The “Kung Fu Panda” movie series is an animated film franchise produced by DreamWorks Animation. The franchise was created by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger and consists of three films.
The primary themes of the series include self-discovery, friendship, and perseverance. The films center around a clumsy and overweight panda named Po, who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. Through a series of challenges, Po learns about his heritage and the true meaning of being a warrior.
People love the “Kung Fu Panda” series because of its lovable characters, humor, and heartwarming messages. The films are filled with action, adventure, and comedy, making them appealing to both kids and adults. The franchise has also become popular due to its all-star voice cast, including Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, and Dustin Hoffman.
Some other facts about the “Kung Fu Panda” series include:
- The first film was released in 2008 and was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $632 million worldwide.
- The second and third films, “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “Kung Fu Panda 3,” were released in 2011 and 2016, respectively.
- The franchise has been nominated for several awards and has won several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for “Kung Fu Panda 2.”
- The franchise has also been expanded into a television series, video games, and merchandise.
How to watch Kung Fu Panda Movies in Order
- Kung Fu Panda (2008)
- Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
- Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
1. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
The movie Kung Fu Panda follows the story of Po, a panda who is a klutz and dreams of becoming a kung fu master. Despite being rejected and teased by the Furious Five and Shifu, the kung fu warriors and their teacher, Po is accidentally chosen as the prophesized Dragon Warrior to defeat Tai Lung, the escaped prisoner and Shifu’s former student.
Po trains under Shifu with the Furious Five and discovers that he must embrace his inner strength and self-worth to defeat Tai Lung. Po ultimately succeeds in defeating Tai Lung and earns the respect of the Furious Five and Shifu, becoming the Dragon Warrior.
This film is loved by audiences of all ages for its charming, hilarious and heartwarming story, with Po’s journey to self-discovery as the central theme. The animation is vibrant, and the characters are well-developed and engaging. Jack Black’s voice performance as Po is spot-on, and the supporting cast, including Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, and Dustin Hoffman, delivers excellent voice performances as well.
IMDb rating: 8.0 Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
2. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
In Kung Fu Panda 2, Po is now the Dragon Warrior and lives a peaceful life, but he begins to have flashbacks and memories of his childhood. Meanwhile, the villainous Tai Lung returns, this time in the form of Lord Shen, a peacock who plans to conquer China with a powerful weapon.
Po must confront his past and his fears to defeat Lord Shen and save China. Along the way, he discovers the truth about his family and learns that inner peace and acceptance are the keys to unlocking his full potential.
Kung Fu Panda 2 is a great sequel that expands on the themes introduced in the first movie. The animation is even more breathtaking, the action sequences are well choreographed, and the story is emotionally charged. Jack Black again delivers a strong performance as Po, and the supporting cast, including Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, and Michelle Yeoh, are equally impressive.
IMDb rating: 7.6 Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%
3. Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
In Kung Fu Panda 3, Po reunites with his long-lost father and discovers a secret village of pandas. However, the joyous reunion is short-lived as the villainous Kai, a powerful warrior, begins to terrorize China and defeat all its warriors, including the Furious Five.
Po must train the pandas to become warriors and defeat Kai, but he also learns that inner peace and love are the greatest weapons of all. Po ultimately succeeds in defeating Kai and bringing peace to China, and he finds a new family in the pandas of the secret village.
Kung Fu Panda 3 is a fitting end to the franchise, with the animation reaching new heights, the action sequences being thrilling, and the story being emotional and heartwarming. The voice cast, including Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, and J.K. Simmons, deliver excellent performances, and the themes of family, inner peace, and self-discovery are woven beautifully into the story.
IMDb rating: 7.2 Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%
Here are the IMDb ratings and the Rotten Tomatoes score for the following movies in the Kung Fu Panda movie series:
Movie | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
---|---|---|
Kung Fu Panda (2008) | 8.0/10 | 90% |
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) | 7.6/10 | 87% |
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) | 7.2/10 | 85% |
FAQs
A. The Kung Fu Panda movie series is a computer-animated action-comedy franchise that centers around the adventures of a lovable, overweight panda named Po. Po aspires to be a kung fu master and is trained by the Furious Five, a group of skilled warriors, and Master Shifu, a wise and experienced teacher. Throughout the franchise, Po learns important lessons about self-confidence, determination, and the power of friendship.
A. There are three Kung Fu Panda movies in the series: Kung Fu Panda (2008), Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016).
A. The main character in the Kung Fu Panda series is Po, a plucky and lovable panda who aspires to become a kung fu master.
A. Jack Black provides the voice of Po in the Kung Fu Panda movies.
A. The primary theme of the Kung Fu Panda movies is about embracing one’s individuality and believing in oneself. Throughout the franchise, Po learns that he has unique strengths and abilities that make him special, and he uses these qualities to become a true kung fu master. The franchise also explores the power of friendship, teamwork, and the importance of facing one’s fears.
A. The Kung Fu Panda movies are popular for several reasons. The franchise’s appealing characters, humor, and action-packed storylines appeal to both children and adults. The franchise also features stunning computer animation and memorable musical numbers that add to its overall appeal. Additionally, the films’ messages about self-confidence and determination resonate with audiences, making them feel inspired and uplifted.