10 Movies & Shows Like Kung Fu Panda 2

Description: Centers on a young student learning martial arts not just for self-defense but for personal growth and discipline. The mentor-student relationship and the underdog story resonate deeply with themes of perseverance and inner strength.

Fact: The iconic 'wax on, wax off' training method was inspired by the director's own experiences learning karate. The film's success led to a franchise spanning multiple sequels and a remake.

Description: A story of a young individual defying expectations to protect their community, featuring strong themes of honor, bravery, and personal growth. The mix of action, comedy, and emotional depth mirrors the balance found in many martial arts tales.

Fact: Mulan was the first Disney animated film to openly deal with war. The character of Mushu was originally intended to be a more traditional, serious dragon.

Description: A visually stunning martial arts epic that combines breathtaking action with deep emotional storytelling. The film explores themes of destiny, love, and the struggle between duty and desire, much like many martial arts narratives.

Fact: The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. The bamboo forest fight scene took over three weeks to shoot.

Description: A visually poetic martial arts film that delves into themes of sacrifice, honor, and the greater good. The stunning cinematography and choreographed fight scenes elevate the story to an artistic level, much like other high-quality martial arts films.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The use of color in different story segments was inspired by traditional Chinese art.

Description: A unique blend of martial arts action and slapstick comedy, creating a vibrant and entertaining experience. The film's over-the-top fight scenes and humorous tone provide a fresh yet familiar take on martial arts cinema.

Fact: Stephen Chow, the director and star, performed many of his own stunts. The film pays homage to classic martial arts films and Looney Tunes cartoons.

Description: An animated series that combines martial arts with elemental bending, creating a rich world of action and spirituality. The young hero's quest to master his powers and save the world is filled with humor, heart, and intense battles.

Fact: The show's bending styles are based on real-world martial arts. It was originally intended to be a standalone series but gained a massive following, leading to sequels and spin-offs.

Description: A modern take on classic martial arts legends, blending fantasy and action with a coming-of-age story. The protagonist's journey to master his skills and fulfill his destiny echoes the growth seen in many martial arts heroes.

Fact: This film marks the first on-screen collaboration between martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li. The story is loosely based on the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West.'

Description: This animated film shares themes of self-discovery and mastering unique abilities, much like the journey of a young protagonist overcoming challenges. The blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments creates a similar emotional tone.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book series of the same name by Cressida Cowell. Toothless, the dragon, was designed to resemble a mix of various animals, including cats and bats.

Description: A sequel series that continues the tradition of martial arts-inspired action and deep character development. The protagonist's journey to master her abilities and face formidable challenges mirrors the growth seen in many martial arts stories.

Fact: The series was praised for its progressive themes and complex characters. Each season was initially intended to be a standalone story.

Description: A blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments, following a young genius and his robotic companion as they become heroes. The themes of teamwork, innovation, and overcoming adversity resonate with the spirit of martial arts narratives.

Fact: Baymax's design was inspired by inflatable robots from Carnegie Mellon University. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.