1. 5 Fingers of Death:  Also known as King Boxer. This maybe the movie that started the kung fu craze of the early 70s. This was one of the early releases that gained a huge cult following. Lo Lieh plays the hero who learns the deadly Iron Palm technique. Lo Lieh ironically was more known later playing villian roles ie: White browed priest: Pai Mei. It was innovative and fresh for it’s time. It introduced to the American audiences of the template we soon grew to love: rival kung fu schools, the atrocious dubbing, deadly kung fu techniques, mysterious villians, and cheesy special effects.

 
 
2. Enter the Dragon: This was Bruce Lee’s last completed film before his tragic death in 1973. Though some may argue this isn’t Bruce’s best film, this had such a cinematic impression that wasn’t forgotten. Plot is nicely intertwined between east and west. It took the elements of Bond and Hong Kong action and gave us a Waaa-daaaah! It also feautured a kick ass soundtrack by Lalo Schifrin. Jim Kelly in some ways stole the movie with his side role as ‘Williams.’ Other notable martial arts stars that were feautured in cameo roles: Sammo Hung (Fights Bruce in the opening credits) Angela Mao (flashback scene) Jackie Chan (Han’s henchman) and Bolo. John Saxon who went on to play in many character roles ie: Nightmare on Elm Street. 

 
 
3. 36th Chamber of Shaolin: Or better known to most as Master Killer. This is known as the holy grail of Shaolin Kung Fu movies! Brilliantly directed by Lau Kar Leung, or Lui Chia Liang. It starred Gordon Lui a real life disciple of Lau and gave him his well known signature role as the bald head priest. This was Gordon’s first major starring role as he learns the essence of life and not just martial arts from the infamous Shaolin Temple. This film boats some of the best training sequences ever put on film! 

 
 
4. Five Deadly Venoms: This is the well known cult classic of the late 70’s from the great Shaw Brothers studios! Another masterpiece by Chang Cheh who showcases 5 great acrobatic martial artists mainly from Taiwan. What gave this film it’s flair is the creative kung fu styles and plot. A young student is giving a mission from his dying Sifu to find his former 5 students from the infamous Poison Clan. The task is even more difficult when their styles are kept hidden and he doesn’t even know their real names or faces. A true gem!

 
5. Fist of Legend: Jet Li’s masterpiece is a loose remake of Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury. Jet plays Bruce’s character of Chen Zhen who after coming to his Sifu’s funeral doesn’t believe of his documented Sifu’s death. Jet takes on the Japenese in this action pact film! This boats magnificent cheorography by the great Yuen Woo Ping. A must see and set the bar once again in cheoragraphy.
 
There are others but these had a huge impact on the movie industry and culturly. 
 
Honorable mention: The Matrix, Iron Monkey, 3 Evil Masters and The Victim

BY MAJID AFAYEE