Top 10 Best Martial Arts TV Shows Ever
#10: "Warrior" (2019-)
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This relatively recent series from Cinemax proves that, even in the modern-day, the influence of Bruce Lee continues to be felt throughout the martial arts world. "Warrior" is actually based upon an original treatment and idea from Lee, co-produced with his daughter Shannon. The series possesses no shortage of action, and feels indebted to kung fu and spaghetti western cinema from the 1960s and '70s, while simultaneously possessing a contemporary execution. "Warrior" may take place during 1870s San Francisco, but the choreography and style on display feel totally timeless.
#9: "Black Dynamite" (2011-15)
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The original "Black Dynamite" film from 2009 may have been a fun and kitschy homage to classic Blaxploitation cinema from the 1970s, but the updated Adult Swim continuation of that franchise clearly had bolder intentions in mind. Sure, the show still captured the film's outrageousness and funky humor, but the martial arts action here is less "Dolemite" and more "Enter the Dragon." "Black Dynamite's" action sequences are fun but exquisitely animated, while the actual plots possess tons of biting satire and social commentary that makes this almost like a more violent and extreme companion piece to something like "The Boondocks."
#8: "Into the Badlands" (2015-19)
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Sure, the AMC network may be best known for its hit zombie series "The Walking Dead," but we gotta give it up for "Into the Badlands" for delivering some incredible martial arts action for three seasons. The idea of a post-apocalyptic world full of swordplay and full contact ass-kicking held on to a devoted, cult fan base, thanks to some stellar choreography and a strong ensemble cast. "Into the Badlands" is a whole lot of stylish fun, from a network that was able to take some chances, thanks to bankrolling all of that zombie money.
#7: "Cobra Kai" (2018-)
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The idea of continuing the tale of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence from the "Karate Kid" franchise could've been a losing proposition, but thankfully "Cobra Kai" doesn't just bank on nostalgia: it builds something new from that base. The series balances a comedic and dramatic tone with themes of personal accountability, revenge, and redemption, not to mention how the past can sometimes hold us prisoner to our memories. Beyond this, the martial arts on "Cobra Kai" are honestly superior to its source material, taking the innocence of the OG "Karate Kid" and mixing it with pathos and production values for a modern audience.
#6: "Daredevil" (2015-18)
We're all used to the big-budget spectacle of superhero blockbusters at this point, not to mention the wealth of comic book adaptations on television. Netflix's "Daredevil" was something a bit different, however, a show that took one of Marvel's most beloved and unique characters and gave him a look that was grounded and approachable. Although we did enjoy the martial arts on display with the channel's ill-fated depiction of "Iron Fist," their "Daredevil" series was even more successful at bridging fantastic comic book stories with gritty, inner-city living and Matt Murdock's deadly fighting abilities. One need only look at that incredible hallway sequence from Season One to be a true believer that "Daredevil" was the real deal.
#5: "Samurai Jack" (2001-17)
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The martial arts doesn't always translate well to the animated medium, but thankfully there are also shows like "Samurai Jack" that are clearly placed in the proper hands. The series is poetic in its visuals, showcasing an animation style that was groundbreaking for the time, and made the show popular with fans of all ages. There's a wealth of heritage behind the themes and stylistic choices of "Samurai Jack," from the episodic, long-form storytelling influenced by the seventies' "Kung Fu" series to the cinema of Japanese filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa. At the same time, its ability to transcend these influences with its own heart and passion makes "Samurai Jack" one of the finest animated martial arts programs of all time.
#4: "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" (1993-96)
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What do you get when you hijack giant monster battles from a long-running Japanese program and intercut it with fresh-faced teenagers and their hokey high jinks? You get one of the most popular and enduring franchises of the 1990s. The martial arts sequences on the "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" program were surprisingly decent, especially for a weekday afternoon program, and provided for many their first taste of Japanese kaiju action from the "Super Sentai" series. The ass-kicking credibility of the Rangers also received a boost when real-life mixed martial artist Jason David Frank joined the cast as the Green Ranger, ensuring that this kids hit wasn't just a flash in the pan.
#3: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1987-96)
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Okay, so it's established right from the get-go that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been taught their superior skills by Master Splinter, but what the original animated show also did well was depicting how their sensei was a moral compass. The family structure has always been central to the Turtles universe, and this show held on to that, while at the same time showing off plenty of action and fun. And this has honestly been the case throughout most of the Turtles' appearances in the media, a tightly knit group of brothers who know that the martial arts is a philosophy of the body and mind.
#2: "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (2005-08)
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Speaking of philosophy, the next TV show on our list also brings with it plenty of heady moral lessons and emotional weight. We're talking about "Avatar: The Last Airbender," possibly one of the most beloved animated programs of all time, despite only running for about three years. The show made tons of impact in that time, however, telling great stories and creating memorable characters right alongside some amazing animated set pieces. This is perhaps where "Avatar," as well as its sequel, "The Legend of Korra," truly stands out: its ability to elevate a martial arts story way above the physical element by providing just as much drama with its words as it does the action. Before we name our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions "Wu Assassins" (2019) Because Wu-Tang Is for the Children… & for Ass Kickin' Television "Hong Kong Phooey" (1974) For That Lovable Nostalgia "Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993-2001) Because Chuck Norris Would Kick Us Really Hard If He Wasn't on This List "Highlander: The Series" (1992-98) Because Who Said There Can Be Only One? "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness" (2011-16) For That Feel Good TV Take on a Big Screen Franchise
#1: "Kung Fu" (1972-75)
We gotta give respect for an OG with our number one pick. For many, the 1970s "Kung Fu" series was their first taste of the martial arts in any form, never mind on network television. Today, the idea of David Carradine's "Grasshopper," Kwai Chang Caine has been parodied to death, but the show's philosophical nature and dreamy, slow-motion cinematography made it a huge hit with fans. Caine's search for his half brother continually placed him as a defender of the innocent and oppressed, despite the Grasshopper's resistance to violence, leading "Kung Fu" to run for three original seasons. The show would eventually spin off into a number of television movies, as well as a sequel in the nineties, titled "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues."
