Fun-filled martial arts movies have the power to bring the whole family together, and there are some astounding releases that kids, in particular, will connect with. As the stories of epic heroes overcoming adversity, animated kung fu fighters learning the value of honor and training, or even fantastical adventures that transport characters to different worlds, there are so many different types of great martial arts movies.
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Many of the best martial arts movies ever made were family-friendly features that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Some of these releases come from major franchises like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, while others are timeless kung fu classics that have endured in the hearts and minds of viewers for decades. Kid viewers can be very discerning in their preferences, and it takes a truly special film to be able to keep everybody happy while ensuring there’s still enough action, adventure, and excitement for young viewers to connect with.
You are watching: 10 Best Family-Friendly Martial Arts Movies That Kids Will Love
10
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
Directed by Jeff Rowe
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8/10
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
PG
ActionAdventure
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated film in the enduring action-comedy franchise. Directed by Jeff Rowe, the movie follows the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael—alongside their mentor Splinter, as they confront new adversaries and navigate their teenage years. The film combines humor and action while maintaining the core themes of the beloved series.
Release Date
August 4, 2023
Runtime
100 Minutes
Main Genre
Action
Cast
Nicolas Cantu
, Micah Abbey
, Shamon Brown Jr.
, Brady Noon
, Jackie Chan
, Ayo Edebiri
, Seth Rogen
, John Cena
Director
Jeff Rowe
Writers
Brendan O’Brien
Studio
Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies, Point Grey Pictures
Franchise
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Characters By
Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird
Expand
Although the “heroes in a half shell” Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo started off as a dark parody of superhero comics, since its debut in 1984, this franchise has transformed into a very family-friendly property. Following animated series, live-action films, and countless miscellaneous media, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have long been a firm favorite of martial arts-loving children. The animated movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem represented the best of this series and received widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
As one of the best Turtles films ever made, Mutant Mayhem addressed timeless themes of family as the turtles’ isolation from the world mimicked young people’s desire to fit in. This reboot could be enjoyed by longtime viewers and first-timers alike as it retold the ninjutsu-fighting turtles’ origins while capturing the essence of what has made them so enduring these past decades.
9
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Directed by Stephen Chow
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Shaolin Soccer
PG-13
ActionComedy
Shaolin Soccer: Released in 2001, this film follows a once-promising follower of Shaolin martial arts who convenes with his estranged brothers to create a soccer team. They harness their martial arts prowess on the field, merging their skills with the game in pursuit of victory.
Release Date
July 5, 2001
Runtime
113 minutes
Main Genre
Action
Cast
Stephen Chow
, Zhao Wei
, Ng Man-tat
, Patrick Tse Yin
, Vincent Kok
, Wong Yat-fei
, Meilin Mo
, Tenky Tin Kai-Man
, Danny Chan Kwok-kwan
, Lam Tze-chung
, Steven Fung Min-Hang
, Alex Lam Chi-Sin
, Yuen Siu-Lung
, Wong Ming-Kin
, Leo Lo Hoi-Ying
, Sin Kin-Wing
, Yiu Yuk
, Sik Chi-Wan
, Cao Hua
, Lee Ban-Hung
, Shi Hang-Kong
, Cecilia Cheung
, Karen Mok Man-Wai
, Li Hui
, Suen Chi-Wing
Character(s)
Sing
, Mui
, Fung
, Hung
, Team Puma Leader
, Iron Head
, Hooking Leg
, Iron Shirt
, Empty Hands
, Weight Vest
, Team Gangster Leader
, Team Gangster Player #1
, Team Gangster Player #2
, Team Gangster Player #3
, Team Gangster Player #4
, Team Gangster Player #5
, Team Gangster Player #7
, Team Evil Center
, Team Evil Goalie
, Team Evil Player #1
, Team Evil Player #3
, Team Moustache Player #1
, Team Moustache Player #2
, Girl on Street
, Hung’s Assistant
Director
Stephen Chow
Producers
Yeung Kwok-Fai
Writers
Fung Chih-chiang
, Tsang Kan-Cheong
, Steven Fung Min-Hang
YouTube Trailer
Expand
The acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Stephen Chow is a master at blending high-stakes action with laugh-out-loud comedy in a way that will appeal to younger viewers. This skill was powerfully seen in Shaolin Soccer, a martial arts sports comedy that football-loving kids will surely connect with. Telling the story of a downtrodden soccer star trained in the way of Shaolin kung fu by a master monk, this genre-bending movie was buckets of fun.
While the title Shaolin Soccer may appear gimmicky, in practice, this movie played out with a real sense of style and engaging energy that’s sure to win over even the sternest viewer. By mixing the fast-paced nature of soccer with the intricacies of kung fu, Shaolin Soccer became a ridiculously entertaining martial arts story. With over-the-top stylistic sensibilities, it’s hard to imagine a kid who wouldn’t love Shaolin Soccer.
8
The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017)
Directed by Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, and Bob Logan
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The LEGO Ninjago Movie
PG
AnimationActionAdventureComedyFamily
Ninjago is the story of six young ninja tasked with defending their island home, called Ninjago. By night, they’re gifted warriors, using their skill and awesome fleet of vehicles to fight villains and monsters. By day, they’re ordinary teens, struggling against their greatest enemy: high school.
Release Date
September 21, 2017
Runtime
101 minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Cast
Olivia Munn
, Kumail Nanjiani
, Justin Theroux
, Dave Franco
, Jackie Chan
, Michael Pena
Director
Charlie Bean
, Paul Fisher
, Bob Logan
Writers
Hilary Winston
, Bob Logan
, Paul Fisher
, Kevin Hageman
, Dan Hageman
, William Wheeler
Expand
The Lego Movie franchise got to the very heart of children’s sense of play and showcased how well these beloved building blocks work in a cinematic environment. From the original film right through to The Lego Batman Movie, this series effortlessly blends major properties in a way that’s exciting and engaging for young viewers. This track record was continued with The Lego Ninjago Movie, which, despite underperforming box office expectations, remains a creative, exciting, and fun-filled movie experience for kids.
While Lego Ninjago toys have been popular since their debut in 2011 and have already gained viewers’ attention through its successful TV series, The Lego Ninjago Movie gave this toy line an A-list voice cast and the blockbuster movie treatment. The Lego Ninjago Movie featured a charming and funny story about a ninja named Lloyd Garmadon who was outcast from society due to the actions of his evil father. With plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor that leans into tropes and cliches of martial arts movies, kid viewers will surely get a kick out of this clever story.
7
Kubo And The Two Strings (2016)
Directed by Travis Knight
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8.8/10
Kubo and the Two Strings
PG
AdventureFamilyAnimation
Kubo and the Two Strings is a stop-motion animation film from Laika that follows a young boy named Kubo who lives a quiet, normal life in a small shoreside village. His life is suddenly turned upside down when a spirit from the past visits him and re-ignites an age-old vendetta. Now on the warpath of various gods and creatures, Kubo must locate a legendary suit of armor worn by his late father.
Release Date
August 19, 2016
Runtime
101 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Cast
Charlize Theron
, Art Parkinson
, Minae Noji
, Ralph Fiennes
, Brenda Vaccaro
, Rooney Mara
, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
, Alpha Takahashi
, Matthew McConaughey
, George Takei
Director
Travis Knight
Writers
Marc Haimes
, Chris Butler
, Shannon Tindle
Budget
$60million
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Focus Features
, Universal Pictures
Expand
Kubo and the Two Strings was the perfect combination of Japanese-inspired art styles, fantastical mysticism, and martial arts. As an epic story of magic and adventure, Kubo and the Two Strings followed a boy named Kubo who wielded a magical string instrument called the shamisen and, along with an anthropomorphic snow monkey and a human-stag beetle hybrid, embarked on a quest to defeat his mother’s evil twin sisters and power-hungry grandfather.
With a unique art style that blended stop-motion, ink painting, and origami aesthetics, the distinctive look of Kubo and the Two Strings led to it becoming the second stop-motion animated film ever to be nominated for a Best Visual Effects Oscar, after The Nightmare Before Christmas. As Kubo attempted to live up to his missing samurai warrior father, seeing him use his magical powers to showcase incredible martial arts skills was thrilling. The individualistic style of Kubo and the Two Strings meant viewers of all ages could enjoy it, but children will especially be blown away by its magic.
6
Surf Ninjas (1993)
Directed by Neal Israel
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Surf Ninjas
PG
ActionAdventureComedyFamily
Surf Ninjas follows two Asian-American brothers who discover they are the rightful heirs to a China Sea Island. Inheriting martial arts abilities and precognitive powers, they embark on a quest to overthrow the island’s tyrannical ruler, a dictator with a metal face.
Release Date
August 12, 1993
Runtime
87 minutes
Cast
Ernie Reyes Jr.
, Ernie Reyes Sr.
, Nicolas Cowan
, John Karlen
, Rob Schneider
, Leslie Nielsen
, Tone Loc
, Kelly Hu
, Sheng Meng
, Tad Horino
, Philip Tan
, Nathan Jung
, Keone Young
, Neal Israel
, Romy Walthall
, Jonathan Schmock
, Pete Antico
Character(s)
Johnny
, Zatch
, Adam
, Mac
, Iggy
, Colonel Chi
, Lieutenant Spence
, Ro-May
, Major Snee
, Gum-Bey
, Captain Ming
, Manchu
, Baba Ram
, Mr. Dunbar
, Miss Robertson
, School Cop
, Cop #1
Director
Neal Israel
Producers
Evzen Kolar
Writers
Dan Gordon
YouTube Trailer
Expand
Based on the title alone, it’s clear that kid viewers will have a fun time with Surf Ninjas. As viewers can probably guess, this was a fun-filled, family-friendly martial arts comedy about teenage surfers discovering a magical world of adventure. As the two brothers learn they are the heirs to the throne of the Asian kingdom of Patusan, they must embark on a quest to overthrow the evil colonel that rules over the kingdom and take up their rightful place as leaders.
By combining disparate aspects of pop culture, such as the Los Angeles surf scene, the slacker mentality of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a coming-of-age story of adventure, Surf Ninjas felt like an epic mishmash of everything kids love. While the jokes were corny and the martial arts left a lot to be desired, the mindless sense of fun at the heart of this story made it endlessly watchable. Surf Ninjas was the kind of family-friendly film that a kid begs to watch on repeat, only to return to it as an adult and no longer understand its appeal.
5
Sidekicks (1993)
Directed by Aaron Norris
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Sidekicks
PG
ActionAdventureComedy
Sidekicks is a 1992 action-comedy directed by Aaron Norris, starring Chuck Norris and Jonathan Brandis. The film follows a bullied teenager who escapes his troubles through a vivid fantasy life where he is the sidekick of martial arts hero Chuck Norris. With the help of his martial arts teacher, he strives to turn his fantasies into reality, building self-confidence and physical strength along the way.
Release Date
April 30, 1993
Runtime
101 Minutes
Main Genre
Action
Cast
Chuck Norris
, Beau Bridges
, Jonathan Brandis
, Mako
, Julia Nickson
, Joe Piscopo
, Danica McKellar
, John Buchanan
Character(s)
Himself
, Barry Gabrewski
, Jerry Gabrewski
, Mr. Lee
, Noreen Chan
, Kelly Stone
, Lauren
, Randy Cellini
, Horn
, Mapes
, Hank
, Man with Dog
, Businessman
, Dr. Millard
Director
Aaron Norris
Producers
Chuck Norris
, Don Carmody
, Linda McIngvale
Writers
Lou Illar
, Galen Thompson
YouTube Trailer
Expand
Sidekicks was one of the best rip-offs of The Karate Kid out there, as it borrowed many aspects of that film’s appeal yet found its own unique identity. Featuring a teenager who consistently escapes to a fantasy world where he’s Chuck Norris’ sidekick, the real Norris got in on the action to play a fictionalized version of himself in this movie directed by his own brother. While Sidekicks received negative reviews upon release, looking back, it’s got plenty of interesting ideas that would appeal greatly to young viewers.
With themes of legacy, fantasy, and heroism, Sidekicks featured a strong performance from the late Jonathan Brandis as the asthmatic teenager Barry Gabrewski, who pursues martial arts to become as brave as he is in his fantasies. While Barry initially attempted to run away into a world of escapism, he starts to reach his full potential after a restaurant owner named Mr. Lee (Mako) takes him and starts to teach him martial arts. Released in Europe a full year before Last Action Hero, many of the ideas seen in the film were repeated in that Schwarzenegger movie.
4
The Spy Next Door (2010)
Directed by Brian Levant
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The Spy Next Door
PG
ActionComedyFamily
The Spy Next Door is a family action-comedy film directed by Brian Levant. The movie stars Jackie Chan as Bob Ho, an undercover CIA super spy who decides to retire and settle down with his next-door neighbor and girlfriend. However, he faces the challenge of caring for her three children, who are unaware of his covert lifestyle, while handling a last mission involving a clandestine Russian plot.
Release Date
January 15, 2010
Runtime
94 Minutes
Main Genre
Action
Cast
Jackie Chan
, Amber Valletta
, Madeline Carroll
, Alina Foley
, Magnús Scheving
Director
Brian Levant
Writers
Jonathan Bernstein
, James Greer
, Gregory Poirier
Budget
28000000.0
Studio(s)
Spy Next Door
, Relativity Media
, Robert Simonds Productions
, Lionsgate
, Mandate International
IMDb ID
See more : Will There Be a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 4’? Is Guardians of Galaxy 3 the Last?
tt1273678
TMDB User Rating
5
.857
Expand
As perhaps the greatest kung fu star of all time, Jackie Chan has had plenty of family-friendly films that are beloved by viewers of all ages. As a global phenomenon that’s equally popular in the East and the West, the undeniable appeal of Chan’s unique mix of slapstick comedy and incredible martial skills makes him endlessly watchable. One Chan film that will have young viewers crying with laughter is The Spy Next Door.
This hilarious story featured Chan as a secret agent who’s tasked with his toughest mission yet: babysitting. The Spy Next Door brought to mind the hilarious fish-out-of-water action hero stylings of Kindergarten Cop and mixed them with plenty of kung fu carnage. While critics were not convinced by The Spy Next Door, kids will surely be charmed by its off-the-wall antics and child-friendly sense of humor.
3
3 Ninjas (1992)
Directed by Jon Turteltaub
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3 Ninjas
PG
FamilyActionAdventureComedy
3 Ninjas follows the adventures of brothers Samuel, Jeffrey, and Michael Douglas as they spend their summer with their grandfather, a skilled martial artist. Trained in martial arts and ninjutsu, the brothers join forces to combat an organized crime ring, using their skills to thwart determined kidnappers.
Release Date
August 7, 1992
Runtime
86 Minutes
Main Genre
Action
Cast
Victor Wong
, Michael Treanor
, Max Elliott Slade
, Chad Power
, Rand Kingsley
, Alan McRae
, Margarita Franco
, Kate Sargeant
, Joel Swetow
, Professor Toru Tanaka
, Race Nelson
, D.J. Harder
, Baha Jackson
, Scott Caudill
, Tasen Chou
, Clifton Powell
, Alfredo Septién
, Patrick Labyorteaux
, Fritzi Burr
, Rick Avery
Character(s)
Grandpa Mori Tanaka
, Samuel ‘Rocky’ Douglas Jr.
, Jeffrey ‘Colt’ Douglas
, Michael ‘Tum Tum’ Douglas
, Hugo Snyder
, Samuel Douglas Sr., FBI
, Jessica Douglas
, Emily
, Brown
, Rushmore
, Marcus
, Hammer
, Bully
, Store Owner
, FBI Agent Kurl
, Arab FBI Agent
, Fester
, Babysitter
, FBI Agent (uncredited)
Director
Jon Turteltaub
Producers
Susan Stremple
, Martha W. Chang
, Shunji Hirano
, James Kang
Writers
Edward Emanuel
, Kenny Kim
YouTube Trailer
Expand
It’s hard to imagine any kid who won’t be won over by the hilarious antics seen in 3 Ninjas. With a mix of Home Alone-style carnage and classic kung fu action, 3 Ninjas told the lighthearted story of three young brothers learning the art of ninjutsu from their Japanese grandfather. As a cult classic that kickstarted its own franchise, the campy humor and over-the-top premise of a group of kids taking out their would-be kidnappers made for endlessly engaging, family-friendly viewing.
Audiences clearly connected with 3 Ninjas, as it was the most successful movie of 1992 when viewed in terms of a cost-to-gross ratio, making over $29 million against its $2.5 million budget (via Deseret.) With an enjoyable blend of action, adventure, and comedy, 3 Ninjas didn’t take itself too seriously as its trio of fighting child actors used their martial arts skills to take on a ruthless criminal. While better movies have been made using a similar premise, the feel-good factor of 3 Ninjas made it stand out.
2
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
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Kung Fu Panda
PG
AnimationActionAdventureComedyFamily
Kung Fu Panda is an animated martial arts comedy directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. Set in ancient China, it follows Po, an overweight and clumsy panda voiced by Jack Black, who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. When an evil snow leopard named Tai Lung threatens the Valley of Peace, Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior.
Release Date
June 4, 2008
Runtime
95 minutes
Main Genre
Animation
Cast
Jack Black
, Dustin Hoffman
, Angelina Jolie
, Ian McShane
, Jackie Chan
, Seth Rogen
Director
Mark Osborne
, John Stevenson
Writers
Jonathan Aibel
, Glenn Berger
Franchise
Kung Fu Panda
Sequel
Kung Fu Panda 3, Kung Fu Panda 2
Cinematographer
Yong Duk Jhun
Producer
Melissa Cobb
Production Company
Dragon Warrior Media, DreamWorks Animation
Sfx Supervisor
Markus Manninen
Budget
$130 million
Expand
Kung Fu Panda is one of the most successful animated franchises ever, whose first movie grossed an astounding over $630 million (via Box Office Mojo.) With Jack Black as the voice of the bumbling giant panda named Po who is determined to learn the art of martial arts in the anthropomorphic animal-inhabiting Valley of Peace, this was a story that all viewers, no matter their age, could connect with. As Po’s desire became a necessity as he was prophesized to fight the savage snow leopard, Tai Lung, this hero’s journey turned into a timeless tale of resilience.
With a great premise, incredible animation, and a strong sense of humor, it’s no surprise that kids immediately connected with Kung Fu Panda. As a visually stunning blend of Eastern and Western animation styles, Kung Fu Panda was packed with energy and heart. With three sequels, several TV spin-offs, and the door open for a fifth installment, Kung Fu Panda certainly struck a chord with kids worldwide.
1
The Karate Kid (1984)
Directed by John G. Avildsen
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8.6/10
The Karate Kid
PG
FamilyDramaActionSport
Released in 1984, The Karate Kid follows the story of Daniel LaRusso on his unexpected journey to becoming a Karate expert under the tutelage of a martial arts master. Recently relocated from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Daniel and his mother are trying to adapt to their new home. Unfortunately, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When his handyman, Mr. Miyagi, saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him his Karate to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place.
Release Date
June 22, 1984
Runtime
126 minutes
Main Genre
Action
Franchise(s)
The Karate Kid
Cast
Ralph Macchio
, Pat Morita
, Elisabeth Shue
, William Zabka
, Martin Kove
, Yuji Okumoto
Director
John G. Avildsen
Writers
Robert Mark Kamen
Sequel(s)
The Karate Kid Part II
, The Karate Kid Part III
Budget
$8 million
Studio(s)
Delphi II Productions
Distributor(s)
Columbia Pictures
Expand
Following his astounding success directing Rocky with Sylvester Stallone, filmmaker John G. Avidlsen took the underdog sports story appeal of that previous film and presented it in a way that kids could connect with. The result was the kung fu classic The Karate Kid, a movie that inspired generations of children to pursue martial arts. As Daniel LaRusso learned self-confidence and defense-based skills through his mentor, Mr. Miyagi, The Karate Kid kickstarted a franchise that continues to remain just as relevant today as when it was first released.
From the sinister villainy of the Cobra Kai sensei, John Kreese, to the bullying tactics of Johnny Lawrence, The Karate Kid was a timeless tale of resilience packaged in an effective coming-of-age story. While the characters of this film have been expanded upon in sequels and the incredible Netflix series Cobra Kai, it all started with this original movie, which still packs a serious punch. Viewers of all ages hold a special place in their hearts for The Karate Kid, and its legacy stands today as the definitive martial arts movie for kids.
Sources: Deseret, Box Office Mojo
Source: https://www.phonggdkrongpac.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment