Swordsman Movies: Release Order
The Swordsman trilogy represents one of the most iconic entries in wuxia cinema, adapting Louis Cha's novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer into a series that evolves dramatically across its three installments. Beginning with Sam Hui as the wandering swordsman Ling Wu Chung, the series transforms from faithful literary adaptation into increasingly fantastical martial arts spectacle.
This watch order follows the trilogy's natural progression, where each film builds upon the previous while taking greater creative liberties. The second film recasts Jet Li as Ling Wu Chung and introduces Brigitte Lin's legendary villain Invincible Asia, while the third film shifts focus entirely to Lin's character in an almost spin-off-like conclusion that fully embraces the fantastical elements of the wuxia genre.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
Swordsman
When a scroll containing valuable martial arts secrets is stolen from the Emperor, an army detachment is sent to recover it in this wuxia adventure based on Jin Yong's classic novel.
The Legend of the Swordsman
A swordsman seeking peace discovers his allies, a tribe of snake-wielding women warriors, have been attacked and their leader kidnapped, forcing him back into action.
Swordsman III: The East Is Red
A royal official joins a Portuguese expedition to investigate the defeat of the notorious Invincible Asia, a warrior who gained supernatural powers through forbidden practices and dark rituals.
Other Film Series
Highlander
An immortal Scottish warrior battles through the centuries in this cult fantasy franchise about sword-wielding Immortals who can only die by beheading.
Mortal Kombat
A martial arts fantasy franchise based on the popular video game series about interdimensional fighting tournaments.
Pacific Rim
A sci-fi action series about humanity's war against giant interdimensional monsters using massive humanoid mechs called Jaegers.
Pirates of the Caribbean
A swashbuckling adventure series following the eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow through supernatural encounters in the Caribbean.
The Lord of the Rings
Peter Jackson's epic six-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, spanning both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
The Mummy Universe
A franchise spanning ancient Egypt to modern times, following adventurers who encounter supernatural forces tied to Egyptian mythology, including the core Brendan Fraser trilogy and various Scorpion King spin-offs.