movies and TV shows deliver action, suspense, and some really cool fighting moves. The characters in these productions usually spend years honing their craft before battling some nefarious force. And when it comes to martial arts shows, the 10 on this list are among the top contenders.

Excitingly, the animated nature of these shows allows for difficult, even supernatural moves to be drawn and brought to life. At the same time, animated martial arts shows are often just as much about the philosophy behind martial arts as they are about delivering intense scenes.

Set in a fictional Hong Kong, Jackie Chan Adventures followed the titular character and his family as they battled supernatural threats. Many episodes also referenced Chan's real-life work and included live-action interviews with him. In general, the plot packed in just as much humor and adventure as it did action-packed martial arts sequences.

To this day, Jackie Chan continues to play a significant role in martial arts movies and series. His latest, Karate Kid: Legends, is scheduled to premiere later this year. However, perhaps no production had the same impact as Jackie Chan Adventures in introducing younger children to martial arts and Chan's legacy.

A limited series, Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny takes place after the third movie. This time around, Dragon Warrior Po is tasked with teaching four panda cubs how to harness their Kung Fu abilities. Humorous, lively, and reminiscent of so many things viewers enjoyed about the first film, it's little wonder that The Paws of Destiny was such a hit with fans.

To be fair, Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny isn't the first animated show in the franchise. That honor goes to Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, which is also worth a watch. However, for viewers who have seen the first three movies, The Paws of Destiny shouldn't be missed. In fact, there's something to love about all the Kung Fu Panda movies and shows.

Released in 2006 and 50 episodes long (plus an OVA), Kenichi focuses on the titular highschooler, Kenichi Shirahama, who wants to protect himself and his friends from bullies. He begins training with martial artist Hayato Fūrinji and soon becomes a fearsome fighter. However, he soon learns that greater threats lie ahead as his strength and willpower are put to the test.

Admittedly, the anime makes a few strange changes from the manga in terms of pacing and plot. However, there's still a lot to admire about the series, as well as the OVA, which continues its story. Plus, viewers can check out the video game for even more Kenichi to enjoy.

Daniel LaRusso (Joey Dedio) and Mr. Miyagi (Robert Ito) are on a mission to recover a magic miniature shrine. While traveling the globe to find it, Daniel and his partner, Taki Tamurai (Janice Kawaye), are pulled into numerous battles and must use martial arts to make their escape. From Hong Kong to NYC and Paris, they'll stop at nothing to complete their quest.

While very different from the original movies, The Karate Kid animated series is still a fun addition to the franchise. Additionally, although it isn't canon to Cobra Kai, an Easter egg referencing the series appears in Season 3.

Based on the Mortal Kombat video games, Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm focuses on a group of warriors tasked with defending Earthrealm against various invaders. Some of these warriors include Jax Briggs, Liu Kang, and Sub-Zero('s brother). The show's 13 episodes take place between the first Mortal Kombat movie and the third video game, and each episode involves the team battling a new threat from the Outworld and other domains.

Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm is a must-watch for fans of the video game. Not only does it introduce new characters such as Quan Chi, but it also explores new dimensions to old characters. At the same time, it's definitely a sanitized version of the original, but that just makes it more accessible for younger viewers who want to watch the fights.

When the shape-shifter Aku unleashes a great evil, Samurai Jack is there to stop him. But before Jack can deal the final blow, Aku zaps Jack through a portal into the future. Now, he's gotta get back, back to the past to take down Aku and save his kingdom.

One of the best animated shows of the 2000s, Samurai Jack is about so much more than just martial arts. Each episode sees him battle a new foe as he acclimates to Aku's strange dystopian future, all while trying to get back home. Watching the show is sure to give viewers a sense of nostalgia, sending them back to the past alongside Jack, while simultaneously capturing the show's intense and timeless adventure.

Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael are four mutated turtle brothers living in the sewers. Along with their adoptive father, Splinter, and their friend, April O'Neil, they practice ninjutsu in order to fend off the evil Kraang. But with the appearance of Splinter's adoptive brother, the Shredder, and his Foot Clan, the dangers reach new heights.

There are many other animated shows in the TMNT franchise, including the original 1987 version and a more recent show in 2018. However, the 2012 remains our favorite. A potentially controversial choice, the series' CGI artwork stands out, as does its genuinely funny humor. With new characters and original story lines, it's definitely worth a watch for both fans of the original and those completely unfamiliar with the turtle brothers.

The ramen-loving ninja Naruto wants nothing more than to become the Hokage, or leader, of Konoha. Proving himself won't be easy, especially when he's already not trusted due to the nine-tailed fox living inside him. But Naruto is nothing if not resilient, and he'll do whatever it takes to become the best ninja while protecting his friends and village—all while showing off his martial arts skills. Believe it!

The characters in Naruto use a combination of different battle techniques including Ninjutsu, Genjustu, and Taijutsu. The last of these is most comparable to real-life martial arts, with characters like Rock Lee using it as their primary, and sometimes only, fighting style. After Naruto, the show went on to spawn Naruto: Shippuden and more recently Boruto. But the original holds a place in our hearts not only for its martial arts moves but also for introducing us to so many amazing characters.

Chosen to be the next Xiaolin Dragons, Omi, Raimundo, Kimiko, and Clay must protect the Shen Gong Wu from the evil Heylin forces. To do so, they compete in magical battles (Xiaolin Showdowns) for possession of the magical artifacts. But as the series progresses, their battle turns inward as they confront their own limitations, fears, and desires.

The martial arts in Xialoin Showdown wasn't just fun to watch: it was also highly indicative of each character's personality and struggles. Plus, it drew from various styles and ultimately helped the characters learn more about themselves. Admittedly, some of the show hasn't aged well, including Omi's character design, but the show still offers an interesting look into different cultures and fighting styles. To be honest, we're not sure why it isn't better remembered.

When airbender Aang awakens 100 years in the future, he's horrified to learn that he's the last of his tribe. Worse, the fire nation is trying to take over the other kingdoms, and they need Aang's help in order to fend them off. Accompanied by new friends Katara and Sokka, Aang must master the elements and restore balance to the universe, but as the disgraced Prince Zuko approaches, Aang's mission grows even more difficult.

Avatar is easily one of the best martial arts cartoons out there, not just because of its dynamic characters and intriguing story, but also because of its focus on elemental bending. Each of the four bending styles in Avatar pulls from a real-life martial arts style, and fighting is a huge component of the show, as is knowing when not to fight. For fans of the animated series, there's also a live-action show, as well as many upcoming projects.