Game of Death
"Bruce Lee challenges the underworld to a Game of Death."
Billy Lo, a legendary martial arts star, fakes his own death to uncover a deadly conspiracy that wants him silenced. He slips into the shadows of his public persona, using misdirection and careful deception to draw out the people who aim to kill him. Clues surface as he follows a taut trail... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 15, 2026
About Game of Death
Billy Lo, a legendary martial arts star, fakes his own death to uncover a deadly conspiracy that wants him silenced. He slips into the shadows of his public persona, using misdirection and careful deception to draw out the people who aim to kill him. Clues surface as he follows a taut trail through boardrooms and backroom deals, staying unseen while matching wits with a web of backers and hired killers. The hunt becomes intensely personal as allies waver and danger closes in with every close call. This thriller blends brisk action with taut suspense, showing that fame can shield a man only if he remains several steps ahead of the conspirators. The outcome hinges on courage, timing, and trust alone.
Directed by Robert Clouse, Game of Death follows Bruce Lee's concept for a multi level martial arts showcase. The 1978 release was assembled after Lee’s death, mixing newly shot scenes with archival footage and stand ins to realize the idea.
The movie earned about 50 million worldwide on a modest budget of 850 thousand, underscoring Bruce Lee’s enduring appeal after his death. The sizable gross reflected fan demand for his action scale and screen presence across markets during its release.
Game of Death helped cement Bruce Lee as a global icon beyond the kung fu arena. The film's tiered fight structure and Lee's kinetic choreography left a lasting imprint on action cinema, influencing later multi level set pieces and the fan fascination with his short but electric screen aura everywhere.
Critics were split on the final product, noting the uneven pace from posthumous editing but praising Lee's charisma and the film's raw kinetic energy. Themes of fame, risk, and personal power surface as Billy Lo uses performance as protection while fighting to survive a conspiracy and defend his legacy today.
Details
- Release Date
- March 23, 1978
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Rating
- R
- User Ratings
- 715 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Drama, Action, Thriller
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- Orange Sky Golden Harvest +2 more
- Budget
- $850,000
- Box Office
- $50,000,000
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Bruce Lee
Billy Lo
Gig Young
Jim Marshall
Dean Jagger
Dr. Land
Hugh O'Brian
Steiner
Colleen Camp
Ann Morris
Robert Wall
Carl Miller
Mel Novak
Stick
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Hakim
Chuck Norris
Colt
Dan Inosanto
Pasqual
Written by: Robert Clouse, Bruce Lee