We have a strange relationship with violence. We’re often fascinated by it in movies and TV, but horrified by it in real life. Seeing someone perform a kick on the street would be alarming, but watching the same move in a martial arts show at home is entertaining – we might even be disappointed if the action ended too soon! Luckily, great martial arts TV shows offer hours of exciting action.
These shows feature incredibly well-done fight choreography, rivaling the action you see in movies like John Wick. But they’re not just about the action – the stories are engaging, and the characters are well-developed. Plus, it’s satisfying to watch the villains take the brunt of the damage. So, which show are you going to check out?
‘House of Ninjas’ (2024)
Netflix
Soichi Tawara claims his family is perfectly ordinary when agents from the Bureau of Ninja Management arrive with an offer of assistance against a dangerous group. But that’s not true! While they currently run a sake brewery, the Tawaras are actually the last remaining ninja clan. It’s a familiar story: the reluctant hero is eventually convinced to help, usually with some kind of reward. This is the beginning of House of Ninjas.
While House of Ninjas touches on themes of politics, history, and religion, it truly shines with its impressive action sequences. What sets it apart is the realism – the punches and kicks actually connect, unlike some staged fight scenes you see elsewhere. Despite being director Dave Boyle’s first action film, he demonstrates a remarkable visual style, particularly when it comes to depicting the impact of the fights with a playful energy. The camerawork is often surprisingly still, presenting the action almost as a captivating, brutal tableau.
‘Black Sash’ (2003)
The CW
Black Sash is an engaging show that offers a deep dive into the world of martial arts. The story follows Tom Chang, a former narcotics officer who was unfairly sent to prison. But the real excitement begins after his backstory is established. Unlike many martial arts films that highlight Tai Chi, this series centers on Baguazhang, a style using open-handed strikes instead of punches.
The short-lived series Black Sash centers around a Chinese martial arts school now managed by the main character, Tom. It’s a fun show that might even make you feel like you could take on a fight (though probably not!). The series features striking costumes and vibrant sets, with a subtle undercurrent of sensuality. Heavily inspired by The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, the music effectively creates a gritty, urban vibe. While one casting decision feels a little strange (you might question why Ray J is involved), Black Sash is a clever and visually captivating martial arts mystery.
‘Into the Badlands’ (2015 – 2019)
Netflix
Do you remember the TV show Smallville? Its creator, Alfred Gough, also made Into the Badlands, and it got me thinking: why didn’t he have Lex Luthor fight with the same skills as Sunny? Sunny is a highly skilled warrior who works for one of the powerful leaders in a troubled, futuristic world. In this setting, guns are no longer used, and everyone fights using swords and other close-combat weapons.
This action-packed thriller features a main character who seems cautious and fragile, yet delivers brutal punishment to his opponents – sometimes to an almost unfair degree. It brings to mind the classic Simpsons meme, “Stop! He’s already dead!” because the hero often shows a similar lack of compassion. Despite this, it’s incredibly addictive, especially after the stunning fight scene in the first episode, where the camera beautifully captures raindrops on weapons. More than just action, Into the Badlands is a compelling look at damaged people – both physically and emotionally – all struggling to survive in a relentlessly unforgiving world.
‘Wu Assassins’ (2019)
Netflix
After gaining recognition as a rising action star like Jet Li in The Raid, Iko Uwais has continued to deliver strong performances. In Wu Assassins, he plays a San Francisco chef who gains incredible martial arts abilities from a mystical spirit – the power of 1,000 monks, to be exact. While he might have joked about wanting the skills of 1,000 Gordon Ramsays, his character takes on a serious mission: to defeat five dangerous criminals who are trying to destroy the world.
Action sequences in this film are unbelievably impressive, but it quickly becomes clear the characters have special abilities, making the fantastic stunts believable. Iko Uwais once again proves he’s a phenomenal action star, and he’s supported by strong performances from Lee Jun Li and Celia Au. The movie also looks fantastic. If you enjoy it, be sure to check out the follow-up film, A Fistful of Vengeance.
‘Kung Fu: The Legend Continues’ (1993 – 1997)
Warner Classics
Kung Fu: The Legend Continues is a follow-up to the classic 1970s series, Kung Fu. While the stories aren’t as unique as the original, it boasts improved visuals and more impressive fight scenes. The show blends action, thrills, and crime drama, centering around a father and son—a Shaolin monk and a police detective, respectively.
With strong performances from its leads, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues is an enjoyable and occasionally touching series about the lives of those who fight crime. The show uses slow motion effectively, making each fight move feel impactful. What sets it apart from other action shows is its willingness to explore the characters’ mental health struggles – they often appear strong on the outside but are dealing with inner turmoil. Unfortunately, they don’t have anyone to turn to for help or support.
‘The Brothers Sun’ (2024)
Netflix
Michelle Yeoh is incredibly popular right now, appearing in many projects, most recently The Brothers Sun. And it’s easy to see why – she’s a truly talented actor. In this series, she plays a mother in Los Angeles who is both physically and emotionally struggling, all while teaming up with her sons to protect them from those who targeted her former husband, a powerful crime leader in Taipei.
Family bonds are strongest when people support each other, and that’s definitely true for the family in The Brothers Sun. While it doesn’t take itself as seriously as films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – it’s actually quite funny, maybe even too funny at times – it’s a really enjoyable show. You won’t forget the opening fight scene, set in a luxurious penthouse – it’s so well done, Jackie Chan himself might have wanted to be a part of it! And there’s another incredible fight where one of the sons battles assassins wearing giant, inflatable T. rex costumes. It’s amazing to think about how the stunt performers managed to do martial arts in those suits!
‘Daredevil’ (2015 – 2018)
Disney+
Some of the most exciting action happens when fighters are evenly matched and the battle goes back and forth. The show Daredevil is full of these kinds of intense, drawn-out fights, and they happen every time Matt Murdock takes to the streets as a masked crime fighter. By day, he’s a well-respected lawyer, but at night, he protects his neighborhood, Hell’s Kitchen in New York City.
Daredevil is packed with memorable scenes, from a gripping three-minute hallway brawl filmed in one continuous shot to an intense ten-minute prison fight. The show is beautifully made and avoids typical superhero clichés thanks to stunning visuals and excellent performances from the entire cast. Charlie Cox is particularly impressive as Daredevil, portraying a hero driven by a raw and terrifying desire for revenge. But the true standout is the show’s incredible cinematography, which allows viewers to connect with Matt Murdock’s experiences – especially considering his blindness – and creates a deeply empathetic narrative.
‘Cobra Kai’ (2018 – 2025)
Netflix
The Netflix series Cobra Kai continues the story from the Karate Kid films. The show features numerous challenges where characters issue a fight, and their opponents have no choice but to accept. The central storyline, at least to begin with, focuses on the renewed rivalry between two karate fighters who first competed against each other in the iconic 1984 All Valley Tournament seen in the original movies.
Similar to The Brothers Sun, Cobra Kai successfully combines action and comedy without going overboard. While the show focuses more on athleticism than graphic violence, its fight scenes are remarkably well-choreographed – often surpassing those in big-budget films. It expertly blends Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, and mixed martial arts for exciting action sequences. The creators also include memorable moments that really stick with you, like the epic 10-minute high school fight in the Cobra Kai Season 2 finale, which is a standout in martial arts television. Plus, the characters are relatable and easy to connect with.
‘Last Samurai Standing’ (2025)
Netflix
Imagine a martial arts show with over 300 performers, all in unique costumes! The incredible coordination needed to pull that off is a big part of what makes Last Samurai Standing so impressive. The show is set in the Meiji era and follows 292 fighters competing for a ¥100,000 prize. The challenge? They must travel from the famous Tenryū-ji Temple in Kyoto to Tokyo, and the last one standing wins – as long as they arrive unharmed by the other competitors.
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Last Samurai Standing is an entertaining competition that follows a similar format to Mortal Kombat. It features a diverse cast of fighters, each with unique abilities and weapons, creating thrilling moments. Beautifully shot in Japan’s striking landscapes, the show emphasizes the intensity and drama of the competition. With incredible stunts and a compelling ‘every man for himself’ premise, Last Samurai Standing delivers a suspenseful and visually stunning story.
‘Warrior’ (2019 – 2023)
Bruce Lee Entertainment
The show Warrior centers around Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a highly skilled martial artist who comes to America during a period of intense gang conflict known as the Tong Wars. He’s searching for his sister and quickly becomes embroiled in the fighting. The series is based on an idea originally developed by Bruce Lee for a TV show called Ah Sahm, and its fight choreography heavily features Jeet Kune Do, the martial art founded by Lee himself.
The show Warrior stands out by skillfully blending martial arts action with Western themes. It features dramatic standoffs, building tension with close-up shots before the fighting starts, all enhanced by stylish and visually striking cinematography that evokes the atmosphere of Peaky Blinders. Interestingly, the show’s origins trace back to Bruce Lee’s original concept, which Warner Bros. initially adapted into Kung Fu, and later, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. It’s great that we eventually got a series more aligned with Lee’s original intent.
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2026-03-03 04:21