An Under-Appreciated Martial Arts Masterpiece Is on Its Way to Hulu

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February brings a wave of new movies and TV shows to streaming services, and martial arts fans have a lot to look forward to. Hulu, in particular, is adding both popular titles and hidden gems, including the classic Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon and another under-the-radar masterpiece.

Though it might not be as famous as martial arts classics like Enter the Dragon or Ip Man, or even some of Jackie Chan’s films, Kung Fu Hustle from 2004 is a fantastic movie. Created by Stephen Chow – he starred in, directed, produced, and co-wrote it – this Chinese film uniquely combines martial arts action with hilarious comedy, creating a truly brilliant gangster story. You can stream it on Hulu starting February 1st.

Kung Fu Hustle Perfectly Mixes Action, Comedy, and a Great Story

This film, set in 1940s Shanghai, centers on two wannabe gangsters, Sing and Bone, who get in over their heads when they try to scam people by pretending to be part of a powerful gang. Captured by the real criminals, they’re given a chance to prove their worth, but they comically fail. Their misadventures lead to a bigger discovery that completely changes the situation, sending Sing on a journey of self-discovery where he learns the importance of community, what true leadership looks like, and who the real enemies are. While the story – a small-time crook aiming for greatness who realizes doing good is better – is simple, it’s told so well, and the action is so exciting, that it’s a highly enjoyable film from beginning to end.

Let me tell you, the action in Kung Fu Hustle is phenomenal – genuinely thrilling, but with a delightful sense of humor. It leans into cartoonish territory at times, and it works. There’s a sequence where Sing gets stabbed, bitten by snakes, and chased by the Landlady, all before breakfast! But even with all the over-the-top silliness, there’s a surprising amount of heart. Watching Sing develop his skills, and discovering the hidden depths of characters like the Landlady and her husband… it elevates what could have been a simple martial arts romp into something truly special. And audiences and critics clearly agreed – it boasts a fantastic 90% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences right behind at 89%. It’s baffling that this film has remained somewhat under the radar for so long, but thankfully it’s now streaming on Hulu, and I urge everyone to finally check it out.

Kung Fu Hustle arrives on Hulu February 1st.

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2026-01-28 19:12