
Whether it’s warring triads, heroic cops, or martial arts masters, we never miss the chance to tune in to some of the best Hong Kong action movies of all time.
If there’s one thing even the most casual of viewers knows about Hong Kong movies, it’s that the 852 knows how to craft killer action flicks. Whether it’s a flurry of fists or a ballet of bullets, the fight scenes and shootouts in some of Hong Kong’s most influential action films are simply works of art. As such, it’s not surprising that a number of the city’s most renowned directors and most recognised icons are true masters of the action genre. To honour this filmmaking prowess, we’re rounding up some of the best Hong Kong action movies of all time – including some of our personal faves!
Get ready to throw down with the best Hong Kong action movies
1. A Better Tomorrow (1986)

Regarded as a maestro of action films, John Woo cemented his legendary status and influence with A Better Tomorrow. With a tale of two brothers in this Hong Kong action movie, Woo and producer Tsui Hark helped usher in the rise of the “heroic bloodshed” genre. In A Better Tomorrow, Ho and Kit (Ti Lung and Leslie Cheung) explore the clash between the Hong Kong triads and the police, becoming ensnared in the war between the opposite sides. Also featuring a supporting role from Chow Yun-fat at his peak coolness, A Better Tomorrow’s incredible gunfights remain an early beacon of “gun fu” – kung fu with guns.
2. Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)

For the third film in the popular Police Story film series, stunt legend Jackie Chan welcomes Oscar winner-to-be Michelle Yeoh (credited as Michelle Khan) as his co-lead in Police Story 3: Supercop. Following “supercop” Ka-kui and Superintendent Yang as they infiltrate a notorious drug organisation, the film rarely lets the adrenaline stop pumping as the team fights their way through several countries. A wonderful opportunity to see two stars joining forces when they’re at the top of their game, Supercop’s climactic train fight sequence certainly goes down in the history books.
3. Yes, Madam (1985)

Witness Michelle Yeoh in her first leading role as she does what she does best – kicking ass in Yes, Madam. An early entry of the polarising “girls with guns” subgenre, this is definitely one of the best Hong Kong action movies to watch if you like to see girls take charge in the male-dominated genre. Yes, Madam sees Yeoh’s Inspector Ng team up with a Scotland Yard investigator (Cynthia Rothrock) to track down a stolen microfilm containing evidence of criminal activities. Amidst the action-packed chaos, see if you can spot some of Hong Kong cinema’s fave filmmakers in the background, like Sammo Hung, Tsui Hark, and Fruit Chan!
4. Breaking News (2004)

In famous action-crime director Johnnie To’s Breaking News, a war between the police and mobsters is waged both on the streets as well as in the media. Following a PR nightmare after a cop is shown surrendering in a shootout, Superintendent Fong (Kelly Chen) and Inspector Cheung (Nick Cheung) each lead a charge to chase down the responsible criminals. With a particularly electric turn from Richie Jen as a clever mobster trying to sow seeds of chaos, Breaking News’ seven-minute opening shootout sequence is a prime example of Hong Kong action cinema at its finest.
5. Enter the Dragon (1973)

When talking about the best Hong Kong action movies, we’ve got to recognise one of the greatest action stars of all: Bruce Lee. In Lee’s final completed film before his untimely death, Enter the Dragon is the epitome of a top martial arts flick. Lee shines as a Shaolin martial artist, heading to a tournament on a suspected crime lord’s private island in the quest of exposing criminal activities, as well as for his own mission of revenge. A notable early co-production between the US and Hong Kong, Enter the Dragon (and Lee’s scratched-up torso) has since been referenced and parodied countless times, and continues to influence almost every aspect of pop culture.
6. Hard Boiled (1992)

On a list of the greatest Hong Kong action movies of all time, it’s inevitable that the works by John Woo make more than one appearance. In the rip-roaring action thriller, Hard Boiled, Chow Yun-fat takes the lead as a police inspector, chasing down rival triads caught in a clash. With a young Tony Leung as a conflicted undercover cop and Anthony Wong in another menacing role as a triad boss, you can expect a dizzying array of bullets and babies (yes, you read that right) dominating the screen in classic Woo fashion.
7. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In (2024)

If you’re wondering why it took so long to properly utilise the setting of the Kowloon Walled City in a big-budget action film, it’s because Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In was stuck in development hell for almost two decades! Following a street fighter seeking refuge in the Walled City, under the guidance of local boss Cyclone after a clash with the ruthless crime lord Mr Big, it’s an all-out battle! Set in the 80s, both young stars and Hong Kong cinema veterans trade blows as the “order in the chaos” of the Walled City threatens to implode.