Flying Guillotine Movies: Release Order
The Flying Guillotine films represent a concentrated martial arts micro-genre that emerged from a single 1975 Shaw Brothers movie. Based on Chinese folklore about the Yongzheng Emperor's secret assassination squad, these films spawned an intense four-year production frenzy that generated seven features between 1975 and 1978, followed by only a single other notable movie in 2012.
This watch list contains three distinct lineages: the Shaw Brothers trilogy that established the canonical story, Jimmy Wang Yu's One-Armed Boxer series that grafted the weapon onto an existing franchise, and several standalone productions that drew independently on the same Yongzheng-era mythology. Included here are also knockoffs, thematic cousins like The Dragon Missile (which uses similar flying weapons), and the already mentioned 2012 CGI remake that attempted to revive the concept for modern audiences.
There are 2 other watch orders available - see the links up above.
The Flying Guillotine
After a rival gang murders his teacher and severs his arm, a martial arts student masters devastating new techniques to seek revenge.
The Dragon Missile
As the New Republic strives to rebuild the galaxy in the wake of the Empire's fall, legendary bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu are enlisted to help protect it. Together, they face lingering threats from scattered Imperial warlords.
Master of the Flying Guillotine
After her husband's sudden death, Alice turns to his family for comfort, only to discover they're descendants of a demonic possession researcher. As her in-laws begin transforming into fear-feeding creatures, she learns that her marriage vows may bind her beyond the grave.
The Fatal Flying Guillotines
Having barely survived the Le Domas family's deadly game, Grace now faces an even deadlier round alongside her estranged sister Faith. With rival families hunting her for control of a secretive ruling council, she must fight to survive and claim the throne herself.
The Greatest Plot
A ruthless enforcer is dispatched to retrieve a rare healing herb needed to save his corrupt lord's life. His mission to a remote village sets off a deadly chain of martial arts confrontations.
Flying Guillotine II
A group of young fighters storms a palace to overthrow an abusive king, only to face deadly booby traps and lethal weaponry along the way.
The Vengeful Beauty
In 1930s Chicago, a lonely Frankenstein seeks out scientist Dr. Euphronious to create a companion for him. Together they bring a murdered young woman back to life as The Bride, unleashing consequences neither of them anticipated.
The Guillotines
As the emperor's tyranny spreads, outlaw Ma Teng allies with a band of female rebels to fight back. Their leader must grapple with divided loyalties between duty and family.
Other Film Series
Dragonheart
A fantasy franchise about the bonds between dragons and humans, centered on themes of honor, sacrifice, and the Old Code of chivalry.
Once Upon a Time in China
A martial arts film series following the legendary Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung and his adventures in late 19th century China.
Rurouni Kenshin
Acclaimed live-action Japanese film series following a legendary swordsman seeking redemption in Meiji-era Japan, renowned for masterful action choreography.
The Karate Kid
A martial arts franchise following young students who learn karate and kung fu from wise mentors to overcome bullying and personal challenges.
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.
Vikings
Films exploring Norse warriors, mythology, and the Viking Age across diverse styles from Hollywood epics to arthouse cinema.