Once Upon a Time in China - Watch Order: Release Order

Other Watch Orders:
1991 - 19976 Films11h 1m3.5 Average

The Once Upon a Time in China series is a landmark martial arts franchise that follows the adventures of Wong Fei-hung, a legendary Chinese folk hero and martial artist. Set in late 19th century China during a time of political upheaval and foreign influence, the series showcases spectacular wire-fu action choreography and explores themes of tradition versus modernization.

This release order watch list presents all six films in their original theatrical sequence, providing the complete narrative arc of Wong Fei-hung's story. Jet Li stars as the iconic hero in the first three films and returns for the final entry, while Vincent Zhao takes on the role in the fourth and fifth installments, maintaining story continuity throughout the series.

Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order

1
Once Upon a Time in China poster

Once Upon a Time in China

19912h 13m4.2
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 film depicts the stance taken by the legendary martial arts hero Wong Fei-Hung against foreign forces' plundering of China.

ActionDrama
2
Once Upon a Time in China II poster

Once Upon a Time in China II

19921h 53m4.1
Director: Tsui Hark
Cast: Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Max Mok, Donnie Yen, David Chiang Da-Wei

Wong Fei-Hung faces the White Lotus Society, a fanatical cult seeking to drive the Europeans out of China through violence, even attacking Chinese who follow Western ways. Wong must also defend Dr. Sun Yat Sen, a revolutionary, from the military.

ActionComedy
3
Once Upon a Time in China III poster

Once Upon a Time in China III

19931h 52m3.6
Director: Tsui Hark
Cast: Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Max Mok, Xiong Xinxin, Lau Shun

Master Wong and his disciples enroll in the 'Dancing Lion Competition' to stop an assassination plot and to battle an arrogant, deceitful opponent.

Action
4
Once Upon a Time in China IV poster

Once Upon a Time in China IV

19931h 40m3
Director: Yuen Bun
Cast: Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo, Jean Wang Ching-Ying, Max Mok, Xiong Xinxin, Billy Chow Bei-Lei

Wong Fei Hung must deal with both foreign threats and the nationalist Red Lantern Society in this continuation of the popular kung fu series.

ActionAdventureHistory
5
Once Upon a Time in China V poster

Once Upon a Time in China V

19941h 41m2.9
Director: Tsui Hark
Cast: Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo, Rosamund Kwan, Max Mok, Kent Cheng Jak-Si, Roger Kwok Chun-On

Epic adventure set during a tumultuous time in China, when left without a leader, the cavalry is attacked by the powerful allies and pirate bands. A martial arts master, Wong Fei-Hong and Aunt Yee return to do battle against these evil forces.

Action
6
Once Upon a Time in China and America poster

Once Upon a Time in China and America

19971h 42m3.1
Director: Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
Cast: Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan, Xiong Xinxin, Power Chan, Jeff Wolfe

So goes to the U.S. to open a martial arts school. Around this time, many Chinese people were sold off to U.S. railroad companies, and were brutally treated by the Americans under the harsh working conditions. Thus, the American workers' hatred towards the Chinese immigrants is high. As a result, So gets into trouble with the Americans and the mob, and calls Master Wong for help.

ActionWestern