The first Ranma ½ film, "Chuugoku Nekonron Daikesson!" (lit. "The Battle of Nekonron, China- A Battle To Defy the Rules") was released on November 2, 1991. It involves a scroll with an "ultimate technique" written on it that Akane happens to be holding when Prince Kirin of the Seven Lucky Gods Martial Artists arrives at the Tendo home. Kirin takes Akane as his bride rather than Lychee, the true owner of the scroll. Ranma and friends then have to travel to China via Kuno's boat to save Akane from marrying the powerful prince.

The voyage is long and difficult, and once everyone arrives in Nekonron, they must fight their way into the tower and dispatch each of the Seven Lucky God martial artists- somewhat reminisant of Bruce Lee's The Game of Death. The ending has Ranma facing Kirin in a one-on-one battle that is so powerful it tears the tower down around them.