Movies like Ip Man: The Awakening (2021)
The best movies like Ip Man: The Awakening (2021) are Ip Man: Kung Fu Master (2019), The Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010) and Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014). If Ip Man: The Awakening hooked you with its action and adventure, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedIp Man (2008)7.8/10 from 4,326 votes
- NewestIp Man: Kung Fu Legend (2026)Released 2026
- In ChineseIp Man: Kung Fu Master (2019)Also in Chinese
Ip Man: Kung Fu Master (2019)
Ip Man’s promising career as a Policeman is ruined after he is framed for murder and targeted by a mob boss’s daughter.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010)
The remarkable true story of the early life of Ip Man, the formidable kung fu genius who would become Bruce Lee's mentor; beginning at the start of his journey from his initial training through to the ultimate battle to become supreme master of the art of Wing Chun.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOnce Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014)
A laborer moves to Shanghai in the hope of becoming rich. But ends up using his kung fu skills to survive. Remake of The Boxer From Shantung.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
This film is a glimpse into the life, love and the unconquerable spirit of the legendary Bruce Lee. From a childhood of rigorous martial arts training, Lee realizes his dream of opening his own kung-fu school in America. Before long, he is discovered by a Hollywood producer and begins a meteoric rise to fame and an all too short reign as one the most charismatic action heroes in cinema history.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & history
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFist of Legend (1994)
Chen returns to his school when he finds out that his martial arts teacher has died. When he learns that his school students are harassed by some hooligans, he gears himself up to save them.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIp Man 3 (2015)
When a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property developer make a play to take over the city, Master Ip is forced to take a stand.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Grandmaster (2013)
The fall of China's last dynasty, a time of chaos, division and war, is the golden age of Chinese martial arts. Legendary kung fu master Ip Man, who will eventually train Bruce Lee, finds his peaceful life interrupted by vengeance.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Master (1992)
When old martial arts master Master Tak disappears, his best student, Jet, steps in to find him. However, when he learns that Tak's life is in danger, he decides to protect him at all costs.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRise of the Legend (2014)
In 1868 during the late Qing Dynasty, rampant corruption on the Imperial Court inflicts much suffering in people's lives. For years, the Black Tiger’s fearsome boss Lei Gong has been trying to get rid of the leader of the Northern Sea. One of his latest recruits is Fei, a fearless fighter who takes the Northern Sea leader’s head after a fierce fight. Just as Lei Gong believes he has total control of the port, a new gang called the Orphans rises in power. Led by Fei’s childhood friend Huo, the Orphans are out to eliminate all the criminal power from the port…
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMaster Of The Shadowless Kick: Wong Kei-Ying (2016)
A quiet physician from southern China masters martial arts to protect his son and stop a corrupt governor.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both adventure & action
Ip Man 4: The Finale (2019)
Following the death of his wife, Ip Man travels to San Francisco to ease tensions between the local kung fu masters and his star student, Bruce Lee, while searching for a better future for his son.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKung Fu Jungle (2014)
A martial arts instructor working at a police academy gets imprisoned after killing a man by accident. But when a vicious killer starts targeting martial arts masters, the instructor offers to help the police in return for his freedom.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIp Man and Four Kings (2019)
In 1950, a large number of martial artists entered Hong Kong to open a boxing gym. Among them, Ye Wen (Tang Wenlong) did not lose a reputation, causing the attention of Zheng Delong (Lin Fengyi), the owner of the Kowloon Walled Village. Zheng Delong’s fear of threatening himself I will plant the case of Fang Fang’s death on Ye Wen, and I want to remove Ye Wen by the hand of the police. The mysterious man emerged and rescued Ye Wen. Ye Wen is a self-certified innocence with a disciple, Amin Aqiang, who broke into the boundary of the Kowloon Walled City. Who thought that the city had already ambushed countless masters in the city, and he asked whether he could successfully bring Zheng Delong to justice, and he was still innocent!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (2018)
Following his defeat by Master Ip, Cheung Tin Chi tries to make a life with his young son in Hong Kong, waiting tables at a bar that caters to expats. But it's not long before the mix of foreigners, money, and triad leaders draw him once again to the fight.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGuardians of Martial Arts (2017)
One day, Master Ma is walking down the street, suddenly he sees the words "Huashan Sect" (华山派) hiding between the green grass. He closes his eyes and hence the duel with different martial arts masters begins.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Ip Man 2 (2010)
Having defeated the best fighters of the Imperial Japanese army in occupied Shanghai, Ip Man and his family settle in post-war Hong Kong. Struggling to make a living, Master Ip opens a kung fu school to bring his celebrated art of Wing Chun to the troubled youth of Hong Kong. His growing reputation soon brings challenges from powerful enemies, including pre-eminent Hung Gar master, Hung Quan.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & history
Worth the HypeMovies like thisShaolin (2011)
China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fuelled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But the pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring plan or rescue and escape.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIp Man (2008)
A semi-biographical account of Yip Man, the first martial arts master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. The film focuses on events surrounding Ip that took place in the city of Foshan between the 1930s to 1940s during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Directed by Wilson Yip, the film stars Donnie Yen in the lead role, and features fight choreography by Sammo Hung.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHero (2002)
During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDetective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010)
When the future empress Wu Zetian's two courtiers die in a mysterious fire, she gets Di Renjie, a former detective and rebel, released from prison to solve the mystery of the fire.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLegend of a Fighter (1982)
This is a powerful, yet fictionalized life story of Huo Yuan Chia, a real kung fu master in Southern China who brought respect to the populace and allowed kung fu to be taught to all Chinese during a time of revolt and low morale in the country's history.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & history
Heroes Two (1974)
A band of fighting Ming Dynasty loyalists branded as enemies of the state are driven underground following the burning of the Shaolin Temple by Qing Dynasty officials. Due to a misunderstanding, Shaolin kung fu prodigy Fong Sai-yuk is duped into helping Qing agents to capture leading Shaolin rebel Hung Hei-gun. Upon discovering his mistake, Sai-yuk teams up with the remaining rebels to free Hei-gun before his planned execution. Plotting to stop them is General Che Kang, a formidable Tibetan kung fu master who commands an army of fighters including four deadly Tibetan llamas.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Flash Point (2007)
Detective Sergeant Ma Jun, known for dispensing his own brand of justice during arrests, teams up with an undercover cop, Wilson, to try and bring down three merciless Vietnamese brothers running a smuggling ring in the months before mainland China's takeover of Hong Kong. Jun pursues the gang tirelessly, sometimes ignoring police protocols. A showdown is inevitable!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragon Tiger Gate (2006)
Three young martial arts masters emerge from the back streets of Hong Kong to help the powerless fight injustice.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIp Man: Kung Fu Legend (2026)
In 1950s Hong Kong, British merchants and Chinese triads have joined forces to expand their territory, forcibly demolishing factories without regard for public welfare. This move draws fierce opposition from Ip Man, standing up for the workers, he faces pressure from all sides. Framed for murder, he is sent to prison. Within the prison walls, the triads set multiple deadly traps. Can Ip Man overcome these trials, escape the danger, and clear his name?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Ong Bak 3 (2010)
Tien is captured and almost beaten to death before he is saved and brought back to the Kana Khone villagers. There he is taught meditation and how to deal with his Karma, but very soon his arch rival returns challenging Tien for a final duel.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSakra (2023)
Qiao Feng is the respected leader of a roving band of martial artists. After he is wrongfully accused of murder and subsequently exiled, Qiao Feng goes on the run in search of answers about his own mysterious origin story—and the unknown enemies working to destroy him from the shadows.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIp Man: The Final Fight (2013)
Ip Man reluctantly begins a series of challenges from rival kung fu schools and is soon drawn into the dark and dangerous world of the Triads.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWalking Tall (2004)
A former U.S. soldier returns to his hometown to find it overrun by crime and corruption, which prompts him to clean house.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both adventure & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe New One-Armed Swordsman (1971)
Lei Li lost his right-arm in a sword duel with the master of a martial arts school, long ago. Now, he is able to defend himself well with just his left arm, and kung fu techniques. That he proves with just the help of his friend Chung-Chieng, when he crosses his path with a beautiful girl in need, Pao Chiao. Even against impossible odds, he will prove a great warrior.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Ip Man: The Awakening?
The closest matches to Ip Man: The Awakening are Ip Man: Kung Fu Master (2019), The Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010) and Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Ip Man: The Awakening?
People who watched Ip Man: The Awakening most often go on to Ip Man: Kung Fu Master (2019), The Legend Is Born: Ip Man (2010) and Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014).
What is the highest-rated movie like Ip Man: The Awakening?
Ip Man (2008), rated 7.8/10 by 4,326 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Ip Man: The Awakening?
Ip Man: Kung Fu Legend (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Chinese movies like Ip Man: The Awakening?
Yes: Ip Man: Kung Fu Master (2019), Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014) and Fist of Legend (1994).
How are movies similar to Ip Man: The Awakening chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Ip Man: The Awakening, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.