37 Best Movies like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Big Trouble in Little China uses a blend of action, adventure, and fantastical conflict to immerse viewers in an eastern-influenced mystical setting. Its energetic, imaginative approach to battles and otherworldly danger has made it a cult favorite, celebrated for its inventive set pieces and offbeat sense of humor.

Truck driver Jack Burton gets embroiled in a supernatural battle when his best friend Wang Chi's green-eyed fiancée is kidnapped by henchmen of the sorcerer Lo Pan, who must marry a girl with green eyes in order to return to the human realm. Big Trouble in Little China is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 1986 with an average rating of 7.2 by 3,434 people. The movie made an estimated total of $11,102,672 in the box office.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon explores heroic journeys defined by destiny and personal sacrifice. Its balletic fight scenes and poetic narrative offer a visually stunning experience, frequently cited for their artistry and emotive storytelling.

Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically-skilled, teenage nobleman's daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a movie from Hong Kong in Mandarin, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.4 by 3,640 people. The movie made an estimated total of $213,978,518 in the box office.

The Forbidden Kingdom brings together ancient legends with martial arts spectacle to build a fantasy adventure driven by mythical artifacts and self-discovery. Its infusion of epic action and notable cast make for an engaging and memorable film.

An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself travelling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King. The Forbidden Kingdom is a movie from China in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.6 by 1,958 people. The movie made an estimated total of $127,906,624 in the box office.

Black Panther draws on a rich blend of fantasy and cultural heritage to tell a story about confronting legacies and embracing responsibility. Its vibrant worldbuilding and impactful action sequences offer high-energy entertainment and a memorable visual style.

King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T'Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia, the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan 'special forces') and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war. Black Panther is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 15m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 7.4 by 23,723 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,349,926,083 in the box office.

Doctor Strange crafts an adventure grounded in the transformation of an ordinary individual into a hero, highlighting how embracing the unknown can unlock new strengths. The film wows with mind-bending visuals and imaginative exploration of mystical realms.

After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under her wing and trains him to defend the world against evil. Doctor Strange is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.4 by 23,661 people. The movie made an estimated total of $676,343,174 in the box office.

Kung Fu Hustle stands out for its playful reinvention of martial arts tropes and outlandish action set pieces. Its unique tone fuses comedy with action, resulting in a wildly original and entertaining cinematic ride.

It's the 1940s, and the notorious Axe Gang terrorizes Shanghai. Small-time criminals Sing and Bone hope to join, but they only manage to make lots of very dangerous enemies. Fortunately for them, kung fu masters and hidden strength can be found in unlikely places. Now they just have to take on the entire Axe Gang. Kung Fu Hustle is a movie from Hong Kong in Cantonese, with a total 1h 39m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 7.5 by 3,267 people. The movie made an estimated total of $102,034,104 in the box office.

Hero utilizes intricate storytelling structure to depict themes of myth, loyalty, and honor. Its visual design and dramatic choreography elevate the narrative, making it both a striking and emotionally resonant journey.

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago. Hero is a movie from China in Mandarin, with a total 1h 39m runtime, released in 2002 with an average rating of 7.5 by 2,552 people. The movie made an estimated total of $177,394,432 in the box office.

The Matrix immerses audiences in a high-stakes world where reality and destiny collide, challenging characters to embrace powerful abilities. Its groundbreaking style, intense action, and philosophical themes continue to have a strong cultural impact.

Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth. The Matrix is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 16m runtime, released in 1999 with an average rating of 8.3 by 28,355 people. The movie made an estimated total of $463,517,383 in the box office.

The Warriors Gate invites viewers into an unfamiliar realm where a young protagonist must learn new skills to survive, providing an adventurous and fast-paced escapist experience that blends fantasy action with elements of self-growth.

After a mysterious chest opens a gateway through time, teen gamer Jack is transported to an ancient empire terrorized by a cruel barbarian king. Jack will need all of his gaming skills as he battles to defeat the barbarian, protect a beautiful princess, and somehow find his way back home. The Warriors Gate is a movie from China in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.6 by 384 people.

Mortal Kombat is featured for its martial arts combat and supernatural stakes, offering fans a high-adrenaline spectacle. Its tightly choreographed fights and colorful characters make it exciting and visually engaging.

Washed-up MMA fighter Cole Young, unaware of his heritage, and hunted by Emperor Shang Tsung's best warrior, Sub-Zero, seeks out and trains with Earth's greatest champions as he prepares to stand against the enemies of Outworld in a high stakes battle for the universe. Mortal Kombat is a movie from Australia in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 7.0 by 6,947 people. The movie made an estimated total of $84,426,031 in the box office.

The Raid 2 earns its place with relentless pacing and unflinching action, immersing viewers in intense stakes and expertly choreographed combat, making it a standout in contemporary martial arts cinema.

After fighting his way through an apartment building populated by an army of dangerous criminals and escaping with his life, SWAT team member Rama goes undercover, joining a powerful Indonesian crime syndicate to protect his family and uncover corrupt members of his own force. The Raid 2 is a movie from Indonesia in Indonesian, with a total 2h 30m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.6 by 2,642 people. The movie made an estimated total of $6,566,916 in the box office.

Iron Monkey is included for its inventive blend of acrobatics and action within a narrative of justice and rebellion. The movie thrives on energetic fight scenes and charismatic performances.

In this Hong Kong variation of Robin Hood, corrupt officials of a Chinese village are robbed by a masked bandit known as "Iron Monkey", named after a benevolent deity. When all else fails, the Governor forces a traveling physician into finding the bandit. Iron Monkey is a movie from Hong Kong in Cantonese, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 1993 with an average rating of 7.4 by 336 people. The movie made an estimated total of $14,694,904 in the box office.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse makes the list thanks to its fresh take on heroism, showcasing personal growth and destiny through creative storytelling and striking visual animation.

Struggling to find his place in the world while juggling school and family, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales is unexpectedly bitten by a radioactive spider and develops unfathomable powers just like the one and only Spider-Man. While wrestling with the implications of his new abilities, Miles discovers a super collider created by the madman Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk, causing others from across the Spider-Verse to be inadvertently transported to his dimension. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 8.4 by 17,550 people. The movie made an estimated total of $394,884,133 in the box office.

Warrior connects through its depiction of emotionally charged conflict and redemption. It’s distinguished by powerful performances and authentic tension, delivering a gripping, heart-felt cinematic experience.

The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament – a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged, older brother. Warrior is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 20m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 7.8 by 5,084 people. The movie made an estimated total of $23,300,000 in the box office.

The Shadow involves a mysterious protagonist operating from the shadows to dismantle criminal organizations, promising intrigue and stylized action with a distinct noir flavor.

Based on the 1930s comic strip, The Shadow is put up against his archenemy Shiwan Khan, who plans to take over the world by holding a city to ransom using an atom bomb. Using his powers of invisibility and "the power to cloud men's minds", The Shadow comes blazing to the rescue with explosive results. The Shadow is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 1994 with an average rating of 6.1 by 575 people. The movie made an estimated total of $48,063,465 in the box office.

The Legend of Drunken Master delights audiences with its inventive martial arts sequences infused with humor and creativity. The charismatic energy and physical prowess on display make it a standout entry in the action genre.

Returning home with his father after a shopping expedition, Wong Fei-Hong is unwittingly caught up in the battle between foreigners who wish to export ancient Chinese artifacts and loyalists who don't want the pieces to leave the country. Fei-Hong must fight against the foreigners using his Drunken Boxing style, and overcome his father's antagonism as well. The Legend of Drunken Master is a movie from Hong Kong in Cantonese, with a total 1h 42m runtime, released in 1994 with an average rating of 7.5 by 1,113 people. The movie made an estimated total of $34,300,528 in the box office.

The Last Dragon uses a coming-of-age journey set against a backdrop of martial arts to offer uplifting moments and vibrant action, combining distinctive visual style and a celebrated soundtrack.

A young man searches for the "master" to obtain the final level of martial arts mastery known as the glow. Along the way he must fight an evil martial arts expert and rescue a beautiful singer from an obsessed music promoter. The Last Dragon is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 6.5 by 291 people. The movie made an estimated total of $25,754,284 in the box office.

The Night Comes For Us emphasizes intensity and escalation through expertly staged fight scenes. Its uncompromising action and suspenseful atmosphere make for a pulse-pounding experience.

After sparing a girl's life during a massacre, an elite Triad assassin is targeted by an onslaught of murderous gangsters. The Night Comes For Us is a movie from Indonesia in Indonesian, with a total 2h 1m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.9 by 831 people.

Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins features a journey of reconciliation with the past, serving up dramatic storytelling alongside memorable swordplay and a compelling search for redemption.

In 1868, after the Bakumatsu war ends, the ex-assassin Kenshin Himura traverses Japan with an inverted sword, to defend the needy without killing. Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 2h 14m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.5 by 926 people. The movie made an estimated total of $61,700,000 in the box office.

The Protector is included due to its breathtaking stunts and relentless pursuit sequences. The kinetic energy and physical artistry set it apart as a showcase for the physical demands of authentic martial arts cinema.

A young fighter named Kham must go to Australia to retrieve his stolen elephant. With the help of a Thai-born Australian detective, Kham must take on all comers, including a gang led by an evil woman and her two deadly bodyguards. The Protector is a movie from Thailand in Thai, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.1 by 950 people. The movie made an estimated total of $27,165,581 in the box office.

Azumi is notable for its depiction of a determined young assassin navigating conflict and personal struggle, with elaborate action scenes and a dramatic set-up that keeps viewers invested.

In war-torn Japan, the Tokugawa Shogun, desperate to restore peace to his people, orders the assassination of the hostile warlords. A beautiful young woman is raised from birth with nine other orphans, to become an assassin. Her name is Azumi, the ultimate assassin. Azumi is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 2h 8m runtime, released in 2003 with an average rating of 6.9 by 369 people.

House of Flying Daggers is recognized for its romantic, poetic approach to martial arts and beautiful visual storytelling, combining intricate choreography with emotional resonance in a lush historical setting.

In 9th century China, a corrupt government wages war against a rebel army called the Flying Daggers. A romantic warrior breaks a beautiful rebel out of prison to help her rejoin her fellows, but things are not what they seem. House of Flying Daggers is a movie from China in Mandarin, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 7.3 by 1,819 people. The movie made an estimated total of $92,863,945 in the box office.

The Myth takes inspiration from legendary artifacts and adventurous quests, propelling viewers through time and across continents in a bold fusion of historical fantasy and action.

When a fellow scientist asks for Jack's help in locating the mausoleum of China's first emperor, the past collides violently with the present as Jack discovers his amazing visions are based in fact. The Myth is a movie from Hong Kong in Mandarin, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 6.4 by 429 people. The movie made an estimated total of $6,669,097 in the box office.

Flash Point impresses with its relentless momentum and sharply choreographed fight sequences, crafting a tense narrative driven by dynamic confrontations and gritty atmosphere.

Detective Sergeant Ma Jun, known for dispensing his own brand of justice during arrests, teams up with an undercover cop, Wilson, to try and bring down three merciless Vietnamese brothers running a smuggling ring in the months before mainland China's takeover of Hong Kong. Jun pursues the gang tirelessly, sometimes ignoring police protocols. A showdown is inevitable! Flash Point is a movie from Hong Kong in Cantonese, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.9 by 378 people. The movie made an estimated total of $6,177,725 in the box office.

The Green Hornet makes use of the masked vigilante motif to blend action with comedic elements, creating an offbeat superhero story driven by quirky characters and inventive action.

Britt Reid, the heir to the largest newspaper fortune in Los Angeles, is a spoiled playboy who has been, thus far, happy to lead an aimless life. After his father dies, Britt meets Kato, a resourceful company employee. Realizing that they have the talent and resources to make something of their lives, Britt and Kato join forces as costumed crime-fighters to bring down the city's most-powerful criminal, Chudnofsky. The Green Hornet is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 5.6 by 3,528 people. The movie made an estimated total of $227,817,248 in the box office.

John Carter is recommended for its immersive adventure on an epic scale, transplanting an outsider into a world of fantasy conflict for a visually spectacular and imaginative experience.

John Carter is a war-weary, former military captain who's inexplicably transported to the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars) and reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict. It's a world on the brink of collapse, and Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands. John Carter is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 12m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 6.4 by 6,202 people. The movie made an estimated total of $284,100,000 in the box office.

Kid with the Golden Arm is recognized for its classic tournament-style confrontation between martial artists, highlighted by creative fight choreography and vibrant personalities that define the golden era of kung fu films.

Jin bei tong opens with a group of escort guards preparing to move a shipment of gold from the local government to an area stricken by famine... one of the very few Venom films where all six Venom actors are present within a single film. Kid with the Golden Arm is a movie from Hong Kong in Mandarin, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 1979 with an average rating of 6.8 by 44 people.

The Man from Nowhere stands out for its emotionally gripping story of reluctant heroism, combining raw emotion with intense action to create a deeply affecting viewing experience.

A reclusive pawnshop owner goes on a brutal rampage to rescue a young girl kidnapped by a criminal organization. The Man from Nowhere is a movie from South Korea in Korean, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.7 by 1,519 people. The movie made an estimated total of $43,059,790 in the box office.

Kung Fu Panda earns its spot for its heartwarming and comedic take on a hero's journey through martial arts training. The animated style and endearing characters deliver an uplifting and fun adventure.

Chosen by prophecy but doubted by all, Po is an unlikely choice for the mystical title of the Dragon Warrior—a clumsy panda thrust into the world of kung fu as a deadly enemy threatens the Valley of Peace. Under reluctant guidance by Master Shifu and the Furious Five, Po must embrace who he is to unlock the power that no scroll can teach. Kung Fu Panda is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 7.3 by 12,838 people. The movie made an estimated total of $632,091,832 in the box office.

Birth of the Dragon is included for its dramatic depiction of legendary martial artists and a pivotal duel, offering dynamic energy and a look at cultural intersections within the world of fighting.

Set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s Chinatown, this cross-cultural biopic chronicles Bruce Lee’s emergence as a martial-arts superstar after his legendary secret showdown with fellow martial artist Wong Jack Man. Birth of the Dragon is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 5.8 by 336 people. The movie made an estimated total of $7,220,490 in the box office.

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen highlights a masked avenger standing up against formidable adversaries, delivering flamboyant action and an atmospheric salute to classic martial arts legends.

The Japanese forces occupy Shanghai and slowly start spreading terror in the city. Chen Zhen, who was presumed dead, returns to fight against the Japanese and put an end to their tyrannical rule. Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen is a movie from China in Cantonese, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.8 by 461 people. The movie made an estimated total of $48,398 in the box office.

Bloodsport is grounded in the world of secret martial arts tournaments and high-stakes personal challenges, delivering satisfying fight sequences and a focus on determination and resilience.

An American Army Major goes AWOL to Hong Kong for an outlawed martial arts contest called the Kumite. Bloodsport is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 32m runtime, released in 1988 with an average rating of 7.1 by 2,224 people. The movie made an estimated total of $63,500,000 in the box office.

The Medallion infuses its action adventure with elements of the supernatural and comic relief, providing a breezy, entertaining ride with unexpected twists and engaging stunts.

A Hong Kong detective suffers a fatal accident involving a mysterious medallion and is transformed into an immortal warrior with superhuman powers. The Medallion is a movie from Hong Kong in English, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2003 with an average rating of 5.6 by 1,239 people. The movie made an estimated total of $34,300,000 in the box office.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets justifies its place through its imaginative world-building and epic adventure as heroes dive into a universe full of visual spectacle and intergalactic intrigue.

In the 28th century, Valerian and Laureline are special operatives charged with keeping order throughout the human territories. On assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two undertake a mission to Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis where species from across the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures. At the center of Alpha is a mysterious dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a movie from France in English, with a total 2h 17m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 6.7 by 8,135 people. The movie made an estimated total of $225,973,340 in the box office.

SPL: Kill Zone is selected for its blend of gritty police procedural tension and explosive martial arts duels, making it a tightly wound, suspenseful journey through criminal underworlds.

Chan, an articulate senior detective nearing the end of his career, is taking care of the daughter of a witness killed by ruthless crime lord Po. Martial arts expert Ma is set to take over as head of the crime unit, replacing Chan who wants an early retirement. SPL: Kill Zone is a movie from Hong Kong in Cantonese, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 6.9 by 358 people.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World injects stylized action and playful humor into its storytelling, using inventive visuals and unique battles to explore themes of identity and self-discovery.

As bass guitarist for a garage-rock band, Scott Pilgrim has never had trouble getting a girlfriend; usually, the problem is getting rid of them. But when Ramona Flowers skates into his heart, he finds she has the most troublesome baggage of all: an army of ex-boyfriends who will stop at nothing to eliminate him from her list of suitors. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 53m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.5 by 8,738 people. The movie made an estimated total of $51,825,248 in the box office.

Shadow captivates with its striking visual palette and complex power struggles, weaving visually arresting action with a refined sense of atmosphere and masterful manipulation of strategy and deception.

In a kingdom ruled by a young and unpredictable king, the military commander has a secret weapon: a shadow, a look-alike who can fool both his enemies and the King himself. Now he must use this weapon in an intricate plan that will lead his people to victory in a war that the King does not want. Shadow is a movie from China in Mandarin, with a total 1h 56m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.7 by 461 people. The movie made an estimated total of $91,708,374 in the box office.