Chinese Martial Arts Actors:

1. Bruce Lee

   • Notable Films: Enter the Dragon (1973), The Way of the Dragon (1972)

   • Why Notable: Bruce Lee is a martial arts legend whose impact on both Chinese and global cinema is immeasurable. His groundbreaking performances in films like Enter the Dragon not only elevated martial arts films but also changed the way action films are perceived worldwide.

2. Jackie Chan

   • Notable Films: Drunken Master (1978), Police Story (1985)

   • Why Notable: Jackie Chan revolutionized martial arts in film by combining action with humor and acrobatics. His commitment to performing his own stunts, often with dangerous precision, made him one of the most beloved action stars in the world.

3. Donnie Yen

   • Notable Films: Ip Man (2008), Kill Zone 2 (2015)

   • Why Notable: Donnie Yen is celebrated for his roles in films like Ip Man, where he portrayed the legendary martial arts master. His exceptional skill, especially in Wing Chun and choreography, has made him one of the greatest martial artists in cinema.

4. Jet Li

   • Notable Films: Once Upon a Time in China (1991), Fearless (2006)

   • Why Notable: Jet Li is known for his high-impact martial arts choreography and action sequences. His graceful yet powerful fighting style made him a major star in both China and Hollywood.

5. Chow Yun-fat

   • Notable Films: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), The Killer (1989)

   • Why Notable: Chow Yun-fat is known for his iconic performances in both action and martial arts films. His calm demeanor and striking screen presence, especially in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, have made him a favorite in both the East and West.

6. Sammo Hung

   • Notable Films: Enter the Fat Dragon (1978), The Prodigal Son (1981)

   • Why Notable: Sammo Hung is a legendary figure in Hong Kong cinema, known for his choreography and contributions to the martial arts genre. His films often combine comedy, drama, and breathtaking fight sequences.

7. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai

   • Notable Films: Hero (2002), The Grandmaster (2013)

   • Why Notable: Tony Leung’s versatility in acting and martial arts is on full display in films like Hero and The Grandmaster. His performances are noted for their depth, blending intricate fight choreography with emotional storytelling.

8. Wu Jing

   • Notable Films: Wolf Warrior (2015), The Battle of Changjin Lake (2021)

   • Why Notable: Wu Jing is a rising star in Chinese action cinema, known for his intense fight scenes and leadership in films like Wolf Warrior. He is also a talented director and choreographer.

9. Zhang Ziyi

   • Notable Films: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), House of Flying Daggers (2004)

   • Why Notable: Zhang Ziyi is a renowned martial artist and actress who has demonstrated both grace and ferocity in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers. She is known for her fluid, precise fighting style.

10. Michelle Yeoh

    • Notable Films: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)

    • Why Notable: Michelle Yeoh is a martial arts icon whose talents extend beyond action films. Her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and other action films showcase her elegance and strength, making her one of the most respected actresses in action cinema.

Hollywood Martial Arts Actors:

1. Bruce Lee

   • Notable Films: Enter the Dragon (1973), The Way of the Dragon (1972)

   • Why Notable: Bruce Lee is not only a martial arts legend but a Hollywood icon who changed the global action film landscape. His performances in Enter the Dragon set the standard for martial arts in cinema.

2. Chuck Norris

   • Notable Films: The Delta Force (1986), Missing in Action (1984)

   • Why Notable: Chuck Norris is a staple of American action films, renowned for his martial arts expertise and his role in popularizing martial arts in Hollywood through his own action-packed films.

3. Jean-Claude Van Damme

   • Notable Films: Bloodsport (1988), Kickboxer (1989)

   • Why Notable: Known as “The Muscles from Brussels,” Jean-Claude Van Damme’s incredible flexibility and dynamic fighting style in films like Bloodsport and Kickboxer made him one of Hollywood’s top martial arts stars.

4. Steven Seagal

   • Notable Films: Under Siege (1992), Hard to Kill (1990)

   • Why Notable: Steven Seagal’s background in Aikido gave him a unique fighting style in Hollywood. He became famous for his calm demeanor and swift, lethal action sequences.

5. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

   • Notable Films: Fast & Furious series, The Scorpion King (2002)

   • Why Notable: Dwayne Johnson transitioned from WWE wrestling to Hollywood with ease, bringing charisma and martial arts-infused action to franchises like Fast & Furious and Jumanji.

6. Keanu Reeves

   • Notable Films: John Wick series, The Matrix series

   • Why Notable: Keanu Reeves redefined modern action films with the John Wick series, combining intricate martial arts choreography with gunplay and martial arts in The Matrix to set a new standard in Hollywood.

7. Jason Statham

   • Notable Films: The Transporter series, Crank (2006)

   • Why Notable: Known for his dynamic action and martial arts sequences, Jason Statham became one of Hollywood’s most beloved action stars through films like The Transporter and Crank.

8. Tony Jaa

   • Notable Films: Ong Bak (2003), The Protector (2005)

   • Why Notable: Tony Jaa brought the Muay Thai martial art to Hollywood’s attention with groundbreaking action sequences in films like Ong Bak, quickly becoming a fan-favorite for his raw, physical style.

9. Halle Berry

   • Notable Films: John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), Die Another Day (2002)

   • Why Notable: Halle Berry showed off her martial arts abilities in John Wick 3, performing her own stunts and fight choreography, proving she could handle intense action roles.

10. Michelle Rodriguez

    • Notable Films: Fast & Furious series, Resident Evil series

    • Why Notable: Michelle Rodriguez is known for her tough-girl persona in films like Fast & Furious and Resident Evil, where she showcases her martial arts skills and physicality in explosive action sequences.

These actors are considered some of the best in the martial arts film industry, and their contributions have shaped the genre in both Eastern and Western cinema. From groundbreaking films like Enter the Dragon to the explosive choreography in the John Wick series, these stars have defined action films for generations.