The Best Martial Arts Movies for Kids
Is there anything more fun than watching two martial arts masters at the top of their game? Everybody loves them, but it can be hard to find a list of appropriate martial arts movies for kids.
Many kung-fu movies are overly violent or might teach kids the wrong lessons, but the good Karate films for young kids teach the honor, discipline, and respect that is at the core of most martial arts. Not only are the movies fun, but martial arts is a rewarding and valuable practice for young kids, with some studies even linking it to improvements in children with learning and attention issues. If your kids are interested in martial arts, then these are the kids karate movies to watch, like 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up.
So if you've ever asked yourself, what ninja films can kids watch? Look to the list below for answers to this and similar questions. From old live-action classics like the Karate Kid and 3 Ninjas, to newer animated movies like the Kung Fu Panda trilogy, there's a wide variety to choose from. So vote up the best kung-fu films for children, add any items you don't see, and everybody start kung-fu fighting!
And if you like these movies, check out our list of the best ninja movies.
- 1Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, Josh Pais
Blending comedy, adventure, and impressive action scenes, this movie brings the beloved comic book heroes to life with a splash of '90s nostalgia. Four mutated turtles guided by their sensei, a wise rat named Splinter, protect New York City from evil forces while also grappling with their teenage struggles. With relatable themes of friendship, family, and teamwork, this fun and exciting flick is sure to entertain kids and parents alike.
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- 2Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
A heartwarming coming-of-age tale, this movie showcases the incredible bond between a young boy and his wise mentor, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and a new town. Under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, Daniel learns both the physical moves and the philosophical aspects of karate, ultimately facing off against his bullies in an inspiring finale. With its memorable catchphrases and thrilling fight scenes, it's no surprise this classic remains a favorite for kids and adults.
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- 3Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan
Featuring the stellar voice talents of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, and Dustin Hoffman, this charming animated film tells the story of Po, an unlikely hero who dreams of becoming a legendary kung fu master. Despite his initial self-doubt and physical limitations, Po's indomitable spirit propels him to rise to the occasion and defend his home from a menacing enemy. Boasting lush visuals and an uplifting message about embracing one's unique strengths, this movie is a must-watch for kids of all ages.
More Kung Fu Panda- #397 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
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- 4Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Tamlyn Tomita
Set in Okinawa, this captivating sequel expands on the special relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, offering a deeper exploration of the latter's past and culture. The duo encounters a new set of adversaries, which leads to exhilarating battles that test their skills and resilience. Filled with poignant moments and engaging action sequences, this film is a fantastic continuation of the original's legacy.
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- 5Paige Turco, David Warner, Michelan Sisti
In this high-stakes sequel, the four pizza-loving protagonists face their greatest threat yet - a mutated super-villain with ties to their origins. As they uncover the truth behind their creation, the turtles team up with a human friend to protect their city from a potentially catastrophic plot. Fusing humor, action, and a memorable performance by Vanilla Ice, this movie is a blast for kids and grown-ups alike.
- 6Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman
This delightful trilogy-capper finds Po facing his greatest challenge yet - teaching a village of fellow pandas the art of kung fu to save them from an otherworldly threat. Along the way, our hero grapples with embracing his role as a teacher and discovers a powerful connection to his long-lost father. With its stunning visuals, heartfelt message, and effortlessly funny humor, this film is a triumphant conclusion to a beloved series.
- 7Elias Koteas, Paige Turco, Stuart Wilson
Time-traveling antics abound in this adventure-packed installment, as the heroes in half-shells find themselves transported to 17th-century Japan to save a kidnapped ally. Navigating a drastically different world from their own, the turtles must adapt their skills and rely on their tight-knit bond to overcome a variety of challenges. With its engaging blend of historical settings, witty banter, and thrilling combat scenes, this film is a delightful addition to the series.
- 8Jackie Chan, Amber Valletta, George Lopez
Starring Jackie Chan, this action-comedy centers on a former CIA agent who unexpectedly finds himself charged with the task of babysitting his girlfriend's three rambunctious kids. As he juggles domestic challenges and contends with his spy past coming back to haunt him, Chan's character showcases his signature blend of humor, heart, and impressive stunts. With its blend of family dynamics and thrilling action set pieces, this movie is a perfect pick for kids who love excitement and laughs.
- 9Victor Wong, Charles Napier, Michael Treanor
Combining slapstick comedy with heart-pounding action, this lively film follows three skilled siblings as they use their martial arts prowess to help a Native American girl save her tribe's land from a corrupt developer. In between wacky hijinks and laugh-out-loud gags, the brothers unite to battle a group of ruthless henchmen in exhilarating showdowns. With its charismatic young heroes and emphasis on the power of family and friendship, this entertaining romp is sure to delight young audiences.
- 10Chuck Norris, Beau Bridges, Jonathan Brandis
This heartening tale follows a young boy with asthma who dreams of being a martial arts hero, drawing inspiration from his idol, Chuck Norris. When he befriends a kindhearted karate teacher and encounters the real Norris, the boy's confidence grows and he learns to stand up to adversity – both physically and emotionally. Packed with thrilling fight sequences and a powerful message about the power of self-belief, this movie is a fantastic pick for kids who need a little encouragement.
- 11Victor Wong, Michael Treanor, Max Elliott Slade
Combining slapstick comedy with heart-pounding action, this lively film follows three skilled siblings as they use their martial arts prowess to help a Native American girl save her tribe's land from a corrupt developer. In between wacky hijinks and laugh-out-loud gags, the brothers unite to battle a group of ruthless henchmen in exhilarating showdowns. With its charismatic young heroes and emphasis on the power of family and friendship, this entertaining romp is sure to delight young audiences.
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- 12Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
The beloved Po returns in this visually stunning sequel, as he embarks on a quest to discover the secrets of his past and confront a formidable new foe bent on conquering China. With the help of his cherished friends and newfound abilities, Po learns the true meaning of inner peace and rises to protect everything he holds dear. Full of humor, heart, and breathtaking animation, this film delivers an engaging story that will delight audiences young and old.
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- 13Amy Jo Johnson, Jason David Frank, Karan Ashley
The iconic teenagers with attitude spring into action in this vibrant, big-screen adaptation of the popular TV series. When an ancient alien threat resurfaces, it's up to the colorfully garbed heroes to harness incredible new powers and defend their city from impending doom. Overflowing with cheesy catchphrases, outlandish costumes, and impressive fight scenes, this nostalgia-fueled joyride is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages.
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- 14Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson
This contemporary reboot breathes fresh life into the classic underdog tale, transporting the action to China and introducing a modern sensibility to the proceedings. Under the tutelage of a wise maintenance man, a young American expat masters kung fu and forges a path to personal growth, overcoming various obstacles along the way. Boasting strong performances, captivating visuals, and an inspiring storyline, this updated rendition is sure to capture the imaginations of kids today.
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- 15Chris Evans, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mako
In this visually striking animated adaptation, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles face an ancient enemy who threatens to plunge New York City into chaos. As they battle monstrous creatures and confront the fractures in their own family, the brothers are reminded of the importance of unity and determination in the face of adversity. Offering a fresh take on the iconic characters, this captivating film is sure to please fans old and new.
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- 16Victor Wong, Max Elliott Slade, Sean Fox
The adventurous martial arts siblings return in this action-packed sequel, as they accompany their grandfather to Japan to return a sacred dagger and participate in a prestigious tournament. In the process, the boys fend off ninjas, forge friendships, and learn valuable life lessons about responsibility and cultural understanding. Brimming with gravity-defying stunts, comedic gags, and a heartwarming focus on familial bonds, this movie is an enjoyable follow-up to the original.
- 17Ernie Reyes, Rob Schneider, Nicolas Cowan
This quirky, beach-themed adventure centers on two brothers who discover their royal ancestry and embark on a wild mission to save their island homeland from evil forces. Along the way, the siblings learn valuable lessons about leadership, loyalty, and the power of self-belief, all while showcasing their impressive surfing and martial arts skills. With its unique premise and lighthearted tone, this movie is a perfect choice for those seeking a fun and offbeat viewing experience.
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- 18Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Pai Wei
This classic kung fu comedy stars the legendary Sammo Hung as a bumbling butcher with a heart of gold, who inadvertently finds himself embroiled in a series of thrilling escapades. Combining slapstick humor, spectacular stunts, and an infectious sense of fun, the film offers a rollicking good time for viewers of all ages. With its vibrant energy and awe-inspiring martial arts displays, it's no wonder that this film has earned a place among the best of the genre.
- 19Michael Cera, Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais
This adorable animated feature centers on the adventures of an ordinary housecat who discovers his hidden potential as a kung fu master. As Hank learns to hone his skills and follow the path of righteousness, he finds himself embarking on a heroic quest to save his friends from the clutches of evil. Filled with endearing characters, action-packed sequences, and a heartwarming message about self-discovery, this delightful film offers a unique spin on the genre that is sure to charm the smallest viewers.
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- 20Brenda Song, Anna Hutchison, Justin Chon
In this energetic Disney Channel original, a seemingly ordinary teenager discovers her extraordinary destiny as a reincarnated warrior destined to save the world from an ancient evil. Balancing high school drama with thrilling fight scenes, this movie offers a refreshingly empowering portrayal of a young woman who learns to embrace her inner strength and accept her newfound responsibilities. Featuring a strong message of self-discovery, friendship, and courage, this film is a fantastic pick for kids in search of action, adventure, and relatable characters.
- 21Jet Li, Chia Hui Liu, Yu Chenghui
This lighthearted martial arts comedy stars a young Jet Li and showcases the incredible skills and humor of both him and his talented co-stars. The film follows the antics of two rival families with different training styles, resulting in a colorful display of acrobatic stunts, stunning fight scenes, and uproarious comedic moments. With its captivating storyline and dazzling martial arts performances, this movie makes for an entertaining and enjoyable watch for kids and adults alike.
- 22Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz
This live-action adaptation of the popular Nickelodeon series invites viewers into a mystical world where people can manipulate the elements through the power of bending. Follow the journey of Aang, the last remaining airbender, as he embarks on a quest to restore balance and harmony to the world, facing countless challenges along the way. With its dazzling special effects, engaging story, and inspiring themes, this visually stunning epic is sure to enchant audiences both familiar and new to the franchise.
- 23Jon Voight, Chevy Chase, Simon Rex
In this whimsical family film, a talking dog named Cho Cho teams up with a police detective to solve a crime and bring justice to the world. Along the way, the unlikely duo learns the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship, and showcases their unique blend of karate skills. Featuring a star-studded voice cast and a heartwarming story, this offbeat comedy is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
- 24Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola DavisMore Kung Fu Panda 4
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- 25David Yost, Walter Jones, Steve Cardenas
This action-packed adventure takes fans back to the classic days of the mighty morphin heroes, as the rangers are called upon to reunite and save the world once more. With iconic catchphrases, thrilling battles with familiar foes, and a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this film combines the best elements of the beloved franchise to create a memorable and exhilarating experience for fans both old and new. With its exciting storyline, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, and focus on teamwork and friendship, this film is a fantastic choice for fans of this enduring franchise.
- 26Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu
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