Movies Like Once Upon a Time in Shanghai

If you liked Once Upon a Time in Shanghai (2014), a action and crime movie directed by Wong Ching-Po, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Martial Arts of Shaolin (1986)
★ 6.3/10Also action
In ancient China, Zhi Ming trains at the legendary Northern Shaolin temple to avenge the death of his father at the hands of a nefarious magistrate.
2
Shaolin Wooden Men (1976)
★ 6.8/10Also action
Little Mute is an orphan traumatized into silence by the death of his father at the hands of a vicious fighting master. Living at the Shaolin monastery, he befriends a dangerous prisoner who teaches him a secret form…
3
Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1985)
★ 6.3/10Also action
Monk San Te tries to support and protect Shaolin and her Fang Shih-yu who purposely attacks corrupt Ching officials.
4
Kung Fu Jungle (2014)
★ 6.8/10Also action and crime
A martial arts instructor working at a police academy gets imprisoned after killing a man by accident. But when a vicious killer starts targeting martial arts masters, the instructor offers to help the police in return…
5
Tai Chi Zero (2012)
★ 6/10Also action
In legendary Chen Village, everyone is a martial arts master, using their powerful Chen Style Tai Chi in all aspects of their lives. Lu Chan has arrived to train, but the villagers are forbidden to teach Chen Style to…
6
Kids from Shaolin (1984)
★ 6.2/10Also action
Romance blossoms between two rival families practicing Shaolin and Wudang kungfu respectively. despite familial opposition - until they overcome a gang of scheming bandits together.
7
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
★ 6.9/10Also action
This film is a glimpse into the life, love and the unconquerable spirit of the legendary Bruce Lee. From a childhood of rigorous martial arts training, Lee realizes his dream of opening his own kung-fu school in…
8
The Karate Kid (2010)
★ 6.6/10Also action
12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying but the cultural differences make such…
9
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
★ 7.3/10Also action
Chosen by prophecy but doubted by all, Po is an unlikely choice for the mystical title of the Dragon Warrior—a clumsy panda thrust into the world of kung fu as a deadly enemy threatens the Valley of Peace. Under…
10
Dick Tracy (1990)
★ 6.2/10Also crime
The comic strip detective finds his life vastly complicated when Breathless Mahoney makes advances towards him while he is trying to battle Big Boy Caprice's united mob.
11
Firestorm (2013)
★ 6.1/10Also action and crime
Hong Kong. When Cao Nan and his group of thieves rob an armored car in broad daylight, they don't hesitate to murder innocent people on the run. Lui Ming Chit, a veteran police inspector, is forced to use sinister…
12
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016)
★ 6.2/10Also action
A story of lost love, young love, a legendary sword and one last opportunity at redemption.
13
The Four 3 (2014)
★ 6.1/10Also action and crime
The reputation of the Four constables survives, but since Emotionless’s departure, there have been changes at the Divine Constabulary. The four Coldblood, Iron Hands, Life Snatcher, rescue Zhuge Zhengwo from An…
14
How to Rob a Bank (2007)
★ 5.8/10Also action and crime
Caught in the middle of a bank robbery, a slacker and a bank employee become the ones who arbitrate the intense situation.
15
Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
★ 7/10Also action
After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his…
16
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006)
★ 6.2/10Also action
It is the story of an average, popular American teenager named Wendy Wu who discovers that in order to win the coveted crown she must first learn the way of the warrior. Wendy Wu has a one track mind, and that track…
17
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
★ 7.4/10Also action
Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically-skilled, teenage nobleman's daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life.
18
The Paper Tigers (2020)
★ 6.7/10Also action
Three middle aged men polish their martial arts skills to avenge their fallen master.
19
Shaolin Temple (1982)
★ 7/10Also action
The Tang emperor is betrayed by one of his generals, who installs himself as emperor in the East Capital. The son of one of his slave workers escapes to the Shaolin Temple, learns kung fu, and sets out to kill the…
20
The Big Shot (2019)
★ 6.2/10Also action and crime
A car fixer jumps off stairs after illegal demolition. Police officer tries to find the crime and catch the evil boss.