Ip Man Movies: 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.

There is 1 other watch order available – see the link up above.

1
Ip Man poster

Ip Man

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

A semi-biographical martial arts film following Wing Chun master Yip Man as he faces personal and national challenges during the Japanese occupation of China in the 1930s and 1940s.

DramaActionHistory
2
Ip Man 2 poster

Ip Man 2

20101h 48m4.4
Original Title: 葉問2
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung Kam-Bo, Huang Xiaoming, Lynn Hung Doi-Lam, Kent Cheng Jak-Si

After settling in post-war Hong Kong, Wing Chun master Ip Man opens a kung fu school to teach troubled youth while facing challenges from rival martial artists and powerful enemies.

ActionHistoryDrama
3
The Legend Is Born: Ip Man poster

The Legend Is Born: Ip Man

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

This biographical martial arts film chronicles the early life of Ip Man, the legendary Wing Chun master who would later become Bruce Lee's mentor. The story follows his initial training and rise to become a supreme master of the Wing Chun fighting style.

DramaActionHistory
4
Ip Man: The Final Fight poster

Ip Man: The Final Fight

20131h 40m3.3
Original Title: 葉問:終極一戰
Director: Herman Yau
Cast: Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Anita Yuen Wing-Yee, Gillian Chung, Jordan Chan Siu-Chun, Eric Tsang Chi-Wai

Ip Man faces challenges from rival kung fu schools while becoming entangled with dangerous Triad gangs in this martial arts drama.

ActionDrama
5
The Grandmaster poster

The Grandmaster

20132h 10m3.7
Original Title: 一代宗師
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Cast: Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Zhao Benshan, Xiao Shenyang

A biographical martial arts drama following the life of legendary Wing Chun master Ip Man, from his encounters with the Gong family in 1930s China through his struggles in Hong Kong after the war. The film explores themes of honor, tradition, and personal sacrifice through beautifully choreographed fight sequences and a complex relationship with Gong Er, a fellow martial artist.

ActionDramaHistory
6
Ip Man 3 poster

Ip Man 3

20151h 45m4
Original Title: 葉問3
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Zhang Jin, Lynn Hung Doi-Lam, Patrick Tam Yiu-Man, Mike Tyson

Master Ip Man faces off against a ruthless gang of criminals led by a corrupt property developer who threatens to take over his city.

ActionDramaHistory
7
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy poster

Master Z: Ip Man Legacy

20181h 47m3.6
Original Title: 葉問外傳:張天志
Director: Yuen Woo-Ping
Cast: Zhang Jin, Dave Bautista, Michelle Yeoh, Xing Yu, Liu Yan

After his defeat by Master Ip, Cheung Tin Chi attempts to start a peaceful new life in Hong Kong with his son, working at a bar. However, he's inevitably drawn back into conflict when local triads and foreign influences threaten his quiet existence.

ActionCrimeDrama
8
Ip Man 4: The Finale poster

Ip Man 4: The Finale

20191h 47m4.3
Original Title: 葉問4
Director: Wilson Yip
Cast: Donnie Yen, Wu Yue, Vanness Wu, Scott Adkins, Kent Cheng Jak-Si

Following his wife's death, martial arts master Ip Man travels to San Francisco to mediate conflicts between local kung fu masters and his famous student Bruce Lee, while seeking better opportunities for his son.

ActionHistoryDrama