Ip Man - Watch Order: Release Order

Other Watch Orders:
2008 - 20198 Films14h 23m4 Average

The Ip Man cinematic universe encompasses multiple interpretations of the legendary Wing Chun master's life, anchored by Donnie Yen's acclaimed four-film series. This comprehensive watch order includes the main storyline, its direct spin-off Master Z, and several prestigious alternative portrayals that exist in separate continuities.

While the Donnie Yen films form a coherent narrative, other entries like Wong Kar-wai's art-house The Grandmaster and various prequels present different creative visions of the same historical figure. These films don't connect narratively but offer diverse perspectives on Ip Man's legacy, from intimate character studies to action-packed adventures.

1
Ip Man poster

Ip Man

20081h 46m4.6
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Simon Yam, Lynn Hung Doi-Lam, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Gordon Lam Ka-Tung

A semi-biographical account of Yip Man, the first martial arts master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. The film focuses on events surrounding Ip that took place in the city of Foshan between the 1930s to 1940s during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Directed by Wilson Yip, the film stars Donnie Yen in the lead role, and features fight choreography by Sammo Hung.

DramaActionHistory
2
Ip Man 2 poster

Ip Man 2

20101h 48m4.4
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Huang Xiaoming, Lynn Hung Doi-Lam, Kent Cheng Jak-Si

Having defeated the best fighters of the Imperial Japanese army in occupied Shanghai, Ip Man and his family settle in post-war Hong Kong. Struggling to make a living, Master Ip opens a kung fu school to bring his celebrated art of Wing Chun to the troubled youth of Hong Kong. His growing reputation soon brings challenges from powerful enemies, including pre-eminent Hung Gar master, Hung Quan.

ActionHistoryDrama
3
The Legend Is Born: Ip Man poster

The Legend Is Born: Ip Man

20101h 40m3.9
Director: Herman Yau
Cast: Dennis To Yu-Hang, Huang Yi, Yuen Biao, Louis Fan Siu-Wong, Rose Chan Ka-Wun

The remarkable true story of the early life of Ip Man, the formidable kung fu genius who would become Bruce Lee's mentor; beginning at the start of his journey from his initial training through to the ultimate battle to become supreme master of the art of Wing Chun.

DramaActionHistory
4
Ip Man: The Final Fight poster

Ip Man: The Final Fight

20131h 40m3.3
Director: Herman Yau
Cast: Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Anita Yuen Wing-Yee, Gillian Chung, Jordan Chan Siu-Chun, Eric Tsang Chi-Wai

Ip Man reluctantly begins a series of challenges from rival kung fu schools and is soon drawn into the dark and dangerous world of the Triads.

ActionDrama
5
The Grandmaster poster

The Grandmaster

20132h 10m3.7
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Cast: Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Zhao Benshan, Xiao Shenyang

Ip Man's peaceful life in Foshan changes after Gong Yutian seeks an heir for his family in Southern China. Ip Man then meets Gong Er who challenges him for the sake of regaining her family's honor. After the Second Sino-Japanese War, Ip Man moves to Hong Kong and struggles to provide for his family. In the mean time, Gong Er chooses the path of vengeance after her father was killed by Ma San.

ActionDramaHistory
6
Ip Man 3 poster

Ip Man 3

20151h 45m4
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Zhang Jin, Lynn Hung Doi-Lam, Patrick Tam Yiu-Man, Mike Tyson

When a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property developer make a play to take over the city, Master Ip is forced to take a stand.

ActionDramaHistory
7
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy poster

Master Z: Ip Man Legacy

20181h 47m3.6
Director: Yuen Woo-Ping
Cast: Zhang Jin, Dave Bautista, Michelle Yeoh, Xing Yu, Liu Yan

Following his defeat by Master Ip, Cheung Tin Chi tries to make a life with his young son in Hong Kong, waiting tables at a bar that caters to expats. But it's not long before the mix of foreigners, money, and triad leaders draw him once again to the fight.

ActionCrimeDrama
8
Ip Man 4: The Finale poster

Ip Man 4: The Finale

20191h 47m4.3
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Wu Yue, Vanness Wu, Scott Adkins, Kent Cheng Jak-Si

Following the death of his wife, Ip Man travels to San Francisco to ease tensions between the local kung fu masters and his star student, Bruce Lee, while searching for a better future for his son.

ActionHistoryDrama