10 Best Donnie Yen Movies: Full of Action and Drama
Discover 10 of the best Donnie Yen movies packed with action and drama. See why he’s a martial arts legend on screen.
If you are a big fan of kung fu and martial arts, then Donnie Yen movies are the best to watch on weekends or holidays.
Donnie Yen is the guy when it comes to martial arts movies. Seriously, his fists move faster than our Wi-Fi on a bad day.
These 10 films?
They’re like a masterclass in why he’s a legend.
You’ve got him swinging between roles, one minute he’s the calm, zen-like hero you can trust to get your life in order, the next minute he becomes a whirlwind of rage, tearing apart the bad guys.
The fights aren’t just cool choreography (though holy cow, those kicks!), they make you feel something. Like that time he played a dad fighting to protect his kid? We weren’t ready for those emotions.
Or that historical epic where he became a human hurricane with a sword?
What makes these movies stick with you isn’t just the insane action; it’s how Donnie makes every punch, every quiet moment, matter. These flicks aren’t just about kicks and punches, they’re proof that Donnie Yen is the real deal, mixing heart and steel-toe boots like nobody else.
So, browse these 10 best Donnie Yen movies and enjoy your weekend full of action.
Highest Rated 10 Best Donnie Yen Movies: A Journey Through Martial Arts Mastery
Donnie Yen has been making movies for over 40 years, combining amazing martial arts with great stories. From old-time battles to today’s action-packed thrillers, he’s changed how action films are made.
Here are his 10 highest-rated movies, each a testament to his skill, creativity, and enduring legacy.
1. Hero (2002): IMDb: 7.9/10
Director: Zhang Yimou | Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
In ancient China, a nameless warrior (Jet Li) recounts his battles against assassins to a king. Donnie Yen plays Long Sky, a spear-wielding master whose poetic duel with Li in a rain-soaked courtyard becomes a dance of honor and sacrifice.
Why Watch: Hero is a visual masterpiece, blending vibrant colors with philosophical depth. Yen’s role, though brief, showcases his ability to convey intensity without words.
The film’s exploration of loyalty and truth, paired with Yimou’s direction, makes it a timeless wuxia classic.
2. Ip Man (2008): IMDb: 8.0/10
Director: Wilson Yip | Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Based on the life of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, the film follows his struggle during Japan’s occupation of Foshan. Yen’s portrayal humanizes the legend, balancing quiet dignity with explosive fights, including an iconic 1 vs 10 karate showdown.
Why Watch: Yen’s performance earned global acclaim, revitalizing interest in Wing Chun. The fight choreography, blending speed and precision, set a new standard for martial arts films.
It’s a gripping mix of history, drama, and action.
3. Raging Fire (2021): IMDb: 6.5/10
Director: Benny Chan | Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
A righteous cop (Yen) faces his former protégé (Nicholas Tse), now a vengeful criminal. Their clash escalates in breathless chases and brutal showdowns, culminating in a knife fight inside a crumbling church.
Why Watch: Benny Chan’s final film is a tribute to Hong Kong action cinema. Yen’s raw physicality and Tse’s menacing performance create electrifying tension. The practical stunts and emotional weight make it a modern classic.
4. Iron Monkey (1993): IMDb: 7.5/10
Director: Yuen Woo-ping | Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
In a corrupt Qing dynasty, a Robin Hood-like physician (Yu Rongguang) steals from the rich. Yen plays Wong Kei-ying, a doctor wrongly accused of being the vigilante, who teams up with him to fight tyranny.
Why Watch: A cornerstone of 90s martial arts cinema, the film features gravity-defying fights, including a rooftop battle with flaming poles. Yen’s early role highlights his agility and chemistry with Yuen’s inventive choreography.
5. Once Upon a Time in China II (1992): IMDb: 7.3/10
Director: Tsui Hark | Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Jet Li’s Wong Fei-hung battles General Lan (Yen), a nationalist manipulating the White Lotus Sect.
Their rivalry peaks in a bamboo ladder duel, blending acrobatics and raw power.
Why Watch: Yen’s breakthrough role earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination. The film’s critique of blind nationalism and its iconic fight scenes cement its place in martial arts history.
6. Kill Zone – S.P.L. (2005): IMDb: 6.9/10
Director: Wilson Yip | Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
A dying cop (Simon Yam) seeks to take down a crime lord (Sammo Hung). Yen’s Inspector Ma Kwun faces off against assassin Jack (Wu Jing) in an alleyway brawl, followed by a brutal finale with Hung.
Why Watch: Gritty and unflinching, SPL revitalized Yen’s career. The alley fight, shot in one take, and Yen’s MMA-inspired style redefine modern action realism.
7. Ip Man 2 (2010): IMDb: 7.5/10
Director: Wilson Yip | Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Ip Man relocates to Hong Kong, clashing with local masters and a racist British boxer (Darren Shahlavi). The climax, a ring battle balancing Wing Chun fluidity against boxing brute force, symbolizes cultural resilience.
Why Watch: The sequel expands Ip’s legacy with emotional depth and grander stakes. Sammo Hung’s choreography and Yen’s nuanced acting make it a worthy follow-up.
8. Dragon (Wu Xia) (2011): IMDb: 7.0/10
Director: Peter Chan | Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
A humble villager (Yen) with a secret past is investigated by a detective (Takeshi Kaneshiro). Flashbacks reveal his identity as a former assassin, leading to a visceral showdown with his vengeful father (Jimmy Wang Yu).
Why Watch: A genre hybrid, Dragon merges detective noir with wuxia. Yen’s layered performance and the rain-soaked final fight highlight his dramatic range.
9. Flash Point (2007): IMDb: 6.7/10
Director: Wilson Yip | Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
A cop (Yen) pursues a triad leader (Collin Chou) in 1997 Hong Kong. The finale, a mixed martial arts brawl, showcases bone-crunching grappling, knees, and elbows.
Why Watch: Despite a thin plot, the action is revolutionary. Yen’s MMA choreography, blending Jeet Kune Do and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, influenced a generation of fight scenes.
10. Blade II (2002): IMDb: 6.7/10
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
Yen plays Snowman, a vampire mercenary aiding Blade (Wesley Snipes) against mutant “Reapers.” His fight with Snipes in a sewer remains a cult favorite.
Why Watch: Yen’s Hollywood debut introduced his skills to Western audiences. His choreography elevated the film’s kinetic style, bridging Eastern and Western action sensibilities.
Conclusion: Why Donnie Yen’s Movies Are Worth Watching
Donnie Yen’s film career is packed with outstanding action, deep characters, and stories that stick with you.
Whether playing a calm, disciplined master like Ip Man or a strong fighter in modern crime thrillers, Yen always brings heart and dedication to the screen.
What makes his movies stand out isn’t just the fighting; it’s the way he mixes emotion with action.
These 10 films highlight his capacity, dedication, and why he’s become a global icon in martial arts cinema.
If you’re new to his work or revisiting his hits, each one is a ride worth taking. Donnie Yen doesn’t just fight, he tells a story with every move.
