Martial artsTV shows have long lived in the shadow of martial arts movies, which have wowed audiences since the mid-20th century. From 1973’sEnter the Dragonto modern-day spectacles likeThe MatrixandCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, these films often rank among the best action movies ever made, thanks to iconic fight choreography and unforgettable screen presence.
While the small screen has rarely matched the level of attention enjoyed bythe best martial arts movies, martial arts series have still carved out a devoted fan base. In recent years especially, martial arts shows have grown more ambitious, delivering fight scenes, production values, and storytelling depth that rival the biggest cinematic releases. What’s more, streaming platforms have given the genre a new arena to flourish.
However, even the greatest series in the genre struggle to attain the rarest of achievements - being considered martial arts TV shows that outshine evenbeloved martial arts films. Those that manage to reach this level prove that television can capture the beauty, intensity, and skill of martial arts in ways movies sometimes can’t, offering more time to explore its artistry.
8Raven (1992-1993)
An Under-The-Radar Gem Blending Martial Arts With Noir Mystery
Ravenwas ashort-lived action drama, but its fight choreography still puts many feature films to shame. Starring Jeffrey Meek as Jonathan Raven, a ninja-trained ex-special forces operative, the show blended sleek martial arts setpieces with a moody, noir-inspired atmosphere. It stood out in the early ’90s when martial arts TV was rare on primetime networks.
What madeRaventruly exceptional was how its fight scenes prioritized speed, fluidity, and precision over gimmicks. Meek’s martial arts training gave the action a grounded yet cinematic feel, with fights that felt intimate while still thrilling. The choreography rarely repeated itself, keeping the show fresh across its two seasons.
While it never reached mainstream success,Ravenoffered a distinct blend of mystery, character-driven storytelling, and crisp martial arts action that’s aged surprisingly well. In terms of execution and style, its best episodes rival the tightly choreographed combat seen inHollywood martial arts thrillers.
7Kung Fu (2021-2023)
A Modern Martial Arts Drama With Heart And High Kicks
The CW’sKung Fureboot wasn’t just a nostalgia grab - it was a vibrant, character-driven martial arts drama.Olivia Liang’s Nicky Shenbrought both physical skill and emotional depth, balancing martial arts showdowns with grounded stories about family, identity, and justice. The show’s modern San Francisco setting gave it a fresh urban edge.
Action-wise,Kung Fuexcelled by weaving its martial arts into emotional stakes. Every kick, punch, and counter had narrative weight, making each battle more than just a flashy display. Liang’s physical commitment to her role ensured fight scenes were fluid and believable, while creative camera work kept the action dynamic.
Though short-lived,Kung Fuproved a martial arts TV show could appeal to both genre purists and general audiences. By integrating diverse fighting styles, meaningful character arcs, and strong visual storytelling, it delivered set pieces that rivaled - and sometimes surpassed - the moreformulaic action of martial arts movies.
6Wu Assassins (2019)
A Supernatural Martial Arts Series With Jaw-Dropping Choreography
Netflix’sWu Assassinscombined fantasy mythology with some of the best martial arts sequences on TV.Led by Iko Uwais- already a martial arts movie legend fromThe Raid- the series fused modern-day crime drama with mystical warrior lore, giving the fights a heightened, otherworldly flair.
The action never felt like filler. Each fight scene inWu Assassinswas meticulously choreographed, often with long takes that showcased the performers’ skills without overediting. Uwais’ speed, precision, and creativity with improvised weapons brought the kind of visceral impact usually reserved for big-budget films.
Beyond the martial arts spectacle,Wu Assassinsembraced genre blending, offering crime intrigue, supernatural powers, and rich cultural elements. The result was a show that managed to be both inventive and faithful to martial arts traditions, proving television could match - or even outdo - blockbuster fight choreography.
5Daredevil (2015-2018)
Gritty Street-Level Action That Redefined TV Fight Scenes
Marvel’sDaredevilturned TV superhero action into an art form, withCharlie Cox’s Matt Murdockbattling criminals in brutal, close-quarters combat. While not a traditional martial arts series, its fights were steeped in techniques from various disciplines, blending boxing, krav maga, and kung fu into a gritty, realistic style.
The infamous “hallway fight” in season 1 became an instant benchmark for TV action, with long-take choreography that matched the intensity of the best martial arts movie sequences. Each subsequent season pushed the boundaries further, making fight scenes as narratively important as the dialogue.
By grounding its action in exhaustion, injury, and desperation,Daredevilmade every punch feel earned. The commitment to stunt work and fight realism showed that a TV series could bring the same visceral thrill as martial arts cinema - and in some cases, elevate it through the lens of serialized storytelling.
4My Name (2021)
A Revenge-Fueled Martial Arts Thriller With Raw Intensity
ThisSouth Korean Netflix hitfollowed Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee), a woman infiltrating the police to avenge her father’s murder.My Name’s fight scenes were uncompromising, brutal, and deeply personal, reflecting the character’s emotional turmoil as much as her skill.
The martial arts inMy Nameblended street fighting, knife combat, and hand-to-hand techniques with an unflinching sense of realism. Han’s physical transformation for the role was astonishing, selling every strike and counter with ferocity. The cinematography favored tight framing, immersing viewers in the chaos of each battle.
By combining cinematic-quality fight choreography witha tense, twist-filled narrative,My Namerivaled - and often outdid - the adrenaline of martial arts movies. Its compact episode count ensured that every scene, every hit, carried impact, making it one of the most effective martial arts revenge stories of the last decade.
3Into The Badlands (2015-2019)
A Post-Apocalyptic Epic With Unmatched Martial Arts Spectacle
AMC’sInto the Badlandswas an ambitiousblend of post-apocalyptic drama, wuxia-style choreography, and vivid worldbuilding. Daniel Wu’s Sunny delivered some of the most elaborate martial arts sequences ever seen on television, often staged with lush visuals and intricate weapon work.
The show’s approach to action was unapologetically stylized. Instead of quick edits,Into the Badlandsembraced sweeping camera movements and extended exchanges, allowing viewers to appreciate the artistry of the performers. Fight scenes incorporated swords, spears, and acrobatics, making each encounter distinct.
While many martial arts movies tell their story in under two hours,Into the Badlandsusedits episodic format to build complex relationships and rivalries that made every duel feel epic. It’s a rare case where television’s longer form allowed for bigger, bolder martial arts storytelling than cinema typically offers.
2Warrior (2019-2023)
Gritty, Stylish, And Steeped In Martial Arts History
Based on the writings of Bruce Lee,Warriorbrought late-19th-centurySan Francisco’s Tong Warsto life with a mix of gritty drama and blistering martial arts. Andrew Koji’s Ah Sahm blended Lee-inspired charisma with technical skill, delivering fights that were both historically grounded and thrillingly cinematic.
Warrior’s combat sequences stood out for their balance of realism and style. Whether it was a tight alley brawl or a massive street battle, the choreography was sharp, fluid, and rooted in believable technique. The show’s period setting also allowed for inventive use of props and locations in fight design.
With layered storytelling about immigration, identity, and survival,Warrioroffered more than just action. However, when the punches started flying, it consistently matched - and sometimes exceeded - the energy and precision of the martial arts films that inspired it.
1Cobra Kai (2018-2025)
A Nostalgic Yet Evolved Take On Martial Arts Rivalries
Cobra Kaibegan as a follow-uptoThe Karate Kidmovies, but quickly established itself as one of the best martial arts TV shows ever made. Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence reignited their decades-old rivalry, while a new generation of fighters took center stage.
The show’s fight choreography honored classic martial arts films while incorporating modern pacing and variety. Training montages, tournament arcs, and street fights all had distinct energy, with actors performing much of their own stunt work. The martial arts here always served the characters’ growth and conflicts.
By mixing nostalgia with fresh storytelling,Cobra Kaidelivered moresustainedmartial artsdrama than most films can. Over multiple seasons, it deepened rivalries, forged unexpected alliances, and showcased fights that were both thrilling and emotionally resonant - proving that the dojo can be just as compelling on TV as it is in cinema.
