The Best Shaw Brothers Kung Fu Movies
Few names carry as much weight in the world of martial arts cinema as Shaw Brothers. This iconic Hong Kong-based studio helped define an entire genre, producing some of the most thrilling, stylish and culturally significant martial arts films in cinematic history. Whether you're new to the genre or a lifelong fan, exploring the best Shaw Brothers kung fu movies is like unearthing the roots of modern action cinema.
From iconic Shaolin tales to dark revenge epics and wild wuxia fantasy, Shaw Brothers’ influence can be felt across decades of filmmaking. In this guide, we’ll take you through a curated list of the top Shaw Brothers kung fu movies to watch, including both cult classics and underrated gems.
The Rise of Shaw Brothers Studio
Founded by Run Run Shaw and his brothers, the Shaw Brothers studio revolutionised filmmaking in East Asia. By the 1960s and 70s, their production house—Movietown—had become one of the largest privately-owned studios in the world.
Shaw Brothers pioneered a production-line approach to cinema, churning out dozens of films annually. But despite the high output, their best works were far from formulaic. With visionary directors like Chang Cheh, Lau Kar-leung, and King Hu, and stars like Gordon Liu, Ti Lung, and Jimmy Wang Yu, the studio crafted a legacy that lives on.
Top 15 Best Shaw Brothers Kung Fu Movies
Let’s delve into the finest kung fu films from the Shaw Brothers catalogue — each a standout in style, storytelling, and spectacular martial arts.
1. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)
No list of Shaw Brothers kung fu movies is complete without this genre-defining classic.
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Star: Gordon Liu
Why It’s Essential:
This film chronicles the transformation of a humble student into a Shaolin master through grueling training and spiritual growth. It’s revered for its authentic portrayal of martial arts, memorable set-pieces and Gordon Liu’s star-making performance.
Fun Fact: The film inspired the Wu-Tang Clan and countless other artists worldwide.
2. Five Deadly Venoms (1978)
Director: Chang Cheh
Stars: Philip Kwok, Lo Mang, Sun Chien
This cult favourite is beloved for its imaginative characters, each trained in a unique animal-based fighting style — Centipede, Snake, Scorpion, Lizard, and Toad.
Why It Stands Out:
With a mysterious plot involving betrayal, secret identities, and lethal martial arts, it’s a must-see for fans of cinematic kung fu lore.
3. The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984)
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Stars: Gordon Liu, Kara Hui
Inspired by historical legend, this film deals with themes of loss, vengeance, and redemption, following a lone survivor of a family massacre who seeks justice.
Key Strengths:
Masterful choreography and a hauntingly powerful story make this one of the studio’s most emotionally resonant works.
4. Come Drink With Me (1966)
Director: King Hu
Star: Cheng Pei-pei
This wuxia milestone introduced the iconic female warrior Golden Swallow and set a new standard for martial arts cinema.
Legacy:
Come Drink With Me blends artistic direction with tight fight scenes, paving the way for more nuanced and stylish kung fu films.
5. The One-Armed Swordsman (1967)
Director: Chang Cheh
Star: Jimmy Wang Yu
The film that transformed Shaw Brothers into a global powerhouse, this tragic tale of a disfigured swordsman seeking redemption is a cornerstone of martial arts storytelling.
Impact:
It broke box office records and introduced the concept of the flawed hero to martial arts cinema.
6. Dirty Ho (1979)
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Stars: Gordon Liu, Wong Yue
Despite the humorous title, this film offers some of the most intricate and cleverly choreographed action in Shaw Brothers' filmography.
Unique Feature:
The film creatively disguises fight sequences as dance, comedy, and everyday movements — a showcase of Lau Kar-leung’s genius.
7. Invincible Shaolin (1978)
Director: Chang Cheh
Stars: Lo Mang, Sun Chien, Chiang Sheng
A politically charged story of two rival Shaolin schools tricked into fighting each other by a manipulative Qing general.
Why Watch:
Explosive action, high drama, and moral conflict make this a standout among Shaw Brothers kung fu movies.
8. King Boxer (1972) / Five Fingers of Death
Director: Jeong Chang-hwa
Star: Lo Lieh
Credited with launching the kung fu boom in the West, this film combines gritty training sequences, iron palm techniques, and unforgettable visuals.
Notable Fact:
Released in the U.S. before Bruce Lee’s films, it was a surprise hit that brought Eastern martial arts to mainstream audiences.
9. The Avenging Eagle (1978)
Director: Sun Chung
Stars: Ti Lung, Alexander Fu Sheng
This revenge tale is praised for its complex characters and philosophical undertones, combined with gripping fight choreography.
Memorable Villain:
Ku Feng’s golden eagle claw weapon is one of the most iconic weapons in Shaw Brothers history.
10. Mad Monkey Kung Fu (1979)
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Stars: Lau Kar-leung, Hsiao Ho
A humorous and touching story of a disgraced kung fu master teaching his unique monkey style to a young disciple.
Why It’s Special:
Combines slapstick comedy with heartfelt storytelling and inventive martial arts.
11. The New One-Armed Swordsman (1971)
Director: Chang Cheh
Stars: David Chiang, Ti Lung
A spiritual successor to the original One-Armed Swordsman, this version features a more mature and emotionally complex protagonist.
Highlight:
The final duel is one of the most intense and beautifully shot in Shaw Brothers’ history.
12. Crippled Avengers (1978)
Director: Chang Cheh
Stars: Lo Mang, Chiang Sheng, Chen Kuan-tai
A unique take on the kung fu revenge story, focusing on physically disabled heroes who overcome their afflictions through training.
Why It Matters:
Celebrates resilience and camaraderie with dynamic team-based combat sequences.
13. The Boxer from Shantung (1972)
Directors: Chang Cheh, Pao Hsueh-li
Star: Chen Kuan-tai
A rags-to-riches gangster epic set in 1920s Shanghai, blending drama with gritty martial arts action.
Cultural Importance:
Showcases the social mobility narrative prevalent in many Shaw Brothers kung fu movies.
14. Heroes of the East (1978)
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Stars: Gordon Liu, Yuka Mizuno
Also known as Shaolin Challenges Ninja, this charming film centres on a marital spat between a Chinese husband and his Japanese wife — resolved through martial arts.
Interesting Twist:
Instead of violence, the film promotes cultural respect and understanding through competition.
15. Legendary Weapons of China (1982)
Director: Lau Kar-leung
Star: Lau Kar-leung, Kara Hui
A meta-commentary on the martial arts film industry itself, featuring over a dozen real-life weapons and breathtaking choreography.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
One of the few kung fu films to be both intellectually stimulating and entertaining.
Where to Watch Shaw Brothers Kung Fu Movies Today
Thanks to boutique distributors such as Terracotta Distribution, 88 Films, and Arrow Video, many Shaw Brothers classics are now available in restored HD on Blu-ray and DVD. Streaming platforms and niche services like Arrow Player and BFI Player also offer curated collections.
The Shaw Brothers Legacy
Influence on Hollywood and Modern Action Cinema
From Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill to the Wachowskis’ The Matrix, Western filmmakers have long drawn inspiration from the stylised violence and rich storytelling of Shaw Brothers kung fu movies.
Birth of the Kung Fu Superstar
The studio helped launch the careers of many iconic martial artists, including:
Gordon Liu (Kill Bill)
Jimmy Wang Yu (The Chinese Boxer)
Ti Lung and David Chiang (Chang Cheh’s “Iron Triangle”)
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a gateway into the world of martial arts cinema, or simply want to revisit the golden era of kung fu films, the best Shaw Brothers kung fu movies offer a perfect mix of cinematic artistry and combat choreography. Each film is not only an action spectacle but also a time capsule of Asian cinema history.
Dive into their filmography and experience why Shaw Brothers' legacy continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
Ready to build your own collection?
Explore a wide range of classic Shaw Brothers kung fu movies on Blu-ray and DVD at Terracotta Distribution — your one-stop shop for premium Asian cinema in the UK. Browse our growing catalogue of restored martial arts masterpieces and uncover your next favourite film.