The "Granddaddy" of Kung Fu / Horror / Socerery mash-ups.

[DrNgor]

If Encounter of the Spooky Kind (1980) is the Father of Kung Fu-Horror-Sorcery-Comedy films, what would the Granddaddy be? Spiritual Boxer II (1979)? Anything else?

[Super Ninja]

In my opinion, Joseph Kuo's The Shaolin Brothers (1977) gets overlooked when discussing this subgenre. Despite the misleading title, The Shaolin Brothers has, much like Shaolin Kung Fu (1974), very little to do with the Shaolin temple or its monks, but is rather a mix of genres with the central Ching vs. Ming theme. Kuo was clearly moving away from his bronzemen films, the title might be an attempt to cash in on the popularity of Shaolin films.

While it doesn't show jiangshi in kung fu action, it does feature hopping vampires, has a spooky atmosphere, and delivers (every bit intentional) comedy. It is certainly not the one that set the formula, but it might be seen as a progenitor of the genre? 

[DrNgor]

Good one. I'd forgotten about The Shaolin Brothers.