Defining movies in Jet Li‘s legendary martial arts film career have spanned more than four decades, illustrating his journey from a wushu champion in China to global cinema icon. As both a celebrated athlete and actor, Jet Li has shaped the way martial arts movies are viewed in both Asian and Western cultures, leaving an enduring legacy for fans and filmmakers worldwide.
Jet Li’s Journey: From Wushu Star to Cinema Icon
Jet Li began his rise to fame as a five-time Chinese national wushu champion, making a seamless transition into film with 1982’s Shaolin Temple. His athletic background propelled him quickly into leading roles, and his screen presence helped him become Asia’s most successful martial arts action hero. By the late 1990s, Li had achieved international fame, debuting in major Hollywood films and earning acclaim for his athleticism and screen charisma. Though now largely retired from performing his own stunts, his filmography continues to influence martial arts cinema worldwide.
1. Shaolin Temple (1982): The Breakthrough Role That Changed Everything
Unlike most actors who begin with minor roles, Jet Li’s athletic prowess ensured he was cast as the lead in his very first film, Shaolin Temple. This major production was one of the earliest collaborations between Hong Kong and China, featuring a mainland cast and shooting on location in China. In the film, Li portrays Gong Yuen (Jue Yuan), a young man seeking revenge for his father’s murder by learning martial arts at the storied Shaolin Monastery. The extensive depiction of Shaolin Kung Fu and the film’s authentic locations helped make it one of Chinese cinema’s highest-grossing films when adjusted for inflation. The impact extended beyond the screen, turning the real Shaolin Temple into a popular global tourist attraction. The film’s cast included Hai Yu as Master Tan Chuang, adding depth to the story’s martial arts legacy.
2. Once Upon a Time in China (1991): Launching a Genre-Defining Franchise
Jet Li’s performance in Once Upon a Time in China propelled him to greater fame across Asia. He played Wong Fei-hung, the revered folk hero and martial arts master, in what would become an enormously successful six-movie franchise. The first three films featured Li in the lead, and he returned again for the sixth installment, helping cement the series’ legendary status. These films were widely praised for their action choreography and their nuanced portrayal of Chinese nationalism, showcasing Li’s wushu fighting style and further transforming the action landscape in the region. The success of Once Upon a Time in China inspired subsequent martial arts movies throughout Asia and beyond, with Jet Li’s performance cited as a key influence.
3. Fist of Legend (1994): Paying Tribute to Bruce Lee
In Fist of Legend, Jet Li took on the daunting role of Chen Zhen, a character famously portrayed by Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury. This 1994 remake followed Chen Zhen as he delved into the mysterious death of his master, Huo Yuanjia, under the shadow of Japanese occupation forces. Despite the risks of comparison, Li’s performance was widely praised for its power and respectful homage to Bruce Lee. The film, featuring Shinobu Nakayama as Mitsuko Yamada, became a hit and helped reinforce Li’s reputation as a martial arts superstar. It achieved critical acclaim, earning a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the English-dubbed version facilitated Li’s seamless entry into the American film industry.
4. Lethal Weapon 4 (1998): Making Waves in Hollywood
Jet Li’s Hollywood debut in Lethal Weapon 4 marked a significant turning point in his career. Cast as Wah Sing Ku, a ruthless Triad villain, Li’s martial arts skills and formidable screen presence revitalized the famed action franchise alongside stars like Mel Gibson (Martin Riggs), Danny Glover (Roger Murtaugh), Joe Pesci (Leo Getz), and Rene Russo (Lorna Cole). The film saw Riggs and Murtaugh investigating a human smuggling ring, with Li’s character posing a real threat to the seasoned detectives. This installment became the highest-grossing of the franchise, and Li’s performance was credited with bringing renewed excitement and authenticity to the series. His role opened doors to leading parts in American action cinema for over a decade to come.
5. The One (2001): Exploring Science Fiction with Martial Arts
Jet Li ventured into the realm of science fiction with The One, departing from his traditional historical and martial arts roots. In this 2001 film, he played dual roles—a heroic police officer and Gabriel, a dangerous assassin seeking to eliminate alternate versions of himself through interdimensional travel. This premise allowed for innovative action sequences as Li essentially fought himself onscreen. The movie also marked Li’s first collaboration with Jason Statham, adding a new dynamic to the action-packed storyline. While the film received mixed reviews, it demonstrated Li’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres while staying rooted in martial arts action.
6. Hero (2002): Wuxia Epic and Global Breakout
Returning to spectacular period epics, Jet Li starred in Hero, directed by Zhang Yimou. The film centers on a nameless warrior who sets out to assassinate the King of Qin—played by Chen Daoming—in a bid to prevent China’s unification. The all-star cast included Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung, Donnie Yen, and Zhang Ziyi. Hero’s striking visuals, meticulously choreographed martial arts, and poetic narrative secured its place as a modern wuxia classic. Not only did it break box office records in China, but it also became the first Chinese-language film to reach number one at the American box office and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, amplifying Jet Li’s status as a global star.
7. Unleashed (2005): A Raw, Character-Driven Fighter Story
In Unleashed, written by Luc Besson and directed by Louis Leterrier, Jet Li delivered a complex, emotionally charged performance as Danny—a man trained from childhood to become a living weapon by a ruthless loan shark. Danny’s only freedom comes when his metal collar is removed, transforming him instantly into an unstoppable fighter. The story takes a dramatic turn as Danny escapes captivity, finds a new home with a gentle family, and tries to adapt to a world of kindness and music. However, when his violent past resurfaces, Danny must confront his former master to protect his newfound peace. Unleashed was praised for its blend of action and emotional storytelling, with critics often calling it Jet Li’s strongest lead role in a Western film. The cast also featured Morgan Freeman as one of the guiding influences in Danny’s journey toward finding humanity.
8. Fearless (2006): Honoring Wushu and National Pride
Fearless, directed by Ronny Yu, represents Jet Li’s final film focused on the wushu martial arts discipline that defined much of his career. In this biographical epic, Li plays Huo Yuanjia, a celebrated Chinese martial artist who became a hero by challenging international fighters and restoring China’s sense of pride in the early 20th century. The film delves into Huo’s personal struggles and triumphs, as well as China’s broader quest for identity during a time of social and political upheaval. The story also features Sun Li in a supporting role. Fearless was lauded for its heartfelt storytelling and intense fight sequences, winning several Hong Kong film awards. With this film, Li offered a moving farewell to the fighting style that launched his international stardom.
9. The Forbidden Kingdom (2008): Uniting Legends on Screen
Martial arts movie fans were treated to a long-anticipated pairing in The Forbidden Kingdom, the first and only time Jet Li and Jackie Chan co-starred. Set in a fantastical version of ancient China, the film draws loose inspiration from Journey to the West, with Jet Li playing the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) and Jackie Chan as Lu Yan, a wise drinker-warrior from the Kang Dynasty. The story follows a modern American teen who is magically transported into this mythic world. The film’s wuxia-inspired action sequences and the chemistry between Li and Chan delighted audiences who had long wanted to see the two icons share the screen. Although reviews were mixed to positive, the movie achieved cult status for the historic teaming of the genre’s biggest stars.
10. The Expendables (2010): Joining the Action Superstar Ensemble
Continuing his run in major franchises, Jet Li joined The Expendables in 2010, playing Yin Yang—the martial arts specialist in an ensemble of elite mercenaries led by Sylvester Stallone’s Barney Ross. The ensemble cast featured action giants such as Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Steve Austin, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Terry Crews, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes, Morgan Freeman, and others. The film delivered high-octane action and nostalgic thrills for fans of classic martial arts and action movies. While Jet Li’s role in later sequels diminished, the original gave martial arts fans the exciting showdown between Li and Lundgren, and reaffirmed Li’s place as a pillar of global action cinema.
The Enduring Impact of Jet Li’s Legendary Films
Across each of these defining movies in Jet Li’s legendary martial arts film career, the star has left a lasting imprint on both Eastern and Western action cinema. By bringing martial arts to life through compelling characters, cultural tales, and innovative fight choreography, Li inspired a new generation of martial artists, actors, and filmmakers. His collaborations with international artists, including Jason Statham and Jackie Chan, alongside his portrayals of legendary figures such as Wong Fei-hung and Huo Yuanjia, have made his career a testament to the enduring power and influence of martial arts in global filmmaking. As Jet Li moves away from physically demanding roles, his legendary filmography remains a foundation for martial arts storytelling, ensuring his stories and characters will inspire audiences for years to come.
