Here is a list of the best martial arts movies for kids. This list contains family-friendly martial arts films seen as popular classics and/or highly rated by critics. These martial arts movies are highly entertaining and often teach valuable lessons such as the value of hardwork and perseverance. If you are looking for adult martial arts movies (i.e. Enter the Dragon or Seven Samurai), please visit the main Best Martial Arts Movies section.
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Most Popular or Highly Rated Martial Arts Movies for Kids (Not in Rank Order) – Click on the films below to watch their movie trailers & to find more information
- The Forbidden Kingdom – The movie is focused on an American teen who is transported back in time to ancient China. He learns Kung Fu in order to defeat an evil warlord. This film stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
- The Karate Kid (with Ralph Macchio) – Bullied kid learns martial arts to defend himself but also learns the value of training, friendship and honor.
- The Karate Kid Part 2 (with Ralph Macchio) – In this movie, Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi travel to Japan.
- The Karate Kid (2010) – This movie is a remake of the original Karate Kid. It stars Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. However, in this remake, the movie is centered in China versus California.
- Kung Fu Panda – A “big fat” panda (Po) learns the value of hard work and becomes the Dragon Warrior.
- Kung Fu Panda 2 – Po must defeat an evil peacock armed with a cannon.
- Kung Fu Panda 3 – Po must train a panda village in order to defeat an evil opponent.
- Shaolin Soccer – A fun movie that combines Kung Fu and soccer.
Other Noteworthy Martial Arts Movies & Shows for Kids & Families – Click on the films below for movie trailers, etc.
- Beverly Hills Ninja – This is a 1997 martial arts comedy starring Chris Farley.
- The Karate Dog – This movie involves a dog who tracks down his owner’s killer. Of course, the dog can talk and knows martial arts!
- Kung Fu (TV Series) – A popular 1970s TV series focused on a Shaolin monk who travels about the Western United States in the mid-19th century. The martial arts hero in this TV show often fought for justice or to protect the underdog. David Carradine was the star of this TV series.
- The Next Karate Kid – This 1994 martial arts movie stars Pat Morita and Hilary Swank. A young woman becomes “the next Karate kid”. FYI – Ralph Macchio, the original Karate kid, is not in this film.
- Sidekicks – A kid-friendly martial arts movie starring Chuck Norris. In this 1992 movie, the young star (Jonathan Brandis) has daydreams about being Chuck Norris’ sidekick.
- Surf Ninjas – This is a 1993 martial arts comedy starring Rob Schneider and Leslie Nielsen.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – A very successful 1990 martial arts movie focused on 4 mutated turtles.
- 3 Ninjas – This 1992 comedy features three American boys who learn how to become ninjas from their Japanese grandfather. While this movie received bad reviews from the critics, it became a cult classic and generated a number of follow-on movies.
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior – This 2006 martial arts comedy focuses on a teenage girl who is campaigning to become her school’s homecoming queen. However, at the same time, she is learning martial arts in order to defeat an evil spirit.
The Karate Kid – Movie Clip
Kung Fu Panda – Movie Trailer
Martial Arts Movies for Kids
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