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.
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.
Custom Image by Ana Nieves
Stephen Chow
Directed by and starring Stephen Chow,Shaolin Soccerisa sports comedy film with a kung fu element.
Though dated, audiences often find comfort in the movie’s over-the-top computer graphics and unbelievable soccer moves.
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 friends kidnapped fiance.
Kim Cattrall stars alongside Russell and Dun.
Though the film received poor critical reception,it has become a cult classic.
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.
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 Farleys 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.
The black comedy filmfocuses more on character development than stunts,relying heavily on McBride’s performance.
It also started a trend of playing anti-heroes in McBrides career.
In the film, McBride practices Taekwondo, though the film is a parody of other kung fu films.
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.
After being struck by lightning and bitten by a snake, Kung Fury receives extraordinary kung fu powers.
However, the goal went unmet, and a final project was never developed.
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.
The title is a play on the classic 1952 Western filmHigh Noon.
Part of the success of the movie was the prominence of the two lead actors.
Lucy Liu and Walton Goggins also star in the movie.
4Kung Phooey!
(2003)
Dir.
Michael Chow and Colman Domingo appear alongside the films 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.
However, these moments and tropes drive the film’s comedy.
It has a middling 53% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
These brought humor to the film and made the moments of satire more apparent.
The film was re-released in 3D for its tenth anniversary in 2014.
2Kung Pow!
Enter The Fist (2002)
Dir.
Steve Oedekerk
Kung Pow!
The film has a poor critical reception, with a 13% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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.
There are also appearances from actors who have already impacted the genre, including Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu.
Kung Fu Panda has since become a franchise with multiple films and specials.
The Kung Fu Panda franchise is one of the most successful animated franchises ever.
Here’s how to watch every installment after diving in.
