Sci-fimartial arts movies have carved out a unique niche in cinema by fusing futuristic worlds with amazing fight choreography. As they take the high-tech settings of sci-fi and mix them with the raw power of martial arts, something entirely new comes to life. It’s clear thatsci-fi martial arts movies are reinventing the genreby pushing the limits of what action scenes can be, all while offering a fresh take on both realms.
For newcomers to this exciting world, diving intoclassic martial arts moviesis a great way to grasp the core elements of the distinctive style. Once the science fiction elements are added in, the fight scenes evolve into visually stunning spectacles, whether it’s a fighter wielding an ancient sword or bending the laws of physics. FromThe MatrixtoEverything Everywhere All At Once, these titles are sci-fi and martial arts in perfect sync.
The Guyver
Cast
The Guyver follows college student Sean Barker who discovers the alien device known as ‘The Guyver’ after the murder of Dr. Tetsu Segawa, a researcher for the enigmatic Chronos Corporation. As FBI agent Max Reed investigates, Sean becomes entangled in a conflict involving the corporation’s dark secrets.
The Guyveris a sci-fi martial arts cult classic, and for good reason. Notably, although it might not be at the top of everyone’s list of the greatest movies, it’s still an influential title that masterfully blends martial arts with a hefty dose of sci-fi. The story is loosely based on Yoshiki Takaya’s manga series of the same name. It follows Sean (Jack Armstrong), who fuses himself with a bio-armor called “the Guyver,” causing mayhem once he activates it.
For some reason, the movie’s DVD artwork features Mark Hamill as the character who merges with the Guyver. However, despite Hamill being the most recognizable name in the cast, it’s actually Jack Armstrong who plays the role.
First and foremost, the movie features plenty of martial arts action, mixing traditional hand-to-hand combat and sci-fi-enhanced moves. While the choreography isn’t as polished as some of its peers',it’s fast, intense, and packed with that gritty ’90s action that makes it a guilty pleasure for fans. Despite its flaws,The Guyveris a blast for what it is, which is fun, campy, and over the top.
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is a 2021 film featuring Cole Young, a washed-up MMA fighter who discovers his heritage and joins Earth’s champions. Tasked with defending against Emperor Shang Tsung’s formidable warrior, Sub-Zero, Cole undergoes training for a critical battle against the forces of Outworld to protect the universe.
When it comes to video game adaptations,Mortal Kombatwas highly anticipated for its iconic fight scenes. The franchise is famous for its brutal battles, and it’s safe to say that the 2001 movie lived up to the legacy of its iconic predecessors. However, whileMortal Kombatreviewshave praised the bloody action, its story was deemed lackluster.
Still,Mortal Kombatshines in its fight choreography and thus deserves a place in the sci-fi martial arts hall of fame. Whether it’s Scorpion vs. Sub-Zero or its many other savage brawls, the movie stayed true to the blood-soaked nature of the video games, delivering over-the-top violence and intense combat, all with the iconic characters we love. Its unique blend of martial arts and sci-fi elements makes it a defining entry in the ever-developing genre, even if it doesn’t have the depth of some other titles in the exclusive club.
Timecop
Timecop is a science fiction action film featuring an officer from a time travel regulatory security agency. He faces a treacherous pursuit by a corrupt politician with connections to his past, amidst a backdrop of temporal manipulation and intrigue.
Directed by Peter Hyams,TimeCopis one of those classic ’90s sci-fi action films that blends time travel, martial arts, and a bit of mystery. It’s alsoJean-Claude Van Damme’s highest-grossing movie of all time, featuring the Muscles from Brussels at his very best. As the lead, Van Damme is in top form with his signature martial arts moves, with his performance standing out as one of the movie’s highlights.
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Set in a future where time travel is a reality,TimeCopfollows Max Walker, a police officer who regulates the process and prevents its misuse. While investigating a crime, he uncovers a conspiracy that ties directly to his own past. Upon its release,critics appreciatedTimeCop’sentertaining mix of genres, which continues to ring true to this day. The sci-fi elements, though not groundbreaking, were a fun and meaningful addition to the creative combat sequences, making it a major hit in the realm.
Equilibrium
Equilibrium is a dystopian sci-fi film set in a future where a totalitarian regime enforces peace by suppressing emotions through a mandatory drug. Christian Bale stars as a high-ranking enforcer who begins to challenge this oppressive system, sparking a rebellion against the emotionless society. Released in 2002, the film explores themes of control and freedom.
Surprisingly,Equilibriumdid not make waves at the box office when it was released. However, in retrospect, it feels as if the dystopian sci-fi thriller set the stage forJohn Wick, particularly when it comes to their signature combat styles. While gun-kata wasn’t exactly groundbreaking at the time,Equilibriummade it feel fresh.
The One
The One is a science fiction action film directed by James Wong. Released in 2001, it stars Jet Li as Gabriel Yulaw, a rogue Multiverse agent who travels between parallel universes to become the strongest and most powerful by eliminating alternate versions of himself. The film also features performances by Carla Gugino and Delroy Lindo, who aid in the relentless pursuit to stop Yulaw’s destructive path.
Combining martial arts with mind-bending multiverse theory is evidently the recipe for a masterclass in stylish action, whichThe Onearguably is. The2001 sci-fi movie features Jet Li as nine different characters, which was quite an innovative concept for its time. The premise of the movie is also as wild as it sounds — in a future where parallel universes exist, a mysterious force is hunting down alternate versions of Gabriel Yulaw (played by Li).
[The Oneis] just cool enough to keep audiences entertained with impressive kicks, yet not so serious that it demands deep thinking.
Still, despite not being a cinematic masterpiece,The Onedoesn’t actually try to be anything other than an action-packed thrill ride, and it succeeds in delivering just that. It’s just cool enough to keep audiences entertained with impressive kicks, yet not so serious that it demands deep thinking. For fans of sci-fi, action, and martial arts, it remains a must-watch, if only for Li’s stunning moves.
5Zu: Warriors From The Magic Mountain (1983)
Directed by Tsui Hark
Directed by Tsui Hark, one of Hong Kong’s most renowned filmmakers,Zu: Warriors From the Magic Mountainis a wild adventure that pushes the boundaries of martial arts cinema. Think kung fu, magic, and flying warriors, all wrapped in a beautifully bizarre narrative. Set in ancient China’s mystical Zu Mountain, the plot centers on a group of warriors who are on a mission to stop an evil force that threatens to upset the balance of the universe.
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Even though it’s rarely talked about in the movie industry,Zu’smix of magical elements, epic battles, and groundbreaking special effects helped pave the way for future martial arts films and fantasy epics. At the same time, the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, and yet, it offers visually striking action that still holds up as a prime example of early sci-fi martial arts cinema.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesmight’ve originated as a comic book, but the group grew into something way bigger once they reached the big screen. The 1990 live-action version continues to be wildly fun and unexpectedly spunky, and is still one of the most iconic martial arts flicks to ever blend sci-fi with ninja action.
Notably,TMNTmixes its over-the-top premise with some serious fight choreography, making it not only a high-octane adventure but also a title that fans of martial arts can’t get enough of. It does all this with a sci-fi twist (we’re talking about mutants here), which is pure ’90s gold. In short,TMNTis more than a kids’ movie or a mere comic book adaptation. It’s a thrilling mix of martial arts, sci-fi, and teenage angst that resonates with fans of all ages and stands as one of the coolest movies of its time.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
In Everything Everywhere All at Once, a middle-aged laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis. With just her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to support her through the confusion, she must contend with her overbearing traditional father (James Hong), a pencil-pushing auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her emotionally-distant daughter (Stephanie Hsu).
Sometimes a movie comes along that feels completely unique, andEverything Everywhere All at Onceis exactly that. The thing is,it doesn’t just dabble in martial arts and sci-fi, but it smashes them together in a way that’s brilliantly chaotic, unexpectedly heartfelt, and full of kinetic, mind-blowing action. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who loves a good fight scene with a multiversal twist, or just a great movie in general.
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The action here goes beyond punches and kicks, featuring inventive choreography with everyday objects as weapons. From fanny pack battles to absurd props, each fight is as surreal as it is thrilling. The movie won several Oscars, whileMichelle Yeoh delivered some of her best fight scenesin a career-defining role. With no doubt about it,Everything Everywhere All at Onceis a visual feat, a groundbreaking cinematic experience, and a true modern masterpiece.
Big Trouble in Little China
Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 action comedy directed by John Carpenter. Kurt Russell stars as Jack Burton, a truck driver who attempts to rescue his friend Wang Chi’s fiancée from the clutches of an evil sorcerer named David Lo Pan.
Not only isBig Trouble in Little Chinaone ofthe best fantasy martial arts movies of the 1980s, but it blazed the trail for contemporary titles of the genre. Its fearless combination of martial arts, sci-fi, and humor proved that one could mix all of those in unpredictable ways and still create something iconic.
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Starring Kurt Russell as Jack Burton, a trucker with more confidence than competence, the movie delivers an epic battle of good versus evil. With ancient magic, lightning-wielding villains, and creepy subterranean monsters,Big Troubledives headfirst into the sci-fi realm. The entire film feels likea magical kung fu fever dream where nothing makes perfect sense, but everything is ridiculously fun, which is probably why we keep coming back to it. In a genre filled with serious warriors and clear-cut plots,Big Troublecarved itself a permanent spot in pop culture history.
The Matrix
The Matrix, released in 1999, is set in the 22nd century and follows a computer hacker, Neo, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. He joins a group of underground insurgents led by Morpheus to combat the domineering computers that control the earth, in a battle that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
The Matrixis unquestionablythe best cyberpunk martial arts movie of all time. Directed by the Wachowski sisters, it’s famous not just for its reality-shifting concept, but also for blending martial arts and sci-fi in a way that would influence an entire generation of filmmakers. While it built on the popularity of titles that pioneered gun-fu, such asThe KillerandHard Boiled,The Matrixbrought it to Hollywood with a bang.
However, it’s important to note that the sci-fi elements inThe Matrixgo beyond simply providing a cool backdrop for martial arts fights. Instead, they drive the story forward and add layers of meaning as the film progresses. The combination of mind-bending technology and top-tier martial arts choreography was revolutionary for 1999, and the way it was executed still setsThe Matrixapart from any other title in thesci-figenre.
