If you love movies, then there is a certain action sub-genre that is immensely beloved, and if you read the title, you already know we are talking about martial arts films. The joy of watching a well-choreographed and well-acted martial arts hand-to-hand action sequence is immeasurable for any action fan, and that’s why we decided to compile a list of the best martial arts movies you can watch on Netflix right now, because this way, at least your Netflix subscription will come in some use.
Blood and Bone
Blood and Bone is a martial arts film directed by Ben Ramsey from a screenplay by Michael Andrews. The 2009 film follows Isaiah Bone, a former convict and ex-marine, as he moves to Los Angeles and begins fighting in street fights, but things go wrong when he is forced to fight against the champion. Blood and Bone stars Michael Jai White, Julian Sands, Eamonn Walker, Dante Basco, Nona Gaye, Michelle Belegrin, and Bob Sapp.
Officer Black Belt
Officer Black Belt is a South Korean action comedy film written and directed by Jason Kim. The 2024 film follows Lee Jung-do, a young man who has earned a black belt in taekwondo, kendo, and judo, who is hired on a contract to work with probation officer Kim Seon-min to look over violent criminals who were released from prison on probation. Officer Black Belt stars Kim Woo-bin, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Hyun-geol, Park Ji-yeol, Lee Joong-ok, and Kim Yo-han.
Kill Boksoon
Kill Boksoon is a South Korean action crime thriller film written and directed by Byun Sung-hyun. The 2023 film follows Gil Bok-Soon, a single mother and lethal assassin whose contract is about to expire with her company. Before renewing her contract, she has to fight in a death match. Kill Boksoon stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Si-a, Esom, and Koo Kyo-hwan.
Furies
Furies is a Vietnamese martial arts action crime thriller film directed by Veronica Ngo, who also co-wrote the film with Vo Nguyen Dan and Nha Uyen Ly Nguyen. The 2023 film serves as a prequel to Furie, and it is set in the 90s in Saigon. It follows three vigilantes who work together to fight against a sinister crime syndicate. Furies stars Dong Anh Quynh, Toc Tien, Thuan Nguyen, Veronica Ngo, Rima Thanh Vy, Song Luan, Gi A Nguyen, and Phan Thanh Nhien.
Revenger
Revenger is a South Korean action film directed by Lee Seung-won from a screenplay co-written by Bruce Khan and Ahn Seung-hwan. The 2018 film follows a former detective who infiltrates a remote island prison to get his revenge against the person who killed his family. Revenger stars Bruce Khan, Park Hee-soon, Yoon Jin-seo, and Kim In-kwon.
Sixty Minutes
Sixty Minutes is a German martial arts sports drama film directed by Oliver Kienle, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Philip Koch. The 2024 film follows a mixed martial arts fighter who abandons an important matchup to go to his daughter’s birthday, but that decision ends up earning him some dangerous enemies. Sixty Minutes stars Emilio Sakraya, Dennis Mojen, Marie Mouroum, Paul Wollin, Florian Schmidtke, and Aristo Luis.
Headshot
Headshot is an Indonesian action thriller film directed by the Mo Brothers from a screenplay written by Timo Tjahjanto. The 2016 film follows Ishmael, a man suffering from amnesia who washes ashore and is helped by a doctor. When his past resurfaces, he and the doctor become the target of a ruthless crime syndicate. Headshot stars Iko Uwais, Chelsea Islan, Sunny Pang, Julie Estelle, Very Tri Yulisman, David Hendrawan, and Zack Lee.
The Shadow Strays
The Shadow Strays is an Indonesian martial arts action crime thriller film written and directed by Timo Tjahjanto. The 2024 film follows a young assassin who decides to protect a young boy from a ruthless crime syndicate. The Shadow Strays stars Aurora Ribero, Hana Malasan, Taskya Namya, Agra Piliang, Andri Mashadi, and Chew Kin Wah.
The Night Comes for Us
The Night Comes for Us is an Indonesian martial arts action thriller film written and directed by Timo Tjahjanto. The 2018 film follows Ito, a former gang enforcer who decides to protect a young girl from a crime syndicate, which makes him and the girl a target for enforcers and thugs working for the syndicate. The Night Comes for Us stars Joe Taslim, Iko Uwais, Julie Estelle, Sunny Pang, and Zack Lee.
Maria
Maria is a Filipino martial arts action thriller film directed by Pedring Lopez, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Yz Carbonell. The 2019 film follows Maria, a former assassin who left her life of killing behind and built a happy home life for herself, but things soon go off the rails when she comes across someone from her past. Maria stars Cristine Reyes, Germaine De Leon, KC Montero, Ronnie Lazaro, and Freddie Webb.