10 Classic Old School Kung Fu Movies on Prime Video You Can’t Miss

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Discovering the right starting point for old school kung fu movies might seem challenging, but fear not! Amazon’s Prime Video offers an array of fantastic classic releases that are perfect for viewers to explore. This streaming service houses a diverse collection of underappreciated hidden gems and timeless all-time classics, making it the go-to place for some truly exceptional kung fu titles you won’t find elsewhere. From captivating wuxia films of the 1960s to legendary Bruce Lee masterpieces, there’s a treasure trove of titles waiting to be discovered by those in the know.

A plethora of outstanding martial arts films from the past are accessible right now on Amazon Prime Video. Ranging from revisiting Jackie Chan’s roots, to unearthing lesser-known treasures that are ripe for a modern audience of kung fu enthusiasts to rediscover. The convenience of streaming older titles has brought forth movies that were previously lost in obscurity and are now effortlessly discoverable. Those who once struggled with subpar VHS copies can now enjoy old kung fu movies in high-definition quality on Amazon Prime Video.

10. The Seven Commandments of Kung Fu (1979)

Shih-Hao & KoYi-Min Li

In the realm of martial arts cinema, I stumbled upon the 1979 gem, “The Seven Commandments of Kung Fu“. As a budding film critic, I found this underrated masterpiece to be a treasure trove for fans of traditional kung fu flicks. The age-old dynamic between an elderly master and his apprentice provided the ideal canvas for breathtaking training sequences, choreographed fights that left me on the edge of my seat, and a narrative that followed the journey of an untrained warrior swiftly honing his skills to unprecedented heights.

Showcasing agile acrobats in fast-moving scenes and an engaging storyline with a surprising turn, “The Seven Commandments of Kung Fu” was a modestly budgeted production that left its mark due to the exceptional acting of Lee Yi Min and Chang Yi. Although the plot of “The Seven Commandments of Kung Fu” did not present any fresh narrative ideas, kung fu enthusiasts will recognize the student-master dynamics from earlier works such as “Drunken Master“. The training sequences alone were captivating enough to set it apart.

9. House of Traps (1982)

Directed by Chang Cheh

Decades prior to the captivating drama of survival games in “Squid Games”, the 1980s brought its own brand of excitement with films like “House of Traps”. This movie, inspired by the 19th-century novel “The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants”, follows a group of skilled martial artists as they maneuver through a house filled with intricate and lethal traps. With its flamboyant and over-the-top aesthetic, “House of Traps” embodied the height of 1980s kung fu eccentricity.

Originating from director Chang Cheh, “House of Traps” was once thought to be among the scarcest kung fu movies starring the Venom Mob and, for quite some time, could only be obtained through subpar VHS tapes. Although it may not be as famous as other iconic films from the 70s and 80s, in terms of sheer enjoyment factor, “House of Traps” was one of the most delightful productions during its period.

8. Clan of the White Lotus (1980)

Directed by Lo Leih

In the 1980s, martial arts filmmaker Lo Lieh produced one of Shaw Brothers’ finest films titled “Clan of the White Lotus.” This movie featured martial arts legends like Gordon Liu and Kara Hui. The story revolves around the character Priest White Lotus, who seeks revenge against his brother Pai Mei’s killers. This film was a remarkable demonstration of the exceptional skills displayed by its entire cast. Similar to earlier releases such as “Executioners from Shaolin” and “Abbot of Shaolin,” it is a must-watch for any true martial arts enthusiast.

The exceptional fight sequences and the emotionally resonant music track made “Clan of the White Lotus” a timeless masterpiece. This film, which blends fact and fiction, was inspired by the tale of Bak Mei, one of the five legendary Elder monks rumored to have survived the destruction of the Shaolin Monastery. Notably, Liu’s character in “Kill Bill” was inspired by “Clan of the White Lotus“, being one of the many kung fu movie homages found within Quentin Tarantino’s work.

7. Come Drink with Me (1966)

Directed by King Hu

The 1960s wuxia movie “Come Drink with Me” was a renowned Shaw Brothers production that significantly boosted the career of Cheng Pei-pei, who became cinema’s initial female action star. As a Hong Kong actress whose work preceded Sigourney Weaver’s famous depiction of Ellen Ripley in “Alien” by over a decade, Cheng showcased her passion for Chinese dance to display remarkable fighting abilities on screen.

The film “Come Drink with Me” narrates the tale of a governor’s daughter who employs her martial arts prowess to save her abducted brother and vanquish countless criminals in breathtakingly coordinated combat scenes. With a flair that was decades ahead of its time, Cheng can be compared to the Michelle Yeoh of the 1960s, making her later appearance in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” even more delightful.

6. Five Element Ninjas (1982)

Directed by Chang Cheh

In contrast to Five Element Ninjas, which showcased a solitary figure from the renowned kung fu battalion, the Venom Mob, it continued the legacy of legendary titles such as Five Deadly Venoms. Starring Lo Mang and helmed by Chang Cheh, Five Element Ninjas unfolded a narrative about an antiquated Chinese martial arts academy that was compelled to enlist ninjas to eliminate their adversaries. However, one pupil of the disgraced school miraculously survived, and this solitary combatant swore to master the art of ninjutsu before embarking on a vengeful journey.

The movie “Five Element Ninjas” stood out with its entertaining concept that drew heavily on conventional kung fu tropes, boosted by extravagant battle scenes and deep character development. In a climactic, relentless 20-minute fight, the protagonists clashed violently in a way that made the film seem almost comical in its depiction of violence and excess.

5. Crippled Avengers (1978)

Directed by Chang Cheh

In a different yet straightforward wording: Crippled Avengers brought back four characters from the Venom Mob, a renowned martial arts troupe known for their roles in The Five Deadly Venoms. Although not a direct sequel, Crippled Avengers was promoted as a follow-up in certain regions, titled The Return of the Five Deadly Venoms, aiming to draw in fans of the classic kung fu film. As a Shaw Brothers production under Chen Kuan-tai’s direction, Crippled Avengers focused on the tale of injured and disabled individuals joining forces to learn martial arts and overthrow a vengeful, oppressive ruler who had mistreated them.

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the timeless motifs of vengeance and justice in the cinematic masterpiece, “Crippled Avengers”. In this gritty tale, I witnessed the formidable Kuan-tai embody Dao Tian-Du, a tyrannical warlord infamously known as Black Tiger. This despot had such a grip on his village that even the bravest souls dared not defy him.

Yet, in this battle of righteousness against oppression, I could not help but be moved by the plight of these downtrodden men who rallied together for a noble cause and valiantly challenged the forces that sought to keep them subdued. With breathtaking fight sequences and heart-pounding action, “Crippled Avengers” stood as one of the most exhilarating kung fu films to emerge from the 1970s.

4. Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1978)

Directed by Yuen Woo-ping

In the same year as “Drunken Master,” the film “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow” played a crucial role in Jackie Chan’s evolution into a prominent martial arts star. This movie tells an old tale about a pupil outshining his master during training, with Chan portraying a bullied orphan at a kung fu school, eager to disprove his critics. Under the tutelage of the wise and elderly master Pai Cheng-tien (Yuen Siu-tien), audiences followed as Chan mastered the art of Snake Kung Fu.

Utilizing an exceptional fighting style that set him apart from his critics, Chan’s Chien Fu’s performance paved the foundation for his future global fame. The mesmerizing combination of masterful choreography and hilarious slapstick humor showcased here marked the beginning of Chien’s journey to stardom. With his ‘Cat Claw’ technique, it was awe-inspiring to witness him defeat the formidable leader of the ominous Eagle Clan, introducing one of the rare martial arts film stars whose popularity rivaled legends such as Bruce Lee.

3. Drunken Master (1978)

Directed by Yuen Woo-ping

In Jackie Chan’s debut film, “Drunken Master“, set the stage for the remarkable career of this martial arts legend. This movie offers a fictional portrayal of the tales involving Wong Fei-hung and Beggar So. Jackie Chan embodied Wong, a youth learning under the tutelage of an intoxicated master. The blend of breathtaking fighting techniques and comedic antics seen in this film perfectly encapsulated Chan’s distinctive style. As the young student initially resistant to his master’s teachings, he eventually embraced the wisdom and learned an unpredictable fighting style.

Watching Chan skillfully embody the “Eight Drunken Immortals” Drunk Boxing style, a comedic twist on traditional tales of wise old masters and gifted young disciples, provided an uproarious experience that significantly boosted his popularity in Asia. This newfound fame ultimately propelled his career forward, eventually leading him to become a prominent figure in Hollywood. Although Chan reprised his role in “Drunken Master II” in 1994, the original film remains the peak of the kung fu series.

2. The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Directed by Lau Kar-leung

In the realm of kung fu movies, only a select number can match the exceptional legacy left by “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin“. This masterpiece, which stands as the pinnacle of Shaw Brothers Studio’s productions, features Gordon Liu portraying the legendary monk San Te. In 18th-century China, under the oppressive Manchu regime, San Te embarked on a journey to train and fight back. His path led him through various chambers within the Shaolin temple, each presenting him with extraordinary challenges.

This movie, titled “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin,” not only ignited a renowned trilogy but has also left a significant impact on pop culture that transcends the boundaries of kung fu films. In fact, its title was the inspiration behind Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” This iconic film showcased everything from breathtaking martial arts choreography to the progression of San Te’s skills as he prepared for his final battle, making it one of the most impactful kung fu movies in history.

1. Enter the Dragon (1973)

Directed by Robert Clouse

As a cinephile with an appreciation for martial arts cinema, let me share my thoughts on Bruce Lee’s legendary film, “Enter the Dragon.” Even if you’re new to the world of old-school kung fu, this movie will leave an indelible mark. Being Lee’s last film before his untimely demise at 32, “Enter the Dragon” marked the zenith of his Hollywood career and played a pivotal role in popularizing kung fu across the Western world.

With its ingenious fusion of espionage, spy thriller, and traditional kung fu elements, “Enter the Dragon” stands out as a groundbreaking work that continues to influence martial arts films today, over half a century since its initial release.

The classic movie “Enter the Dragon” has been imitated and spoofed numerous times throughout cinema history, thanks to its sophisticated design, exceptional choreography, and legendary mirror room fight scene. Its rapid action sequences and captivating leading man make it a pity that Lee could have created so much more if he had lived longer. Though many excellent kung fu films have been made since then, “Enter the Dragon” stands as an ideal introduction to the charm of old-school kung fu for those hesitant viewers exploring this genre on Prime Video.

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2025-05-19 15:51