Two martial arts cinema legends who left behind dozens of classic works. Here are the three highest-rated films that represent the peak of each of their careers.

Jet Li – Top 3 Films

1. Fist of Legend (1994) Widely regarded as Jet Li’s finest film. He plays Chen Zhen, a student who returns to Japanese-occupied Shanghai to avenge his master’s death. The fight choreography by Yuen Woo-ping is sharp, realistic, and emotionally charged. Many critics give it a perfect score, considering it a high point of modern martial arts cinema.

2. Hero (2002) Directed by Zhang Yimou, Jet Li stars as Nameless, an assassin who meets the King of Qin. The film is a visual poem, rich in color, composition, and philosophy. The fight sequences (especially against Donnie Yen) are as graceful as dance, blending martial arts with pure cinematic art. This is the film that brought Jet Li closest to international audiences.

3. Once Upon a Time in China (1991) His portrayal of Wong Fei-hung defined Jet Li’s image as a national folk hero. Combining martial arts, history, and patriotism, the film launched a golden era for Hong Kong cinema in the 1990s. The ladder fight and street battles remain iconic to this day.

Jackie Chan – Top 3 Films

1. Police Story (1985) Many people, including Jackie Chan himself, consider this his best film. He starred, directed, and performed all the stunts. The shopping-mall pole slide and the bus-hanging sequence still leave audiences breathless. It remains the definitive showcase of his signature style: action + comedy + real danger.

2. Drunken Master II (The Legend of the Drunken Master, 1994) Jackie returns as Wong Fei-hung, this time mastering the drunken fist style. The final fight on burning coals is regarded as one of the most inventive and beautifully executed martial arts sequences in film history. The movie perfectly balances action, humor, and heartfelt family emotion.

3. Project A (1983) Alongside Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, Jackie delivers one of the greatest action-comedy classics. The famous clock-tower fall (a homage to Buster Keaton) is a symbol of pure daring. The film captures the spirit of the “Three Brothers” era and showcases Jackie Chan at the height of his early creativity.