Chow Yun-fathas carved out a legacy as one of the most iconic action stars of all time. Some of his most popular titles ultimately helped redefine the action andmartial arts genres, cementing his unmatched influence in the realm. While many of Chow’s films have turned out to be amongthe most underappreciated action moviesout there, such asHard Boiled, others have gained international success and have been recognized worldwide for their storytelling and fight choreography.
FromThe KillertoCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Chow has proven time and time again that he can embody complex characters with a natural ease. Not only has he earned several accolades throughout his career, buthe is widely recognized as a global ambassador for Hong Kong cinema. Chow’s work continues to inspire both action fans and filmmakers of all generations, packing punches long after the actor’s peak.
10God Of Gamblers (1989)
Directed by Jing Wong
God of Gamblersis one of Chow Yun-fat’s most iconic roles and a certified classic, even thoughnot everyone has seen the Hong Kong cinema masterpiece. The movie is not a typical martial arts flick, but that shouldn’t fool anyone. It’s absolutely packed with style, action, and some legendary moments that prove Chow’s unmatched ability to fuse charm and dominance like no one else.
As for the plot, it’s equally unforgettable. Chow plays Ko Chun, a suave gambling genius who’s unbeatable at the card table until a head injury turns him into a childlike, candy-obsessed goofball. With chaos all around, a hustler and his crew try to harness Ko Chun’s gambling skills to their advantage. Notably,God of Gamblersbasically started a whole sub-genre of gambling action comedies in Hong Kong cinemaand went on to birth an entire franchise with eight additional titles.
WhileWestern audiences might best know John Woo through his American films, such asBroken ArrowandMission: Impossible II, he is one of Hong Kong’s finest filmmakers of all time. He’s worked with Chow Yun-fat on several titles, includingOnce a Thief, a heist movie that’s part action, part comedy, and all style.
10 Best Martial Arts Movie Directors Of All Time
Martial arts movies use physicality as the primary storytelling tool, and the best directors of the genre push boundaries with their techniques.
In the movie, Chow plays Joseph, part of a trio of art thieves with James (Leslie Cheung) and Red (Cherie Chung). Their friendship is tested by a romantic entanglement, betrayal, and a high-stakes heist. The combination of Woo’s signature moves, such as slo-mo shootouts, explosive action, and that slick visual flair only he can deliver, and Chow’s natural levity makes for the most thrilling ride any action enthusiast will appreciate.Once a Thiefis proof that Chow can do it all (action, comedy, drama, and romance) at the same time.
The Replacement Killersmight not have the same cultural weight as some of Chow Yun-fat’s Hong Kong classics, but it’s an undeniable part of his legacy. The title marked the actor’s entry into Hollywood, and he delivered a performance that’s as charming as it is hard-hitting. Interestingly,what many may not know aboutThe Replacement Killersis thatChow essentially learned English on set, as he didn’t speak it quite well at the time.
Due to his English, Chow Yun-fat’s lines had to be cut, but that ultimately ended up adding to his character’s mysterious aura.
In the simple yet effective narrative, Chow plays a hitman named John Lee who, after a botched job, becomes a target himself. As he tries to make things right, he protects Meg (played by Mira Sorvino) while taking down some serious bad guys. It’s a classic action revenge story, butChow brings a unique gravitas to the role that makes it stand out in his repertoire.
Hailed by many as the epitome of action cinema,Hard Boiledmarked one ofthe most successful collaborations between John Woo and Chow Yun-fatto date. It’s packed with relentless action and insane stunts, and while the plot is the quintessential cops-and-robbers setup, it’s the execution that makesHard Boiledso legendary.
Hard Boiled
92%
Chow is at his absolute best in this 1992 title. He plays Tequila Yuen, an inspector on a mission to take down a deadly gun-running operation while encountering betrayal, high body counts, and an impressive number of explosive showdowns. Throughout,Chow is intense, charismatic, and effortlessly cool. The star is in the middle of every over-the-top action sequence, delivering the perfect balance of magnetism and grit. Despite not being talked about enough in mainstream circles,Hard Boiledarguably set the standard for action films and cemented Chow’s place as one of the genre’s greatest names.
6Full Contact (1992)
Directed by Ringo Lam
If any Chow Yun-fat movie delivers a raw, violent, and utterly gripping experience, it’sFull Contact. This Hong Kong action thriller shows a darker side of the actor that audiences don’t always get to see, andit’s one of his most underrated gems. Unlike most of Chow’s other roles, where he’s always charming someone off their feet one way or the other, his character inFull Contactis ruthless and driven by revenge.
There’s no glamour to the violence; it’s unfiltered and up close, making [Full Contact] perfect for action fans who want a straightforward experience without much fuss.
Not only isFull Contact’sstory engaging and refreshing all the way through, but the action is simply something else. There’s no glamour to the violence; it’s unfiltered and up close, making the film perfect for action fans who want a straightforward experience without much fuss. As for Chow, the star delivered one of the best performances of his career inFull Contact, showing just how deep he can go when given the right material.
5City On Fire (1987)
While one can never exactly pinpoint which movie makes a star like Chow Yun-fat,City on Fireis quite the contender for the role. The gritty crime thriller, directed by Ringo Lam, is an early gem in Chow’s cinematography that paved the way for his career in action cinema, which doesn’t mean his performance is any less impressive. He brought to life an intense yet understated character, Ko Chow, an undercover police officer who infiltrates a gang of jewel thieves.
The 10 Best Martial Arts Cop Movies, Including Police Story
Police offices have been integral to martial arts cinema for decades, with a major boom in this genre of filmmaking taking place during the 1980s.
Even thoughCity on Fireis an action movie that focuses on its high-octane fight sequences,the overall story has an emotional nuance to it rarely seen in the genre. When observed through a modern lens, it’s clear that the movie is a product of its time (which doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing), but it ultimately strongly influenced coming action movies in Hong Kong cinema.
A Better Tomorrowis the ultimate Hong Kong action cult classic that any movie buff should see if they want to understand the foundations of the genre. As one ofJohn Woo’s best movies, it served as a turning point for the filmmaker and popularized Asian cinema’s “heroic bloodshed” subgenre of action. The stylish gunplay and slow-motion action are some of its main highlights, but so is Chow Yun-fat’s masterclass portrayal of Mark.
A Better Tomorrow
89%
In short, Mark is a smooth-as-hell gangster with a heart, caught in the middle of a brutal underworld. It’s the ultimate story of loyalty, honor, and inner turmoil, and it’s drenched in that pure ’80s Hong Kong flair. After its release,A Better Tomorrowquickly transformed into a pop culture stapleand launched Chow to stardom. Two follow-up movies were made, a prequel and a sequel, but neither got the level of mainstream recognition the original did.
When discussing Chow Yun-fat’s legendary career,The Killereasily stands out as one of his best movies. It’s yet another Chow-led title directed by John Woo, which explains whyit’s often regarded as the pinnacle of the heroic bloodshed genre. Every bullet feels like a cinematic event, yet the action is so much more than emptying clips.
John Woo calledThe KillerandBullet in the Headhis favorite films of his own. He originally wroteBullet in the Headas a prequel toA Better Tomorrow.
The Killergave us one of the most iconic scenes in action movie history. The climactic gunfight in a church shows Chow as Ah Jong, taking on an army of enemies as white doves fly through the chaos. The emotionally and visually stunning finale comes to show just how much the film isn’t about mindless violence, despite there being plenty of it. From Quentin Tarantino to the Wachowskis, Hollywood directors have cited this film as a major influence. Unfortunately, in 2024,Woo’s remake ofThe Killerfailed to recapture the original’s magic.
2Tiger On The Beat (1988)
Directed by Lau Kar-leung
If you think Chow Yun-fat only thrives in intense crime dramas,Tiger on the Beatis here to prove you wrong. The action-comedy showcased the star in a role that allowed his comedic chops to shine without taking away from the action. From outrageous stunts to over-the-top humor,the movie offers one of Chow’s most unusual performances(in the best way possible).
10 Best Kung Fu Movies Directed By Lau Kar-Leung
Lau Kar-leung is highly influential in the martial arts world and Hong Kong cinema, having directed a handful of awe-inspiring kung fu films.
The story follows Chow as Francis Li, a lazy, womanizing detective who’s forced to team up with rookie cop Michael (Conan Lee) to take down a drug trafficking ring. The incompatible duo bicker their way through gunfights, car chases, and some of the wildest action sequences of the ’80s. It’s like a Hong Kong take on the buddy-cop formula, but with a lot more absurdity and even a few martial arts twists. For action fans looking for a fresh twist on the genre,Tiger on the Beatis a must-see.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonis an emotional and visual tour de force, as well as one ofthe most culturally influential movies of the 2000s. While many may not list it as Chow Yun-fat’s most legendary performance purely because there are titles where he stands out more, the movie is undoubtedly a cinematic triumph in its own right.
Notably, it was the role of Li Mu Bai that catapultedChow Yun-fatinto international stardom.Crouching Tigerwas not only a success in China, but it became a global sensation, winning multiple Academy Awards and influencing a generation of filmmakers. Chow’s performance is a masterpiece of subtlety, nuance, and grace, and it truly serves as a testament to his ability to convey so much with so little. Whether you’re in it for the stunning visuals, the graceful martial arts, or the deep emotional arcs,Crouching Tigerdelivers in every possible way.
