Donnie Yen is a renowned martial arts actor who has gained popularity in the Mandarin film industry. He has showcased his skills in various action-packed movies throughout his career. Here are the top 10 Donnie Yen films that highlight his expertise in martial arts.
Donnie Yen’s name stands alongside other prominent martial artists like Jackie Chan and Jet Li. He is not only an accomplished actor but also a director and producer of martial arts films.
Yen’s mother, Bow Sim-Mark, is a famous Grandmaster Wushu and Taichi Master. Since childhood, the actor from Guangzhou has been trained by his mother in the art of combat.
His first appearance on the big screen was in the film “Drunken Taichi” in 1985, where he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. His first award came through his action choreography in “The Twins Effect” in 2003.
Curious about which exciting Donnie Yen films to watch? Check out these top 10 Donnie Yen films below.
- SPL: Kill Zone (2005)
Chan Kwok Chung, a senior detective dedicated to imprisoning a notorious criminal boss named Wong Po.
However, his efforts prove futile when his car is hit by Jack, killing an important witness to Po’s crimes.
Ma Kwun (Donnie Yen), a police officer from another department, is assigned to replace Chan. Ma, along with other members of Chan’s team – Wah, Sum, and Lok – embark on their mission to end Wong Po’s criminal activities.
Starring alongside Sammo Hung as Wong Po, this film showcases intense martial arts scenes between the two fighters. It won the Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2006.
- Flash Point (2007)
Jun Ma (Donnie Yen) is a hot-tempered detective who always follows his own instincts. Unlike his partner, Wilson, he is calm and successfully infiltrates a drug trafficking syndicate led by Tony, Archer, and Tiger.
Wilson is injured when his cover is blown, becoming a witness in Archer’s trial. However, Julie, Wilson’s girlfriend, is held captive by Tony, forcing him to remain silent and allowing one of the syndicate leaders to go free.
In this film, Donnie Yen plays an important role as the fight choreographer. His direction earned him the Best Action Choreography award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2008.
- Ip Man (2008)
Despite numerous martial arts schools in Foshan city, Ip Man has no interest in taking on any disciples. With his recognized skills by other masters, he is often referred to as Master Ip.
In 1937, Japanese soldiers commanded by General Miura invade China and occupy Foshan. The brutality and arbitrary behavior of the occupiers compel Master Ip to fight back and teach the people of Foshan self-defense.
Donnie Yen won three awards and received one nomination for his portrayal of Master Ip in this film. Additionally, Master Ip was known as Bruce Lee’s mentor due to his expertise in Wing Chun.
- 14 Blades (2010)
Set in 1905 during the imminent fall of the Qing Dynasty caused by Dr Sun Yat-Sen’s revolution. The Qing leadership dispatches professional assassins tasked with eliminating the revolutionary leader.
The opportunity arises when Dr Sun visits Hong Kong to gather support for his cause.
The five bodyguards of the revolutionary leader – Gambler (Donnie Yen), Tycoon, Beggar, Revolutionary, and Rickshaw Man – must confront a multitude of assassins.
Released in 2009, this film earned Donnie Yen the Best Actor award at Shanghai Film Critics Awards. It also garnered nominations for Best Actor at Iron Elephant Film Awards and Hundred Flowers Awards in 2010.
- Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (2010)
Chen Zhen is declared dead after being shot while seeking vengeance for his master’s killer.
Seven years later, a mysterious man arrives in Shanghai, now under Japanese occupation, and befriends a local mafia boss.
This man is Chen Zhen, who plans to infiltrate the Japanese forces as a masked fighter at night. His aim is to bring down everyone involved in his master’s death.
This Hong Kong film was the first to utilize Dolby Surround 7.1 audio. Once again, thanks to Yen’s fight choreography skills, it received a nomination for Best Action Choreography at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
- Wu Xia (2011)
Liu Jin Xi (Donnie Yen) appears to be an ordinary and unremarkable man. However, detective Xu Bai Jiu becomes suspicious of him after he kills two robbers.
Digging deeper into his curiosity, Xu discovers Liu’s true identity as Tang Long – the second-in-command of a ruthless and bloodthirsty group of warriors.
With its noir atmosphere, this film feels like a European production. Yen’s direction earned it one nomination and two awards for Best Action Choreography.
- Kung Fu Killer (2014)
During breakfast time in prison, Hahou Mo (Donnie Yen) and other inmates watch news about a kung fu expert who was brutally murdered.
He discusses with Chief Inspector Luk Yuen Sum that the killings will continue unless action is taken.
To no surprise, Hahou is chosen by Chief Inspector Sum to assist in capturing the killer.
In English-speaking countries, this film is titled “Kung Fu Killer” or “Kung Fu Jungle,” accurately reflecting its plotline. It received four award nominations and won two awards for Best Actor in Motion Pictures and Best Action Choreography.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Renowned scientist Galen Erso and his family hide on the planet Lah’mu. However, their attempt to sabotage the construction of the Death Star fails when the Imperial forces locate them, resulting in the massacre of Galen and his wife.
Jyn, their daughter, manages to escape and is rescued by Rebel soldier Saw Gerrera.
Fifteen years later, Jyn, now a member of the Rebel Alliance, must do everything she can to prevent the use of the Death Star’s destructive power.
In this Star Wars spin-off film, Donnie Yen portrays Chirrut Imwe – a spiritually inclined warrior who is blind. Alongside other actors and artists, Yen received a nomination at the SQUAD Kids Choice Awards in 2017.
- Ip Man 4 (2019)
In 1964, Master Ip receives news that he has throat cancer due to his smoking habit.
His problems worsen when his son, Ip Chun injures a troublemaker at school which leads to his expulsion.
Master Ip decides to go to San Francisco and meet his student Bruce Lee.
More challenges arise as various martial arts communities belittle Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun school, prompting Grandmaster Ip to fight once again.
The final installment of the Ip Man series gained significant attention from martial arts film enthusiasts. Danny Chan’s portrayal of Bruce Lee made this Donnie Yen film even more captivating. It won two awards at the Chinese American Film Festival in 2020.
- Enter The Fat Dragon (2020)
Fallon Chu (Donnie Yen) is a renowned police officer respected by both law enforcement agencies and the public.
He is given a task to escort a notorious criminal to Japan but faces difficulties in his romantic life with his fiancée leading him into despair.
Heartbreak and sadness cause Chu to indulge in food, resulting in him becoming overweight.
Unlike other Donnie Yen films where he portrays physically fit martial artists, this film presents a different side of him – an overweight character. The mix of romance and action makes this Donnie Yen film intriguing and unique.
