10 Best Martial Arts TV Shows Currently on Netflix – ryan

Tired of only watching people fight for a maximum of 120 minutes in action movies in the theater? There is good news for you, violence lovers. Netflix can treat you to several hours of beatdowns through the numerous martial arts TV series in its library. Most of these shows are critically acclaimed, though we presume that’s not the main reason you are signing up. You’d like to shout “Ouch!” as many times as possible, so sit back and watch blows, kicks, and plenty of other non-gun action.

Netflix probably forgot to put the “do not try this at home” disclaimer, so keep that in mind. Plenty of what you see on screen might tempt you to make a Bruce Lee pose and approach those who do not wish you well, but beware. This kind of stuff isn’t for everyone. Only those who have undergone proper training can pull it off.

Here are all the best small-screen martial arts shows on Netflix.

10

‘Wu Assassins’ (2019)

Wu Assassins

Cast

  • Katheryn Winnick

    Christine Gavin

Creator(s)

Tony Krantz, John Wirth

Iko Uwais was brilliant in The Raid? Now imagine what he can do with superpowers. In Wu Assassins, Kai Jin (Uwais), a Chinatown chef in modern-day San Francisco, encounters a mystical spirit which grants him the skill and power of 1,000 monks. He is then tasked with recovering the supernatural powers of five criminal masterminds threatening to disrupt the world’s peace.

Taking the Heat Out of the Kitchen

Realism has limitations in the martial arts genre, so this gritty, supernatural-themed show provides a heady escape. The dashing Uwais proves, once again, why he is one of the world’s most underrated action stars. He carries the show effortlessly, supported by a colorful roster of talented actors that includes Quantico’s Lee Jun Li, Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Lewis Tan, and Sons of Anarchy‘s Tommy Flanagan. There’s only one season, but worry not. The follow-up film, A Fistful of Vengeance, is equally good.

​​​​​​

Related

7 Martial Arts Movies Roger Ebert Adored

We trust the greatest film critic of all time to tell us which martial arts movies to check out.

9

‘The Brothers Sun’ (2024)


The Brothers Sun

Release Date

2024 – 2023

Directors

Kevin Tancharoen, Viet Nguyen

Writers

Byron Wu, Brad Falchuk

Cast

Charles Sun (Justin Chien) from The Brothers Sun quickly rushes to Los Angeles after his father, the head of a powerful Taiwanese triad, is shot by an assassin. He isn’t escaping. He is in America to protect his mother, Eileen (Michelle Yeoh), who disassociated herself with the empire, and his younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li), who knows nothing about his family’s criminal ties.

A Family That Fights Together, Stays Together

It’s rare to find a vivid, literate martial arts show with an A-list actor; leave Netflix to give us one. Michelle Yeoh makes a compelling lead, having been in movie fights numerous times before. The rest of the talented cast surrounding her, including Joon Lee as a drug dealer, allows the whole sumptuous family unity story to gel. Watch out for that opening fight scene inside an apartment. It’s something the John Wick writers must regret not thinking of.

8

‘House of Ninjas’ (2024)

House of Ninjas

Release Date

February 15, 2024

Network

Netflix

Directors

Dave Boyle

Writers

Dave Boyle

Cast

​House of Ninjas introduces us to the jaded Tawara family, the last shinobi (ninja) clan in their ancestry. The members have abandoned fighting (due to a tragic past event) and are now running a sake brewery. When the rival Fuma clan crafts a conspiracy that threatens Japan’s future, the Tawaras spring back into action.

Standing Up Against Evil

Dave Boyle’s first ever TV show is a major triumph for him, and everyone concerned. Here, he once again delivers a delightful, tense story that is fresh, inspiring, and occasionally otherworldly. The fight choreography is faultless and the cinematographer’s unique way of photographing the Japanese landscapes perfectly underlines the danger involved. Spend a weekend at the House of Ninjas, and you’ll come out wanting to enroll in a Ninjutsu class.

7

‘The Legend of Bruce Lee’ (2008)


The Legend of Bruce Lee

Release Date

April 30, 2009

Runtime

183 minutes

Director

Li Wen Qi

Cast

  • Danny Chan Kwok-kwan

    Bruce Lee

The Legend of Bruce Lee offers a biographical account of the greatest martial arts movie star of all time. Starring Danny Chan as Lee, the show goes as far back as his days as a rebellious teenager, examining his struggles with injuries and detailing how he invented the Jeet Kune Do.

Comprehensive and Satisfying

Beyond the screenplay and sumptuous design of costumes and Asian sets, the show’s central performances consistently shimmer, with Chan and Michelle Lang (playing Lee’s lover, Linda Lee Cadwell) emitting glorious chemistry. Supporting efforts from martial arts Hollywood legends like Michael Jai White and Mark Dacascos also make the entire show wholesome. As for the story, it’s all captured precisely, minimizing over-sentimentality and maximizing legacy-making moments.

6

‘Baki’ (2018)

Baki

Release Date

2018 – 2019

Directors

Toshiki Hirano

Writers

Tatsuhiko Urahata

Franchise(s)

Baki the Grappler

Cast

Creator(s)

Keisuke Itagaki

Baki follows Baki Hanma, a young martial artist hoping to become better than his father. As he sharpens his skills, five death row inmates escape and make their way to an underground tournament. Baki, too, becomes a participant, and as expected, he has it rough.

No Holds Barred

To hell with the plot, it’s all fighting here, with some neat characterization. The main character is a figure of sympathy, but he isn’t buffoonish. He is very competent. And the ceaseless, often-perceptive coverage of the one-on-one action makes this a perfect show for every armchair martial artist. You are likely to love it, even if animated productions never trigger your euphoria.

5

‘Into the Badlands’ (2015 – 2019)

Into the Badlands

Release Date

2015 – 2018

Network

AMC

Showrunner

Miles Millar

Directors

Miles Millar

Writers

Miles Millar

Cast

Into the Badlands is set in a dystopian future where society has avoided guns and relies on melee weaponry and crossbows. Sunny (Daniel Wu), a highly skilled warrior who works for one of the barons that now rule the land, is very loyal to his boss. However, things change when he meets a young boy who possesses a strange energy that can be harnessed into a weapon.

Martial Arts as the Only Option

Alfred Gough, who made Smallville, is the person in charge, and he hits dizzying action heights in this gripping show. The title doesn’t lie. These are badlands alright, and the characters go at each other (sometimes senselessly) as if they’ve had decade-long feuds. Beyond that, most of the actors embrace their roles with the utmost passion, so new viewers will love every character they meet.

Related

11 Martial Arts Movies That Are Terrible, but Super Entertaining

Finding that balance between being terrible and super entertaining, these martial arts films are worth checking out.

4

‘Word of Honor’ (2021)

Wuxia drama Word of Honor is about Zhou Zishu (Zhang Zhehan), a former leader of an elite assassin crew, who has retired out of guilt for his past actions. He soon meets Wen Kexing (Gong Jun), who is plotting vengeance against a powerful crime lord. The more the two bond, the more Zishu becomes convinced to join the course.

Jumping Back to the Old Life

The show’s episodes vary. Some emphasize human drama and dialogue over bloodletting, others go hard on the latter. No matter the approach, it all works, thanks to an intelligent, understated script and focused performances. Calmer scenes between Zishu and Kexing have some of the most thought-provoking dialogue on television, and whenever they are done, new twists pop up. Unforgettable!

3

‘Tekken Bloodline’ (2022)


Tekken: Bloodline

Release Date

2022 – 2021

Network

Netflix

Directors

Yoshikazu Miyao

Cast

  • Ming Lo

    Fisherman (voice)

  • Kaiji Tang

    Jin Kazama (voice)

  • Vivian Lu

    Jun Kazama (voice)

  • Hiroshi Watanabe

    Heihachi Mishima (voice)

There are more bad video game adaptations than good ones. Thankfully, Tekken: Bloodline is among the latter. The focus is on Jin Kazama, who turns to his no-nonsense granddad for training after his mother gets killed by the monstrous ancient demon known as Ogre. His skills soon pile up, and it is go time.

Time to Play

This delightedly deranged six-episode show is a fantastical feat of animation and plotting. Yoshikazu Miyao, who directs the entire series, accurately uses the games as visual and stylistic kick-offs, making the whole saga pleasant to view. And Kazama, looking like he’s jumped from a Brucesploitation movie, evolves from timid youngster to full-on avenging fighter. It is completely bonkers… and sublime.

2

‘Warrior’ (2019 – 2023)


Warrior

Release Date

2019 – 2022

Network

HBO Max

Showrunner

Jonathan Tropper

Directors

Justin Lin

Writers

Jonathan Tropper

Cast

Creator(s)

Jonathan Tropper

Warrior isn’t a Hannibal Barca show. It’s about Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a martial arts prodigy, who arrives in America at the height of the Tong Wars to look for his missing sister. Unfortunately for him, he gets purchased by one of the underworld factions. But he can fight, so he’ll be good.

Mayhem in the 1870s

Banshee’s Jonathan Tropper, so it’s easy to bet on what to expect. The show, approved by Bruce Lee’s daughter, is based on an idea that the martial arts legend had before his death. Unsurprisingly, they got an actor who mirrors him in aura and fighting style. The cinematography is also beautiful, more like Peaky Blinders, but don’t worry. There isn’t too much smoke.

1

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018 – 2025)

Cobra Kai

Release Date

2018 – 2025-00-00

Network

Netflix, YouTube Premium

Showrunner

Jon Hurwitz

Directors

Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Joel Novoa, Jennifer Celotta, Steven K. Tsuchida, Sherwin Shilati, Marielle Woods, Steve Pink, Lin Oeding, Michael Grossman

Writers

Josh Heald, Ashley Darnall, Chris Rafferty, Bill Posley

Cast

  • Ralph Macchio

    Daniel LaRusso

  • William Zabka

    Johnny Lawrence

Cobra Kai follows up on The Karate Kid movies by Robert Mark Kamen. The show concerns the tense rivalry between two fighters who once participated in the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament.

Cooler than the Movies

Undoubtedly one of the best action shows of the 21st century, Cobra Kai thrives by using the action-comedy template. It’s never too serious. The show is more sporty than bloody, but the action is still better than what’s available in higher-stakes productions. The team behind the winning series also understands that standout moments are key, so they serve plenty. The most memorable one is a 10-minute-high school fight that plays out in the Season 2 finale.

Tired of only watching people fight for a maximum of 120 minutes in action movies in the theater? There is good news for you, violence lovers. Netflix can treat you to several hours of beatdowns through the numerous martial arts TV series in its library. Most of these shows are critically acclaimed, though we presume that’s not the main reason you are signing up. You’d like to shout “Ouch!” as many times as possible, so sit back and watch blows, kicks, and plenty of other non-gun action.

Netflix probably forgot to put the “do not try this at home” disclaimer, so keep that in mind. Plenty of what you see on screen might tempt you to make a Bruce Lee pose and approach those who do not wish you well, but beware. This kind of stuff isn’t for everyone. Only those who have undergone proper training can pull it off.

Here are all the best small-screen martial arts shows on Netflix.

10

‘Wu Assassins’ (2019)

Wu Assassins

Cast

  • Katheryn Winnick

    Christine Gavin

Creator(s)

Tony Krantz, John Wirth

Iko Uwais was brilliant in The Raid? Now imagine what he can do with superpowers. In Wu Assassins, Kai Jin (Uwais), a Chinatown chef in modern-day San Francisco, encounters a mystical spirit which grants him the skill and power of 1,000 monks. He is then tasked with recovering the supernatural powers of five criminal masterminds threatening to disrupt the world’s peace.

Taking the Heat Out of the Kitchen

Realism has limitations in the martial arts genre, so this gritty, supernatural-themed show provides a heady escape. The dashing Uwais proves, once again, why he is one of the world’s most underrated action stars. He carries the show effortlessly, supported by a colorful roster of talented actors that includes Quantico’s Lee Jun Li, Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Lewis Tan, and Sons of Anarchy‘s Tommy Flanagan. There’s only one season, but worry not. The follow-up film, A Fistful of Vengeance, is equally good.

​​​​​​

Related

7 Martial Arts Movies Roger Ebert Adored

We trust the greatest film critic of all time to tell us which martial arts movies to check out.

9

‘The Brothers Sun’ (2024)


The Brothers Sun

Release Date

2024 – 2023

Directors

Kevin Tancharoen, Viet Nguyen

Writers

Byron Wu, Brad Falchuk

Cast

Charles Sun (Justin Chien) from The Brothers Sun quickly rushes to Los Angeles after his father, the head of a powerful Taiwanese triad, is shot by an assassin. He isn’t escaping. He is in America to protect his mother, Eileen (Michelle Yeoh), who disassociated herself with the empire, and his younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li), who knows nothing about his family’s criminal ties.

A Family That Fights Together, Stays Together

It’s rare to find a vivid, literate martial arts show with an A-list actor; leave Netflix to give us one. Michelle Yeoh makes a compelling lead, having been in movie fights numerous times before. The rest of the talented cast surrounding her, including Joon Lee as a drug dealer, allows the whole sumptuous family unity story to gel. Watch out for that opening fight scene inside an apartment. It’s something the John Wick writers must regret not thinking of.

8

‘House of Ninjas’ (2024)

House of Ninjas

Release Date

February 15, 2024

Network

Netflix

Directors

Dave Boyle

Writers

Dave Boyle

Cast

​House of Ninjas introduces us to the jaded Tawara family, the last shinobi (ninja) clan in their ancestry. The members have abandoned fighting (due to a tragic past event) and are now running a sake brewery. When the rival Fuma clan crafts a conspiracy that threatens Japan’s future, the Tawaras spring back into action.

Standing Up Against Evil

Dave Boyle’s first ever TV show is a major triumph for him, and everyone concerned. Here, he once again delivers a delightful, tense story that is fresh, inspiring, and occasionally otherworldly. The fight choreography is faultless and the cinematographer’s unique way of photographing the Japanese landscapes perfectly underlines the danger involved. Spend a weekend at the House of Ninjas, and you’ll come out wanting to enroll in a Ninjutsu class.

7

‘The Legend of Bruce Lee’ (2008)


The Legend of Bruce Lee

Release Date

April 30, 2009

Runtime

183 minutes

Director

Li Wen Qi

Cast

  • Danny Chan Kwok-kwan

    Bruce Lee

The Legend of Bruce Lee offers a biographical account of the greatest martial arts movie star of all time. Starring Danny Chan as Lee, the show goes as far back as his days as a rebellious teenager, examining his struggles with injuries and detailing how he invented the Jeet Kune Do.

Comprehensive and Satisfying

Beyond the screenplay and sumptuous design of costumes and Asian sets, the show’s central performances consistently shimmer, with Chan and Michelle Lang (playing Lee’s lover, Linda Lee Cadwell) emitting glorious chemistry. Supporting efforts from martial arts Hollywood legends like Michael Jai White and Mark Dacascos also make the entire show wholesome. As for the story, it’s all captured precisely, minimizing over-sentimentality and maximizing legacy-making moments.

6

‘Baki’ (2018)

Baki

Release Date

2018 – 2019

Directors

Toshiki Hirano

Writers

Tatsuhiko Urahata

Franchise(s)

Baki the Grappler

Cast

Creator(s)

Keisuke Itagaki

Baki follows Baki Hanma, a young martial artist hoping to become better than his father. As he sharpens his skills, five death row inmates escape and make their way to an underground tournament. Baki, too, becomes a participant, and as expected, he has it rough.

No Holds Barred

To hell with the plot, it’s all fighting here, with some neat characterization. The main character is a figure of sympathy, but he isn’t buffoonish. He is very competent. And the ceaseless, often-perceptive coverage of the one-on-one action makes this a perfect show for every armchair martial artist. You are likely to love it, even if animated productions never trigger your euphoria.

5

‘Into the Badlands’ (2015 – 2019)

Into the Badlands

Release Date

2015 – 2018

Network

AMC

Showrunner

Miles Millar

Directors

Miles Millar

Writers

Miles Millar

Cast

Into the Badlands is set in a dystopian future where society has avoided guns and relies on melee weaponry and crossbows. Sunny (Daniel Wu), a highly skilled warrior who works for one of the barons that now rule the land, is very loyal to his boss. However, things change when he meets a young boy who possesses a strange energy that can be harnessed into a weapon.

Martial Arts as the Only Option

Alfred Gough, who made Smallville, is the person in charge, and he hits dizzying action heights in this gripping show. The title doesn’t lie. These are badlands alright, and the characters go at each other (sometimes senselessly) as if they’ve had decade-long feuds. Beyond that, most of the actors embrace their roles with the utmost passion, so new viewers will love every character they meet.

Related

11 Martial Arts Movies That Are Terrible, but Super Entertaining

Finding that balance between being terrible and super entertaining, these martial arts films are worth checking out.

4

‘Word of Honor’ (2021)

Wuxia drama Word of Honor is about Zhou Zishu (Zhang Zhehan), a former leader of an elite assassin crew, who has retired out of guilt for his past actions. He soon meets Wen Kexing (Gong Jun), who is plotting vengeance against a powerful crime lord. The more the two bond, the more Zishu becomes convinced to join the course.

Jumping Back to the Old Life

The show’s episodes vary. Some emphasize human drama and dialogue over bloodletting, others go hard on the latter. No matter the approach, it all works, thanks to an intelligent, understated script and focused performances. Calmer scenes between Zishu and Kexing have some of the most thought-provoking dialogue on television, and whenever they are done, new twists pop up. Unforgettable!

3

‘Tekken Bloodline’ (2022)


Tekken: Bloodline

Release Date

2022 – 2021

Network

Netflix

Directors

Yoshikazu Miyao

Cast

  • Ming Lo

    Fisherman (voice)

  • Kaiji Tang

    Jin Kazama (voice)

  • Vivian Lu

    Jun Kazama (voice)

  • Hiroshi Watanabe

    Heihachi Mishima (voice)

There are more bad video game adaptations than good ones. Thankfully, Tekken: Bloodline is among the latter. The focus is on Jin Kazama, who turns to his no-nonsense granddad for training after his mother gets killed by the monstrous ancient demon known as Ogre. His skills soon pile up, and it is go time.

Time to Play

This delightedly deranged six-episode show is a fantastical feat of animation and plotting. Yoshikazu Miyao, who directs the entire series, accurately uses the games as visual and stylistic kick-offs, making the whole saga pleasant to view. And Kazama, looking like he’s jumped from a Brucesploitation movie, evolves from timid youngster to full-on avenging fighter. It is completely bonkers… and sublime.

2

‘Warrior’ (2019 – 2023)


Warrior

Release Date

2019 – 2022

Network

HBO Max

Showrunner

Jonathan Tropper

Directors

Justin Lin

Writers

Jonathan Tropper

Cast

Creator(s)

Jonathan Tropper

Warrior isn’t a Hannibal Barca show. It’s about Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a martial arts prodigy, who arrives in America at the height of the Tong Wars to look for his missing sister. Unfortunately for him, he gets purchased by one of the underworld factions. But he can fight, so he’ll be good.

Mayhem in the 1870s

Banshee’s Jonathan Tropper, so it’s easy to bet on what to expect. The show, approved by Bruce Lee’s daughter, is based on an idea that the martial arts legend had before his death. Unsurprisingly, they got an actor who mirrors him in aura and fighting style. The cinematography is also beautiful, more like Peaky Blinders, but don’t worry. There isn’t too much smoke.

1

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018 – 2025)

Cobra Kai

Release Date

2018 – 2025-00-00

Network

Netflix, YouTube Premium

Showrunner

Jon Hurwitz

Directors

Hayden Schlossberg, Jon Hurwitz, Joel Novoa, Jennifer Celotta, Steven K. Tsuchida, Sherwin Shilati, Marielle Woods, Steve Pink, Lin Oeding, Michael Grossman

Writers

Josh Heald, Ashley Darnall, Chris Rafferty, Bill Posley

Cast

  • Ralph Macchio

    Daniel LaRusso

  • William Zabka

    Johnny Lawrence

Cobra Kai follows up on The Karate Kid movies by Robert Mark Kamen. The show concerns the tense rivalry between two fighters who once participated in the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament.

Cooler than the Movies

Undoubtedly one of the best action shows of the 21st century, Cobra Kai thrives by using the action-comedy template. It’s never too serious. The show is more sporty than bloody, but the action is still better than what’s available in higher-stakes productions. The team behind the winning series also understands that standout moments are key, so they serve plenty. The most memorable one is a 10-minute-high school fight that plays out in the Season 2 finale.

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