6 taekwondo films, from Best of the Best to Tae Guk Gi, each with director, cast and where to watch.
For each of the 6 titles you get the director, the cast worth knowing about and the platforms that currently carry it. We put them in the order that made sense to us as taekwondo viewing, not by ratings or takings, and the questions at the foot of the page cover the rest.
If you are working through the subject more broadly, we keep the same kind of list for taekwondo books and taekwondo podcasts.
Best Taekwondo Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Best of the Best (1989)
- Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)
- Fight to the Finish (2016)
- Fighter in the Wind (2004)
- Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
- Spin Kick (2004)
#1 Best of the Best (1989)
- 🎬 Directed by: Robert Radler
- 🌟 Starring: Eric Roberts, Phillip Rhee, James Earl Jones, Sally Kirkland
Best of the Best is a martial arts film that centers around a team of American Taekwondo fighters as they prepare for an epic international competition against a formidable Korean team.
Dealing with personal struggles and team dynamics, they must overcome their challenges to work together and fight for national pride. With heart-pumping fight scenes and an underlying theme of brotherhood, Best of the Best embodies the spirit of Taekwondo and martial arts as forms of personal and collective expression.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
#2 Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)
- 🎬 Directed by: Kang Je-gyu
- 🌟 Starring: Jang Dong-gun, Won Bin, Lee Eun-ju
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War is a gripping South Korean war drama that tells the story of two brothers drafted into the military during the Korean War. While not a Taekwondo movie per se, it powerfully portrays the human drama of families and individuals torn apart by the ravages of war.
With intense combat scenes and an emotional narrative, the film explores the bonds of family and the harrowing realities of conflict, showcasing the struggles of the human spirit in times of war.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
#3 Fight to the Finish (2016)
- 🎬 Directed by: Warren Sheppard
- 🌟 Starring: Jennifer Hale, Tonya Kay, Caleb Smith
Fight to the Finish is an action-packed romantic drama in which a young amateur fighter finds himself at odds with a rival fighter over the heart of a woman. He is thrust into a world of MMA, where he must not only battle his opponents in the cage but also fight for love and personal growth.
The film offers a blend of martial arts combat, including Taekwondo techniques, and a story of passion and determination, resonating with fight enthusiasts and fans of sports dramas alike.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Vudu
#4 Fighter in the Wind (2004)
- 🎬 Directed by: Yang Yun-ho
- 🌟 Starring: Yang Dong-geun, Aya Hirayama, Masaya Kato
Fighter in the Wind is a South Korean action film based on the life of Choi Bae-dal (later known as Masutatsu Oyama), a legendary Korean martial artist who founded Kyokushin Karate.
The film follows his journey from Korea to Japan during the post-war era, chronicling his challenges, training, and ultimate rise as a martial arts icon. Though primarily focused on the development of Kyokushin Karate, the movie showcases Choi Bae-dal’s early experiences in Korea, including his training in Taekwondo, depicting the discipline and spirit of martial arts.
Where to watch: YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
#5 Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
- 🎬 Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
- 🌟 Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman
Olympus Has Fallen is an action-thriller film featuring Gerard Butler as Mike Banning, a former Presidential guard who finds himself trapped inside the White House during a terrorist attack.
Using his training and skills, including Taekwondo, Banning engages in intense combat sequences to save the President and prevent national catastrophe. The film offers a fast-paced, high-stakes storyline filled with close combat and tactical maneuvers, showcasing Banning’s prowess in martial arts, including Taekwondo techniques.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#6 Spin Kick (2004)
- 🎬 Directed by: Nam Sang-guk
- 🌟 Starring: Kim Dong-wan, Hyun Bin, Jo An
Spin Kick is a South Korean martial arts film that centers around a group of high school students and a former soccer player who come together to form a Taekwondo team.
Facing various personal struggles and with the school’s reputation on the line, the team members must overcome their differences and individual challenges. The film not only highlights the physical aspects of Taekwondo training and competition but also delves into the growth, camaraderie, and life lessons learned through the discipline of martial arts.
Where to watch: Apple TV
Understand the roots and evolution of this martial art by reading about taekwondo history.
FAQ
What is the best Taekwondo movie of all time?
“The Best of the Best” (1989) is the best Taekwondo movie of all time, featuring a U.S. team facing Korea in a world martial arts tournament.
What are some good Taekwondo movies?
“Fighter in the Wind” (2004), “Taekwondo” (2016), and “The Kick” (2011) are good Taekwondo movies, showcasing exceptional martial arts action and Taekwondo philosophy.
What Taekwondo movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Taekwondo movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are scarce, but related content like “Cobra Kai” offers martial arts entertainment, highlighting different combat styles. Please check Netflix for the latest offerings as their library constantly changes.
