7. "Ip Man" (2008)

Ip Man, who died in Hong Kong, aged 79, was the first kung fu master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun openly. His most famous student was Bruce Lee. However, for a long time, his life story was unknown to most Chinese people. Hong Kong director Wilson Yip and kung fu star Donnie Yen filled the void with "Ip Man." The action-filled movie describes how the kung fu master resisted Japanese rule in his southern Chinese hometown during World War II. It hosts the most exciting and jaw-dropping fight scenes in cinematic history, while inspiring Chinese patriotism. Yen later starred in three sequels for this popular franchise, growing more depth for his character while fighting dazzlingly with different villains, including a character played by boxer Mike Tyson. "Ip Man" became not only a cinema hit and classic but also a kung fu textbook in the new century, promoting Chinese culture and martial arts spirit all over the world.