Martial arts have been popular in big theatrical action films for years, but similar fighting styles have been embraced in television shows, with some of the best examples of the last decade. The 1970s brought an increased interest in martial arts stories After the “Kung Fu wave” of Hong Kong cinema. Martial artists and actors like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan
were major influences, introducing Chinese martial arts to Western audiences.
Their influence can still be seen in the last decade’s best martial arts shows, vi Warrior And In the Badlands. What makes the best martial arts shows stand out is the ability of their action scenes to complement the narrative. This can be seen in TV shows where the characters are training in martial arts, such as Cobra Kai Or Where murderer. Other shows, vi DaredevilUse martial arts as a means to elevate the action scenes.
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Iron Fist (2017-2018)
Danny Rand returns home after training in martial arts
Starring Finn Jones as the title hero, Iron fist He sees a struggle between two different parts of his identity. Danny Rand aka Iron Fist is a highly skilled martial artist proficient in kung fu. Even though Iron fist It is considered as the worst series of Netflix The defenders Saga, it’s still one of the better martial arts shows of the last decade. Over his two seasons, Iron fist Often failed to gain momentum or make his protagonist someone audiences could get invested in.
However, the TV show made up for its missteps with some great action scenes. Of course, many of the US Marvel series That premiere around the same time has more memorable action sequences, however Martial arts is a key factor in Iron fists history earns the series a place among other recent martial arts shows. The fight choreography in season 1 was greatly panned by critics, but there was a noticeable improvement in season 2 that resulted in a more positive reception.
9
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024-present)
A live-action remake of the beloved Nickelodeon series
The chances that fans of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender They will be completely on board with Netflix’s live-action adaptation are always slim. After a disastrous live-action film in 2010, fans are rightly worried about the results this time around. Fortunately, Netflix Avatar: The Last Airbender Had a promising first season. There is still a lot of room for improvements to be made Avatar Season 2, specifically adding more humor to the show.
As satisfying as the martial arts were in season 1, the renewal of the second and third seasons means that there is the possibility for greater displays of action in the future.
However, the first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender Already delivered an impressive number of action sequences. AvatarMartial arts choreography is seamlessly combined with effective visual effects and creates some memorable scenes that show various types of bending throughout the series. As satisfying as the martial arts were in season 1, the renewal of the second and third seasons means that there is the possibility for greater displays of action in the future.
8
Kung Fu (2021-2023)
Fans of the David Carradine-led series of the same name shouldn’t expect the same story to be told on The CW’s kung fu. The new series is a reimagining of the ’70s version and features a predominantly Asian American cast with newcomers and veteran actors Similar, such as Olivia Liang and Tzi Ma. The series revolves around Nikki Shen (Liang), a young girl who uses her refined martial arts skills to protect her community as it is overtaken by crime and corruption.
Similarly to The brothers son, kung fu Has a delicious blend of action and drama. Even when kung fu At times subject to formulaic narratives, painting Nikki as something of a superhero, The character relationships are still the heart of the show. The well-written characters wonderfully complement the expertly choreographed action scenes, which action fans are sure to enjoy.
7
House of Ninjas (2024)
A retired family of ninjas is brought back to their old ways
In the first weeks of its release, the Japanese series House of Ninjas Made its way into Netflix’s Top 10 Most Watched TV Shows, captivating audiences with its violent action and family dynamics. House of Ninjas Follows the Tawara family who attempt to live a normal life, but are brought back to their ninja lifestyle when conflict occurs. The choreographed action scenes in House of Ninjas Are creative and well-shot.
However, just as some other martial arts shows understand, House of Ninjas Knows that it cannot rely on spectacular action scenes alone. Therefore, each character in House of Ninjas is developed and each Tawara family member has an interesting character arc that ties into the overall story of the series. The comedy and family drama lightens the show, but never completely takes away from its gritty display of martial arts.
6
The Brothers Son (2024)
Conflict arises from a family’s involvement in a Taiwanese gang
Canceled a few months after its premiere, The brothers son Season 1 still has eye-catching martial arts sequences that seamlessly blend into its dramatic, high-stakes family story. The brothers son It stars Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh and follows Charles Sun (Justin Chien), the son of a crime boss, traveling to California to protect his brother Bruce (Sam Song Li) and mom (Yeoh) after his father is nearly murdered.
The abundance of action scenes in THe brothers son Features a lot of great techniques seen in enthralling kung fu films, including hand-to-hand combat. However, the intense action scenes and big kills count The brothers son are balanced by the endearing family dynamics at the center of the series. Some actors shine more than others, but the family relationship adds a comedic touch to the series that makes for a fun watch and an easy binge.
5
Where Murder (2019)
Fantasy and martial arts mingle as one man must save the world from destruction
Iko Uwais is not only a stuntman, martial artist and experienced actor who has been in action films like the speech And MerantauBut he is also a producer, action choreographer and the main actor of Netflix Where murderer. The show follows Uwais’ Kai Jin, a young man who must save the world by eliminating five powerful men.
Although Where murderer Sometimes struggling with telling a compelling story, many critics were delighted with the series’ exciting action scenes. The cast of the series is made up of many well-known actors and martial artists – Mark Dacascos, JuJu Chan and Lewis Tan to name a few – and their experience is evident in Where murdererAction.
4
Daredevil (2015-2018)
A blind lawyer fights crime in Hell’s Kitchen
Daredevil Does not have as much emphasis on martial arts as Iron fistBut the first series’ finesse approach to storytelling and character development makes it worth mentioning. Still a lawyer-by-day, masked vigilante by night, Daredevil Features a plethora of action sequences. This is one of the reasons Daredevil Was the best MCU TV show in all the years after it premiered.
The quality of the series’ fight scenes is a testament to its cast and action choreographers. The Action sequences in Daredevil Implement martial arts and are brutal. Fans and critics praised the remarkable action, especially the famous hallway scenes. In addition, the action in Daredevil is not without purpose. The various encounters that Daredevil has with others are well-planned, character-driven, and help push the story along.
3
In the Badlands (2015-2019)
Martial arts meets sci-fi in this post-apocalyptic series
In the Badlands is set far in the future where war has left the United States in a ruined state. The titular territory is located near the Rocky Mountains, and it is where In the Badlands‘ Main characters are traveling to, hoping to be enlightened. Technology, except for electricity and land vehicles, ceased to exist, including firearms. The elimination of guns in In the Badlands Allows for a stronger focus on physical confrontations.
The great nature of In the BadlandsAction pays respect to classic martial arts films over the years.
The use of hand-to-hand combat and martial arts is often seen In the Badlands‘Three seasons. The action in the AMC show is directed by executive producer Stephen Fung, as well as the legendary Hong Kong choreographer, Ku Huen-chiu. The experience of Ku Huen-chiu’s career is evident in the action series. The great nature of In the BadlandsAction pays respect to classic martial arts films over the years.
2
Warrior (2019-2023)
A crime story from the mind of martial arts legend Bruce Lee
The history of Warrior is set between the Tong Wars and is based on an original concept by Bruce Lee. in WarriorA martial arts prodigy (Andrew Koji) is sold to a powerful Tong after leaving China to find his sister. Warrior Premiered on Cinemax in 2019 but moved to Max after the initial decision to discontinue original content. however, Warrior was canceled after landing on Max and ended with three seasons.
Still, the martial arts crime show found success when it was available on Netflix. Audiences and critics alike were moved by the show’s narrative and absorbing action. Brett Chan, whose resume includes Wednesday, Iron fistAnd Snowpiercerchoreographed the action sequences in Warrior. Koji is also a martial artist, like a few of the actors in WarriorAnd brings a sense of credibility to his actionsFurther pulling audiences into the inspired conflict.
1
Cobra Key (2018 – present)
The 80s story continues in a delightful sequel series
A sequel to the original The Karate Kid movies, Cobra Kai is a lively continuation of a beloved story. Over his six seasons, Cobra Kai has earned wide acclaim because the series has the ideal amount of nostalgia and innovation. Cobra Kai Starts from the point of view of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) when he opens the Cobra Kai dojo and reunites with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio).
Cobra Kais martial art differs from the sort seen in The Karate Kid films But is just as exciting. Martial arts play an important role in the gripping rivalries in the show and the fight is just as crucial in the growth of Cobra Kais characters as they continue to refine their skills with each season. Both of these narrative elements let the action in Cobra Kai To have an emotional balance and serve a greater purpose.