While martial arts animated series are often associated with anime, many other animation styles have come to the fore in this type of programming. Although many of the most famous examples of martial TV shows, such as Dragon ball and narutoOriginated in Japan, Western animation studios have also produced some of the greatest examples of the genre. Martial arts as a discipline teaches its practitioners the virtues of consistency, mindfulness, and training, which makes it the perfect subject for the life lessons taught to young viewers in many animated series.
Some of the biggest animated series have explored themes around martial arts and the virtues of fighting for what’s right. By mixing different genres such as action, fantasy and science fiction in series populated by skilled fighters, the narrative potential of the battles between good and evil is infinite. While many of these series were influenced by anime classicsthey also created an identity of their own and proved the popularity of martial arts media around the world.
10
¡Mucha Lucha! (2002 – 2005)
3 seasons
The WB children’s series Mucha Lucha Centered around Luchaville, a town in Southern California where almost everyone wears a lucha libre costume and plays a role in the world of Mexican wrestling. With each character striving to perfect their signature move, Mucha Lucha It was a fun children’s animated series which explored a rarely portrayed style of martial arts and paid homage to Mexican culture. With wrestling moves so powerful that users were able to transform as they used them, Mucha Lucha combined fantasy and fighting to tell a unique story of children learning life lessons through sport.
Mucha Lucha primarily centered on three students, Rikochet, Buena Girl, and Flea, as they wrestled for the world-renowned Escola Internacional de Lucha, where they learned the art of wrestling. Mucha Lucha ran for three seasons and ended with a 2005 film titled ¡Mucha Lucha!: The Return of El Maléficowho saw his friends threatened by a dark force and doing everything in their power to send the evil back where it came from. Although a potential revival called Lots of Lucha! Forever was proposed in 2014, focusing on the teenage versions of the characters, unfortunately, it never came to fruition.
9
Legend of the Dragon (2005 – 2008)
2 seasons
The CBBC animated series Legend of the Dragon was a fantastic martial arts fantasy show that ended disappointingly on a cliffhanger after two seasons. Telling the story of Ang, the Golden Dragon, as he protects the twelve temples of the zodiac against his sister, Ling, the Shadow Dragon, Legend of the Dragon brought together Eastern martial philosophies with Western animation sensibilities. Beginning with the Golden Dragon’s passage into the afterlife, the two brothers soon learned that they were next in line to protect the mortal world from evil.
However, sibling rivalry causes Ang’s sister to turn to the dark side, and much of the series’ conflict stems from the Shadow Dragon’s evil power and attempt to restore Ling in the pursuit of justice. Influencing classic martial arts anime series Legend of the Dragon seemed like the Western answer to popular series like Dragon ball. While the show never achieved the same ratings levels as its anime counterparts, it was still a shame that viewers never got to see the conclusion of the show. Legend of the Dragon after being canceled prematurely.
8
The Legend of Korra (2012 – 2014)
4 seasons
The Legend of Korra was the sequence of Avatar: The Last Airbenderwhich told the story of Korra, successor and reincarnation of Aang from the previous series. While The Legend of Korra Never reaching the masterful heights of its predecessor, this was a worthy sequel that expanded into the world of water, earth, fire, and airbenders seen in the four nations. With a new female protagonist, The Legend of Korra continued to deal with complex ideas of life, death, love and virtue, but was now imbued with a more feminist style as the show tackled LGBTQ+ themes.
Much like Aang before her, Korra also dealt with incredible pressure being the Avatar while facing spiritual and political challenges in a much more modernized world. With the same high-quality animation as before, Korra’s story was filled with philosophical intrigue as she became one of the most complex female characters on television, animated or otherwise. The Legend of Korra was a pioneering program that pushed what could be achieved in children’s television into brave new territory.
7
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 – 1996)
10 seasons
While the Ninja Turtles originated as a satirical comic book series and has since starred in several popular live-action films. Most Millennials will primarily know them for their highly popular animated TV show. With one of the catchiest theme songs of all time and a strange sense of humor, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was one of the most popular children’s series of the late 1980s and early 1990s. As an excellent example of the power of merchandising, the Ninja Turtles action figures, games and even breakfast cereals were best sellers around the world.
Outside of anime releases Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles it was the first exposure most kids had to martial arts television series when they were on the air. The Turtles were so popular that, for many, the names Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael have much more to do with fighting crime than with Renaissance painters. As highly skilled martial artists and clever crime-fighting turtles, these heroes in half-shells have become true icons of children’s animation.
6
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011 – 2016)
3 seasons
THE Kung Fu Panda The film franchise has been a huge success for Dreamworks, so it’s no surprise that they chose to continue telling Po’s story on the small screen. First airing in 2011, Kung Fu Panda: incredible legends served as a bridge between the first and second films, although much of the voice cast was replaced with Jack Black’s iconic characterization of Po being imitated by Mick Wingert. However, Lucy Liu and James Hong have come on board to reprise their film roles as Viper and Mr.
Kung Fu Panda: incredible legends It didn’t have the same cinematic quality as the films.but it remained an exciting spin-off for kids who just couldn’t get enough of this series. With more small-scale adventures, Legends of awesomeness recaptured much of the spirit and fun of the film versions while expanding the world’s lore. Since its completion, Kung Fu Panda remained popular, and a sequel with Black back voicing Po titled Kung Fu Panda: Dragon Knight premiered on Netflix in 2022.
5
American Dragon: Jake Long (2005 – 2007)
2 seasons
American Dragon: Jake Long took the martial arts mysticism that served as the basis for so many successful anime shows and transferred it to New York City. Centering on Chinese-American boy Jake Long, a seemingly ordinary teenager who can transform into a dragon, this Disney series saw him trying to balance the daily challenges of adolescence with the need to protect magical creatures in his town. While Jake faced off against a cult of ninjas known as the Huntsclan, martial arts battles were central to the series.
Running for just two seasons, American Dragon has been extended to video gamesbooks and even a TV crossover with Lilo and Stitch. The show’s gripping story saw Jake face off against his best friend Rose, who he didn’t know had been raised by his archenemy the Huntsman and trained in the evil ways of his group of villains. With stunning animation, an enjoyable premise, and strong world-building, American Dragon showed that it wasn’t just anime that could produce great martial arts cartoons.
4
Xiaolin Confrontation (2003 – 2006)
3 seasons
Xiaolin Showdown was an amazing WB children’s show that skillfully combined Eastern and Western culture with enjoyable worldbuilding. Focusing on a group of martial students learning life lessons about the nature of good versus evil, these teenage martial artists embarked on a quest to reunite the legendary Shen Gong Wu. These magical artifacts imbued characters with special powers that were used to defeat their enemies in fantastic duels known as Xiaolin Showdowns.
Not only did Xiaolin Showdown has an intriguing concept, but its slowly unfolding narrative was a masterclass in pacing as this clever series developed its character’s backstories over three incredible seasons. With great villains and a cast led by the dragon in training Omi, Xiaolin Showdown was actually one of the most underrated kids’ shows of the 2000s. A successor series called Xiaolin Chronicles also debuted in 2013, continuing the story of Omi and his fellow fighters.
Xiaolin Showdown is an animated television series that follows four young monks-in-training – Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo and Clay – as they search for mystical artifacts called Shen Gong Wu. Guided by their wise master, the monks use these artifacts to combat the evil boy genius Jack Spicer and other villains. The series shows their journey to protect the world while mastering their elemental abilities and transforming into Xiaolin warriors.
- Release date
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November 1, 2003
- Seasons
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3
- Creator(s)
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Christy Hui
3
The Adventures of Jackie Chan (2000 – 2005)
5 seasons
While viewers around the world will be aware of Jackie Chan’s status as perhaps the biggest kung fu movie star of all time, not everyone will have seen his highly underrated animated series. The Adventures of Jackie Chan starred in a fictional version of the martial star while working as an archaeologist and secret agent who, with the help of family and friends, battled supernatural forces. With many references to Chan’s film career The Adventures of Jackie Chan was a fun series that could be enjoyed by both younger viewers and older kung fu fans.
The Adventures of Jackie Chan featured Chan facing demons, ghosts and spirits as he sought to gather 12 talismans representing the symbols of the Chinese zodiac. By mixing Chinese mythology and folklore with worldwide locations that saw Chan traveling across Europe and Central America, the children’s show was influenced by anime series and was an interesting mix of Eastern and Western styles. Although Chan himself did not voice his own character, he appeared in live-action introductions to offer insights into Chinese history, culture, and philosophy, as well as to answer fan questions.
Jackie Chan Adventures is an animated television series that features Jackie Chan as an archaeologist and martial artist. The show follows Jackie, her niece Jade and their friends as they embark on a series of adventures to collect magical talismans and protect them from the villainous Dark Hand organization. With a mix of action, mythology and humor, the series aired from 2000 to 2005.
- Release date
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September 9, 2000
- Seasons
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5
- Creator(s)
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Duane Capizzi, Jeff Kline, John Rogers
2
SamuraiJack (2001 – 2004, 2017)
5 seasons
After already creating Cartoon Network classics like Dexter’s LaboratoryGenndy Tartakovsky took things to the next level with his masterpiece, SamuraiJack. This dystopian action-adventure series featured a Japanese samurai who was unwittingly propelled into the future while trying to defeat the evil, shape-shifting demon named Aku. With a complex and engaging story, distinctive animations utilizing unique shapes and colors, and a thematically rich world of friends and enemies, SamuraiJack told a powerful story about the value of perseverance and the incredible merit of never giving up.
With a truly epic story that mixes martial arts, science fiction and dystopian stories, SamuraiJack It was a classic hero’s journey about a man who is exposed to a world he knows nothing about and is forced to learn and adapt to endless challenges. While SamuraiJack ended in 2004 without ever finishing its overarching storyline, it was revived in 2017 with a much darker and grittier tone. This allowed viewers to finally witness the final confrontation between Jack and Aku in a climactic conclusion that solidified its place as one of the greatest animated series ever made.
1
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)
3 seasons
With a thematic depth that addressed social and political issues while expanding its well-imagined mythology, Avatar: The Last Airbender It really was head and shoulders above the rest when it came to non-anime martial arts shows. Telling the story of Aang, the last survivor of his airbending nation, and his quest to restore balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation and Air Nomads, This Nickelodeon series took many cues from Eastern historyphilosophy and mythology to create something entirely new that is popular around the world.
Avatar: The Last Airbender He was one of the most complex and insightful children animated series already done. With a strong sense of humor, beautiful animation, and a true sense of heart and passion for adventure at the center of its narrative, it was exciting to see how not only Aang, but also his companions Katara, Sokka, and Toph gained skills and matured. throughout its three seasons. The continuing legacy of avatar in the form of sequels, films, and live-action adaptations proves its lasting legacy as a true modern classic.