The martial arts trilogy is not that prevalent or considered as seriously as other prestigious film trilogies, like The Godfather or The Dark Knight. But when a truly good action movie trilogy graces the screens, it forms a cult. Most of these films are not continuous stories, but rather take the combatant hero on a journey.
Beyond box-office glory and nostalgia, the film trilogies on this list prioritize narrative cohesion, directorial vision, action as cinematic language, and how each film in the trilogy builds on the last. Here are the 10 best martial arts movie trilogies to watch in 2026.
10. Armor of God (1986-2012)
Jackie Chan in Armor of God | Credits: Miramax Films
Jackie Chan’s Armor of God trilogy is not as popular (or as great) as his other trilogy of films, which we will get to later in the list. In these films, Chan gives his take on the Indiana Jones style of adventure films, while bringing in his own chaotic martial arts energy. The first film, Armor of God, almost killed the actor after he performed a stunt (via Yahoo!).
The second film, Armor of God II: Operation Condor, is a much better film and more faithful to its inspiration, Indiana Jones. While narratively, the films do not really follow any character journey, it is Jackie Chan’s vision for action that puts them on the list. The third film, CZ12, which came out in 2012, is again a narratively weak, but action-heavy follow-up.
9. The Karate Kid (1984-1989)
The Karate Kid franchise has been revived multiple times, most recently and popularly by Cobra Kai and Karate Kid: Legends. But the first three films by John G. Avildsen remain classic and steadfast in their intention. While martial arts is definitely involved (well, it has karate in the name), it is more of an underdog and coming-of-age story.
Avildsen previously directed Rocky, and he brings that sensibility to the world of karate dojos. Throughout the trilogy, we see not only some cool karate (palatable to the Hollywood audience, of course) but also how the environment shapes growth. Mr. Miyagi fuels growth while John Kreese fuels victory at all costs. The true ramifications of this are seen in Cobra Kai.
8. Shaolin Temple (1982-1986)
Jet Li in Shaolin Temple | Credits: Chung Yuen Motion Picture Company
Jet Li’s Shaolin Temple trilogy introduced the international audience to wushu (it introduced Jet Li to mainstream cinema, too). The martial arts films are more historical than Hollywood-friendly, though they do prioritize entertainment. The Shaolin Temple films showed the world what it was like to fight without wirework and CGI and still have craft.
The main problem with this trilogy is that it is not a continuous story. Each movie is different from the previous one. Unlike Police Story or Armor of God, the main lead, Jet Li, plays different characters in each film. Still, all three are great in their action choreography.
7. Ong-Bak (2003-2010)
Tony Jaa in Ong Bak | Credits: Sahamongkol Film International
Tony Jaa’s legendary debut changed not only his life as a leading man but also introduced the world to Thai martial arts, especially Muay Thai. Ong-Bak showed raw and kinetic action that laid the foundations for more such depictions (like The Raid). Jaa’s performance made him a star, and he went on to feature in many more action films, including in the Expendables franchise.
This trilogy is also a strange one in terms of timelines. The second movie in the trilogy, Ong-Bak 2, is a prequel, going historical in its setting while amping up the action. Ong Bak 3 is a prequel to the first film and a direct sequel to the second one, again amping up the action instead of the story. Tony Jaa directed both films.
6. Undisputed (2002-2010)
Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins in Undisputed II: Last Man Standing | Credits: New Line Home Entertainment
Ving Rhames and Wesley Snipes’ Undisputed was not a box office success when it was released in cinemas. The first film earned only $14.9 million against a $20 million budget (via Box Office Mojo). However, the movie was saved and made more by its home video release, leading to three sequels. Michael Jai White and Scott Adkins replaced the main duo in the sequel.
The films have become a cult hit now among sports fans, due to the addition of Adkins and their focus on MMA rather than traditional boxing. It is still a direct-to-video franchise, and a fifth film is in development. However, it is not a trilogy in its formal sense as each movie moves in a different direction than the last.
5. Drunken Master (1978-1994)
Jackie Chan in Drunken Master | Credits: Seasonal Film Corporation
Jackie Chan’s rocket launch to success came with movies like Drunken Master, where he could show his skills and gather attention. It is a foundational trilogy for people who want to get into martial arts films, as it perfectly encapsulates the action-comedy-history crossover that most of the movies in the genre have.
While Drunken Master’s impact on the genre is why it is so high on the list, the movies themselves do not really qualify as a trilogy, as there is a lack of narrative cohesion. Much of the main cast is gone by the time we get to Drunken Master III, making it almost seem like a cash grab. Still, the contribution of these films needs to be respected.
4. Rurouni Kenshin (2012-2014)
Takeru Satoh in Rurouni Kenshin | Credits: Warner Bros.
Based on the manga of the same name, Rurouni Kenshin is the most ambitious and narratively cohesive trilogy on this list. The fantasy action film franchise actually has five films, but the trilogy forms the core of the story. It follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin turned wandering swordsman who has sworn never to kill again.
The first film was released in 2012, while the second and third film released in 2014, making them a two-part finale. The action is ambitious and so is its directorial vision, bringing Kenshin’s pacifist journey to the very end with a lion’s share of testing. This is the one trilogy that you should not miss to have a complete experience.
3. Police Story (1985-1992)
Jackie Chan in Police Story | Credits: Golden Harvest
Jackie Chan’s greatest action trilogy has seen him perform incredible stunts and push the limits of what an action movie was capable of. The Police Story trilogy became Chan’s calling card for quite some time. The actor directed all three movies, with Supercop taking the actor and the franchise to an international level (and also gave us Michele Yeoh).
Though Jackie Chan’s incredible direction brings all three movies together, they do shift in styles quite a bit. While the first two films are, in every sense of the word, police stories, Supercop is more of a spy thriller on the lines of James Bond. It is the best one in the series, but it did not have to be a police story. There are more movies in the franchise, but the trilogy forms the core.
2. Once Upon a Time In China (1991-1993)
Jet Li in Once Upon a Time in China | Credits: Golden Harvest
Jet Li portrayed the Cantonese legend Wong Fei-hung in Tsui Hark’s legendary wuxia film series, Once Upon a Time in China. The films mix history with action (which we will see again in the top entry in this list) and follow a saga of the legendary hero. Hark’s direction is incredible, and his visual ambition sets it apart from most martial arts film trilogies.
The almost perfect trilogy has only one black mark, i.e., the second film, which has a thinner plot than the other films. While Hark produced more films and a TV series, the core trilogy remains one of the greatest cinematic achievements.
1. Ip Man (2008-2015)
Donnie Yen in Ip Man | Credits: Universal Studios
Based on the legendary master of Wing Chun, Yip Man, the Ip Man films turn legend into a superhero. The master of Bruce Lee is fictionalized in this trilogy of films and brings Donnie Yen to the forefront. Yen’s performance is brilliant, bringing in morality, wisdom, and calculated violence all at the same time and with balance.
The trilogy is near-perfect with its action choreography, with some set pieces impossible to replicate. It is a marriage of craft, legend, and insane entertainment, all of which are the right ingredients to be immortal pop culture.
Trilogy NameCreators/DirectorsMain CastIp ManWilson YipDonnie YenOnce Upon a Time in ChinaTsui HarkJet LiPolice StoryJackie ChanJackie Chan, Michelle YeohRurouni KenshinKeishi ŌtomoTakeru SatohDrunken MasterYuen Woo-ping, Lau Kar-leungJackie Chan, Yuen Siu-tinUndisputedWalter Hill, Isaac FlorentineScott Adkins, Michael Jai White, Ving Rhames, Wesley SnipesOng-BakPrachya Pinkaew, Tony JaaTony JaaShaolin TempleChang Hsin YenJet LiThe Karate KidJohn G. AvildsenRalph Macchio, William Zabka, Armor of GodJackie ChanJackie Chan
Which martial arts trilogy do you love the most? Comment below.
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