Subscribers to Netflix have a limited opportunity to view the martial arts biopic Ip Man 4: The Finale, which will be leaving the platform on April 5, 2026. Starring Donnie Yen and Scott Adkins, both of whom also appear in John Wick 4, the film has garnered significant attention since its release.
The movie premiered in theaters across China, Australia, and New Zealand on December 20, 2019, followed by a limited release in the United States on December 25, 2019. Upon its release, Ip Man 4 achieved remarkable box office success, grossing an estimated $176 million globally. This installment became the highest-grossing film in both Malaysia and Singapore and ranked as the fifth-highest-grossing Hong Kong movie in Mainland China.
Plot Overview and Themes
The film continues the legacy of the Ip Man franchise, which began with the original Ip Man in 2008, followed by Ip Man 2 in 2010 and Ip Man 3 in 2015. It tells the story of the legendary Wing Chun master, also known as Yip Man, who trained many students, including the famous martial artist and actor Bruce Lee.
In this fourth installment, the narrative follows Ip Man as he travels to the USA with his son, Ip Ching, in search of better educational opportunities after his son is expelled from school for defending himself against a bully. The film addresses themes of racial discrimination, as Ip Man faces significant challenges while trying to enroll his son in an American school. Compounding his struggles is a diagnosis of throat cancer, a consequence of years of chronic smoking.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The film has received a generally positive response from audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, Ip Man 4 holds an impressive 85% score from critics and a 95% “verified hot” audience score. Metacritic reflects a Metascore of 62 and a user score of 6.6, indicating a favorable reception overall.
As the film prepares to exit Netflix, fans of martial arts cinema and followers of the Ip Man legacy are encouraged to watch it before it is no longer available for streaming. With its engaging story and strong performances, Ip Man 4: The Finale continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
