Kung Fu Panda movies in order Kung Fu Panda Marathon
Page Last Modified:
17 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Kung Fu Panda 4 - 2024
Total Runtime:
370 Minutes
Total Items:
4
Average User Score:
(7)Watching orders for Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda movies in order
Some movie series are best watched in one go, and the Kung Fu Panda franchise is one of them. It's a fun mix of kung fu, comedy, and heartwarming panda moments. From Po's first clumsy steps into the Jade Palace to his spiritual journey in the panda village and the Spirit Realm, this marathon is full of action, animation, and inner peace. With four movies, a bunch of TV shows, and returning legends as Easter eggs, you might be wondering: what's the best order to watch it all? Hey, no worries! We've put together the ultimate Kung Fu Panda viewing guide just for you. So, turn down the lights, grab your dumplings or popcorn, and get ready for an adventure through the Valley of Peace that'll boost your inner chi.
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1
Kung Fu Panda Movie 90 min. 2008When the Valley of Peace is threatened, lazy Po the panda discovers his destiny as the "chosen one" and trains to become a kung fu hero, but transforming the unsleek slacker into a brave warrior won't be easy. It's up to Master Shifu and the Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- to give it a try.USER SCORE 7 -
2
Kung Fu Panda 2 Movie 91 min. 2011Po and his friends fight to stop a peacock villain from conquering China with a deadly new weapon, but first the Dragon Warrior must come to terms with his past.USER SCORE 7 -
3
Kung Fu Panda 3 Movie 95 min. 2016While Po and his father are visiting a secret panda village, an evil spirit threatens all of China, forcing Po to form a ragtag army to fight back.USER SCORE 7 -
4
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie 94 min. 2024Po is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace, but also needs someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. As such, he will train a new kung fu practitioner for the spot and will encounter a villain called the Chameleon who conjures villains from the past.USER SCORE 7
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
We're kicking things off with the film that started it all. DreamWorks Animation totally knocked it out of the park with Kung Fu Panda, mixing martial arts, animation, and comedy in a way that just worked. Po is a panda who loves noodles, has a big heart, and an even bigger appetite. He's chosen as the Dragon Warrior, which is a pretty big surprise. What happens next is a funny and emotional journey where Po learns to trust himself and his chi. This film sets the tone for the whole franchise and introduces iconic characters like Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Tigress (Angelina Jolie), and the Furious Five, voiced by Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, and Lucy Liu, among others. And let's not forget the epic villain Tai Lung (Ian McShane). If you skip this one, you'll miss the heart of the story.
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
The second film picks up right where the first left off, taking both the action and emotional depth to the next level. In Kung Fu Panda 2, we get to see Po's past and how he tries to figure out where he came from. You'll learn more about the pandas, chi energy, and the forces maintaining balance in the kung fu world. Gary Oldman really shines as the cunning Lord Shen, a villain with a dark plan and impressive visual flair. The animation is sharper, the fights faster, and the humor is still on point. If you thought Po had already grown, wait until you see his journey here. This film takes the franchise to the next level without losing any of the fun.
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Po's adventure continues in Kung Fu Panda 3, where he meets his biological father, Li Shan (voiced by Bryan Cranston), and discovers a whole panda village. The film takes the theme of "inner peace" to new heights and introduces the Spirit Realm, a key element in this world's lore. The fights are more magical than ever, especially with the brute force of villain Kai (J.K. Simmons), a former warrior who can now steal chi from others. The balance between feel-good and fantasy is perfect, and you can feel the franchise gearing up for something bigger. I'd like to give a shout-out to Mr. Ping (James Hong). He's the original father figure, and he's still going strong with his wise sayings.
Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny (2018-2019)
Before you watch the latest film, it's a good idea to check out the TV series. The Paws of Destiny, a follow-up to the earlier spin-off Legends of Awesomeness, is an Amazon Original where Po takes on the mentor role. We follow four panda kids who unwittingly inherit the powers of ancient kung fu masters. It's not as heavy as the other films, but it's still important for Po's growth as a teacher and spiritual leader. If you're interested in the chi structure and the balance between good and evil, this series is a must. Bonus: the humor is classic Po and perfect for binge-watching between the films.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Yes, the panda is back. In Kung Fu Panda 4, we see Po in his most mature role yet. He's got to protect the Spirit Realm, defeat new villains, and find a successor as the Dragon Warrior. Viola Davis really shines as The Chameleon, a shape-shifting villain who constantly subverts expectations. This film feels like the end of an epic saga. It's full of callbacks to previous films, a growing mythology, and visual nods to Chinese folklore. If you've seen the earlier movies, you'll find that this one offers a lot of action, heart, and that classic kung fu comedy vibe that makes the series so unique.
Why This Order Works
The strength of this chronological order lies in the progression. You'll see Po go from being a newbie to a true spiritual leader. Each film builds on the last one, with themes like inner peace, family, and self-discovery coming up again and again. The TV series The Paws of Destiny gives more info about the Spirit Realm and Po's role as a teacher. Plus, it helps you notice the small changes in animation style, voice actors, and character development. And let's be real: it's way more fun to spot Easter eggs and lore details when you watch everything in the right order.
Bonus: Other Media and Fun Facts
Did you know there are multiple Kung Fu Panda video games that expand the storyline? Or that there's a whole line of Kung Fu Panda merchandise, from action figures to dumpling bowls? The franchise is doing well in the world of collectibles, cosplay, and martial arts animation. Speaking of trivia, Jack Black, the voice of Po, improvised a lot of his lines, which helped make that unique Po energy. Also fun: in the original English cast, there are two Oscar winners (Gary Oldman and J.K. Simmons) playing villains. No wonder those villains feel so good. Time for your Kung Fu Panda movie marathon!
Whether you're doing a nostalgic rewatch or diving into this DreamWorks animated franchise for the first time, it's all about the right order. Get ready for epic kung fu battles, feel-good moments, and a panda that makes you reflect more on yourself than you'd expect. These modern animation classics are perfect for a weekend binge with friends or a solo night under a blanket. Don't miss any of the titles, because each film and series brings something unique to the table or the Jade Palace. And trust us: when that first gong sounds and the DreamWorks logo appears, you'll know you're in for a treat.