Best Martial Arts TV Shows from the Last Decade

Thrilling Journey through Action-Packed Martial Arts TV Series

The genre of martial arts has been a staple in blockbuster films for decades, but in recent years, it has made an impressive leap into television. This dynamic form of storytelling, filled with intense action and intricate fight choreography, has captivated audiences worldwide. In fact, some of the best martial arts TV shows have emerged over the past decade, blending character-driven narratives with jaw-dropping fight scenes.

Martial arts’ transition to the small screen isn’t new—back in the 1970s, Hong Kong’s “kung fu wave” inspired a global fascination. Legends like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan introduced Western audiences to the beauty of Chinese martial arts, forever shaping how we view combat on screen. Their influence still resonates today, as modern shows like Warrior and Into the Badlands build on this legacy with an added narrative complexity.

In this article, we will dive into the best martial arts TV shows from the last decade, showcasing how these series artfully blend martial arts with rich storytelling.

The Resurgence of Martial Arts in TV

The appeal of martial arts in television lies not just in action but in how these sequences complement the storylines. Shows like Cobra Kai and Wu Assassins are perfect examples, where the characters’ martial arts training plays a central role in their development. Other shows, like Daredevil, elevate fight scenes by grounding them in the hero’s internal struggles, making the martial arts sequences emotionally charged.

A New Era of Martial Arts TV Shows

What distinguishes the best martial arts TV shows from generic action series is the intricate choreography that enhances rather than overshadows the narrative. Whether it’s a story of vengeance, redemption, or survival, martial arts becomes a character in itself—both thrilling and symbolic.

Let’s take a look at 10 of the best martial arts TV shows that have defined the genre in the past decade:

10. Iron Fist (2017-2018)

Iron Fist stands out as one of the most talked-about shows from Marvel’s Netflix series, even though it is often criticized. Finn Jones plays Danny Rand, a skilled martial artist trained in the mystical arts of kung fu. While Iron Fist struggled with pacing and character development in its first season, its second season showed marked improvement, especially in terms of fight choreography. Despite the criticism, Iron Fist deserves a spot on this list as it contributed to the best martial arts TV shows by featuring remarkable kung fu sequences, particularly in Season 2.

Redeeming the Fight Scenes

Initially criticized for underwhelming fight choreography, Iron Fist improved significantly in its sophomore season. The choreography became sharper and more intense, drawing viewers deeper into the protagonist’s world. Even if the series didn’t resonate with everyone, its martial arts-centric storyline ensured it left a lasting impact on the genre.

9. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024-Present)

Following the massive success of the animated Avatar: The Last Airbender, Netflix took a huge risk by launching a live-action remake. After the ill-fated 2010 film adaptation, fans were naturally skeptical. However, the live-action series launched in 2024 has shown tremendous promise, especially in how it brings to life the martial arts-infused “bending” powers of its characters.

Bending and Martial Arts

Martial arts choreography is at the heart of what makes Avatar: The Last Airbender a compelling watch. By seamlessly merging fight choreography with spectacular visual effects, Avatar manages to stand apart from other martial arts TV shows. As each character masters their bending skills, their martial arts prowess also becomes more refined, giving the audience stunning fight scenes that are both magical and technically impressive.

8. Kung Fu (2021-2023)

A reimagining of the 1970s classic, The CW’s Kung Fu brings a fresh, modern take on martial arts. Unlike the original, this version centers on Nicky Shen, a young Chinese-American woman who returns to her roots by using martial arts to protect her community from corruption.

Martial Arts with Heart

While the action scenes are undoubtedly impressive, what sets Kung Fu apart from other martial arts TV shows is its character-driven narrative. Nicky’s journey of self-discovery is closely tied to her martial arts training, making each fight scene an emotional, transformative experience for her character. Fans of the genre will appreciate the graceful fight choreography combined with heartfelt storytelling.

7. House of Ninjas (2024)

Japanese Netflix original House of Ninjas took the streaming world by storm with its unique blend of family dynamics and exhilarating martial arts combat. The story follows the Tawara family, a retired ninja clan forced back into action to protect themselves from looming threats.

A Family Affair

What makes House of Ninjas stand out among other martial arts TV shows is its creative take on martial arts as part of family dynamics. Each family member has their own set of skills, and watching them work together to take down their enemies is both exciting and heartwarming. The balance between comedy, drama, and martial arts action keeps viewers glued to their screens.

6. The Brothers Sun (2024)

Despite being canceled shortly after its debut, The Brothers Sun delivered gripping martial arts action during its brief run. Centered around a Taiwanese crime family, the series follows Charles Sun as he tries to protect his family in the United States after an assassination attempt on his father.

Kung Fu and Family Loyalty

The Brothers Sun doesn’t just rely on high-octane martial arts sequences. Instead, it successfully weaves in themes of loyalty, familial duty, and tradition, adding emotional layers to the action. Despite its short lifespan, the show’s expertly choreographed martial arts scenes make it one of the best martial arts TV shows worth watching.

5. Wu Assassins (2019)

Netflix’s Wu Assassins offers a thrilling fusion of martial arts and supernatural elements. Starring Iko Uwais, known for his work in The Raid, this series follows a young man tasked with saving the world from evil forces through his martial arts abilities.

Martial Arts Meets Fantasy

One of the reasons Wu Assassins deserves a spot on this list is its dedication to preserving the art of martial combat while integrating fantastical elements. The action scenes, choreographed by Iko Uwais himself, are fast-paced and breathtaking, helping solidify the show’s place among the best martial arts TV shows of the decade.

4. Daredevil (2015-2018)

As part of Marvel’s Defenders series, Daredevil didn’t prioritize martial arts the way Iron Fist did, but its fight scenes were still some of the best in TV history. Centering on Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who moonlights as a vigilante, the show’s fight choreography elevated each confrontation into an art form.

The Famous Hallway Fight

The iconic hallway fight scene from Season 1 of Daredevil became a hallmark of the show. Murdock’s raw, gritty, and relentless combat style highlighted his martial arts training, making each encounter as brutal as it was strategic. Daredevil earned its place as one of the best martial arts TV shows by setting a new standard for action choreography in TV.

3. Into the Badlands (2015-2019)

In a post-apocalyptic world where firearms have been eliminated, hand-to-hand combat reigns supreme in Into the Badlands. This AMC series seamlessly blends martial arts with futuristic, dystopian themes, delivering some of the most visually stunning fight scenes on television.

Paying Homage to Classic Martial Arts

The fight sequences in Into the Badlands are choreographed by legendary Hong Kong stunt coordinator Ku Huen-chiu, known for his work in traditional martial arts films. His experience is evident in the elegance and precision of the action scenes, which feel both timeless and futuristic. Fans of classic martial arts cinema will appreciate the homage paid to old-school kung fu films in this thrilling series.

2. Warrior (2019-2023)

Based on the writings of Bruce Lee, Warrior tells the story of Ah Sahm, a martial artist caught up in the violent Tong Wars of 19th century San Francisco. The show premiered on Cinemax before finding a new home on Max, and despite its cancellation, it has become a fan favorite for its riveting blend of crime drama and martial arts.

Bruce Lee’s Legacy

Warrior is not only one of the best martial arts TV shows of the last decade, but it also carries the spirit of Bruce Lee’s vision. The fight choreography, overseen by renowned martial artist Brett Chan, feels raw and authentic, paying tribute to Lee’s philosophy of martial arts as more than just physical combat, but a way of life.

1. Cobra Kai (2018-Present)

What started as a YouTube series quickly became a global sensation when Netflix picked it up. Cobra Kai is the sequel to The Karate Kid films, continuing the story of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, now middle-aged men grappling with their past rivalry.

Balancing Nostalgia with Martial Arts

Cobra Kai’s charm lies in how it manages to balance nostalgia with fresh storylines. While the fight scenes aren’t as elaborate as those in Into the Badlands or Warrior, the series expertly uses martial arts to explore themes of redemption, rivalry, and personal growth. Cobra Kai is undeniably one of the best martial arts TV shows, offering both action-packed sequences and heartfelt storytelling.

Conclusion

The resurgence of martial arts on television over the past decade has brought some of the most innovative and visually stunning series to our screens. These shows have expanded the genre by combining well-choreographed fight scenes with deep character development, rich narratives, and a variety of settings, from dystopian worlds to historical dramas. Whether you’re a fan of gritty realism or enjoy a touch of the fantastical, there’s a martial arts TV show out there that’s sure to captivate your interest.

Which of these best martial arts TV shows is your favorite?