How to watch

Once Upon a Time in China Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Once Upon a Time in China movies in order

Last updated: October 4 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

Once Upon a Time in China is a landmark martial arts series that made Jet Li a global star as folk hero Wong Fei-hung. With multiple sequels and a cast change along the way, a watch order guide keeps the saga straight.

Directed largely by Tsui Hark, the Once Upon a Time in China series reimagines the legendary martial artist and physician Wong Fei-hung against the backdrop of late 19th-century China. Jet Li's iconic performance and groundbreaking action choreography turned the franchise into a defining pillar of Hong Kong cinema.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order lets you follow Wong Fei-hung's adventures as the series expanded across the early 1990s.

  1. Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
  2. Once Upon a Time in China II (1992)
  3. Once Upon a Time in China III (1993)
  4. Once Upon a Time in China IV (1993)
  5. Once Upon a Time in China V (1994)
  6. Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997)

The films are largely episodic adventures of the same hero, so the chronological order follows the release sequence.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Each entry presents a new chapter in Wong Fei-hung's life, so story chronology matches the order the films were released.

  1. Once Upon a Time in China (1991)
  2. Once Upon a Time in China II (1992)
  3. Once Upon a Time in China III (1993)
  4. Once Upon a Time in China IV (1993)
  5. Once Upon a Time in China V (1994)
  6. Once Upon a Time in China and America (1997)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Begin with the 1991 original and follow the series in release order. The first three Jet Li films are the heart of the saga and feature its best action, while parts IV and V see Vincent Zhao take over the role before Li returns for the America-set finale. Newcomers can comfortably start at the top and enjoy one of martial arts cinema's finest achievements.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • Ip Man Watch OrderGuide
  • The Raid Watch OrderGuide
  • Police Story Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!