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Real talk: the 2020s are officially the golden era for people who love watching bad guys get kicked into orbit. We’ve had some absolute bangers lately that make us want to quit our jobs and join a shaolin monastery. Whether you’re into hyper-stylized neon fights or gritty, bone-crunching realism, this decade has delivered. Grab your popcorn, settle into your couch, and prepare for some serious choreography obsession. Here are the 10 absolute best.
1. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Look, I know you’ve seen it, but have you watched it for the 10th time? Michelle Yeoh is the queen of everything. The hot dog finger fight? Iconic. The fanny pack combat? Literally genius. It’s got a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. It’s not just a movie; it’s a total mood. If you haven’t cried over a rock with googly eyes while watching a multiversal kung fu battle, what are you even doing with your life?
2. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
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Three hours of Keanu Reeves being an absolute beast. The neon lights in Paris? The stairs scene? My heart rate was through the roof the entire time. It grossed over $440 million globally and honestly, it deserved every penny. It’s basically a ballet of bullets and judo throws. If you want to see the pinnacle of modern gun-fu, this is your holy grail. Seriously, the sheer scale of the action is just… wow.
3. Monkey Man (2024)
Dev Patel directed, wrote, and starred in this absolute masterpiece of revenge. It’s gritty, it’s sweaty, and the bathroom fight scene? I am still recovering. It’s a love letter to Indian mythology mixed with pure, unadulterated rage. It’s raw, it’s real, and honestly, we were living for every second of it. It’s a total game-changer for the genre, no cap. You need to see this on the biggest screen possible.
4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Marvel finally gave us the martial arts epic we deserved. Simu Liu is a total babe, and the bus fight scene had me screaming. The choreography feels like a tribute to classic Hong Kong cinema but with that MCU budget. 91% on Rotten Tomatoes is totally earned. It’s fun, the family drama hits hard, and the dragon fight at the end? Chef’s kiss. We stan a legend.
5. Nobody (2021)
Bob Odenkirk as a lethal sleeper agent? I didn’t know I needed this until I saw it. It’s like John Wick if John Wick was your average suburban dad who just had a really bad day. The bus fight is legendary. It’s brutal, hilarious, and lowkey one of the most underrated movies of the decade. You’ll never look at a silverware drawer the same way again. Seriously, go watch it on Peacock immediately.
6. Bullet Train (2022)
Brad Pitt running around a train fighting assassins? Yes, please. It’s neon-soaked, fast-paced, and hilarious. The fight choreography is super creative because they’re stuck in such small spaces. It’s pure chaos in the best way possible. If you want something that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers insane action sequences, this is the one. Plus, the cameos are absolute gold. We can’t stop thinking about the water bottle fight.
7. The Beekeeper (2024)
Jason Statham does exactly what he does best: punching people into next week. It’s a simple plot, but the execution is so satisfying. It’s the ultimate ‘turn your brain off’ movie that still keeps you glued to the screen. The fight scenes are punchy and quick. It’s not trying to win an Oscar, it’s trying to be a blast, and it succeeds. Honestly, watching Statham take down an entire call center? So cathartic.
8. Kate (2021)
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a total badass in this Netflix flick. She’s an assassin on a ticking clock, and the Tokyo setting is just gorgeous. The fight scenes are super visceral and the neon aesthetic is total eye candy. It’s got that high-octane energy that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you like your action movies short, punchy, and super stylish, this is a must-watch. We’re obsessed.
9. Warrior (TV Series, 2020-2023)
Okay, it’s a show, but the fight sequences are so good they belong on this list. It’s based on Bruce Lee’s original writings, and you can really feel that DNA. The history, the tension, and the raw fighting style? It’s unmatched. It got a second life on Netflix and we are so here for it. If you haven’t seen Andrew Koji in action, you are missing out on some of the best choreography in the business.
10. Extraction 2 (2023)
The 21-minute long-take fight scene? I’m still sweating just thinking about it. Chris Hemsworth is an absolute machine. The prison break sequence is arguably the best action piece of the entire decade. It’s gritty, relentless, and pushes the limits of what a camera can even do. If you want high-stakes, heart-pounding action that makes you forget to breathe, this is it. It’s literally the peak of modern action cinema.
FAQs
Which martial arts movie from the 2020s has the best fight scenes?
Most fans agree that John Wick: Chapter 4 and Extraction 2 take the crown for sheer technical mastery and choreography. The long-take sequences in both films are honestly next-level and set a new standard for the genre.
Are these movies available on streaming platforms?
Yes! Most of these are available on major platforms like Netflix, Peacock, and Hulu. Some are available to rent or buy on Prime Video. It’s the perfect time to binge-watch all of them this weekend.
Why are martial arts movies so popular right now?
We’re living for the return of practical, high-stakes choreography. After years of CGI-heavy battles, audiences are craving the raw, visceral feeling of real stunt work. It feels authentic and keeps us on the edge of our seats.
There you have it! Your weekend plans are officially sorted with these absolute bangers. Whether you’re in it for the story or just want to see some top-tier stunt work, this list has you covered. Which one are you watching first? Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments because we’re dying to hear your thoughts!
