Martial arts films and TV reveals ship motion, suspense, and a few actually cool combating strikes. The characters in these productions normally spend years honing their craft earlier than battling some nefarious power. And in the case of animated martial arts reveals, the ten on this checklist are among the many prime contenders.
Excitingly, the animated nature of those reveals permits for troublesome, even supernatural strikes to be drawn and delivered to life. On the identical time, animated martial arts reveals are sometimes simply as a lot concerning the philosophy behind martial arts as they’re about delivering intense motion scenes.
10
‘Jackie Chan Adventures’ (2000 – 2005)
Set in a fictional Hong Kong, Jackie Chan Adventures adopted the titular character and his household as they battled supernatural threats. Many episodes additionally referenced Chan’s real-life work and included live-action interviews with him. Basically, the plot packed in simply as a lot humor and journey because it did action-packed martial arts sequences.
The Adventures Proceed
To this present day, Jackie Chan continues to play a big function in martial arts films and collection. His newest, Karate Child: Legends, is scheduled to premiere later this 12 months. Nevertheless, maybe no manufacturing had the identical impression as Jackie Chan Adventures in introducing youthful kids to martial arts and Chan’s legacy.
9
‘Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Future’ (2018 – 2019)
A restricted collection, Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Future takes place after the third film. This time round, Dragon Warrior Po is tasked with educating 4 panda cubs harness their Kung Fu skills. Humorous, vigorous, and harking back to so many issues viewers loved concerning the first movie, it is little surprise that The Paws of Future was such successful with followers.
Different Kung Fu Panda Adventures
To be truthful, Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Future is not the primary animated present within the franchise. That honor goes to Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, which can be value a watch. Nevertheless, for viewers who’ve seen the primary three films, The Paws of Future should not be missed. The truth is, there’s one thing to like about all of the Kung Fu Panda films and reveals.
8
‘Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple’ (2006 – 2007)
Launched in 2006 and 50 episodes lengthy (plus an OVA), Kenichi focuses on the titular highschooler, Kenichi Shirahama, who needs to guard himself and his pals from bullies. He begins coaching with martial artist Hayato Fūrinji and shortly turns into a fearsome fighter. Nevertheless, he quickly learns that better threats lie forward as his power and willpower are put to the check.
Different Variations
Admittedly, the anime makes a couple of unusual modifications from the manga by way of pacing and plot. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless quite a bit to admire concerning the collection, in addition to the OVA, which continues its story. Plus, viewers can take a look at the online game for much more Kenichi to take pleasure in.

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7
‘The Karate Child’ (1989)

The Karate Child
- Launch Date
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1989 – 1988
- Community
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NBC
- Writers
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Michael Maurer
Daniel LaRusso (Joey Dedio) and Mr. Miyagi (Robert Ito) are on a mission to recuperate a magic miniature shrine. Whereas touring the globe to seek out it, Daniel and his companion, Taki Tamurai (Janice Kawaye), are pulled into quite a few battles and should use martial arts to make their escape. From Hong Kong to NYC and Paris, they will cease at nothing to finish their quest.
Film Comparisons
Whereas very completely different from the unique films, The Karate Child animated collection continues to be a enjoyable addition to the franchise. Moreover, though it is not canon to Cobra Kai, an Easter egg referencing the collection seems in Season 3.
6
‘Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm’ (1996)
Primarily based on the Mortal Kombat video video games, Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm focuses on a bunch of warriors tasked with defending Earthrealm towards varied invaders. A few of these warriors embody Jax Briggs, Liu Kang, and Sub-Zero(‘s brother). The present’s 13 episodes happen between the primary Mortal Kombat film and the third online game, and every episode includes the workforce battling a brand new menace from the Outworld and different domains.
Important Viewing for Video Recreation Followers
Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm is a must-watch for followers of the online game. Not solely does it introduce new characters reminiscent of Quan Chi, however it additionally explores new dimensions to previous characters. On the identical time, it is undoubtedly a sanitized model of the unique, however that simply makes it extra accessible for youthful viewers who wish to watch the fights.
5
‘Samurai Jack’ (2001 – 2017)
When the shape-shifter Aku unleashes an excellent evil, Samurai Jack is there to cease him. However earlier than Jack can deal the ultimate blow, Aku zaps Jack by means of a portal into the long run. Now, he is gotta get again, again to the previous to take down Aku and save his kingdom.
Again to the Previous
The most effective animated reveals of the 2000s, Samurai Jack is about a lot extra than simply martial arts. Every episode sees him battle a brand new foe as he acclimates to Aku’s unusual dystopian future, all whereas making an attempt to get again dwelling. Watching the present is certain to present viewers a way of nostalgia, sending them again to the previous alongside Jack, whereas concurrently capturing the present’s intense and timeless journey.

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4
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2012 – 2017)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Launch Date
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2012 – 2016
- Community
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Nickelodeon
- Administrators
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Alan Wan, Sebastian Montes, Michael Chang, Rie Koga, Juan Jose Meza-Leon
Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael are 4 mutated turtle brothers residing within the sewers. Together with their adoptive father, Splinter, and their buddy, April O’Neil, they follow ninjutsu so as to fend off the evil Kraang. However with the looks of Splinter’s adoptive brother, the Shredder, and his Foot Clan, the risks attain new heights.
Cowabunga!
There are a lot of different animated reveals within the TMNT franchise, together with the unique 1987 model and a newer present in 2018. Nevertheless, the 2012 stays our favourite. A probably controversial selection, the collection’ CGI paintings stands out, as does its genuinely humorous humor. With new characters and unique story traces, it is undoubtedly value a look ahead to each followers of the unique and people utterly unfamiliar with the turtle brothers.
3
‘Naruto’ (2002 – 2007)

Naruto
- Launch Date
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October 3, 2002
Forged
The ramen-loving ninja Naruto needs nothing greater than to turn out to be the Hokage, or chief, of Konoha. Proving himself will not be simple, particularly when he is already not trusted as a result of nine-tailed fox residing inside him. However Naruto is nothing if not resilient, and he’ll do no matter it takes to turn out to be one of the best ninja whereas defending his pals and village—all whereas displaying off his martial arts abilities. Imagine it!
Extra Naruto “Clones”
The characters in Naruto use a mix of various battle methods together with Ninjutsu, Genjustu, and Taijutsu. The final of those is most corresponding to real-life martial arts, with characters like Rock Lee utilizing it as their main, and typically solely, combating model. After Naruto, the present went on to spawn Naruto: Shippuden and extra just lately Boruto. However the unique holds a spot in our hearts not just for its martial arts strikes but in addition for introducing us to so many superb characters.

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2
‘Xiaolin Showdown’ (2003 – 2006)
Chosen to be the subsequent Xiaolin Dragons, Omi, Raimundo, Kimiko, and Clay should shield the Shen Gong Wu from the evil Heylin forces. To take action, they compete in magical battles (Xiaolin Showdowns) for possession of the magical artifacts. However because the collection progresses, their battle turns inward as they confront their very own limitations, fears, and needs.
Gong Yi Tanpai!
The martial arts in Xialoin Showdown wasn’t simply enjoyable to look at: it was additionally extremely indicative of every character’s persona and struggles. Plus, it drew from varied kinds and finally helped the characters be taught extra about themselves. Admittedly, a few of the present hasn’t aged nicely, together with Omi’s character design, however the present nonetheless affords an fascinating look into completely different cultures and combating kinds. To be sincere, we’re undecided why it is not higher remembered.
1
‘Avatar: The Final Airbender’ (2005 – 2008)
When airbender Aang awakens 100 years sooner or later, he is horrified to be taught that he is the final of his tribe. Worse, the hearth nation is making an attempt to take over the opposite kingdoms, they usually want Aang’s assist so as to fend them off. Accompanied by new pals Katara and Sokka, Aang should grasp the weather and restore steadiness to the universe, however because the disgraced Prince Zuko approaches, Aang’s mission grows much more troublesome.
Water. Earth. Hearth. Air.
Avatar is well among the best martial arts cartoons on the market, not simply due to its dynamic characters and intriguing story, but in addition due to its deal with elemental bending. Every of the 4 bending kinds in Avatar pulls from a real-life martial arts model, and combating is a big part of the present, as is understanding when not to struggle. For followers of the animated collection, there’s additionally a live-action present, in addition to many upcoming tasks.