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Best Sheng Ding Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Welcome to a curated selection celebrating the cinematic achievements of Sheng Ding! This list highlights some of his most memorable performances and films, showcasing his range as an actor and the diverse projects he's been a part of. From action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas, each movie offers a unique glimpse into the talent that has captivated audiences worldwide. Prepare to embark on a journey through Sheng Ding's filmography, filled with compelling characters and unforgettable stories. Now, it's your turn to weigh in! We want to know your definitive ranking of the best Sheng Ding movies. Use the drag-and-drop feature to reorder the films below, placing your absolute favorites at the top and those you enjoyed the least towards the bottom. Share your personal list and let us see which Sheng Ding films resonate with you the most!
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#7.
A Better Tomorrow 2018 (2018)
7/10
...
Sheng Ding’s *A Better Tomorrow 2018* earns its place among his best works for its bold reinterpretation of an undisputed classic, showcasing the director’s signature style of grounded, modern action. Taking on John Woo’s iconic 1986 heroic bloodshed masterpiece was a monumental task, yet Sheng Ding skillfully avoids simple imitation. Instead, he strips away the romanticized, slow-motion gun-fu of the original and replaces it with his trademark grit and visceral realism. The film translates the timeless themes of loyalty, honor, and brotherhood into a contemporary Mainland China setting, anchoring the narrative with a raw and immediate intensity. It’s a quintessential Sheng Ding film, where the emotional stakes of the characters’ relationships feel just as impactful and dangerous as the explosive, hard-hitting action sequences he orchestrates so masterfully. Beyond the stylistic update, the film is a testament to Sheng Ding’s strength as a character-driven storyteller within the action genre. The heart of the movie lies in the fractured bond between the three protagonists, and he dedicates ample time to exploring the emotional weight of their choices and betrayals. The action, while thrilling and expertly choreographed—from intense dockside shootouts to a climactic boat chase—never overshadows the human drama. It serves to heighten the tension and consequences of the story, rather than existing for pure spectacle. By successfully crafting a film that honors the spirit of the original while standing firmly on its own as a modern crime thriller, Sheng Ding proves his confidence and vision, making *A Better Tomorrow 2018* an essential and defining entry in his filmography.
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Little Big Soldier (2010)
#11.0Set during the chaotic Warring States period of ancient China, *Little Big Soldier* tells the story of a simple farmer (Jackie Chan) forced into conscription for the state of Liang. A born survivor, he has been looking to get out of the army ever since, mastering the art of playing dead to avoid fighting. His great chance arrives after a brutal battle when he stumbles upon a wounded, high-ranking general (Wang Leehom) from the enemy state of Wei. Seeing his ticket home, the farmer kidnaps the proud young general, intending to claim the reward for his capture, which includes five "mu" of land and, most importantly, an honorable discharge from the army. What ensues is an arduous and comedic road trip, as the two mismatched captives form an unlikely bond while trying to survive the harsh landscape and evade those who want the general dead. This film is a quintessential entry on any list of "Best Ding Sheng Movies" because it showcases the director's unique ability to blend visceral action with heartfelt character drama. While Ding Sheng is known for his gritty, modern action thrillers, *Little Big Soldier* demonstrates his incredible versatility. Working from a script Jackie Chan had developed for decades, Ding Sheng masterfully balances slapstick comedy with a poignant anti-war message, grounding the film's epic scope in the touching relationship between its two leads. His direction elevates what could have been a simple action-comedy into a moving story about humanity and survival, making it not only a standout in Jackie Chan's later career but also a testament to Ding Sheng's skill as a storyteller who can deliver both spectacle and substance.
Saving Mr. Wu (2015)
#22.0Based on the shocking 2004 real-life celebrity kidnapping in China, *Saving Mr. Wu* is a taut and relentlessly suspenseful crime thriller. The film follows Mr. Wu (played by legendary actor Andy Lau), a Hong Kong movie star who is brazenly abducted from a Beijing nightclub by a crew of unpredictable criminals disguised as police officers. As Mr. Wu uses his wits and composure to negotiate for his life, the real police, led by a pair of determined captains, embark on a frantic, 20-hour race against time to track down the kidnappers before they execute their victim. While Andy Lau's central performance is the film's anchor, *Saving Mr. Wu* is a definitive entry on any list of Sheng Ding's best movies for his outstanding supporting role as Captain Xing Feng. Sheng Ding brings a grounded, world-weary authenticity to the lead investigator, perfectly embodying the grit and methodical determination of a real-life detective under immense pressure. He eschews action-hero theatrics for a compellingly realistic portrayal of police work, making the investigation feel urgent and believable. His commanding presence and nuanced performance are crucial to the film's success, providing a steady, compelling counterpoint to the volatile drama of the kidnapping and solidifying the movie as a showcase for his exceptional talent as an ensemble actor.
Underdog Knight (2008)
#33.0Based on the provided plot summary, here is a two-paragraph description for "Underdog Knight (2008)" explaining its place on a list of best Ding Sheng movies: In *Underdog Knight*, Liu Ye delivers a memorable performance as Lao San, a former marine who is a master of Kung Fu but possesses a simple, almost childlike intelligence. Guided by a rigid and unwavering sense of justice learned during his military service, his life takes an unexpected turn when he lands a job as a bodyguard for a wealthy antique collector. It is in this new role that the naive but highly skilled fighter stumbles upon his boss's sinister plot to rob the National Art Museum, forcing the unassuming hero to rely on his powerful combat skills and unshakable moral compass to thwart the elaborate heist. The film is an essential entry on any list of the best Ding Sheng movies because it is a foundational work that perfectly showcases the director's burgeoning style and thematic interests. Ding Sheng established his distinct voice by blending gritty, kinetic action with offbeat, character-driven comedy, a formula he would later refine in films like *Little Big Soldier*. *Underdog Knight* is a prime example of his focus on the flawed but honorable protagonist, the "underdog" who rises to the occasion. The film's unique energy, memorable central character, and distinctive action sequences set the stage for Ding Sheng's career as one of modern China's most recognizable action directors.
Police Story: Lockdown (2013)
#44.0In this gritty reboot of the famed franchise, veteran detective Zhong Wen (Jackie Chan) walks into a trap when visiting a fortified nightclub to meet his estranged daughter. The evening takes a dark turn when a man looking for the release of a long-time prisoner takes Zhong, his daughter, and a group of strangers hostage. Trapped inside the labyrinthine club, Zhong must rely on his wits and experience to uncover the captor's true motives, which are deeply connected to a case from his past. The film eschews the series' trademark action-comedy for a tense, claustrophobic narrative driven by suspense and high personal stakes. *Police Story: Lockdown* is an essential film on a list of Sheng Ding's best work because it showcases his masterful ability to deconstruct and reinvent a classic property. As the director, Sheng strips the franchise of its familiar elements and rebuilds it as a dark, character-driven psychological thriller. His direction is paramount in creating the film's oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere, using the single location to amplify tension and focus on the raw, dramatic performances he pulls from his cast, particularly Chan. Sheng's vision for brutal, grounded combat over acrobatic stunts gives the film a visceral weight, proving his talent for blending high-stakes action with genuine emotional depth and making it a standout example of his distinct directorial style.
Underdog Knight 2 (2011)
#55.0In *Underdog Knight 2: He-Man*, Liu Ye returns to his celebrated role as Lao San, a retired Marine whose past brain injury has left him with a Forrest Gump-like innocence and an unshakeable sense of justice. Living in his own world of simple optimism, Lao San once again takes to the streets as a dedicated vigilante, confronting anyone he deems a "bad guy" with his own brand of straightforward, forceful righteousness. The 2011 sequel raises the stakes and expands his world, introducing a compelling love interest portrayed by 2007 Miss World champion Zhang Zilin, while Vincent Chiao and Yoo Seung-jun join the cast to amplify the film's high-octane action and criminal intrigue. This film is a quintessential entry for a list of "Best Sheng Ding Movies" as it is a signature work from its actual director, **Ding Sheng**. The list name appears to be a reversal of his name, a common error. Ding Sheng is one of modern China's premier action directors, known for his gritty, kinetic style and his focus on "tough guy" (硬汉, or *Yìng Hàn*) protagonists who operate on a distinct moral code. *Underdog Knight 2* is a perfect showcase of this vision, blending bone-crunching fight choreography with the surprisingly heartfelt story of a simple-minded hero. The film's ability to balance explosive action with dark humor and a compelling, unconventional protagonist makes it a defining and accessible example of Ding Sheng's powerful contribution to Chinese action cinema.
Railroad Tigers (2016)
#66.0Based on the description provided and the film's director, here is a two-paragraph description for "Railroad Tigers (2016)" for the list "Best Sheng Ding Movies": In 1941 China, a humble railroad worker named Ma Yuan (Jackie Chan) leads a team of freedom fighters against the Japanese in order to get food for the poor. This ragtag group, known as the "Railroad Tigers," uses their intimate knowledge of the railway to ambush trains and disrupt enemy supply lines. The film is less a gritty war drama and more a rollicking action-comedy, blending spectacular, large-scale train-based stunts with Chan's signature brand of physical humor and fight choreography, as the unlikely heroes plan their most daring mission yet: to blow up a crucial military bridge. As a standout film from director Ding Sheng, *Railroad Tigers* is an essential entry on a list of his best work. It showcases his remarkable versatility, moving away from the harder-edged tone of his crime thrillers like *Saving Mr. Wu* to deliver a high-energy blockbuster adventure. The film is a masterclass in staging complex action, with breathtaking sequences set entirely on and around speeding trains, a hallmark of Ding Sheng's dynamic visual style. Furthermore, it represents a successful fusion of his modern directorial sensibilities with the classic comedic action of its star, Jackie Chan, resulting in a unique and entertaining spectacle that highlights Ding Sheng's ability to manage massive productions and deliver pure entertainment on a grand scale.
A Better Tomorrow 2018 (2018)
#77.0Sheng Ding’s *A Better Tomorrow 2018* earns its place among his best works for its bold reinterpretation of an undisputed classic, showcasing the director’s signature style of grounded, modern action. Taking on John Woo’s iconic 1986 heroic bloodshed masterpiece was a monumental task, yet Sheng Ding skillfully avoids simple imitation. Instead, he strips away the romanticized, slow-motion gun-fu of the original and replaces it with his trademark grit and visceral realism. The film translates the timeless themes of loyalty, honor, and brotherhood into a contemporary Mainland China setting, anchoring the narrative with a raw and immediate intensity. It’s a quintessential Sheng Ding film, where the emotional stakes of the characters’ relationships feel just as impactful and dangerous as the explosive, hard-hitting action sequences he orchestrates so masterfully. Beyond the stylistic update, the film is a testament to Sheng Ding’s strength as a character-driven storyteller within the action genre. The heart of the movie lies in the fractured bond between the three protagonists, and he dedicates ample time to exploring the emotional weight of their choices and betrayals. The action, while thrilling and expertly choreographed—from intense dockside shootouts to a climactic boat chase—never overshadows the human drama. It serves to heighten the tension and consequences of the story, rather than existing for pure spectacle. By successfully crafting a film that honors the spirit of the original while standing firmly on its own as a modern crime thriller, Sheng Ding proves his confidence and vision, making *A Better Tomorrow 2018* an essential and defining entry in his filmography.
Nothing Can't Be Undone by a HotPot (2023)
#88.0Sheng Ding's performance is the crucial, bubbling ingredient in the success of *Nothing Can't Be Undone by a HotPot*, making it an essential entry on any list of his best work. The film, a tightly-wound black comedy unfolding in a single location, hinges entirely on the chemistry and comedic timing of its ensemble, and Sheng Ding serves as the chaotic anchor. As the reluctant ringleader of a comically inept crew attempting a heist, he delivers a masterclass in controlled panic. His performance is a symphony of darting eyes, misplaced confidence, and impeccable physical comedy, grounding the film's increasingly absurd plot twists in a character whose desperation is both hilarious and profoundly relatable. He makes you root for the everyman in over his head, turning each escalating disaster into a showcase for his signature brand of humor. What elevates this role and secures its place among his finest is how it perfectly distills the Sheng Ding archetype and lets it simmer under intense pressure. The confined setting acts as a crucible for his talents, forcing him to convey a whirlwind of emotions—from greed and terror to flickers of misguided genius—often within a single, breathless scene. This isn't just slapstick; it’s a nuanced comedic performance where the stakes feel real, making the laughter all the more potent. The film demonstrates that when you place Sheng Ding at the center of a clever, high-concept script, he doesn't just participate in the comedy—he becomes the very engine driving it, proving why he is a master of the genre and why this film is a definitive highlight of his career.
S.W.A.T. (2019)
#99.0*S.W.A.T.* (2019) earns its place on a "Best Sheng Ding Movies" list as a quintessential example of director Ding Sheng's signature filmmaking style. While some may look for an on-screen performance, the film’s true value lies in how it represents the purest distillation of Ding's directorial vision: high-octane, testosterone-fueled action with a gritty, almost documentary-like focus on hyper-masculine professions. He immerses the audience in the grueling world of an elite police unit, showcasing their punishing training regimens and unwavering camaraderie with visceral, hard-hitting visuals. The film is an unapologetic celebration of brotherhood and brute force, driven by spectacular practical stunts and explosive set pieces that feel both authentic and overwhelmingly powerful, marking it as a definitive work from the acclaimed action director. Furthermore, *S.W.A.T.* solidifies Ding Sheng's reputation as a master of the modern Chinese action thriller by pushing his stylistic trademarks to their limit. Drawing from the thematic groundwork of his previous films like *Saving Mr. Wu* and *Police Story 2013*, he strips away narrative complexity to focus almost entirely on kinetic energy and procedural detail. The result is a lean, muscular film that operates as a showcase for incredible stunt coordination and intense, tactical choreography. In a landscape often dominated by CGI, Ding’s commitment to tangible, bone-crunching action makes *S.W.A.T.* a standout achievement and a perfect representation of why he is considered one of China’s best in the genre.
Bodyguard Story (2023)
#1010.0*Bodyguard Story* cements its place as one of Sheng Ding's best films by perfectly blending his signature physicality with a newfound emotional depth. As Li Wei, a world-weary former special agent haunted by his past, Sheng delivers a masterclass in understated intensity. The film's action sequences are not flashy spectacles but gritty, grounded confrontations where every blow feels consequential, showcasing Sheng’s commitment to visceral realism. Yet, it is in the quiet moments—a flicker of regret in his eyes, a subtle tensing of his jaw—that he truly shines, portraying a man whose greatest battles are internal. This role redefines his action-hero persona, proving he is just as compelling when still as he is in motion. What elevates *Bodyguard Story* beyond a standard thriller is its compelling human core, driven by the reluctant, evolving relationship between Li Wei and the headstrong client he is assigned to protect. The palpable chemistry between Sheng and his co-star provides the film with its soul, transforming a simple protection detail into a profound exploration of trust, sacrifice, and redemption. Under taut direction, the film masterfully balances high-stakes suspense with intimate character development. Ultimately, *Bodyguard Story* is a definitive Sheng Ding film because it showcases the complete package: an actor at the peak of his physical prowess who is also capable of delivering a deeply moving, nuanced performance, making it an essential and unforgettable entry in his filmography.
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