Top Martial Arts Shows: From Iron Fist To Cobra Kai

martial arts have been super popular for decades. Who doesn't love a good fight scene?

The 1970s was an epic moment for martial arts! Hong Kong cinema gave everyone some awesome action and thanks to Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, there was this big shift that helped take martial arts films and shows around the world! It wasn't all about big action films either, martial arts have a really cool place on TV.

We’re taking a look at some of the coolest, must-see shows with action that is pretty wild. If you're looking for something to watch that has heart-pounding moments! This list is for you! It includes everything from the classics to modern stories of a genre that has brought fans together for generations.

How To Choose a Great Martial Arts Show

Not only should the action be on point. A great martial arts TV show, has to make audiences care about the characters, the story. And it’s so much better when those amazing action scenes add to the narrative and give those characters a reason to shine!

Top Ten Shows!

• Iron Fist- (2017-2018)- You may not have expected it from Netflix's Defenders Saga, Iron Fist brings an iconic comic to life and its lead star Finn Jones as Danny Rand or, in other words, Iron Fist! Jones' character was really caught in between who he was before a horrific tragedy and a new path that is all about self-discovery, In these two seasons there's a lot of fighting with "Kung Fu." There's plenty of action, giving audiences a lot to be excited about! There were many moments where Iron Fist may have missed the mark for fans! Despite a few moments that missed the mark for audiences, this series still brought something powerful that's well worth the watch and had some super, fantastic action.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender - (2024-present)- This beloved show is iconic and this live-action version, for some fans was something to really pay attention to because of the previous 2010 version that didn't leave many fans thrilled. But Netflix has given it a fresh and exciting spin and you've got to give credit to Season 1. There were even some super high hopes as this version took on this incredible series, but for sure it has become a pretty decent watch! In fact, there was so much to appreciate! It's one that had amazing visual effects and those action scenes in Season 1 made a huge impact. We might just see a better Avatar experience in seasons 2 and 3 and an increase of fun.
• Kung Fu- (2021-2023)- Those that grew up on this amazing show might not recognize this version! It has a brand new approach from the original! If you haven't seen this yet, there's nothing more entertaining than a modern approach, giving it a really new look and feel! This story also features the character, Olivia Liang (who is also a talented actress), her character, Nicky Shen uses her martial arts skills to take on an incredibly difficult world in California where crime is running rampant. The action scenes are very cool and even the heart of the series gives us a lot to look at, where drama is mixed with some fantastic action!
• House Of Ninjas - (2024)- If you don't like some great action, you may just want to skip this! But those of you looking for more will love Netflix! "House of Ninjas" had such an impact, that it got on Netflix's Top 10. It has so many fans enjoying the way that it blends fighting scenes, drama, and an entertaining story! What was truly amazing about "House of Ninjas" was it featured the Tawara family. The heart of the movie is in those special family moments. It takes on a really unique twist. They show up and you discover their heritage, which takes them back to those great ninja skills. For anyone looking for a great fight! You won't have to wait long for those awesome moves that you see throughout the entire show!
• The Brothers Sun- (2024)- It’s kind of heartbreaking because "The Brothers Sun" didn't get another season. But for those who missed out, make sure you get a chance to tune in, especially if you are a fan of the martial arts! The star in this incredible series, none other than Michelle Yeoh! You'll see her with the two "Sun" brothers! One named Charles Sun who tries to keep the family together. While the other, Bruce Sun is on his journey. You can't ignore those heart-stopping moments. It brings you into those intense fights, where characters get put to the test. It features lots of action, like you see in kung fu films. However, there’s a sense of compassionate characters as well! You won't be able to resist this story of brothers, who are trying to navigate a tough world,
• Wu Assassins - (2019) - If there's one star who's dedicated to the world of martial arts, It's Iko Uwais. A big player in the genre as a martial artist and movie star in films like "The Raid"! It’s not hard to see why Uwais makes some fantastic action films, he's behind so many amazing productions! Uwais is in front and behind the scenes! With Netflix's Wu Assassins it is a must-watch. This one is unique because of the action! As the lead star. Iko Uwais brings his character Kai Jin, a young man, trying to do some good! It combines martial arts, fantasy elements! And you get those moments you crave! And for anyone who is looking for more of Iko Uwais action! "Wu Assassins" brings an exceptional, wild mix that will make you want more!
• Daredevil - (2015-2018)- If there is a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You can't leave out Daredevil, especially with all of Marvel's success in the MCU! Fans of Daredevil were left with some pretty compelling stories with a show about this amazing vigilante! You can see those exciting, heart-pounding action scenes.

• Into The Badlands (2015-2019) This wild and crazy show is not "Into the Badlands!" This is an AMC show that throws you way ahead of where we are today in the world's future, a desolate wasteland. In this awesome adventure, the characters have a grand quest. The location is near the Rocky Mountains, a spot that has the highest mountain peaks in North America. That also means, firearms aren't really the way that they are used to take each other down!

• Warrior- (2019-2023)- Another epic show with a talented cast of actors. The Tong Wars are featured, but there's so much more. In this series, you can see the origin story of how it was originally imagined! What is so intriguing about Warrior is that it is a production inspired by a legend, the incredible Bruce Lee, The show's character is a young martial artist and is looking for his sister! This show was first released by Cinemax but found a new home in Max before it concluded in 2023 after three seasons! The series gained an incredibly loyal audience who adored it as it was added to Netflix! Audiences couldn't help but be enthralled by this awesome, action packed, gritty story that was more than just exciting but heart-wrenching.
• Cobra Kai- (2018-present)- This isn't just an entertaining and exciting reboot, "Cobra Kai" really is something that took "The Karate Kid" to new and incredible heights. Fans who love to watch those classics have got another reason to rejoice! In six awesome seasons you are getting all the exciting nostalgia with some refreshing, brand new elements and lots of action!

If you're looking to start watching these amazing series! They might have been canceled but it doesn’t mean that you can't watch! And all of them can be streamed! There is always so much great content out there and with more "martial arts" shows coming you’ve got so much more to watch.

What show are you watching? Give these must-see shows a chance.