Martial arts have been popular in big, theatrical action films for years now, but similar fighting styles have been embraced in TV shows, with some of the best examples coming from the last decade.The 1970s brought an increased interest in martial arts storiesfollowing the “kung fu wave” of Hong Kong cinema. Martial artists and actors like Bruce Lee andJackie Chanwere major influences, introducing Chinese martial arts to Western audiences.
Their influence can still be seen in the past decade’s best martial arts shows, likeWarriorandInto 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 asCobra KaiorWu Assassins. Other shows, likeDaredevil, use martial arts as a means to elevate the fight scenes.
Starring Finn Jones as the titular hero,Iron Fistsees him struggle between two differing parts of his identity.Danny Rand aka Iron Fist is a highly skilled martial artist proficient in kung fu. Even thoughIron Fistis considered the worst series fromNetflix’sThe Defenderssaga, it is still one of the better martial arts shows in the last decade. Throughout its two seasons,Iron Fistoften failed to gain momentum or make its protagonist someone audiences could get invested in.
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However, the TV show made up for its false steps with some great action scenes. Admittedly, many of theMarvel seriesthat premiered around the same time had more memorable fight sequences, butmartial arts being a key factor inIron Fist’s story earns the series a place among other recent martial arts shows. The fight choreography in season 1 was greatly faulted by critics, but there was a noticeable improvement in season 2 that resulted in a more positive reception.
The chances that fans of the beloved animated seriesAvatar: The Last Airbenderwere going to be entirely on board with Netflix’s live-action adaptation were always slim.Following a disastrous live-action film in 2010, fans were rightfully worried about the results this time around. Luckily, Netflix’sAvatar: The Last Airbenderhad a promising first season. There is still plenty of room for improvements to be made inAvatarseason 2, specifically adding more humor to the show.
As satisfactory as the martial arts was in season 1, the renewal of the second and third seasons means there’s the possibility for greater displays of action in the future.
However, the first season ofAvatar: The Last Airbenderalready delivered an impressive number of action sequences.Avatar’s martial arts choreographyis seamlessly combined with effective visual effectsand creates some memorable scenes showing offvarious types of bendingthroughout the series. As satisfactory as the martial arts was in season 1, the renewal of the second and third seasons means there’s the possibility for greater displays of action in the future.
Fans of the David Carradine-led series of the same name should not anticipate the same story to be told in The CW’sKung Fu.The new series is a reimagining of the ’70s version and has a predominately Asian American cast that features newcomers and experienced actorsalike, such as Olivia Liang and Tzi Ma. The series revolves around Nicky Shen (Liang), a young girl who uses her refined martial arts skills to protect her community as it has been overtaken by crime and corruption.
Similarly toThe Brothers Sun,Kung Fuhas a palatable blend of action and drama.Even whenKung Fusuccumbs to formulaic storytelling at times, painting Nicky as somewhat of a superhero,the character relationships are still the heart of the show. The well-written characters wonderfully complement the expertly choreographed fight scenes, which fans of action are sure to enjoy.
In the first few weeks of its release, the Japanese seriesHouse of Ninjasmade its way into Netflix’s Top 10 Most-Watched TV shows, captivating audiences with its violent action and family dynamics.House of Ninjasfollows the Tawara family who attempt to live a normal life, but are brought back to their ninja lifestyle when trouble occurs.The choreographed fight scenes inHouse of Ninjasare creative and well-shot.
However, just like a few other martial arts shows understand,House of Ninjasknows it can’t rely on spectacular action scenes alone. Therefore, each character inHouse of Ninjasis developed and each Tawara family member has an interesting character arc that ties into the series' overall story. The comedy and family drama lightens up the show, but never fully takes away from its gritty display of martial arts.
Canceled a few months after its premiere,The Brothers Sunseason 1 still has eye-catching martial arts sequences that seamlessly blend into its dramatic, high-stakes family story.The Brothers Sunstars 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 assassinated.
The abundance of action scenes inThe Brothers Sunfeatures a lot of great techniques seen in enthralling kung fu films, including hand-to-hand combat. However, the intense action scenes and largekill count inThe Brothers Sunare balanced out 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.
Iko Uwais is not only a stuntman, martial artist, and experienced actor who has been in action films likeThe RaidandMerantau, but he is also a producer, fight choreographer, and the lead actor of Netflix’sWu Assassins.The show follows Uwais' Kai Jin, a young man who must save the world by eliminating five powerful individuals.
Mixing fantastical elements with martial arts,Wu Assassinsis endlessly entertaining.
ThoughWu Assassinsstruggled at times with telling a compelling story, many critics were delighted with the series' exciting fight scenes.The series' cast 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 inWu Assassins' action.
Daredevildoesn’t have as much of an emphasis on martial arts asIron Fist, but the former series' finer approach to storytelling and character development makes it worthy of a mention.Following a lawyer-by-day, masked vigilante at night,Daredevilfeatures a plethora of action sequences. That’s one of the reasonsDaredevilhas been the best MCU TV showin all the years following its premiere.
The quality of the series' fight scenes is a testament to its cast and fight choreographers. Theaction sequences inDaredevilimplement martial arts and are brutal. Fans and critics have praised the remarkable action, especially the famous hallway scenes. Additionally, the action inDaredevilis not without a purpose. The various encounters Daredevil has with others are well-planned, character-driven, and help push the story along.
Into the Badlandsis set far into the futurewhere war has left the United States in a ruined state. The titular territory is located near the Rocky Mountains, and it’s whereInto the Badlands' main characters are traveling to, hoping to be enlightened. Technology, aside from electricity and ground vehicles, has ceased to exist, including firearms.Theelimination of guns inInto the Badlandsallows for a stronger focus on physical confrontations.
The grand nature ofInto the Badlands' action pays respect to classic martial arts films throughout the years.
The use of hand-to-hand combat and martial arts is seen heavily throughoutInto the Badlands’ three seasons.The action in the AMC show is directed by executive producer Stephen Fung, as well as legendary Hong Kong choreographer, Ku Huen-chiu. The experience of Ku Huen-chiu’s career is evident in the series' action. The grand nature ofInto the Badlands' action pays respect to classic martial arts films throughout the years.
The story ofWarrioris set amidst the Tong Wars and is based on an original concept by Bruce Lee.InWarrior, a martial arts prodigy (Andrew Koji) is sold to a powerful tong after leaving China to find his sister.Warriorpremiered on Cinemax in 2019 but was moved to Max following the former’s decision to discontinue original content. However,Warriorwas canceledafter landing on Max and concluded with three seasons.
Still, the martial arts crime show found success when it was made available on Netflix. Audiences and critics were moved by the show’s narrative and its absorbing action. Brett Chan, whose resume includesWednesday,Iron Fist, andSnowpiercer, choreographed the fight sequences inWarrior.Koji is also a martial artist, as are a few of the actors inWarrior, and brings a sense of credibility to his actions, further pulling audiences into the inspired conflict.
A sequel to the originalThe Karate Kidfilms,Cobra Kaiis a lively continuation of a beloved story.Throughout its six seasons,Cobra Kaihas earned wide acclaim as the series has the ideal amount of nostalgia and innovation.Cobra Kaistarts from Johnny Lawrence’s (William Zabka) point of view as he opens up the Cobra Kai dojo and reunites with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio).
Cobra Kai’s martial artsdiffers from the kind seen inThe Karate Kidfilmsbut is equally just as exciting. Martial arts plays an important role in the gripping rivalries in the show and the action is just as crucial in the growth ofCobra Kai’s characters as they continue to refine their skills with each season. Both of these narrative elements allow the action inCobra Kaito have an emotional weight and serve a larger purpose.
