Release OrderRecommended
0 / 7 watchedRelease order is story order. The TV series slots between part V and the America finale by airdate.
Jet Li era
- 1 Once Upon a Time in China Tsui Hark launches the series. Jet Li debuts as Wong Fei-hung.
- 2 Once Upon a Time in China II Wong crosses paths with revolutionary Sun Yat-sen. Donnie Yen co-stars.
- 3 Once Upon a Time in China III Lion dance competition plot. Third and final Li film of the original run.
Vincent Zhao era
- 4 Once Upon a Time in China IV Vincent Zhao takes over the lead. Directed by Yuen Bun.
- 5 Once Upon a Time in China V Zhao returns with Tsui Hark back in the director's chair.
- 6 Wong Fei Hung Series TV series with Zhao as Wong. A retelling rather than a sequel, so it is optional.
Jet Li returns
- 7 Once Upon a Time in China and America Jet Li returns with Sammo Hung co-directing. Wong travels to the American West.
By Leading Man
0 / 7 watchedSame films grouped by leading man, for viewers deciding whether to watch both eras.
Jet Li era
- 1 Once Upon a Time in China The classic trilogy that made the series famous.
- 2 Once Upon a Time in China II Often ranked the best of the series.
- 3 Once Upon a Time in China III Closes Li's original run.
Vincent Zhao era
- 4 Once Upon a Time in China IV New lead, same continuity. Skip these only if you want the Li films alone.
- 5 Once Upon a Time in China V Direct continuation of part IV.
- 6 Wong Fei Hung Series Optional TV retelling with Zhao.
Jet Li returns
- 7 Once Upon a Time in China and America Li's farewell to the role.
About Once Upon a Time in China
Tsui Hark built this six film series around folk hero Wong Fei-hung, with Jet Li starring in the first three films and Vincent Zhao taking over for parts four and five.
Release order matches story order, and Li returns for the 1997 finale, which moves the action to America.
Good to know
Part III opened in Taiwan in December 1992 before its Hong Kong release in February 1993. No new films have been announced, so the saga stands complete at six films and one TV series.
