Michelle Yeoh’s 10 Best Martial Arts Fight Scenes, Ranked

Michelle Yeoh‘s acting talents are matched by her remarkable martial arts skills, establishing her as one of cinema’s most formidable forces. Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Yeoh’s journey from Miss Malaysia 1983 to Hollywood sensation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite lacking formal martial arts training, her background in dance has allowed her to excel in the complex action scenes that have become her trademark. From her early roles in Hong Kong action films like Yes, Madam and Magnificent Warriors to her breakout performance in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Yeoh has consistently delivered stunning performances.

Her versatility is evident in the wide range of genres she has tackled, from the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies to the romantic drama Memoirs of a Geisha. However, it was her career-defining role in Everything Everywhere All at Once that solidified her status as a true icon of cinema, garnering her an Academy Award for Best Actress. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Michelle Yeoh continues to captivate audiences with her emotional depth, unparalleled martial arts abilities, and ageless grace.

10 The “Plug” Trophy Fight

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

In Everything Everywhere All at Once, Michelle Yeoh’s martial arts prowess shines through in the unforgettable Plug Fight scene. Choreographed by the renowned Le Brothers, this sequence showcases Yeoh’s incredible skill and the film’s audacious creativity. The fight’s outlandish premise, involving oversized IRS award trophies repurposed as unconventional weapons, perfectly encapsulates the movie’s absurdist multiverse concept. Yeoh’s agility and precision in navigating this bizarre scenario demonstrate her mastery of the craft, cementing her status as a legendary action star. The scene’s inventiveness and flawless execution make it a standout moment in a groundbreaking film that pushes the genre’s boundaries.

9 The Opening Fight

Royal Warriors (1986)

Royal Warriors has an opening fight scene that is a testament to Yeoh’s exceptional martial arts skills and the film’s elevated action choreography. Yeoh’s graceful yet fierce performance in this weapons duel sets the tone for her character and the movie’s intense, hard-hitting style. The scene’s well-crafted choreography by Hoe Mung allows Yeoh to showcase her elegance and precision, even amidst the film’s heightened brutality. While not quite reaching the pinnacle of Yeoh’s fight scenes, this opening sequence solidifies her status as a formidable martial artist and demonstrates the film’s commitment to delivering high-impact, memorable action.

8 Chun Vs. Flying Chimpanzee

Wing Chun (1994)

Michelle Yeoh’s climactic duel with Norman Chu stands out as a showcase of her martial arts versatility and the film’s inventive choreography. Directed by greatest martial arts director of all time, Yuen Woo Ping, and co-starring Donnie Yen, the movie allows Yeoh to portray the iconic martial artist Yim Wing Chun with a captivating blend of traditional choreography, weapons, and wirework. The final fight scene, while not heavily featuring the Wing Chun style itself, highlights Yeoh’s adaptability and skill as a performer. The scene’s creative elements and Yeoh’s commanding presence elevate it among her impressive body of work.

7 The Restaurant Fight

Police Story 3: Super Cop (1991)

The brief, but impactful restaurant fight scene in Police Story 3: Super Cop solidifies her status as an action star capable of matching Jackie Chan’s notable talents. The Jackie Chan martial arts franchise showcases Yeoh’s martial arts skills and screen presence, proving that she can hold her own alongside Chan in both fights and stunts. The scene’s concise choreography and Yeoh’s commanding execution leave a lasting impression in a limited timeframe. While not as extensive as some of her other fight scenes, this moment in Police Story 3: Super Cop reinforces Yeoh’s position as a top-tier action performer.

6 The Sword Fight In The Bar

Master Z: IP Man Legacy (2019)

Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, portrays Michelle Yeohl as Tso Ngan Kwan, a criminal syndicate leader seeking redemption, is elevated by her mesmerizing sword fight scene. Yeoh’s character navigates the complexities of protecting her impulsive younger brother while unleashing her martial arts mastery against those who stand in her way. What truly sets this sequence apart is Yeoh’s ability to inject a sense of playfulness into her performance, effortlessly executing intricate moves while balancing a full glass of water without spilling a single drop. This display of precision and control secures its position as one of her more captivating fights.

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5 The Final Fight Scene

Yes, Madam (1985)

A legendary partnership was born in Corey Yuen’s cult classic Yes, Madam, which marked Michelle Yeoh’s first starring role and introduced American action icon Cynthia Rothrock to the world. Yeoh’s portrayal of the fierce Inspector Ng showcases the grace and indomitable spirit that have become hallmarks of her illustrious career in martial arts cinema. The film’s climactic battle, set in a multi-level room with countless obstacles and adversaries, allows Yeoh and Rothrock to display their exceptional combat skills and choreography mastery. Yeoh’s fluid movements and Rothrock’s undeniable talent set the stage for her future success.

4 The Stilts Fight Scene

Tai Chi Master (1993)

Tai Chi Master’s stilts fight scene is an iconic moment that showcases Michelle Yeoh’s incredible versatility and creativity. Yeoh’s action-packed entrance immediately establishes her character’s unique blend of artistry and combat skill. The scene’s inventive choreography, particularly when Yeoh continues to fight while standing on stilts, highlights her flexibility and mastery of wire work. Co-starring alongside her good friend Jet Li, Yeoh’s performance in this scene demonstrates her ability to hold her own among the most talented martial artists in the industry. The stilts fight scene’s creativity and Yeoh’s commanding execution place it among her most memorable fight scenes.

3 The Rope Fight Scene

Magnificent Warriors (1987)

Magnificent Warriors features a mesmerizing fight scene that exemplifies Michelle Yeoh’s natural talent and adaptability as a martial artist, despite having no formal training prior to her film career. In this Hong Kong action-adventure, Yeoh portrays the Indiana Jones-esque character Fok Ming Ming, showcasing her versatility by wielding a whip with ease. However, it is her fight with a Rope Dart that truly sets this scene apart, demonstrating her ability to master intricate and challenging Chinese weapons with seemingly effortless poise. The fight scene’s complexity elevates it above many of her previous fight sequences, highlighting the film’s inventive choreography.

2 Drizzle Vs. The Wheel King

Reign of Assassins (2010)

Reign of Assassins showcases Michelle Yeoh’s exceptional martial arts skills in a fight scene between her character, Drizzle, and The Wheel King. The fight scene in question brilliantly encapsulates the film’s balance of action and humor, reminiscent of classic Hong Kong cinema. Yeoh’s performance in this sequence is nothing short of amazing, as she perfectly demonstrates the complex choreography and her ability to convey both the intensity and the subtle comedic elements of the scene. Yeoh’s unparalleled skill and the film’s overall impact on the genre, surpasses many of her previous action sequences in terms of both technique and entertainment.

1 Jen vs. Shu Lien Sword Fight

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon‘s breathtaking sword fight between Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi stands as an unrivaled masterpiece in martial arts cinema. This iconic scene, choreographed by the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping, showcases Yeoh’s skill and beautiful movements as she engages in a mesmerizing dance of blades. The fight’s intricate use of one of martial art’s best weapons and wushu techniques not only highlights Yeoh’s years of mastery, but also allows her to express the depth of her character’s emotions. Michelle Yeoh’s sword fight remains an enduring testament to the artistry of Chinese martial arts, setting a new standard in cinema.