Any MMA superstar has been inspired by at least one or two or more Martial Arts films, mainly Bruce Lee films.  Here’s my list of my Top 10 Martial Arts Films.

10.  Police Story (1985) One of Jackie Chan’s first starring films, the film is known for it’s many action scenes, most notably the ending scene nicknamed “The Glass Story”, due in part of its use of so many sugar glass panes.  A huge hit in Asia, with tons of Martial Arts sequences, as usual with Jackie Chan.

9.  Drunken Master (1978) Another Jackie Chan film, this one popularizes the Drunken Fist style, which is a form of Wushu. A number of notable fights are featured in the film, almost all of them with strong elements of comedy.  Definitely a must see movie if you’re a fan of comedy, Martial Arts, or Jackie Chan…or all three.

8.  Best of the Best (1989) A star studded cast, mixed with amazing Taekwondo, makes for an amazing Martial Arts Film.  A classic story line, where Alex Grady (Eric Roberts), seeks revenge for the death of his brother.  The final fight scene comes down to vengeance or honor in the ring.

7.  Rumble in the Bronx (1995) The film that brought Jackie Chan into the North American Mainstream.  The martial arts is some of the best, but also very comedic.  The only problem with this film is the overuse of dubbing, and ruthless continuity.  Either way this is a must see for martial arts fans alike.

6.  Kickboxer (1996) A Jean Claude classic, with the classic vengeance story line.  After a horrible accident in a kickboxing match, Van Damme’s character must seek revenge against the man who put his brother in a wheel chair.  He travels to Thailand to train with a master in the art of Muay Thai.  Becoming to powerful, the local mob gets paranoid, and puts Van Damme into a death match against the man who paralyzed his brother.  Having his hands tied with hemp rope, coated with resin, then dipped in broken glass, he brutally beats his opponent and exacting revenge.  Besides the amazing Muay Thai, the film is very well known for “The Bar Dance” scene where Van Damme get’s drunk and dance fights.

5.  Mortal Kombat (1995) There’s nothing else I can really say.  A classic video game and a classic movie that helped make Mixed Martial Arts what it is today.

4.  Ong-Bak (2003) Tony Jaa’s breakthrough film that was released around the same time MMA was becoming more mainstream.  Tony’s character must relieve a stolen statue from his village, taken by the mafia.  Utilizing Muay Thai, the chorographers made every fight scene more enjoyable then the last.

3.  Karate Kid (1984) The classic underdog film, where “Daniel-Son” is tormented by bullies who also practice Karate.  Seeking aid from a lonely Japanese man, he learns the art of Karate.  The final fight utilizes a fictional technique, made popular as the Crane Kick.  In true underdog fashion, Daniel-Son beats his tormenters and wins their acceptance.  The film is overshadowed by Pat Morita’s amazing performance as Mr. Miyagi .

2.  Enter the Dragon (1973) Bruce Lee’s final performance before his mysterious death in 1973. It was the first Chinese Martial Arts film to have been produced by a major Hollywood studio.  Lee makes famous his “Fighting without Fighting” using mind games and tricks, but does kick ass when need be.  Jackie Chan also makes an appearance as a stunt man, having his neck snapped by Lee.  One of the best martial arts films, and one of the best films ever made.

1.  Bloodsport (1988) This film I would say is one of the first examples of Mixed Martial Arts in mainstream media.  All fighters from all over the world meet together in what is known as Kumite, a deadly and illegal underground martial arts tournament.  Jean Claude Van-Damme stars as Frank Dux, a real American Martial Artist, and alleged Kumite winner.  This film brings many different fight styles, including sumo, muay thai kickboxing, and Syrian fighting.  The film ends with Frank Dux’s alleged achievments such as the fastest KO in the Kumite.