Once Upon a Time in China Movies: Essential Films

Other Watch Orders:
1991 - 19933 Films5h 58m4 Average

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.

1
Once Upon a Time in China poster

Once Upon a Time in China

19912h 13m4.2
Original Title: 黃飛鴻
Director: Tsui Hark
Cast: Jet Li, Yuen Biao, Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau, Rosamund Kwan, Kent Cheng Jak-Si

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.

ActionDrama
2
Once Upon a Time in China II poster

Once Upon a Time in China II

19921h 53m4.1
Original Title: 黃飛鴻之二:男兒當自強
Director: Tsui Hark
Cast: Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Max Mok, Donnie Yen, David Chiang Da-Wei

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.

ActionComedy
3
Once Upon a Time in China III poster

Once Upon a Time in China III

19931h 52m3.6
Original Title: 黃飛鴻之三:獅王爭霸
Director: Tsui Hark
Cast: Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Max Mok, Xiong Xinxin, Lau Shun

Master Wong and his disciples enter a traditional lion dance competition while uncovering a dangerous assassination plot and facing off against a cunning rival.