Nothing gives an actor more “street cred” than a reputation (well-publicized reputation, of course) for performing his own fight scenes and stunts. There are quite a few actors who have done credible fight scene work, many more than can be listed here. Presented are some of the best in the world at screen fighting; some had extensive fighting skills, but all were able to light up a film set.

1. Jackie Chan – Jackie Chan is an incredible talent, and the undisputed champ among actors who perform their own stunts and fight scenes. He may have broken almost as many bones as daredevil Evel Knievel.
2. Bruce Lee – The most important figure in the history of martial arts films, Lee used a mixed bag of martial art styles in his films, and his work in the 1970s is the main reason martial arts movies became mainstream success stories.
3. Jet Li – A long-time favorite of martial arts fans, Li made his U.S. Film debut in “Die Hard 4, playing the villain pitted against good-guys Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. Li’s fluid style was superb in the dynamic and climactic fight scene near the end of the film.
4. Chuck Norris – In the movie “Way of the Dragon” Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee go at it in what may be the greatest fight scene of all time. Both actor/fighters were at the peaks of their skills, and the choreography was awesome.
5. Sammo Hung – As an actor and director Sammo Hung has a well-earned reputation for the quality of his fight scenes. Hung is big for a martial artist in films, but his athleticism, speed and dexterity are legendary.
6. Clint Eastwood / William Smith – In the movie “Any Which Way you Can” Eastwood and Smith filmed one of the longest two-man fights in movie history. Both actors were well known for their skills in screen-fighting, and both liked to do their own stunts.
7. Steven Seagal – Seagal is another actor who took great pride in doing his own fight scenes, though added girth has slowed him down considerably. In his earlier films, he always displayed great hand-speed.
8. Jean-Claude van Damme – His fight against Chong Li in “Bloodsport” gave van Damme his spot in movie fighting annals. His movies are usually harsh and brutal, but van Damme generally manages to display some kicking artistry in his better scenes.
9. Arnold Schwarzenegger – Arnie has been performing in his own fight scenes for decades; he and Sylvester Stallone competed to see who was America’s favorite action-hero, and there used to be real heat to the rivalry. Now, though, they are good friends, and Schwarzenegger recently appeared in Stallone’s “The Expendables”.
10. Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Rambo has been fighting in the movies for years, and prides himself on performing his own fight scenes; he says Dolph Lundgren almost killed him with a punch during “Rocky IV” filming.

Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis and many others may populate your list of favorites, but nobody can match the overall work of Jackie Chan.