The action landscape is about to change. Bold as that statement may sound, perhaps even hyperbolic, I think it’s a factual one. While for many East Asian action cinema fans, The Furious will feel like the next logical evolution in action choreography, for the casual audience member. It will be nothing short of revolutionary. A game changer that will linger with them for years. From director Kenji Tanigaki and action choreographer Kensuke Sonomura, The Furious stands as a modern‑day action masterpiece, the kind of film anyone who considers themselves an action fan owes it to themselves to experience.
To celebrate the upcoming release of The Furious, I wanted to look back at the last 25+ years of East Asian action cinema and recommend titles that have paved the way to The Furious or are must‑watch films. While watching martial arts films in your local cinema has become a rare treat, the genre is still thriving thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, digital stores, and boutique Blu-ray labels, all of which make it easier than ever for audiences to find a new favourite.
While there are no strict criteria for this list, there are several aims I want to achieve. First, I want to prioritise highlighting the creatives behind The Furious, both in front of and behind the camera. Second, I want to spotlight action films from East Asia (and slightly beyond) that share a similar stylistic energy. Finally, I want to showcase exceptional action cinema worth seeking out, even if its style differs from The Furious. From the early 2000s to today, martial‑arts cinema has delivered a wealth of remarkable films, many easily accessible, yet still unseen by general audiences. This list is a celebration of the masters who have redefined action cinema in the 21st century.
Also, to preface the main list, if I think a whole series is worth watching, I’m going to recommend the whole series instead of just one instalment, as there is no point recommending, say, the third film in a trilogy if they are all amazing. Due to how many films were in contention, I have a few (more like a lot) of honourable mentions to go through.
Hong Kong offers several strong recommendations from an action perspective. The final film by director Benny Chan, Raging Fire, feels like a work from a bygone era, a dark crime drama that digs into the complexities of police work. The Prosecutor also proves that Donnie Yen, despite his age, is still headlining genuinely kick‑ass action cinema. Of course, you should also watch the iconic Ip Man films and their spin-off, Master Z: Ip Man Legacy. While not an outstanding film, and technically a Mainland co‑production, Customs Frontline features engaging action choreography by Nicholas Tse, who is stepping into the action‑director role with the upcoming film Raging Havoc. Another co-production, which is Jackie Chan’s best film in years, The Shadow’s Edge, is a fun action thriller. Finally, the late and brilliant Corey Yuen directed the excellent My Father Is a Hero, one of the earliest roles for Xie Miao.
Mainland China has produced some excellent action films since the 2000s. Zhang Yimou’s Shadow is as beautiful and meticulous as his earlier works Hero and House of Flying Daggers. More recently, there’s The Butcher’s Blade, a simple yet enthralling martial‑arts film that features dynamic camerawork. There are also the Fight Against Evil films, with the third instalment being the best to date. Ne Zha 2 is a technical marvel of animation, with some incredible action scenes to back it up. Escape from the 21st Century is a balls-to-the-wall action comedy that is a riot from beginning to end. Also, earlier this year, there was Yuen Woo-ping’s return to form with the wuxia epic, Blades of the Guardians.
South Korea has been producing great action films for a long time, and recent years have delivered some standout examples. Officer Black Belt is a hidden gem within Netflix’s massive catalogue. Not strictly a martial arts film, Veteran 2, also known as I, The Executioner, features excellent hand‑to‑hand combat, including a rooftop fight near the midpoint that is sheer excellence. The Swordsman and The Killer are energetic action flicks led by Jang Hyuk: one a dynamic sword‑combat showcase, the other a John Wick‑inspired thrill ride. And while not a hand‑to‑hand action film, Hunt, directed by Lee Jung‑Jae, deserves a shout-out. Hunt delivers strong action sequences within the framework of a dense political thriller. In a similar vein of gunplay first. Spiritwalker is an engaging small-scale actioner with a supernatural twist, and Holy Night: Demon Hunters fully blends supernatural horror with Don Lee’s hard-hitting action.
Of course, Thailand was the face of early 2000s action cinema, with the problematic yet entertaining Chocolate, a fun Ong‑Bak‑inspired thrill ride. There are also the works of Tony Jaa, Ong‑Bak and The Protector, which are essential viewing, as the intensity of those films genuinely changed the game when they were released. In addition, Vietnam has also delivered a surprisingly strong action film with Furie, a stylish and energetic crowd‑pleaser.
America and the United Kingdom have also produced some stellar action films, thanks in large part to the work of Scott Adkins. Avengement is a great homegrown action flick; its final bar fight alone is worth the price of admission. The Debt Collector films are fun buddy‑action comedies, and Triple Threat brings together many of the 2000s’ biggest action stars in a film that’s messy but undeniably entertaining. The Undisputed series, from the second film onward, also delivers some truly excellent action thrills. Man of Tai Chi is a solid directorial debut from Keanu Reeves, and The Paper Tigers is another strong debut, this time from Quoc Bao Tran. And of course, it would be a disservice not to mention the masterwork Everything Everywhere All at Once.
The Raid and The Raid 2 are incredible action films that demonstrate the power of Indonesian action cinema — a legacy carried forward into Headshot and The Big 4, with the strongest recent example being The Shadow Strays. The future of Indonesian action looks promising, with Ikatan Darah on the horizon and a remake of the South Korean film The Man from Nowhere, which has Kenji Tanigaki attached as director, currently being pitched.
Finally, Japan has produced some of the strongest action films of the modern era. Blade of the Immortal is an insanely bloody thrill ride, and the 100th film by Takeshi Miike. The same level of craftsmanship also applies to his 13 Assassins film. Hideaki Anno’s love letter to tokusatsu, Shin Kamen Rider, features inventive and uniquely stylised action, from its over‑the‑top bloody opening to its cartoon‑inspired bike sequences. The mainline High & Low films can be overwhelming to jump into, but they contain some incredible action set pieces that more than justify the initial confusion. We’ll be mentioning more of his work later, but all of Kensuke Sonomura’s directorial efforts are must‑watch: Hydra, his V‑cinema‑inspired Bad City, and the ghost‑story action masterclass Ghost Killer.
Now that the honourable mentions have been addressed, here are ten (plus) action films you should watch before The Furious.
Rurouni Kenshin live-action films
Dir: Keishi Ōtomo
With action direction by Kenji Tanigaki, the five live‑action Rurouni Kenshin films redefined what sword‑fight cinema could be, becoming a key inspiration for Hollywood blockbusters such as Snake Eyes, on which Tanigaki also served as stunt coordinator, and Star Wars: The Acolyte. The Rurouni Kenshin movies are easily some of the best live‑action adaptations of a manga series ever brought to the screen. Across all five films, the action is fast and kinetic, featuring dazzling choreography that truly must be seen to be believed. These films are a must‑watch for anyone who considers themselves an action fan.
One Percenter
Dir: Yûdai Yamaguchi
Despite its lead actor Tak Sakaguchi having serious allegations made against him—which I will leave to each audience member to decide whether they wish to support a work involving him—One Percenter features some immaculate and inventive action direction by Kensuke Sonomura. Whether it’s a fun and creative set piece involving a torch or a final fight that is a true nail‑biter, One Percenter stands out as a great action film. It also boasts a surprisingly strong story that pokes fun at the modern Japanese action landscape in a tongue‑in‑cheek manner, all while delivering the goods when it comes to hard‑hitting, well‑crafted action.
Eye for an Eye Series
Dir: Yang Bingjia
Taking clear inspiration from the iconic Japanese film series Zatoichi the Blind Swordsman, Eye for an Eye is a Chinese take on the blind swordsman story, and it delivers in the action department. Xie Miao gives a stellar performance, fully committing to both the drama and the action. Across both titles, the action is top-notch and visually striking—especially the final fight of the first film, which becomes oddly experimental in its closing moments. The action direction by Qin Pengfei in the first instalment, and by Qin Pengfei and Du Xiaohui for the sequel, is nothing short of masterful and exceeds expectations of what Direct to Video (DTV) action can be.
Baby Assassins Trilogy
Dir: Yugo Sakamoto
In one of the strongest original trilogies to date, the Baby Assassins films continue to increase in quality, culminating in the most recent entry, Baby Assassins 3, which is an utter masterpiece of the genre. Featuring action direction by Kensuke Sonomura, each instalment delivers a final fight that could easily rank among the best in the genre. In addition, all three films showcase gunplay so refined that it occasionally makes John Wick look like a student project. With a cast you cannot help but fall in love with, Baby Assassins stands as one of the best modern action trilogies.
High & Low: The Worst/The Worst X
Dir: Sigeaki Kubo, Norihisa Hiranuma, Daisuke Ninomiya
While the main franchise might earn an honourable mention due to its high barrier to entry, the spin‑offs High & Low: The Worst and The Worst X are the complete opposite. A crossover feature between Exile Tribe’s High & Low and the manga series Worst and Crows, this high‑school‑delinquent actioner is nothing short of sheer, bold entertainment. What sounds like a recipe for disaster, Japanese boy‑group musical artists starring in an action film, instead results in some of the most inventive and creative choreography you could hope to see. It also helps that many of the film’s original songs are absolute bangers that will be in your playlists before the credits roll.
Hunt The Wicked
Dir: Chris Huo
DTV Chinese action films are all the rage on X and have become a major vehicle for Xie Miao’s career. A prime example of what DTV Chinese action cinema has to offer is Hunt the Wicked, which is the definition of pure insanity. The opening action scene alone will have you gripped, and Zhao Long’s action direction keeps you engaged throughout its runtime despite an inconsistent story which has more twists and turns than a roller coaster. Xie Miao is the definition of an action star, and this film proves it—utterly charismatic and believable in every scene.
SPL Trilogy
Dir: Wilson Yip, Soi Cheang
The SPL series has been a prime showcase for some of the greatest martial artists to grace the silver screen, including Donnie Yen, Wu Jing, Sammo Hung, Tony Jaa, and, of course, Louis Koo. The latter is something of a joke, but it also stands as a testament to the action teams’ ability to make a more traditional actor appear to be a martial arts expert. The first film SPL Killzone, starring Donnie Yen, is an action classic whose impact can still be felt today. At the same time, its sequel continued to showcase the evolution of martial arts action, utilising wirework to heighten the spectacle while keeping it grounded in its gritty world.
The Roundup franchise
Dir: Kang Yoon-Sung, Lee Sang-yong, Heo Myung-haeng
While it leans more toward an old‑school Hong Kong–inspired style than the highly technical and inventive choreography of other titles on this list, I’d be doing this selection a disservice if I didn’t recommend a wildly entertaining franchise that lets Don Lee punch people with thunderous sound design. The Roundup franchise features action direction by Heo Myung‑haeng and Yoon Sung‑min, delivering some of the best hard‑hitting action around — and as mentioned, the sound design to back it up. Once you’ve blasted through The Outlaws, you’ll be loading up The Roundup: Punishment in a heartbeat; they’re that addictive.
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In
Dir: Soi Cheang
What feels like a return to the golden age of Hong Kong action cinema, with comic book aesthetics and modern action sensibilities mixed in, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is nothing short of a masterpiece. It showcases talent that could be described as the new faces of modern Hong Kong action cinema, such as Terrance Lau, while also featuring Sammo Hung in one of his strongest performances in the modern era. All of this is complemented by some of Kenji Tanigaki’s strongest choreography to date. Soi Cheang has directed a film for the ages, and with a prequel and a sequel on the way, this series looks set to shake up the genre once again.
The Night Comes For Us
Dir: Timo Tjahjanto
The wave of Indonesian action films following Gareth Evans’ The Raid films surpassed everyone’s expectations, and no film showcases this more clearly than Timo Tjahjanto’s The Night Comes for Us. While not his strongest work—that title arguably goes to The Shadow Strays—The Night Comes for Us is a chaotic display of blood and violence, featuring Joe Taslim at his very best. Iko Uwais serves as action coordinator, working with fight choreographers Muhammad Irfan and Very Tri Yulisman, to push the boundaries of the genre, delivering a film that is as much a splatter fest as it is packed with relentless, high-impact action.
The Furious hits UK cinemas on June 25th
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