Whilekung fu movieshave cycled in and out of popularity, they have also created an influx of many great parody films of the genre. Kung fu and martial arts films saw a significant rise in favor in the 1980s and 1990s, with hundreds of movies produced then. Audiences appreciated the typically likable and underdog heroes, as well as the intense choreography andkung fu techniquesfeatured in the movies. Manyiconic kung fu film starseven practiced the martial art in real life, adding realness to their performances.
However, the stylized and well-known martial arts genre also provided lots of material for spoof films. Kung fu parody movies often focus on mocking any combination of the genre’s stunts, filming style, language, and intense tone. These films also became quite popular, subverting a genre with which many had grown familiar. Even notablekung fu stars like Jackie Chanpivoted from doing serious stunt work to comedies. Fans of both genres can find pleasure in watching kung fu and martial arts parody movies.
10Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Dir. Stephen Chow
Directed by and starring Stephen Chow,Shaolin Soccerisa sports comedy film with a kung fu element. The film is about a former Shaolin monk, Sing, who reunites with old friends and brings their martial arts skills to the soccer field. With their mastery of their body and powers, they excel at soccer, helping advance their ultimate goal of promoting kung fu at a larger level. Though dated, audiences often find comfort in the movie’s over-the-top computer graphics and unbelievable soccer moves.
Though the movie is notably outlandish, it generally has positive reviews from fans of the genre, and it has even been adapted into comic books.
Throughout the film’s many DVD releases, there have been several different edits of the movie, cutting and adding various scenes. The film earned HK$60.7 million in Hong Kong, almost $8 million in U.S. dollars.It became the highest-grossing film in the region’s historyfor some time. Though the movie is notably outlandish, it generally has positive reviews from fans of the genre, and it has even been adapted into comic books.
9Big Trouble In Little China (1986)
Dir. John Carpenter
Kurt Russell stars in a rare comedydirected by famous horror director John Carpenter. In the film, Russell investigates the secret underground side of Chinatown to help save a friend’s kidnapped fiancé. The film draws influences from the martial arts films that were popular at the time, including theirdramatic fight scenes and vague ideas of cultural mysticism. It does subvert those films, however, by having the white character (Russell) be more bumbling and foolish than his Asian counterpart (Dennis Dun). Kim Cattrall stars alongside Russell and Dun.
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The movie grossed $11.1 million in North America at its release, making it a failure against its estimated $25 million budget. Though the film received poor critical reception,it has become a cult classic. The movie is filled with high-energy action sequences and tropes that both exemplify and subvert the lower-budget kung fu B-movies that audiences grew to love, making for a funny and entertaining watch.
8Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
Dir. Dennis Dugan
Beverly Hills NinjastarsSaturday Night Livecomedian Chris Farleyas an orphaned white boy who is raised by ninjas. Though he never quite conforms or becomes a full ninja, he accepts his new life. He goes to Beverly Hills to help investigate a murder. The film’shumor hinges on the visual gag that Farley is out-of-shapeand unable to do stunts, making it a relatively simple film with lots of rewatchable funny moments. Although his technique is poor, Farley practices a vague and indistinct form of martial arts.
The movie received generally negative reviews, with a major criticism being its main joke wears off quickly. However, audiences still appreciate Farley’s performance, which is notably heartfelt and funny. The film was his last before his death later that year. The movie is a loose spoof of filmsBeverly Hills CopandAmerican Ninja, which premiered over a decade earlier.
7The Foot Fist Way (2008)
Dir. Jody Hill
InThe Foot Fist Way, comedian Danny McBride stars as Fred Simmons, a martial arts instructor in North Carolina. The black comedy filmfocuses more on character development than stunts,relying heavily on McBride’s performance. While the story and jokes are relatively simple with a few outlandishly raunchy gags, the film is undeniably a comedic take on the genre. It also started a trend of playing anti-heroes in McBride’s career.
In the film, McBride practices Taekwondo, though the film is a parody of other kung fu films.
Despite some guerilla marketing, including an in-character appearance onLate Night with Conan O’Brien, the film was ultimately not a hit. The film has middling reviews, including a 54% on Rotten Tomatoes. Although on a mere $79,000 budget,the film proved successful, grossing $245,000. Despite all this, the film does satisfy the genres of both martial arts and comedy.
6Kung Fury (2015)
Dir. David Sandberg
The film stars the director and writer David Sandberg as the titular Kung Fury, a Miami detective. After being struck by lightning and bitten by a snake, Kung Fury receives extraordinary kung fu powers. The movie is a clear spoof of other kung fu and martial arts films and even has outlandish characters, withthe ridiculousness adding to the project’s charm. Notable cast members include David Hasselhoff andSNL’s Jorma Taccone.Kung Fury 2is set to have Arnold Schwarzeneggerstar, but the project remains in development.
At only 30 minutes, the unrated film is a featurette.It was initially a proof of concept work, with a goal of $1 million to produce a feature film. However, the goal went unmet, and a final project was never developed. Despite the requests for a full-length piece, the featurette was able to pack in a lot of comedic moments and premises in the short runtime. The fate of the feature-length sequel is uncertain. It was well-received by viewers and earned an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
5Shanghai Noon (2000)
Dir. Tom Dey
Shanghai Noonstars martial arts legend Jackie Chan as a Chinese Imperial Guard who crosses paths with an outlaw played by Owen Wilson. Together, they use guns and martial arts to help Chan rescue a kidnapped princess, with many slapstick elements and antics. The film is set in the American Old West andcreates comedy by juxtaposing the martial arts film tropes in a vastly different environment.
The title is a play on the classic 1952 Western filmHigh Noon.
The film was such a success that the duo reprised their roles for itssequel,Shanghai Knights, three years later. Part of the success of the movie was the prominence of the two lead actors. Though the film lacks at some points,Wilson and Chan’s chemistry, as well as Chan’s impressive stunt work, help make the movie memorable. Lucy Liu and Walton Goggins also star in the movie.
4Kung Phooey! (2003)
Dir. Darryl Fong
Kung Phooey!is the story of a monk who tries to find a version of the fountain of youth and the friends he makes on his way to Canada. The movie uses many kung fu film tropes, making fun of the genre while still honoring it.The film is considered a rebuttal of Asian typecasting in Hollywood. Michael Chow and Colman Domingo appear alongside the film’s director, writer, and star, Darryl Fong.
The titleKung Phooeyis inspired by a 1970s Hanna-Barbera cartoon calledHong Kong Phooey.
Kung Phooey!has the absurd nature of many other slapstick comedies with the added element of martial arts. The movie is an homage to all the kung fu films that came before it, sometimes using them to the point of exhaustion.The movie relies heavily on stereotypes and racial humor,which some find tiring and offensive over 20 years later. However, these moments and tropes drive the film’s comedy. It has a middling 53% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
3Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
Stephen Chow stars in his second martial arts comedy, which became even more successful thanShaolin Soccer. The movie focuses on gangs in 1940s China and the strength of the residents of a small housing complex.The movie is famous for its cartoonish special effectsand the caricature depiction of its characters. These brought humor to the film and made the moments of satire more apparent.
The Chinese release date was at the end of 2004, while it was released in the United States in January 2005.
The film had largely positive reviews when it was released, and was on the list ofhighest-grossing foreign-language filmsin the United States in 2005. The film was re-released in 3D for its tenth anniversary in 2014. Overall,Kung Fu Hustlegrossed $104.9 million on a $20 million budget, withKung Fu Hustle 2film in development.
2Kung Pow! Enter The Fist (2002)
Dir. Steve Oedekerk
Kung Pow! Enter The Fistis considered a prime martial arts comedy film, lampooning many of the tropes familiar with the genre. The film follows a martial arts master, played by Oedekerk, who seeks revenge for his parents' deaths, though with many comic complications and bits. The film has a poor critical reception, with a 13% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, its audience score is much higher at 69%, provingviewers appreciated the film’s novel take on the parody style, even setting it apart from other spoof films.
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The film not only makes fun of the genre, butuses direct footage from a 1976 Hong Kong martial arts film,Tiger & Crane Fists. Images of Oedekerk were digitally composited over the original footage, making it appear as if he is doing the stunts. The film is not a remake, as the shots are reordered to construct a new and unrelated storyline. The film also makes fun of poorly dubbed foreign films, parodying it extensively with additional voiceovers.
1Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Dir. Mark Osborne and John Stevenson
A DreamWorks production,Kung Fu Pandais an animated film following Po, a panda who is destined to become the Dragon Warrior and kung fu master. The film features the voices of Hollywood celebrities like Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, and David Cross. There are also appearances from actors who have already impacted the genre, including Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu. The animation style, coupled with the fun voices and gags,made the film a classic for audiences of all ages. Kung Fu Panda has since become a franchise with multiple films and specials.
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The main joke is similar toBeverly Hills Ninja, as an out-of-shape hero learns he is destined for great martial arts prowess. However, he learns more than just outer strength as hehones his appreciation for focus and discipline, teaching the audience a lesson as well. While the film does poke fun at otherkung fu movies, it is ultimately able to treat the martial arts genre with respect.
