Once Upon a Time in China Movies: Essential Films
This watch order focuses on the original trilogy that established the series as a martial arts classic. The first three films form a cohesive narrative arc featuring Jet Li at his finest as Wong Fei-hung, showcasing the series' most acclaimed action choreography and storytelling.
These three films represent the creative peak of the franchise and provide a complete, satisfying experience of Wong Fei-hung's adventures without the quality drop-off seen in later entries.
There are 2 other watch orders available - see the links up above.
List not ranked (sorted by Release Date)
Once Upon a Time in China
Set in late 19th century Canton, this martial arts epic follows the legendary hero Wong Fei-Hung as he takes a stand against foreign forces threatening China.
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Once Upon a Time in China II
Wong Fei-Hung confronts the violent White Lotus Society, a fanatical cult determined to expel Europeans from China, while protecting revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat Sen from military forces.
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Once Upon a Time in China III
Master Wong and his disciples enter a traditional lion dance competition while uncovering a dangerous assassination plot and facing off against a cunning rival.
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Other Film Series
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Lone Wolf and Cub
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Men in Black
A sci-fi comedy franchise about secret agents who monitor alien activity on Earth.
No Retreat, No Surrender
A trilogy of standalone martial arts action films connected only by title and shared themes of underdog fighters facing overwhelming odds.
Spy Kids
Family-friendly action franchise about children who discover their parents are secret agents and become spies themselves, featuring the original Cortez trilogy and subsequent reboots.
Zoe Saldaña
Accomplished actress who became a sci-fi franchise icon through starring roles in Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy while maintaining a diverse career across multiple genres.