When you think of martial arts in movies, Bruce Lee and the iconic martial arts genre usually come to mind. But what if we told you that some of Hollywood's most thrilling action-packed films feature lead actors who are real-life martial arts experts?
These actors bring authenticity to their roles, making every punch, kick, and flip feel incredibly real—even when the movie itself isn’t about martial arts.
Here’s a deep dive into the Top 10 Non-Martial Arts Movies That Shine, where the stars' martial arts skills took the action to a whole new level.
1. John Wick (2014) - Keanu Reeves
You might know him as the unrelenting assassin John Wick, but did you know Keanu Reeves is a martial arts powerhouse in real life? Reeves underwent intensive training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and Krav Maga to prepare for this role. His commitment to mastering these disciplines made the movie’s slick gun-fu sequences not just visually stunning, but also physically authentic. It’s no wonder John Wick set a new bar for action films.
2. The Matrix (1999) - Keanu Reeves
Long before he became the Baba Yaga, Reeves blew minds as Neo in The Matrix. The film’s groundbreaking fight scenes weren’t just the result of clever choreography; Reeves immersed himself in kung fu, wushu, and jiu-jitsu to bring these scenes to life. His dedication to martial arts training is what gave The Matrix its iconic status, blending the futuristic with the fiercely physical.
3. The Transporter (2002) - Jason Statham
Known for his tough-guy roles, Jason Statham isn’t just acting—he’s fighting for real. In The Transporter, Statham’s background in kickboxing, karate, and Wing Chun kung fu shines through, as he performs most of his own stunts. Whether he’s taking down foes in high-speed chases or intricate hand-to-hand combat, Statham’s martial arts expertise gives the film a gritty, realistic edge that few action stars can match.
4. Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) - Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise might be known for his daring stunts, but his role in Mission: Impossible – Fallout takes it to another level. To prepare for Ethan Hunt’s close-quarters combat scenes, Cruise trained in Wing Chun kung fu and Filipino Kali. These disciplines focus on quick, efficient movements that make the film’s intense action sequences all the more believable. Cruise’s willingness to learn and execute these techniques himself is what keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
5. The Dark Knight (2008) - Christian Bale
Christian Bale’s portrayal of Batman is nothing short of iconic, and a big part of that is his realistic approach to combat. Bale trained in the Keysi Fighting Method (KFM), a style designed for close-quarters, real-world situations. This method involves using natural body movements and quick, brutal strikes, which gave Batman’s fight scenes a raw, visceral feel that set them apart from typical superhero fare.
6. Atomic Blonde (2017) - Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron is no stranger to action roles, but her performance in Atomic Blonde took things to a whole new level. To convincingly portray MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton, Theron trained in judo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The result? Some of the most intense, bone-crunching fight scenes ever put to film. Theron’s ability to execute complex martial arts moves made her character both formidable and believable.
7. Haywire (2011) - Gina Carano
Gina Carano isn’t just playing a fighter—she is one. The former MMA star brought her real-world skills in Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and boxing to the big screen in Haywire. The film’s fight scenes are as close to reality as you can get in Hollywood, thanks to Carano’s expertise. She performed most of her own stunts, making her character’s brutal efficiency in combat utterly convincing.
8. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie’s role as Lara Croft required more than just a knack for action; it demanded serious combat skills. Jolie trained extensively in kickboxing and Krav Maga, a martial art known for its focus on real-world self-defense. This training allowed Jolie to perform action scenes with a level of intensity and authenticity that redefined what it meant to be a female action hero at the time.
9. The Equalizer (2014) - Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of martial arts, but his performance in The Equalizer is a masterclass in understated lethality. Washington trained in Filipino Kali and Jeet Kune Do, focusing on close-quarters combat and weapon defense. His portrayal of a retired black ops operative is all the more chilling because you believe he really could take out a room full of bad guys with nothing but a corkscrew.
10. Red Sparrow (2018) - Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence’s role in Red Sparrow required a deep dive into the world of espionage and hand-to-hand combat. To prepare, Lawrence trained in Russian Systema—a martial art used by Russian special forces—as well as ballet. While the film’s focus is more on psychological tension than physical confrontation, Lawrence’s martial arts training lent credibility to her portrayal of a spy capable of both deception and deadly precision.
These movies prove that martial arts expertise isn’t just for the traditional martial arts genre. Whether it’s high-octane action, espionage thrillers, or superhero blockbusters, the real-life combat skills of these actors bring an unmatched level of authenticity and intensity to their roles. Next time you watch one of these films, you’ll know that the punches thrown and the moves executed are more than just acting—they’re the real deal.