How To Watch The Kung Fu Panda Movies In Order

The movie “Kung Fu Panda” made its debut in cinemas back in 2008, garnering praise from critics and earning substantial revenue at the box office. Since then, four movies have been released. However, if you’re wondering about the chronological order to watch these films, here’s a guide for the “Kung Fu Panda” series:

1. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
2. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
3. Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
4. The Kabuki Twins (Short Film) (2011) or Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness TV series (2011-2016, depending on the storylines you prefer)
5. Secrets of the Furious Five (Short Film) (2018)

In case you’re interested in prequels, “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness” is a TV series that can provide some background information on the characters and events leading up to the first movie. Enjoy your journey through the world of Kung Fu Panda!

“Kung Fu Panda” (2008)
“Kung Fu Panda 2” (2011)
“Kung Fu Panda 3” (2016)
“Kung Fu Panda 4” (2024)

In this particular instance, the sequence of events depicted in the story aligns with the original release order. But keep in mind that when considering the entire franchise, including spin-offs and TV series, this isn’t always the case. While these additional elements aren’t essential for enjoying the movies, they do contribute to the broader narrative. For a truly immersive “Kung Fu Panda” experience, it’s best to watch the different installments according to their storyline progression rather than the release dates. Here’s how you can arrange them to achieve that.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

In “Kung Fu Panda,” we meet Po, a panda enthusiastic about kung fu, and the Furious Five: Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Viper, and Mantis. These five masters reside in the tranquil Jade Palace under Master Shifu’s watchful gaze, who is himself supervised by the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, Master Oogway.

In a noodle shop run by his father, Po dreams of something greater. He eventually finds himself at the Jade Palace, being designated as the Dragon Warrior after some humorous incidents. The narrative unfolds as Po learns martial arts, discovers himself, and ultimately acquires the skills necessary to seize the Dragon Scroll and vanquish Tai Lung, a student of Master Shifu who yearns to possess the legendary scroll.

The movie lays out all the essential information for viewers to jump straight into the series, much like children’s films. As your kids get absorbed in “Kung Fu Panda”, there are many intriguing aspects for adults to pick up on too. This movie was a massive hit, raking in over $630 million against a budget of just $130 million. Critics also praised it (it has a 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes), so additional installments were destined to follow.

Secrets of the Furious Five (2008)

The home version of “Kung Fu Panda” included a bonus short titled “The Secrets of the Furious Five.” This short features some of the original voice actors, including Seth Rogen as Mantis, alongside others. The animation style changes, starting with Po in CGI who narrates stories about the Furious Five. These tales are then presented using traditional 2D cel animation. This method resembles the opening and closing credits of “Kung Fu Panda,” smoothly integrating various animation techniques to tell an engaging story.

In a simplified narrative, Po, our protagonist, instructs a gang of adorable rabbit students on beginner’s kung fu. He structures each session with anecdotes that mirror the characters he’s teaching. These stories are set in times past, but since these lessons occur post-first movie, “Secrets of the Furious Five” is ideal to watch after “Kung Fu Panda.” Essentially, his tales recount the origins of the Great Masters, detailing their journey towards kung fu mastery and their path to success.

After Po concludes his conversation with the children, Master Shifu is taken aback to discover that Po hasn’t made mistakes, as he usually does. The scene ends with the kids inquiring about how Po’s initial day of learning kung fu went. As a reminder of the hardships he experienced, various scenes play out, but rather than elaborating on his struggles, he simply replies, “It was fantastic,” which is perfectly fitting for Po.

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011)

After viewing the initial movie and its accompanying short, it would be most beneficial to move forward in time and marathon all three seasons of “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.” This show premiered on Nickelodeon in 2011, coinciding with the release of “Kung Fu Panda 2,” and acts as a link between the first and second films. Although many from the original cast did not return, Liu took on the role of Viper once more, while James Hong resumed his character as Po’s father.

In this series, Po, along with the formidable team known as the Furious Five, band together to vanquish numerous adversaries endangering their tranquil valley. Despite his knack for causing chaos, much like any other time (portrayed by Mick Wingert), our protagonist learns from his errors and emerges stronger – a recurring message within the franchise. Additionally, the program offers intriguing insights into the backstories of the Furious Five and the rich heritage of kung fu.

The animated series ‘Legends of Awesomeness’ was primarily designed for young viewers, which means it lacks the adult-oriented jokes and suggestive themes found in many movies. Consequently, some may find the show to be somewhat predictable and repetitive, although it remains enjoyable. However, compared to the cinematic experience, it may not offer the same level of entertainment value.

Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010)

Titled “Kung Fu Panda Holiday,” this animated special, which first aired on NBC in November 2010, runs for approximately 25 minutes. The storyline brings back the original cast, who reprise their roles from the movie. The plot revolves around the Valley of Peace’s annual Winter Festival held at the Jade Palace. Master Shifu entrusts Po with organizing the event, making it a near-impossible task due to the high expectations. However, amidst all this, Po yearns to celebrate the holiday season with his father.

Po takes on the task of cooking dinner himself, but it proves too challenging. Despite managing to get everything prepared, he steps away to assist his father at the noodle shop, which provides food for those in town with nowhere else to go. The Furious Five notice this and do the same, leading to the Winter Feast being abandoned. Instead, everyone gathers together in the town, creating a heartwarming holiday tale about family, duty, and responsibility – an ideal fit for the franchise.

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters (2011)

In the home edition of ‘Kung Fu Panda 2’, you’ll find a short film titled ‘Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters’. You might wonder why you should watch it before the movie. The reason is that it serves as a prequel to the film itself. Many of the voice actors from previous productions reprise their roles in this short, and much like ‘Secrets of the Furious Five’, it employs 2D animation for flashback sequences.

In this brief tale, the main characters are Masters Rhino (Paul Scheer), Croc (Tony Leondis), and Ox (Dennis Haysbert). These three fresh faces need to discover a reason for their kung fu skills if they hope to prevent the Wu Sisters from devastating their village. The story is set in motion as Po narrates to Tigress and Mantis, sharing how these masters crossed paths, which marks the beginning of the 2D animation.

The events unfold as another engaging origin tale about the masters, and it has been highly praised. This short film earned its animation team an Annie Award for the best animated special production, demonstrating its popularity. Although you can certainly watch “Secrets of the Masters” following “Kung Fu Panda 2,” doing so might deprive you of valuable backstory that greatly enhances the movie’s enjoyment.

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll (2016)

“The short film titled ‘Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll’ was added to the re-issued versions of both the first and second Kung Fu Panda movies. It is recommended to watch this before Kung Fu Panda 2. The majority of the original voice cast is present, but Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan didn’t reprise their roles for this short. The animation style combines cleverly blended CGI and traditional 2D techniques.”

The Scroll Reveals: The Origins of Po and the Furious Five”

This short film serves as the backstory for both Po and the Furious Five, unfolding a decade after the second movie. Similar to other shorts, it commences in the present time before delving into past events that occurred a decade prior. The central plot revolves around Po’s quest to recover his action figures, which his father had given away to customers.

In this tale, we learn about how the Furious Five initially joined forces, with a sprinkle of amusing errors for good measure. When Po was still young, he witnessed their combat, an event which sparked his passion for martial arts – kung fu in particular. As the story ends in the current time, Po chooses to share his playthings as others once shared with him, acknowledging that he now possesses the genuine article.

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

In “Kung Fu Panda 2,” Po carries on with his training as the Dragon Warrior, improving his skills but still lacking inner tranquility according to Master Shifu. Concurrently, Shen, aided by his wolf troops, creates chaos throughout China in search of the legendary “warrior clad in black and white” who is foretold to eventually vanquish him.

Initially, Po and the Five embark on a journey to confront the danger, yet upon catching sight of Shen’s armor, memories of his mother resurface in Po. This triggers a conversation with his father, shedding light on how he was raised, and additional details about Po’s background unfold. The narrative then shifts to Gongmen City, where the battle escalates as Shen unleashes cannons. Wounded, Po drifts downstream, and there, he gains insights into his past from the enigmatic Soothsayer (Michelle Yeoh).

Ultimately, Po discovers tranquility within himself before confronting Shen in their conclusive fight. The movie serves as a compelling addition to Po’s heroic saga, providing numerous answers. Original actors, such as Jackie Chan playing Monkey, returned for this sequel. Reminiscent of its predecessor, “Kung Fu Panda 2” was financially successful, surpassing the initial film by over $30 million and guaranteeing further installments in the series.

Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that “Kung Fu Panda 3” takes us directly forward from where the previous film concluded, without any intervening shorts to enjoy. This third installment centers around Po’s family, particularly his long-lost biological father, Li Shan, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, who resides in a clandestine Panda Village that China remains unaware of. Prior to this revelation, the Spirit Realm is under siege by General Kai, who has seized the vital energy (chi) from deceased kung fu masters such as Master Oogway.

Kai re-enters the mortal realm, posing as a fresh danger to Po and the Furious Five following Master Shifu’s announcement of his retirement from teaching. In this transition, Shifu designates Po as his successor, yet up until now, Po has been a pupil and finds himself ill-prepared to walk in his master’s footsteps. Disheartened, he retreats home and encounters his biological father, who imparts chi knowledge onto him while instructing him on how to embrace his panda nature.

In “Kung Fu Panda 3,” Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni, making his directorial debut, shared the role of co-director. This movie brought about a significant transformation in Po’s skills and position in the world, enriching the series even further. The film garnered a substantial revenue of over $520 million at the box office, although it didn’t surpass its predecessors, it was still a remarkable success, keeping the franchise alive. A significant portion of this success can be attributed to the Chinese box office, which contributed approximately $150 million to the total earnings.

Panda Paws (2016)

In the home release of “Kung Fu Panda 3”, a short film called “Panda Paws” was included, living up to its name as it’s only 3 minutes long. This short story revolves around characters Mei Mei (voiced by Kate Hudson) and Bao (Steele Gagnon), who were introduced in the previously mentioned movie. They both participate in the Spring Festival, with Mei Mei serving as the narrator. She acknowledges that Bao outshines her in the festival, leading her to believe she lost due to Bao’s adorable charm. This prompts Mei Mei to issue a challenge.

Mei Mei does a ribbon dance and various other acts, while her rival showcases a balancing act using a liuqin. However, things take an unexpected turn as a fire breaks out, causing some nearby fireworks to explode, filling the night sky with dazzling, colorful bursts. Fortunately, both Mei Mei and Bao escape unharmed, and they receive warm applause for their quick thinking and teamwork.

Originally designed as a prelude for “Kung Fu Panda 3”, the short film “Panda Paws” ended up as an extra feature on DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital HD versions instead. This turned out to be more beneficial for viewers since watching “Panda Paws” before viewing “Kung Fu Panda 3” could have revealed some minor spoilers because it takes place entirely within the Panda Village.

Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny (2018-2019)

Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny” is a two-season series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video. This show is the second installment in the franchise, but it occurs later, picking up after the events of “Kung Fu Panda 3,” which introduced numerous new panda characters. Like “Legends of Awesomeness,” Mick Wingert returns as Po, delivering another impressive performance akin to Jack Black’s portrayal.

The show unfolds following General Kai’s downfall, centering around Po and a group of young pandas: Haley Tju as Nu Hai, Laya Deleon Hayes as Jing, Makana Say as Fan Tong, and Gunnar Sizemore as Bao. The primary plot revolves around a mystical cavern beneath the Panda Village, where these four children inadvertently draw upon the power of four ancient warriors: Blue Dragon, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Red Phoenix.

In the animated series, Po, a panda, is tasked with teaching martial arts to young trainees in order to thwart the evil intentions of Jindiao (Steve Blum). Jindiao seeks to seize an ancient energy source. The story unfolds over two separate seasons, each consisting of 13 episodes. The first season debuted in 2018, and the second was released a year later. As of now, it appears that no further seasons will be produced.

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (2022-2023)

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight”

Description: This animated series is the third installment in the franchise, set two years following General Kai’s defeat as depicted in “Kung Fu Panda 3.” Originating from Netflix, it aired for three seasons spanning 2022 to 2023, encompassing a total of 42 episodes. Unlike its predecessors, Jack Black reprises his role as Po. In addition to Po, new characters make their debut, such as Luthera (portrayed by Rita Ora). Although he doesn’t voice Po, Mick Wingert returns to give life to several characters, including Drake and Rabia’s father.

The story chronicles Po’s journey beyond the Tranquil Valley, seeking self-discovery. Accompanied by Luthera, or the Roaming Sword, he ventures far and wide across China. Their mission is to track down the four mystical weapons that once fragmented the world long ago. Throughout their adventure, fresh perils and adversaries emerge, forcing these unlikely combatants to unite for a shared objective.

In “The Dragon Knight”, the method of storytelling is diverse, with various animation techniques employed to keep it interesting. While certain episodes resemble traditional 2D animation, others seem like they’ve been pulled straight from a comic book. This blend of styles adds an innovative twist to the franchise, ensuring that each episode remains unique and engaging compared to earlier projects.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Eight years on from its initial release, “Kung Fu Panda 4” emerged, maintaining the series’ tradition by introducing numerous fresh characters. The narrative revolves around Po’s mission to discover his successor, whom he intends to mentor as the upcoming Dragon Warrior. To accomplish this, Po joins forces with Zhen (Awkwafina), a thief who possesses the abilities required to confront and vanquish The Chameleon (Viola Davis).

In simple terms, the strategy of the Chameleon is to seize the kung fu skills from numerous masters across China, a feat only Po and Zhen can accomplish. The movie “Kung Fu Panda 4” did well, receiving positive reviews and earning a substantial box office income of nearly $550 million. Interestingly, this film was less expensive to create than its predecessors.

The general consensus about “Kung Fu Panda 4” was overwhelmingly favorable, dispelling any notion that the series might end with this movie. However, DreamWorks Animation hasn’t confirmed another sequel yet. Nonetheless, the director of the fourth film, Mike Mitchell, hinted at a possible fifth installment, and rumors suggest that DreamWorks is considering a sixth film as well.

Dueling Dumplings (2024)

Just like its predecessors, when I finally got my hands on “Kung Fu Panda 4” at home, it came with another quick chuckle – “Dueling Dumplings.” Similar to the earlier shorts, this one is brief, barely hitting the 3-minute mark (the others ranged from 20 to 25 minutes). But don’t let its brevity fool you! It’s still a riot and a delightful addition to the series. As you might guess from the title, it features Po and Zhen going head-to-head in a dumpling-making contest. It’s a lighthearted competition between these two warriors, and let me tell you, Po isn’t one to back down from a food challenge!

In this brief, entertaining clip titled “Dueling Dumplicks,” Po and Zhen engage in a friendly contest, skillfully balancing dumplings on their chopsticks and trying to get each other to taste their creations. This light-hearted event is the main focus of the video, which lasts only a few minutes. In the end, they discover that they both appreciate each other’s recipes, strengthening their friendship even more. It is recommended to watch “Dueling Dumplicks” after “Kung Fu Panda 4,” as it serves as an enjoyable prelude for fans eagerly anticipating another full-length “Kung Fu Panda” film.

2025-01-09 22:30