Every Ip Man Movie Ranked Worst To Best

2008's Ip Man didn't just spawn a decade-spanning franchise — it turned the eponymous historical figure into a true legend, putting him on par with his most famous disciple in the eyes of many. It had the same effect on Donnie Yen himself. He joined the likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li as an internationally renowned martial arts movie star with Ip Man, which came out of nowhere to blow the minds of critics the world over. "The action is enthralling," Empire magazine said, while Time Out praised the "engaging Seven Samurai-style storyline."

The first and best Ip Man film begins in the late 1930s, on the eve of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Ip Man isn't yet the Wing Chun master he's destined to become known as, preferring to practice his kung fu in private. When Japanese forces invade and occupy his hometown, however, he begins teaching the locals his techniques so that they can defend themselves against the foreign intruders. When one Japanese general sees Ip Man's skill in combat, he attempts to coerce him into teaching his troops, but Ip Man, of course, refuses, challenging the general to a fight instead. With his pride and his people at stake, the future grandmaster goes full beast mode, delivering a brutal beatdown that inspires his neighbors to revolt.

As a kung fu flick, Ip Man has everything. Not only is it the best movie about the Wing Chun legend, it's among the best martial arts movies, period.