Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021): Cast & Ratings
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a 2021 action comedy directed by Destin Cretton, starring Simu Liu as Shaun, Shang-Chi, Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh. It runs 2 hours 12 minutes and earned $432.2 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. It won 1 award from 11 nominations, one of them 1 Oscar nomination. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 12m (132 min)
- Director
- Destin Cretton
- Original language
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English - Budget
- $150M
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings About?
The premise of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi, a skilled martial artist who is drawn back into the world he left behind when the mysterious Ten Rings organization resurfaces. Forced to confront his past, Shang-Chi must embrace his heritage and protect those he cares about. Alongside him are Katy, portrayed by Awkwafina, and Jiang Nan, played by Michelle Yeoh, as they navigate a thrilling adventure filled with action, humor, and unexpected revelations, all under the watchful eye of the formidable Wenwu, played by Tony Leung.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- scene during end credits
- based on comic
- superhero
- scene after end credits
- dragon
- based on comic book
- martial arts
- hand to hand combat
- post credits scene
- assassin
- demonic creature
- kung fu
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- origin of hero
- 1000 year old
- abomination character
- shared universe
- father son conflict
- san francisco california
- macau china
- fight in a bus
- revenge
- giant monster
- underwater scene
- female fighter
- ninja
- asian american
- portal
- female martial artist
- waterfall
- monster
- forest
- bus
- death of mother
- marvel cinematic universe
- superhero origin
- martial artist
- female archer
- parking valet
- final battle
- secret society
- magical creature
- lovecraftian monster
- chinese mythology
- bracelet
- chinese dragon
- creature
- brother sister relationship
- father son relationship
- warrior
- battle
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Cast & Characters
Simu Liu leads the cast as Shaun, Shang-Chi, with Awkwafina as Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan. Directed by Destin Cretton; 19 actors are credited in all.
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Director Destin Cretton
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Simu Liu as Shaun, Shang-Chi -
Awkwafina as Katy -
Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan -
Fala Chen as Li
Also Starring in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
· 15 more- Meng'er Zhang Xialing
- Florian Munteanu Razor Fist
- Ronny Chieng Jon Jon
- Ben Kingsley Trevor Slattery
- Wah Yuen Master Guang Bo
- Benedict Wong
- Tim Roth
- Rosalind Chao
- Tony Leung Chiu Wai
- Dallas Liu Ruihua
- Andy Le Death Dealer
- Alexandre Chen
- Calvin Chen
- Kelli Bailey
- Paul W. He Chancellor Hui
More from Destin Cretton
More films directed by Destin Cretton, best-rated first: Short Term 12, Just Mercy, The Glass Castle and I Am Not a Hipster.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in story & flow (60).
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Echo Score Breakdown
Shang-Chi delivers a lively blend of martial‑arts spectacle and Marvel conventions, earning praise for its choreography, lead performances, and inventive direction while stumbling with uneven pacing and a cluttered climax. Critics highlight the film’s fresh cultural touchstones and strong action set pieces, yet note dead spots and a reliance on CGI that undercuts narrative cohesion. The net impression is a solid, if imperfect, entry in the MCU that resonates more on a visceral than thematic level.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the film benefits from a confident directorial hand and polished production values. Critics commend Cretton’s lightness of touch, the kinetic action design, and the visually appealing fight choreography. Some reviewers point to occasional dead spots and uneven editing, but overall the cinematography and set design maintain a high level of competence. The artistic execution is therefore assessed as strong.
- Character & Emotion 70
When it comes to character and emotion, Simu Liu and Awkwafina provide the core chemistry that anchors the narrative. Reviews emphasize Liu’s charismatic performance and Leung’s nuanced antagonist, while Awkwafina adds reliable comic relief. A minority of voices find the supporting cast underdeveloped or the emotional stakes uneven. The balance of solid lead work against weaker peripheral characterization yields a moderately positive assessment.
- Story & Flow 60
The story and flow receive mixed reactions, with praise for the fresh martial‑arts premise and the integration of MCU lore. Critics acknowledge the film’s originality yet highlight pacing lapses, a convoluted ending, and moments of narrative self‑indulgence. User feedback mirrors this split, noting both engaging set pieces and a forgettable resolution. Consequently, the plot’s coherence and pacing are judged as average.
- Sensory Experience 68
Sensory experience is marked by impressive martial‑arts choreography and a vibrant visual palette that many reviewers find compelling. The sound design and score support the action sequences effectively. However, several critiques mention cheap CGI and occasional visual inconsistency, particularly in later scenes. Overall, the audiovisual components are viewed as solid with minor detracting elements.
- Rewatch Factor 65
Rewatch factor is moderate; the film’s energetic combat and charismatic leads encourage repeat viewings for fans of the genre. Critics suggest it will prompt audiences to return for its MCU connections, while some users cite a messy climax and pacing issues that diminish lasting appeal. The combined sentiment points to a respectable, though not essential, replay value.
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IMDb 7.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 92% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 98%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 71 Metascore
User score 7.1
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 75% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.4 /5
1.2K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.4 /5
See on Movie Insider
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Around a thousand years ago, Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung) unearths the mystical ten rings, which bestow upon their bearer immortality and extraordinary powers. The tale recounts that Wenwu might have stumbled upon these rings in either a crater or an ancient tomb. He goes on to establish the Ten Rings organization, wielding his power to conquer kingdoms and overthrow governments throughout history.
Full summary
The whole story of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Box Office & Budget
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings grossed $432.2 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, 2.9 times what it cost. $224.5 million came from the US and Canada and $207.7 million (48%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$432.2M
2.9× its budget
- US & Canada
- $224.5M
- International
- $207.7M
- Budget
- $150M
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Awards & Nominations
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings won 1 award from 11 nominations, one of them 1 Oscar nomination. Its biggest night was the Saturn Awards 2022, with 1 win from 7 nominations.
1 win11 nominations5 ceremonies
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Saturn Awards 2022 1 win · 7 nominations- Won Best Supporting Actress in a Film – Awkwafina
- Nominated Best Actor in a Film – Simu Liu
- Nominated Best Film Costume Design
- Nominated Best Film Production Designer
- Nominated Best Film Special / Visual Effects
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Critics' Choice 2022 1 nomination- Nominated Best Visual Effects
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Actor Awards (SAG) 2022 1 nomination- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
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Artios Awards 2022 1 nomination- Nominated Big Budget – Comedy
Show all 5 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Oscars 2022 1 nomination- Nominated Visual Effects
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Trailers & Videos
43 videos: 1 trailer, 28 teasers, 5 clips, 7 featurettes and 2 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Teaser Official Teaser
- Teaser Need
- Teaser Rise
- Teaser Call
How Well Do You Know Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the original wielder of the Ten Rings?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Also Known As
49 alternative titles, including “Шанґ Чі та Легенда Десяти Кілець” and “Shang Chi y la leyenda de los diez anillos”.
- Also known as
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- Шанґ Чі та Легенда Десяти Кілець
- Shang Chi y la leyenda de los diez anillos
- شانغ-چي وأسطورة الحلقات العشر
- Shang-Chi at ang Alamat ng Sampung Singsing
- شانج شي وأسطورة الخواتم العشرة
- Shang-Chi és a Tíz Gyűrű legendája
- शांग-ची एंड द लीजेंड ऑफ द टेन रिंग्स
- Shang-Chi e la leggenda dei Dieci Anelli
- شانغ-شي: ذا ليجيند اوف ذا 10 رينقز
- Šeng-Či i legenda o deset prstenova
- Shan-Chi va o'n uzuk afsonasi
- Steamboat
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- 尚氣與十環幫傳奇
- 尚气与十环传奇
- ชาง-ชี กับตำนานลับเท็นริงส์
- 尚氣與十環傳奇
- Shang-Chi i legenda dziesięciu pierścieni
- Shang-Chi i legenda dziesięciu pierścieni - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Marvel - Shang-Chi et la Légende des Dix Anneaux
- Shang-Chi: Huyền Thoại Thập Luân
- 샹치와 텐 링즈의 전설
- שאנג-צ'י: ואגדת 10 הטבעות
- Shang-Chi y la leyenda de los diez anillos
- Shang-Chi und die Legende der Zehn Ringe
- Shang-Chi et la Légende des Dix Anneaux
- Shang-Chi e a Lenda dos Dez Anéis
- Шан-Чі та легенда десяти кілець
- Шан-Чи и Легенда Десяти Колец
- שאנג-צ'י ואגדת עשר הטבעות
- Shang-Chi a legenda o deseti prstenech
- Shang-Chi i legenda o deset prstenova
- Шан-Чи и легендата за десетте пръстена
- Shang-Chi: Legenda o desiatich prsteňoch
- Shang-Chi và Huyền Thoại Thập Luân
- Shang-Chi ve On Halka Efsanesi
- シャン・チー／テン・リングスの伝説
- शांग-ची एंड द लेजेंड ऑफ द टेन रिंग्स
- شانغ - چي و أسطورة الحلقات العشر
- Шенг-Чи и легенда о десет прстенова
- Ο Shang-Chi και ο Θρύλος των Δέκα Δαχτυλιδιών
- Shang-Chi dan Legenda Sepuluh Cincin
- Šang-Či ir dešimties žiedų legenda
- Šanči un leģenda par desmit gredzeniem
- Shang-Chi și legenda celor zece inele
- شانگ چی و افسانه ده حلقه
- Shang-Ji iyo Halyeygii Tobanka Siddo, შანგ-ჩი და ათი ბეჭდის ლეგენდა
- Shang-Chi in legenda o desetih prstanih
- Shang-Chi i la llegenda dels deu anells
- Shang-Chi ja Kümne Rõnga legend
Seen Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?
Movies Like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Ten Tigers of Shaolin, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Shaolin.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings runs 2 hours 12 minutes (132 minutes).
When was Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings released?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was released on September 3, 2021.
Who directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was directed by Destin Cretton.
More films by Destin Cretton Who is in the cast of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars Simu Liu as Shaun, Shang-Chi, Awkwafina as Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan, among 19 credited actors.
How much did Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings make at the box office?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings grossed $432.2 million worldwide ($224.5 million domestic, $207.7 million international) on a budget of $150 million.
How is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings rated?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.
What awards did Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings win?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings won 1 award from 11 nominations, including Best Supporting Actress in a Film at the Saturn Awards 2022.
Does Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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