assassination of Queen Victoria, but he finds himself facing a formidable adversary in Wu Chow.

Wu Chow’s fighting style is a tornado of spinning kicks and tiger strikes, and it proves to be too much for Chon Wang to handle initially. In their climactic fight, Wu Chow emerges as the victor. However, his ultimate demise is brought about through the pyrotechnic assistance of Chon’s sister, Lin (Fann Wong).

The battle between Chon Wang and Wu Chow showcases the incredible martial arts talents of both Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen, making it a standout moment in martial arts cinema.

2. The Big Boss in “Dragon Lord” (1982)

“Dragon Lord” is another classic martial arts film starring Jackie Chan. In this film, Jackie Chan plays the role of Dragon Ho, and he faces off against the formidable villain known as The Big Boss, portrayed by Hwang In-shik.

The final showdown in “Dragon Lord” is a two-on-one battle, with Dragon Ho and his associate, Cowboy Chin (Mars), taking on The Big Boss. The Big Boss’s mastery of Hapkido makes him a nearly insurmountable opponent. Dragon Ho and Cowboy Chin struggle to handle The Big Boss’s relentless attacks, and they only narrowly emerge victorious.

This final fight in “Dragon Lord” is a true Jackie Chan classic, showcasing his skills as both an action star and an action filmmaker. The choreography and intensity of the battle make it a memorable moment in martial arts cinema.

3. Allan in “Gorgeous” (1999)

“Gorgeous” is a martial arts romantic comedy film that features Jackie Chan in the lead role. In this movie, Jackie Chan’s character, C.N. Chan, finds himself facing off against Allan, a Western kickboxing champion played by Brad Allan.

What sets “Gorgeous” apart is that it includes not one but two electrifying kung fu sanda battles between Jackie Chan and Brad Allan. In their first encounter, Allan easily overpowers the frustrated Chan, dominating the fight. It is only in their rematch at the end of the film that Chan manages to loosen up and eke out a slim victory.

What makes this film particularly notable is that it showcases the talent of Brad Allan, who was the first Western member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. Tragically, Brad Allan passed away in 2021 at the age of 48, but his contributions to martial arts cinema live on through films like “Gorgeous.”

4. Scorpion in “Five Deadly Venoms” (1978)

“Five Deadly Venoms” is a classic Shaw Brothers kung fu film that has achieved legendary status in the world of martial arts cinema. The film brings together an ensemble cast of larger-than-life kung fu masters, each representing different animal styles. Among these formidable characters is Scorpion, portrayed by Su Chien.

Scorpion, as his name suggests, is a master of the scorpion style, and he proves to be a real challenge for the other Venoms. In the final fight of “Five Deadly Venoms,” Scorpion’s skills and agility are on full display as he gives the other Venoms a run for their money.

Su Chien’s portrayal of Scorpion solidifies his place among the formidable kung fu villains in martial arts cinema. The film’s choreography and memorable characters have cemented “Five Deadly Venoms” as a timeless classic in the genre.

5. Wah Sing Ku in “Lethal Weapon 4” (1998)

Jet Li made his English-language debut as the villainous Wah Sing-ku in “Lethal Weapon 4.” In this action-packed film, Jet Li’s character, Wah Sing-ku, is a wushu master with incredible martial arts skills. Wah Sing-ku’s introduction to the “Lethal Weapon” series injects a new level of martial arts expertise into the franchise.

Wah Sing-ku engages in several brief fights throughout the film, showcasing his agility and combat prowess. However, it is in his confrontations with Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) that his true fighting abilities come to the forefront.

In their initial fight, Wah Sing-ku blindingly overpowers Riggs and Murtaugh, leaving them struggling to keep up. It is only in their rain-soaked final battle on a dock that Riggs and Murtaugh manage to gain the upper hand over Wah Sing-ku, who remains a formidable adversary even after being impaled. Riggs ultimately has to use a machine gun to secure their victory.

Jet Li’s portrayal of Wah Sing-ku adds a fresh and dynamic element to “Lethal Weapon 4,” making it a memorable entry in the series for martial arts enthusiasts.

6. Benny Urquidez in “Wheels on Meals” (1984)

“Wheels on Meals” is a martial arts action-comedy film starring Jackie Chan, and it features a memorable fight scene against the skilled kickboxer Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. Benny Urquidez plays an unnamed henchman who serves as a formidable adversary for Jackie Chan’s character.

In their first encounter, Benny Urquidez’s character easily overpowers Jackie Chan’s character, dominating most of the fight. It is only when Jackie Chan’s character loosens up and adapts his fighting style that he manages to eke out a slim victory in their rematch at the end of the film.

The fight between Jackie Chan and Benny Urquidez is considered one of the greatest martial arts movie fights ever filmed. It showcases the incredible skills of both fighters and adds to the film’s status as a classic in the genre.

7. Hwang Jang-lee in “Drunken Master” (1978)

Jackie Chan’s breakout to Hong Kong stardom came with the release of “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow” and “Drunken Master” in 1978. In “Drunken Master,” Jackie Chan plays the young Wong Fei-hung, and he faces off against the formidable villain Thunderfoot, portrayed by Hwang Jang-lee.

Hwang Jang-lee is known for his legendary Tae Kwon Do kicking skills, and in “Drunken Master,” he plays the role of the assassin Thunderfoot. In their first encounter, Thunderfoot easily defeats the young Wong Fei-hung. It is only when Wong Fei-hung improves his Drunken Fist skills that he manages to secure victory in their final showdown.

Hwang Jang-lee’s kicking skills are not to be underestimated, and his portrayal of Thunderfoot adds a significant level of challenge for Jackie Chan’s character. In fact, Hwang Jang-lee reportedly once killed a real-life knife-wielding attacker with a roundhouse kick to the head, highlighting the real-world effectiveness of his martial arts prowess.

8. Ko Chun in “Kill Zone 2” (2015)

“SPL 2: A Time for Consequences,” also known as “Kill Zone 2,” is a martial arts action film that serves as the spiritual sequel to the 2005 film “Sha Po Lang” (Kill Zone). “Kill Zone 2” teams up martial arts legends Tony Jaa and Wu Jing, who play the characters Chatchai and Chi-kit, respectively.

The film’s climactic showdown pits Tony Jaa and Wu Jing against the corrupt and stone-cold prison warden Ko Chun, portrayed by Max Zhang. Ko Chun is a formidable adversary who handles their two-on-one attack with almost no difficulty. While gravity ultimately tips the scales in favor of Chatchai and Chi-kit, Ko Chun remains a highly skilled and challenging villain.

“Kill Zone 2” showcases the incredible talents of Tony Jaa, Wu Jing, and Max Zhang, making it a standout film in modern martial arts cinema.

9. Mad Dog in “The Raid: Redemption” (2011)

“The Raid: Redemption” is an Indonesian action-horror film directed by Gareth Evans. The film pushed the boundaries of action movies and is renowned for its intense and brutal fight sequences. A significant portion of the credit for the film’s success goes to Yayan Ruhian for his portrayal of the bloodthirsty antagonist known as Mad Dog.

In “The Raid,” Mad Dog serves as the primary antagonist, and the film’s final showdown pits estranged brothers Rama (Iko Uwais) and Andi (Donny Alamsyah) against this formidable adversary. Throughout the fight, Mad Dog completely dominates the battle, showcasing his exceptional martial arts skills and unwavering determination.

The fight against Mad Dog is a grueling and intense battle that pushes the heroes to their limits. It’s a testament to the quality of the villain that makes “The Raid: Redemption” a martial arts classic.

10. Yuri Boyka in “Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing” (2006)

“Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing” is a martial arts film that takes a unique approach to its hero-villain dynamic. The film introduces Yuri Boyka, portrayed by Scott Adkins, as a villain who is not just a formidable fighter but also self-proclaims himself as the “Most Complete Fighter in the World.”

George “Iceman” Chambers, played by Michael Jai White, faces off against Yuri Boyka in a Russian prison MMA match. Chambers learns just enough about MMA to barely edge out a victory in their initial encounter. However, it becomes clear that Boyka’s only recorded loss was a result of his overconfidence, rather than Chambers’ superior skills.

Yuri Boyka’s pride is what ultimately led to his defeat, and he becomes one of the greatest heroes of martial arts cinema in subsequent films. Scott Adkins’ portrayal of Yuri Boyka has garnered a dedicated fan following, and “Undisputed 2” is a testament to the transformation of a villain into a beloved hero.

Conclusion

Martial arts movies have a unique appeal, thanks in part to the quality of their villains. In the ten films discussed here, the villains are not just obstacles for the heroes to overcome; they are formidable fighters in their own right. These villains push the heroes to their limits and provide thrilling and memorable fight sequences that have left a lasting impact on martial arts cinema.

From the showdown between Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan in “Shanghai Knights” to the intense battles in “The Raid: Redemption,” these films showcase the power and skill of their villains. The hero’s journey becomes all the more compelling when they face adversaries who are better fighters, and it is through their determination and growth that they manage to emerge victorious.

Martial arts movies continue to captivate audiences around the world, and it is the timeless appeal of iconic fights between heroes and villains that contributes to their enduring influence in the genre. These films remind us that the quality of the villain is just as crucial as the hero in creating unforgettable martial arts cinema.