The best performances in martial arts movies don't just come from those who can throw the best kicks or fight off the most bad guys. They come from those who turn their combat into true art

Hugo Weaving's performance in The Matrix is one of the most iconic movie villains of all time.

Cheng Pei-pei's performance as " Golden Swallow" Zheng in the 1966 wuxia movie, Come Drink With Me, redefined the expectations of what roles women could play in martial arts movies.

Keanu Reeves' performance as Wick in the John Wick franchise is credited with popularizing the style of "gun-fu" fighting style.

Rush Hour was the culmination of everything that made Chan such an incredible martial arts actor - slapstick comedy, exciting stunts, and acrobatic fighting style.

As Lee , Chan set himself apart from other martial arts movie performances by using the environment to the character's advantages, such as the use of pool cues as weapons in one of Rush Hour's most iconic scenes.

The pinnacle of Bruce Lee's martial arts acting career came with the 1973 release of Enter The Dragon .

Michelle Yeoh's performance in Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon is one of the most memorable and iconic in the history of the genre.

Pat Morita's portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid transcends the boundaries of orthodox martial arts cinema.