The Kung Fu Panda franchise expanded in 2024 with the release of Max and much more!
Kung Fu Panda’s success isn’t surprising, as there’s nothing quite like it. Given their similar premises, it’s believed that the film series was inspired by the DreamWorks video game T'ai Fu: Wrath of the Tiger. The original Kung Fu Panda exhibited the company’s most advanced animation and is brimming with nods to Chinese culture that display the extensive research that went into production.
The movie contained references to Chinese shadow puppetry and mythology. Plus, the Furious Five, voiced by powerhouses Seth Rogan, and David Cross, represent the Five Animals Southern styles of Chinese martial arts. The appreciation for Chinese culture, stunning animation, star power, and mythological storyline made Kung Fu Panda a hit both in China and the U.S.
It’s no surprise that Kung Fu Panda 2 quickly followed and saw Po returning as the unlikely kung fu master protecting the Valley alongside the Furious Five and Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). The plot didn’t vary much from the original. Still, humor, martial arts action, and top-notch performance from the returning cast allowed the sequel to match the original's success, crossing the $600 million milestone at the box office and nabbing an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
DreamWorks took their time bringing Kung Fu Panda 3 to the screen, releasing it in 2016. Although the film failed to receive an Oscar nomination or sur $600 million at the box office, it was just as well received critically as the other films.
After eight years, Kung Fu Panda 4 released to the excitement of loyal fans. It went on to earn more than its predecessor, grossing over $544 million globally.
Where to watch all the Kung Fu Panda movies online
Read on to learn where to stream all the Kung Fu Panda movies in order. Given that the film series’ chronological and release date order is the same, there’s only one viewing order. Additionally, viewers can enjoy a few Kung Fu Panda shorts and specials, although they’re not essential to understanding the movies.
