Explore the exciting world of cartoon martial arts with Kung Fu Panda, Street Fighter, Jackie Chan Adventures, and Afro Samurai. Unleash your inner warrior and get ready for a thrilling ride through the dynamic world of cartoon martial arts!
Over the years, animated shows have taken the art of combat to new heights, blending jaw-dropping action sequences with compelling stories and unforgettable characters.
From ancient disciplines like karate and kung fu to gravity-defying techniques that defy the laws of physics, these martial arts cartoons have something for everyone.
Martial Arts in Animated Shows
In this blog, we’re plunging headfirst into the electrifying domain of Toon-Fu, actively uncovering the captivating history, potent cultural influence, and fascinating evolution of martial arts in animation.
So, strap on your black belt and immerse yourself in a world where the magic of cartoons breathes life into every punch, kick, and throw.
1Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Heroes in a Half Shell
Cowabunga! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) epitomize martial art cartoons. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael have been slicing through enemies and pizza since 1984, making them a beloved staple of popular culture.
Trained by their sensei Splinter, these pizza-loving reptiles showcase their ninjutsu skills while fighting the likes of Shredder, Krang, and the Foot Clan. If you’re looking for high-flying kicks, wisecracks, and sewer-dwelling action, the TMNT has got you covered!
2Avatar: The Last Airbender – Mastering the Elements
Aang, the lovable and powerful Avatar, takes the martial arts game to a new level. Avatar: The Last Airbender combines Eastern philosophies with the art of “bending” the elements: water, earth, fire, and air.
Aang and his friends—Katara, Sokka, and Toph—embark on a journey to save the world from the tyrannical Fire Nation. Avatar: The Last Airbender has captivated fans and critics alike with intense battles, impressive bending styles based on real martial arts, and deep character development.
3Jackie Chan Adventures – A Kick of Comedy
Jackie Chan Adventures brings a comedic twist to the martial arts cartoon genre. Loosely based on the legendary Jackie Chan, this show features the fictional Jackie and his niece, Jade, battling evil forces while searching for powerful magical artifacts.
Known for its slapstick humor, the show is packed with martial art action and endearing characters. Whether it’s Jackie’s resourceful use of everyday items as weapons or his charming clumsiness, this show guarantees a hearty chuckle alongside some serious kung-fu action.
4Naruto – The Way of the Ninja
No martial arts cartoon list would be complete without mentioning the iconic Naruto. The story follows young Naruto Uzumaki, a ninja-in-training determined to become the strongest ninja in his village.
Naruto’s perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery journey has resonated with fans worldwide, making it a martial arts cartoon phenomenon. Believe it! With a vast array of unique techniques and fighting styles, the show boasts thrilling battles and relatable character arcs.
5Dragon Ball Z – Kamehameha and Beyond
Get ready to power up! Dragon Ball Z has enormously impacted the martial arts cartoon world. The series follows Goku, a Saiyan warrior, and his friends as they protect Earth from various threats.
Famed for its high-energy battles, unique fighting techniques, and unforgettable characters, Dragon Ball Z delivers martial arts action at its finest. With its iconic “Kamehameha” move, fusion dance, and intense training montages, this show has become a must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts and cartoon lovers alike.
6One Punch Man – The Power of One
One Punch Man offers a satirical take on the martial arts genre. Saitama, a seemingly average guy, has become so strong that he defeats every enemy with just one punch. Searching for a worthy opponent, he encounters bizarre monsters and over-the-top heroes.
With its sharp humor, eye-popping action sequences, and clever subversion of typical superhero tropes, One Punch Man has quickly gained a dedicated fanbase. If you’re looking for a martial arts cartoon that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one’s a knockout!
7Kim Possible – Saving the World, One Kick at a Time
High school cheerleader by day and crime-fighter by night, Kim Possible takes multitasking to new heights. With her trusty sidekick Ron Stoppable and his naked mole-rat Rufus, Kim battles villains like Dr. Drakken and Shego, all while juggling teenage drama.
Kim’s martial arts skills, blended with gadgets and witty banter, make her an unforgettable and empowering cartoon character. This show strikes the perfect balance between action and comedy, ensuring a fun and engaging watch for martial arts fans of all ages.
8Samurai Jack – A Timeless Warrior
Traveling through time to defeat the evil Aku, Samurai Jack combines martial arts with a unique visual style and captivating storytelling. This Emmy-winning series, created by Genndy Tartakovsky, follows the stoic samurai as he encounters strange creatures, futuristic landscapes, and epic battles to restore peace.
Samurai Jack’s stunning animation, intense action, and minimalistic dialogue create an immersive experience that martial arts aficionados and animation enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
9Fairy Tail – Magic and Martial Arts Collide
Enter the world of wizards and dragons with Fairy Tail, where magical guilds engage in epic battles and thrilling adventures. The series follows Natsu, Lucy, and the Fairy Tail guild members, taking on various quests and facing formidable foes.
Though magic plays a significant role, many characters showcase impressive martial arts skills, combining the two for unforgettable fight scenes. With its lovable cast, high-stakes battles, and the underlying theme of friendship, Fairy Tail is a fantastical martial arts cartoon that will keep you hooked.
10Street Fighter: The Animated Series – The Fight for Justice
Based on the popular video game franchise, Street Fighter: The Animated Series brings our favorite world warriors to life as they battle the evil forces of M. Bison and his criminal organization, Shadaloo. Featuring iconic characters like Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and Guile, the show offers a mix of martial arts, superhuman abilities, and an ongoing fight for justice.
Though it may not have the same depth as other martial arts cartoons on this list, the nostalgia factor and action-packed fight scenes make it a fun watch for Street Fighter fans and enthusiasts.
11Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness – The Dragon Warrior’s Antics
Join Po, the lovable and clumsy panda, as he continues his journey as the Dragon Warrior in Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness. Set between the events of the first two movies, this animated series sees Po honing his martial arts skills and embarking on exciting new adventures with the Furious Five and Master Shifu.
The show seamlessly blends humor, heart, and high-flying kung fu action, making it an entertaining choice for martial arts cartoon lovers and Kung Fu Panda fans of all ages. Get ready for a heaping helping of awesomeness!
12My Hero Academia – Quirky Heroes Unite
In a world where almost everyone has superpowers called “quirks,” My Hero Academia follows young Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a top hero despite being born without a quirk. When he inherits a powerful ability from the legendary hero All Might, Izuku joins the prestigious U.A. High School to train alongside fellow aspiring heroes.
Although the focus is on superpowers, the show features an array of martial arts-inspired fighting styles and intense battles. With its captivating characters and unique superhero and martial arts action blend, My Hero Academia will leave a lasting impression.
13Rurouni Kenshin – A Swordsman’s Quest for Redemption
Set in the Meiji era of Japan, Rurouni Kenshin tells the story of a wandering swordsman, Kenshin Himura, who seeks atonement for his past as a deadly assassin. With its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and intense swordplay, this martial arts anime explores redemption, love, and friendship themes.
Kenshin’s unique fighting style, rooted in real-life kenjutsu, provides thrilling and visually stunning battles that will captivate martial arts fans and anime lovers alike. Don’t miss this timeless tale of a warrior’s journey to find peace.
14Afro Samurai – A Quest for Vengeance
Afro Samurai, featuring the voice of Samuel L. Jackson, is a stylish and gritty martial arts anime set in a futuristic, yet feudal Japan. The story follows Afro, a warrior on a mission to avenge his father’s death and claim the world’s strongest fighter title.
With its distinctive animation style, brutal sword fights, and hip-hop-infused soundtrack, Afro Samurai offers a unique and visceral martial arts experience. This anime is a must-watch for those who crave intense action and a compelling revenge story.
15The Legend of Tarzan – Jungle-Style Martial Arts
The Legend of Tarzan takes the classic tale of the jungle hero and gives it a modern martial arts twist. This animated series sees Tarzan and Jane protecting their jungle home from threats, including poachers, supernatural creatures, and ancient civilizations.
Tarzan’s acrobatic fighting style, inspired by capoeira and parkour, creates exciting and visually dynamic action sequences. Combining martial arts, adventure, and the lush jungle setting creates a thrilling viewing experience that will leave you swinging from vine to vine.
16Bleach – Soul Reapers in Action
The world of the afterlife is far from peaceful in Bleach, an action-packed martial arts anime that follows teenager Ichigo Kurosaki as he becomes a Soul Reaper, protecting the living world from malicious spirits. With its expansive cast, captivating story arcs, and high-stakes battles, Bleach showcases various martial arts styles and weapon-based combat.
The intense, fast-paced fight scenes and the supernatural elements make this martial arts anime a gripping and entertaining watch. Dive into the world of Soul Reapers, and join Ichigo on his thrilling journey.