Whereas martial arts animated collection are sometimes related to anime, loads of different types of animation have excelled in any such programming. Though lots of the most well-known examples of martial TV exhibits, equivalent to Dragon Ball and Naruto, stemmed from Japan, Western animation studios additionally produced a few of the best examples of this style. Martial arts as a self-discipline teaches its practitioners concerning the virtues of consistency, mindfulness, and coaching, which makes it the proper subject for the life classes taught to younger viewers in lots of animated collection.
A few of the best animated collection explored themes round martial arts and the virtues of preventing for what is correct. By mixing completely different genres equivalent to motion, fantasy, and sci-fi in collection populated by expert fighters, the narrative potential of battles between good and evil is limitless. Whereas many of those collection had been influenced by anime classics, additionally they carved out an identification that was all their very own and proved the recognition of martial arts media worldwide.
10 ¡Mucha Lucha! (2002 – 2005)
3 Seasons
The Children’ WB collection Mucha Lucha centered round Luchaville, a Southern California city the place almost everybody wears a lucha libre costume and performs a job on the planet of Mexican wrestling. With every character striving to excellent their signature transfer, Mucha Lucha was a fun-filled children’ animated collection that explored a seldom depicted fashion of martial arts and paid tribute to Mexican tradition. With wrestling strikes so highly effective that the customers had been able to remodeling as they used them, Mucha Lucha blended fantasy and preventing to inform a singular story of children studying life classes by means of sport.
Mucha Lucha primarily centered on three college students, Rikochet, Buena Woman, and the Flea, as they struggled by means of the Foremost World-Famend Worldwide Faculty of Lucha, the place they discovered the artwork of wrestling. Mucha Lucha ran for 3 seasons and concluded with a 2005 film titled ¡Mucha Lucha!: The Return of El Maléfico, which noticed the buddies threatened by a darkish power and do all the things of their energy to ship the evil again from whence it got here. Whereas a possible revival known as Mucha Lucha! Para Siempre was proposed in 2014, specializing in teenage variations of the characters, sadly, it by no means got here to fruition.
In a world the place lucha libre is a lifestyle, three younger masked wrestlers—Rikochet, Buena Woman, and The Flea—attend the Foremost World-Famend Worldwide Faculty of Lucha. Collectively, they navigate wild adventures, battling weird opponents and upholding the “Code of Masked Wrestling,” all whereas aspiring to grow to be legendary luchadores.
- Launch Date
- August 17, 2002
- Seasons
- 3
- Creator(s)
- Eddie Mort , Lili Chin
9 Legend of the Dragon (2005 – 2008)
2 Seasons
The CBBC animated collection Legend of the Dragon was a incredible martial arts fantasy present that disappointingly ended on a cliffhanger after two seasons. Telling the story of Ang, The Golden Dragon, as he protects the twelve zodiac temples towards his sister, Ling, the Shadow Dragon, Legend of the Dragon introduced collectively Japanese martial philosophies with the sensibilities of Western animation. Starting with the passing of the Golden Dragon into the afterlife, the 2 siblings quickly discovered that they had been subsequent in line to guard the mortal world from evil.
Nevertheless, sibling rivalry causes Ang’s sister to show to the darkish facet, and far of the collection battle stems from the evil energy of the Shadow Dragon and the try to revive Ling to the pursuit of justice. By taking affect from basic anime martial arts collection, Legend of the Dragon felt just like the Western reply to in style collection like Dragon Ball. Whereas the present by no means fairly reached the identical viewers ranges as its anime counterparts, it was nonetheless a disgrace that viewers by no means noticed the conclusion of Legend of the Dragon after it was prematurely canceled.
8 The Legend of Korra (2012 – 2014)
4 Seasons
The Legend of Korra was the sequel to Avatar: The Final Airbender, which advised the story of Korra, the successor and reincarnation of Aang from the earlier collection. Whereas The Legend of Korra by no means fairly reached the masterful heights of its predecessor, this was a worthy follow-up that expanded upon the world of water, earth, fireplace, and air benders seen throughout the 4 nations. With a brand new feminine protagonist, The Legend of Korra continued to cope with advanced concepts of life, loss of life, love, and advantage however was now imbued with a extra feminist fashion as the present tapped into LGBTQ+ themes.
Very similar to Aang earlier than her, Korra additionally handled unimaginable strain being the Avatar as she confronted religious and political challenges in a way more modernized world. With the identical high-quality animation as earlier than, Korra’s story was full of philosophical intrigue as she turned probably the most advanced feminine characters on tv, animated or in any other case. The Legend of Korra was a trailblazing present that pushed what could possibly be achieved on youngsters’s tv into courageous new territory.
This spinoff of Avatar: The Final Airbender follows the titular Korra, the brand new era’s Avatar and reincarnation of Aang. As an Avatar, Korra can bend all 4 components, and the present follows her journey by means of the difficulties in a quickly rising world.
- Forged
- Janet Varney , P.J. Byrne , David Faustino , J.Okay. Simmons , Jeff Bennett , Dee Bradley Baker , Seychelle Gabriel , Mindy Sterling
- Launch Date
- April 14, 2012
- Seasons
- 4
- Writers
- michael dante dimartino , bryan konietzko
- Administrators
- Joaquim Dos Santos
- Showrunner
- bryan konietzko
- Creator(s)
- michael dante dimartino , bryan konietzko
7 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 – 1996)
10 Seasons
Whereas the Ninja Turtles originated as a satirical comedian guide collection and have since gone on to star in a number of in style live-action function movies, most Millennials will know them primarily from their extremely in style animated TV present. With one of many catchiest theme tunes of all time and an outlandish humorousness, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was probably the most in style children collection of the late Nineteen Eighties and early Nineteen Nineties. As a first-rate instance of the facility of merchandising, the Ninja Turtles motion figures, video games, and even breakfast cereals had been main sellers worldwide.
Exterior of anime releases, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was the primary publicity most younger children needed to martial arts tv collection when it was on the air. The Turtles had been so in style that, to many, the names Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael have much more to do with preventing crime than they do with Renaissance painters. As extremely expert martial artists and intelligent crime-fighting turtles, these heroes in half-shells have grow to be true icons of children’ animation.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) follows 4 mutated turtle brothers skilled in ninjitsu who fight crime in New York Metropolis, dealing with an array of villains together with the evil Shredder.
- Forged
- Cam Clarke , Barry Gordon , townsend coleman , Peter Renaday , Renae Jacobs , Rob Paulsen , Pat Fraley , James Avery , Tony Jay , Bumper Robinson , Michael Gough , Invoice Martin , Jennifer Darling , Jim Cummings , Tress MacNeille
- Character(s)
- Leonardo , Donatello , Michaelangelo , Splinter , April O’Neil , Raphael , Krang , Shredder , Dregg , Carter , Irma , Leatherhead
- Launch Date
- December 14, 1987
- Seasons
- 10
- Community
- Nickelodeon
- Writers
- Kevin Eastman , Peter Laird , David Smart
- Administrators
- Invoice Wolf
6 Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011 – 2016)
3 Seasons
The Kung Fu Panda movie franchise has been an enormous success for Dreamworks, so it’s no shock that they opted to proceed telling the story of Po on the small display screen. First airing in 2011, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness served as a bridge between the primary and second films, though a lot of the voice solid was changed with Jack Black’s iconic characterization of Po being mimicked by Mick Wingert. Nevertheless, Lucy Liu and James Hong did come on board to reprise their movie roles as Viper and Mr. Ping.
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness didn’t fairly have the identical cinematic high quality as the films, but it remained an thrilling spin-off for teenagers who simply couldn’t get sufficient of this collection. With extra small-scale adventures, Legends of Awesomeness recaptured a lot of the spirit and enjoyable of the movie variations because it expanded upon the lore of the world. Since its conclusion, Kung Fu Panda has remained in style, and a sequel collection with Black again voicing Po titled Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight premiered on Netflix in 2022.
5 American Dragon: Jake Lengthy (2005 – 2007)
2 Seasons
American Dragon: Jake Lengthy took the martial arts mysticism that served as the idea for therefore many hit anime exhibits and transferred it to New York Metropolis. Specializing in the Chinese language-American boy Jake Lengthy, a seemingly abnormal teenager who can remodel right into a dragon, this Disney collection noticed him making an attempt to steadiness the on a regular basis challenges of adolescence with the necessity to defend magical creatures in his metropolis. As Jake confronted off towards a cult of ninjas generally known as the Huntsclan, martial arts battles had been central to the collection.
Operating for simply two seasons, American Dragon was prolonged into video video games, books, and even a TV crossover with Lilo and Sew. The present’s participating story that noticed Jake face off towards his finest good friend Rose, who he didn’t understand had been raised by his archenemy, the Huntsman, and had been skilled of their villainous group’s evil methods. With spectacular animation, an satisfying premise, and robust world-building, American Dragon showcased that it was not solely anime that would pull off nice martial arts cartoons.
4 Xiaolin Showdown (2003 – 2006)
3 Seasons
Xiaolin Showdown was an unimaginable Children’ WB present that expertly mixed Japanese and Western tradition with satisfying worldbuilding. Specializing in a gaggle of martial college students studying life classes concerning the nature of excellent versus evil, these teen martial artists launched into a quest to assemble the legendary Shen Gong Wu. These magical artifacts imbued the characters with particular powers that had been utilized to take down their enemies in fantastical duels generally known as Xiaolin Showdowns.
Not solely did Xiaolin Showdown have an intriguing idea, however its slowly revealed narrative was a masterclass in pacing as this intelligent collection developed its character’s backstories over three unimaginable seasons. With nice villains and an ensemble solid led by the dragon-in-training Omi, Xiaolin Showdown was actually probably the most underrated children’ exhibits of the 2000s. A successor collection known as Xiaolin Chronicles additionally premiered in 2013, which continued the story of Omi and his fellow fighters.
Xiaolin Showdown is an animated tv collection that follows 4 younger monks in coaching—Omi, Kimiko, Raimundo, and Clay—as they seek for mystical artifacts known as Shen Gong Wu. Guided by their smart grasp, the monks use these artifacts to fight the evil boy genius Jack Spicer and different villains. The collection showcases their journey to guard the world whereas mastering their elemental skills and rising into Xiaolin warriors.
- Launch Date
- November 1, 2003
- Seasons
- 3
- Creator(s)
- Christy Hui
3 Jackie Chan Adventures (2000 – 2005)
5 Seasons
Whereas viewers worldwide will concentrate on Jackie Chan’s standing as maybe the best kung fu film star of all time, not everybody may have seen his extremely underrated animated collection. Jackie Chan Adventures starred a fictional model of the martial star as he labored as an archaeologist and undercover agent who, with the assistance of household and mates, fought towards supernatural forces. With loads of references to Chan’s film profession, Jackie Chan Adventures was a fun-filled collection that could possibly be loved by youthful viewers and older kung fu followers alike.
Jackie Chan Adventures featured Chan dealing with off towards demons, ghosts, and spirits as he sought to assemble 12 talismans representing the Chinese language zodiac symbols. By mixing Chinese language mythology and folklore with world-spanning places that noticed Chan touring by means of Europe and Central America, this child’s present was influenced by anime collection and was an attention-grabbing mixture of Japanese and Western types. Whereas Chan himself didn’t voice his personal character, he would seem in live-action intros to supply insights into Chinese language historical past, tradition, and philosophy, in addition to to reply fan questions.
Jackie Chan Adventures is an animated tv collection that includes Jackie Chan as an archaeologist and martial artist. The present follows Jackie, his niece Jade, and their mates as they embark on a collection of adventures to gather magical talismans and defend them from the villainous Darkish Hand group. With a mix of motion, mythology, and humor, the collection aired from 2000 to 2005.
- Launch Date
- September 9, 2000
- Seasons
- 5
- Creator(s)
- Duane Capizzi , Jeff Kline , John Rogers
2 Samurai Jack (2001 – 2004, 2017)
5 Seasons
After already creating Cartoon Community classics like Dexter’s Lab, Genndy Tartakovsky took issues to the subsequent stage together with his masterpiece, Samurai Jack. This dystopian action-adventure collection featured a Japanese samurai who was unwittingly propelled into the long run as he sought to defeat the evil, shapeshifting demon named Aku. With a posh and interesting story, distinctive animations that uniquely utilized form and colour, and a thematically wealthy world of mates and foes, Samurai Jack advised a robust story concerning the worth of perseverance and the unimaginable benefit of by no means giving up.
With a very epic story that blended martial arts, sci-fi, and dystopian tales, Samurai Jack was a basic hero’s journey a few man who’s uncovered to a world he is aware of nothing about and is compelled to be taught and adapt to limitless challenges. Whereas Samurai Jack resulted in 2004 with out ever having completed its overarching plotline, it was revived in 2017 with a a lot darker and much grittier tone. This allowed viewers to lastly witness the showdown between Jack and Aku in a climactic conclusion that solidified its place as one of many best animated collection ever made.
In Samurai Jack, a younger samurai prince engages in a fierce battle with an evil shapeshifter generally known as Aku; however simply as he is able to deal the ultimate strike, he’s thrown into the long run. Now misplaced in time and looking for a future the place Aku has corrupted and brought management of the world, “Jack” will bounce by means of time, serving to others as he makes his means again to the previous and undo the injury finished by his final foe.
- Launch Date
- August 10, 2001
- Seasons
- 5
- Community
- Cartoon Community
- Franchise(s)
- Samurai Jack
- Writers
- Genndy Tartakovsky
- Administrators
- Genndy Tartakovsky
- Showrunner
- Genndy Tartakovsky
1 Avatar: The Final Airbender (2005 – 2008)
3 Seasons
With a thematic depth that addressed social and political points whereas increasing upon its well-imagined mythology, Avatar: The Final Airbender actually stood leagues above the remaining when it got here to non-anime martial arts exhibits. Telling the story of Aang, the final survivor of his air-bending nation, and his quest to revive the steadiness between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fireplace Nation, and Air Nomads, this Nickelodeon collection took many cues from Japanese historical past, philosophy, and mythology to create one thing totally new that’s in style worldwide.
Avatar: The Final Airbender was probably the most advanced and insightful youngsters’s animated collection ever made. With a powerful humorousness, stunning animation, and an actual sense of coronary heart and fervour for journey on the middle of its narrative, it was thrilling to observe how not simply Aang but additionally his companions Katara, Sokka, and Toph acquired expertise and matured all through its three seasons. The continued legacy of Avatar within the type of sequels, movies, and live-action variations proves its enduring legacy as a real trendy basic.
Avatar: The Final Airbender is an Animated Fantasy and Journey collection that appeared on Nickelodeon and was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The collection featured voices from Zach Tyler Eisen, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco, and Mae Whitman. The premise follows a younger boy named Aang, an Air Bender who is ready to be the subsequent Avatar, grasp of all components, in a bit to unite the nations collectively and convey peace.
- Launch Date
- February 21, 2005
- Seasons
- 3
- Writers
- michael dante dimartino
- Showrunner
- michael dante dimartino
