Jackie Chan’s 10 Best Martial Arts Comedy Movies

There are few actors who can do it quite like Jackie Chan can. His mix of impressive martial arts skills and sidesplitting comedy provide a signature blend of entertainment that has been drawing in viewers in droves for nearly six decades. From his beginnings as a child performer in some classic Hong Kong action movies to his Hollywood superstardom, this talented performer has given the world many memorable performances.

While he has been known to foray into more serious roles, it is his body of work that mixes high-octane stunts with big laughs that are his calling cards. He has graced the screens of Hollywood productions, many cult classics from his native Hong Kong, and even provided his voice and attitude to some iconic animated characters. Though the eagerly-awaited new Karate Kid installment looks to be more on the serious side, here’s hoping his innate humor will mix well with the laughs that Cobra Kai viewers have become accustomed to.

10

The Accidental Spy (2001)

Directed By Teddy Chan

Jackie Chan from The Accidental Spy (2001)

A case of mistaken identity is a goldmine for comedy, and this action-and humor-packed film is a satisfying mix of all those components. International intrigue and some mysterious spies provide a lot of twists and turns for Buck Yuen, whose heroic antics while thwarting a robbery lead him on a journey from Korea to Turkey, as he utilizes his impressive martial arts skills to his own advantage.

Jackie Chan as Mr. Han Holding a Match and a Bulb in The Karate Kid 2010

Related

Jackie Chan’s 10 Highest-Grossing Movies, Ranked

A beloved and influential staple of Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema, Jackie Chan boasts an array of commercially successful movies to his name.

Posts

It’s never not fun seeing Chan in one of these roles. He is able to be so charming when he unwittingly finds himself in dangerous situations, and this is one of the more enjoyable of the “wrong place at the wrong time” films he has been in. It wasn’t a huge hit with critics or at the box office, but it was a great first step into a genre he would soon become exclusively associated with.

9

The Medallion (2003)

Directed By Gordon Chan

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

01406965_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

The Medallion

PG-13

Thriller

Fantasy

Action

Comedy

Release Date

August 15, 2003

Runtime

89 minutes

Writers

Bey Logan, Gordon Chan, Bennett Davlin

Producers

Albert Yeung, Jackie Chan

Cast

See All

The Medallion is a 2003 action-comedy film featuring Jackie Chan as a Hong Kong detective who undergoes a transformation into an immortal warrior with superhuman powers after a fatal accident involving a mystical medallion.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Having established his niche of funny-yet-capable action hero, Jackie Chan steps into a more supernatural realm with this globe-trotting adventure. On the hunt for a mythical medallion, Chan’s Interpol agent teams up with another inspector, played by a very dedicated Claire Forlani. The plot is not the most creative, but the film gave the actor a chance to stretch his muscles (both acting and actual) in a big Hollywood production.

Lee Evans and Julian Sands provide some additional dry British humor.

It may not have made the biggest splash at the box office, but it remains a cult classic in the genre of Jackie Chan movies, and is certainly worth a watch. It’s interesting to see how he allows his natural skills to translate into the CGI-powered fantasy parts of the movie, making some scenes a visual feast for the eyes. Lee Evans and Julian Sands provide some additional dry British humor.

8

The Tuxedo (2002)

Directed By Kevin Donovan

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

01424722_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

The Tuxedo

PG-13

Thriller

Action

Comedy

Science Fiction

Release Date

September 27, 2002

Runtime

98 minutes

Director

Kevin Donovan

Writers

Michael J. Leeson

Producers

Adam Schroeder, John H. Williams, Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Jackie Chan

    Jackie Chan

    Jimmy Tong

  • Headshot Of Jennifer Love Hewitt In The Cafe Los Angeles Premiere

    Jennifer Love Hewitt

    Del Blaine

  • Headshot Of Jason Isaacs In The PaleyLive NY Series Hollywood Legend Cary Grant: The American

    Jason Isaacs

    Clark Devlin

  • hEADSHOT oF Debi Mazar

    Debi Mazar

    Steena

The Tuxedo is a 2002 action-comedy film starring Jackie Chan as Jimmy Tong, a cabbie-turned-chauffeur who inadvertently steps into the world of espionage. When his millionaire employer is incapacitated, Jimmy dons a high-tech tuxedo that transforms him into an unwitting secret agent.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

This slapstick action comedy leaned into the spy genre, heavily focusing on the exciting world of espionage. With a host of high-tech gadgets, including the titular tuxedo itself, Chan gets to showcase his skills using some fun tools of the spy trade. In his very own take on James Bond, the actor plays a character very close to his heart. Hapless and clumsy at the start, but ultimately heroic and brilliant in an endearing way.

Best Martial arts comedies no Jackie Chan image

Related

10 Best Martial Arts Comedies (That Don’t Star Jackie Chan)

Jackie Chan is famous for his hilarious martial arts comedies – we rundown the top 10 martial arts comedies that don’t star Jackie Chan.

Posts

He works really well with Jennifer Love Hewitt, who does her best to fulfill the glamorous side-kick role. Jackie Chan undoubtedly has enough charm for the both of them, and singlehandedly makes this goofy comedy an entertaining journey. Jason Isaacs and Debi Mazar have some scene-stealing moments of their own, and The Tuxedo mixes martial arts and humor well enough. It may not have swept critics off their feet, but with over $100 million at the global box office, it’s got its fair share of fans.

7

Drunken Master II (1994)

Directed By Chia-Liang Liu & Jackie Chan

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Drunken Master II - Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Drunken Master II

R

Action

Comedy

Release Date

February 3, 1994

Runtime

102 Minutes

Director

Chia-Liang Liu, Jackie Chan

Writers

Edward Tang, Man-Ming Tong, Kai-Chi Yuen, Rod Dean

Cast

See All

Drunken Master II is a martial arts film directed by Lau Kar-leung and starring Jackie Chan as Wong Fei-hung. Set in early 20th century China, the story follows Wong Fei-hung as he employs his unique style of drunken boxing to combat corrupt officials and foreign agents smuggling valuable artifacts. The film is renowned for its intricate choreography and traditional kung fu elements.

Main Genre

Action

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Part of his lengthy list of Hong Kong-produced films, and one of the many sequels he has participated in, this classic is a must-see for any self-respecting Jackie Chan fan. With some truly outstanding displays of martial arts, the fight sequences are some of the best he has ever performed. The story itself is unique and engaging, making it stand out from a lot of the run-of-the-mill Hollywood productions that don’t have as much of an element of surprise.

The premise of a “drunken fighter” provides a lot of scope for comedic as well as genuine conflict, and all the sparring sessions were spectacular to watch as a viewer.

It feels very comforting seeing a young Chan so at ease, seeing as he was already such a huge star on his own turf at this point in time. The film has a score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, showcasing just how much of a quality film it is.

6

Police Story 3: Supercop (1992)

Directed By Stanley Tong

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

01365552_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Police Story 3: Super Cop

R

Action

Crime

Thriller

Release Date

July 4, 1992

Runtime

95 minutes

Director

Stanley Tong

Writers

Edward Tang

Producers

Jackie Chan

Cast

See All

Police Story 3: Super Cop features Jackie Chan as a Hong Kong detective collaborating with Michelle Yeoh’s character, a Chinese agent, to dismantle a notorious drug cartel. Released in 1992, the film blends action and comedy as the duo navigates dangerous missions to apprehend the drug lord.

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

In his third outing as Inspector Chan Ka-Kui, Jackie Chan teams up with Michelle Yeoh for an explosive array of death-defying stunts. The non-stop action keeps viewers immersed throughout the whole film, as the two action heroes jump out of helicopters, ride motorcycles onto moving trains, and showcase some impressive knowledge of firearms. In one of future-Oscar-winner Yeoh’s early roles, she manages to steal the show next to the established actors on the screen.

This is one of Jackie Chan’s most highly rated films, holding an impressive score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. It has just the right amount of superb action for martial arts fans, and comedy for those who enjoy their high kicks with a side of laughter. Of course, it’s important to not the first two installments in the franchise are definitely worth a watch too.

5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

Directed By Jeff Rowe & Kyler Spears

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

PG

Action

Adventure

ScreenRant logo

7/10

8.7/10

Release Date

August 4, 2023

Runtime

100 Minutes

Director

Jeff Rowe

Writers

Brendan O’Brien

Cast

See All

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated film in the enduring action-comedy franchise. Directed by Jeff Rowe, the movie follows the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—alongside their mentor Splinter, as they confront new adversaries and navigate their teenage years. The film combines humor and action while maintaining the core themes of the beloved series.

Main Genre

Action

Studio

Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies, Point Grey Pictures

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

With such a beloved IP as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it would stand to reason to make sure the caliber of the cast reflected the level of love it has among its many fans. Casting Jackie Chan as the iconic mentor, Splinter, is nothing short of genius. He had played similar roles before, and having his distinctive voice bring one of the most inimitable movie rodents to life worked incredibly well.

With a welcome nod to the franchise’s nostalgic past and a cast of some of the most exciting up-and-comers, this newest version of the beloved classic certainly lives up to is Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%.

The film was such a breath of fresh air, and even though his physical form is not the one performing the stunts, his unmistakable presence can be felt in every frame. With a welcome nod to the franchise’s nostalgic past and a cast of some of the most exciting up-and-comers, this newest version of the beloved classic certainly lives up to is Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%. Chan is not the main star of the film, but his presence adds much-needed gravitas.

4

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Directed By Mark Osborne & John Stevenson

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Kung Fu Panda

PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Family

ScreenRant logo

8/10

10/10

Release Date

June 4, 2008

Runtime

95 minutes

Director

Mark Osborne, John Stevenson

Writers

Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger

Cast

See All

Kung Fu Panda is an animated martial arts comedy directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. Set in ancient China, it follows Po, an overweight and clumsy panda voiced by Jack Black, who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. When an evil snow leopard named Tai Lung threatens the Valley of Peace, Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior.

Main Genre

Animation

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

One of the highest-grossing films in Jackie Chan’s illustrious career, this charming animated adventure kicked off a very beloved and lucrative franchise. With four films so far, the story of the slightly clumsy, but ultimately very brave and dedicated, Po has been a hit with cinema-goers of all ages. The cast is packed with huge stars, including Jack Black, Lucy Liu, and Dustin Hoffman, and it was only natural to feature one of the biggest martial arts stars as well.

Though Jackie Chan’s role isn’t the main focus of the film, as part of the Furious Five, he spurs on the hero to strive for greatness. His presence adds more legitimacy to the film, as viewers believe that his character has the knowledge and skills needed to display the fighting skills that he has. It’s one of those perennial movies that’s worth revisiting, and to be a part of such an impactful franchise is a great achievement, and the $600 million box office gross is impressive in itself.

3

Shanghai Noon (2000)

Directed By Tom Dey

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Shanghai Noon - Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Shanghai Noon

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Release Date

May 26, 2000

Runtime

110 Minutes

Director

Tom Dey

Writers

Miles Millar, Alfred Gough

Cast

See All

Shanghai Noon is a 2000 action comedy film directed by Tom Dey. The story follows Chon Wang (Jackie Chan), an imperial guard from China who travels to the American Old West to rescue a kidnapped princess. Along the way, he partners with an outlaw named Roy O’Bannon (Owen Wilson) amidst cultural clashes and adventure. The film is noted for its blend of martial arts action and western motifs.

Main Genre

Action

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

Though one might not immediately think of mixing martial arts with the characteristics of a Western, the actual end result is very entertaining. Jackie Chan plays a character named Chon Wang, an obvious salute to John Wayne, who is tasked with rescuing a princess who was kidnapped and taken to the Wild West. As he teams up with Owen Wilson’s wannabe gunslinger, hilarity ensues as they make their way through saloons and high noons.

The culture clash of East meets West provides for some highly-expected conflict and an impressive juxtaposition of fighting styles. Wilson and Chan are a very entertaining comedic duo, and the film made nearly $100 million at the box office worldwide. A respectable 80% Rotten Tomatoes score differentiates the film from some of his other Hollywood productions, and Shanghai Noon was successful enough to spawn a very decent sequel as well.

2

Police Story (1985)

Directed By Jackie Chan

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

MV5BMWJhZmI5ZWUtYjgyNy00NTk1LWIzODktYTE3NzQzNzJlOTgzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU@._V1_

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Police Story

PG-13

Action

Comedy

Crime

Thriller

10/10

Release Date

December 14, 1985

Runtime

100 Minutes

Director

Jackie Chan, Chi-Hwa Chen

Writers

Jackie Chan, Edward Tang

Cast

See All

Police Story is a Hong Kong action film directed by and starring Jackie Chan as Kevin Chan Ka-Kui, a dedicated police officer who is framed for murder. The film showcases remarkable stunt work and martial arts sequences, depicting Kevin’s relentless pursuit of justice against a drug lord. Released in 1985, Police Story underscores Chan’s innovative approach to action filmmaking, combining high-octane sequences with comedic elements.

Main Genre

Action

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

One of Jackie Chan’s seminal films, this groundbreaking project saw him star, co-write and direct. With so many different tasks to be in charge of, it’s ever more impressive that he was able to produce such a standout thriller that was heavy on the action, with a slightly lighter sprinkling of that classic Chan humor. The fight scenes are thrilling, and the plot touches on themes of revenge and retribution.

With drug lords, corruption, and murder at the center of the highly engaging plot, it was a hugely impactful piece of cinema, changing the face of the 1980s in many ways. It won the highest honor at the Hong Kong Film Awards and has a score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. With some of Chan’s most spectacular stunts, this is a film that still holds up after all these years.

1

Rush Hour (1998)

Directed By Brett Ratner

Movie

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Rush Hour Movie Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Rush Hour

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

7/10

8/10

Release Date

September 18, 1998

Runtime

98 minutes

Director

Brett Ratner

Writers

Ross LaManna, Jim Kouf

Sequel(s)

Rush Hour 3

Cast

See All

  • Ken Leung Profile Picture

    Ken Leung

  • Headshot Of Chris Tucker

    Chris Tucker

Rush Hour is an action/adventure comedy that stars Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. When the F.B.I. becomes agitated over dedicated Hong Kong Inspector (Lee) being sent to Los Angeles to rescue the Chinese Consul’s kidnapped daughter, he is forced to team up with a reckless and loudmouthed L.A.P.D.detective (Tucker) to keep him front interfering. Despite the differences between the two, they’ll put them aside to prove themselves and save the girl while finding themselves caught in a notorious crime lord’s crosshairs. 

Studio(s)

New Line Cinema

Distributor(s)

New Line Cinema

Powered by

Expand
Collapse

When thinking of Jackie Chan’s most well-known and iconic action comedy films, Rush Hour will inevitably come to mind. Perhaps with a bigger focus on comedy, the action does not disappoint either. Chan and Chris Tucker are one of the most famous buddy cop duos, and the way they bounce off each other never fails to bring on a chuckle.

Jackie Chan shines in his impressive martial arts scenes, displaying amazing physicality, coordination, and power, scarcely letting up on the action. Tucker delivers one-liner after one-liner, scarcely letting the audience take a break from the laughs. With a $250 million box office haul, two sequels to date, and generations of fans, this is one of those Jackie Chan films that absolutely has to be seen. It introduced him to mainstream audiences, showcasing his skills to an unsuspecting, yet, completely willing group of new viewers.