Jet Li burst onto the movie scene like a whirlwind of kicks and punches, turning martial arts films into something the whole world couldn’t ignore. Born in Beijing in 1963, he started training in wushu at age eight and won national championships before he even hit his teens. By the time he starred in his first big film, Shaolin Temple in 1982, he was already a legend in China. But it was the movies from the late 1980s through the early 2000s that really defined a generation. These weren’t just fights on screen; they mixed heart-pounding action with stories about honor, revenge, and standing up to bullies. Fans from Hong Kong to Hollywood lined up, and suddenly everyone wanted to learn kung fu. Jet Li’s speed, precision, and real martial arts skills made him the king of the genre, influencing stars like Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen, and even paving the way for mixed martial arts in real life. His films showed that a true fighter doesn’t just win battles—they change the world around them. Let’s dive into the best ones that shaped everything from playground games to blockbuster hits.
Once Upon a Time in China from 1991 stands out as the film that put Jet Li on the map for good. He plays Wong Fei-hung, a real-life folk hero from the late 1800s who was a doctor, martial artist, and fighter against foreign invaders in China. In this movie, directed by Tsui Hark, Wong steps in to protect his town from greedy Westerners and local thugs who are kidnapping people for forced labor. The story feels simple: good guy versus bad guys, but it’s packed with layers. Wong isn’t just punching; he’s trying to keep China’s pride alive during a time when the country was weak and outsiders were taking over. Jet Li’s Wong moves like poetry—fluid, powerful, and always in control. One of the most famous scenes is the ladder fight, where he battles enemies on rickety bamboo ladders that sway and break. It looks impossible, but Jet Li did most of it himself, no heavy wires or tricks. This movie kicked off a whole series and made Wong Fei-hung a household name worldwide. Kids everywhere started imitating those ladder flips, and it showed how martial arts could tell big historical stories without being boring.[3][5]
The sequel, Once Upon a Time in China II in 1992, cranked everything up a notch and became even more beloved. Again directed by Tsui Hark, it brings back Jet Li as Wong Fei-hung, this time clashing with revolutionaries and revolutionaries fighting each other. The big draw is the showdown with Donnie Yen, who plays the villainous Hung Gar master. Their fight on a table with chairs flying everywhere is pure genius—fast, brutal, and so well choreographed that it feels like a dance gone wrong. Donnie Yen’s kicks are lightning-quick, matching Jet Li’s straight punches perfectly. This movie dives deeper into politics, showing how China was torn apart by ideas from the West and homegrown rebels. Jet Li’s performance mixes calm wisdom with explosive anger, making Wong a hero who thinks before he strikes. It was a huge hit in Asia and helped spread the word that Hong Kong cinema was unbeatable. Fight fans still debate if this table brawl tops anything else in martial arts history.[2][5]
Fist of Legend in 1994 is often called Jet Li’s peak, a remake of Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury that somehow outdid the original for many people. Directed by Gordon Chan, Jet Li stars as Chen Zhen, a student avenging his master’s death at a Japanese dojo during the 1930s occupation of China. The story is straightforward: Chen uncovers the truth, trains harder, and takes down the oppressors one by one. But what makes it special is the raw emotion—Jet Li’s eyes show pain and fury without saying much. His fights are clean and realistic, no silly flips just for show. The one-on-one against the Japanese general in the finale uses a mix of wing chun and other styles, ending in a way that’s shocking and satisfying. Jet Li was at his physical best here, lean and unstoppable, pulling off moves that looked painful even to watch. This film bridged old-school kung fu with modern storytelling, influencing Western audiences and getting Jet Li noticed by Hollywood. It’s the kind of movie that made a generation believe one person could stand against an army.[1][3][4]
Hero from 2002 took Jet Li to new heights, blending martial arts with stunning visuals in a way no one had seen before. Directed by Zhang Yimou, it’s set in ancient China where assassins try to kill the king who will unify the country. Jet Li plays Nameless, a quiet warrior who walks into the palace with a story that could change history. The film uses color to tell the tale—red for passion, blue for calm, green for strategy—making each fight feel like a painting come alive. Jet Li’s swordplay is elegant, like water flowing then crashing. He shares the screen with Zhang Ziyi and Tony Leung in flashbacks that twist the plot, showing how love and loyalty can be stronger than steel. This wasn’t just action; it was philosophy wrapped in beauty, asking if sacrificing for peace is worth it. Hero smashed box office records worldwide, especially in the US, and proved martial arts could be art-house hits too. A whole generation of viewers saw it multiple times just for the visuals and Jet Li’s silent power.[1]
Fearless in 2006 showed Jet Li’s softer side while delivering some of his best fights ever. Also known as Jet Li’s Fearless, it’s a biopic about Huo Yuanjia, a real martial arts master who founded the Jin Wu Sports Federation in the early 1900s. Jet Li plays Huo from childhood to legend status, starting as a cocky fighter who loses everything, then rebuilding through hardship and wisdom. The story hits hard: after personal tragedies, Huo challenges foreign boxers to prove Chinese kung fu’s worth. The fights mix real history with epic choreography—the match against the American boxer is a highlight, with Jet Li dodging massive punches like a ghost. Director Ronny Yu captures Huo’s growth from rage to humility, and Jet Li’s acting shines in quiet moments. This film defined Jet Li’s later career, focusing on inner strength over flashy moves. It inspired real interest in traditional martial arts and even got nods from MMA fighters who respected its realism.[1]
Kiss of the Dragon from 2001 marked Jet Li’s full jump to Hollywood, and it didn’t disappoint. Directed by Chris Nahon and produced by Luc Besson, Jet Li is Liu Jin, a Chinese intelligence agent in Paris who gets framed for murder. He has to fight his way through corrupt cops and gangs using acupuncture needles as secret weapons—yes, needles that he sticks in pressure points to paralyze foes. The action is nonstop and gritty, with Jet Li taking on groups in tight hallways and rooftops. One standout is the stairwell fight where he bounces off walls like a pinball of pain. Bridget Fonda plays a desperate woman he save
