From The Karate Kid to Cobra Kai, martial arts has carved out a lasting legacy in action cinema. But who would’ve guessed that amidst martial art legends like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, and Bruce Lee, a bumbling, dumpling-loving panda named Po (Jack Black) would emerge as one of the greatest heroes the genre has ever seen.
Kung Fu Panda became an instant success when it released in 2008, introducing the mystical and philosophical powers of martial arts to a whole new generation. The movie won hearts all over and marked the beginning of a long running, multi-billion dollar franchise that would go on to include several spin-off movies, TV series, and short films. With over a dozen titles in the franchise, starting your Kung Fu Panda marathon can feel a bit overwhelming. While watching everything in release order is always an option, several of the short films and TV series actually serve as prequels to the main movies, making the chronological timeline quite different. This guide details how to watch every Kung Fu Panda movie and TV show in chronological and release order online in India.
How To Watch Every 'Kung Fu Panda' Movie & TV Show In Chronological Oder
If you want to experience the story in the order the events actually unfold, check out our list below for the best chronological viewing order. This timeline lays out the movies, TV series, and short films in a sequence that makes the most narrative sense, one even Master Shifu would approve of.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
The first Kung Fu Panda movie is the ideal starting point for the series, setting up the story and characters that define the entire franchise. It follows Po, a clumsy, noodle-serving panda, on his unlikely path to becoming the Dragon Warrior after being chosen by Master Shifu to defeat the evil kung fu master Tai Lung. Po’s bumpy journey from being mocked by the Furious Five and doubted by Master Shifu to enduring grueling training and discovering his passion for martial arts through his love of food is inspiring, full of heart, and delightfully entertaining. The film also sets the stage for the sequel short film, Secrets of the Furious Five.
Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five (2008)
While we all love Po, the fierce and dynamic members of the Furious Five also draw plenty of admiration and curiosity from fans. Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five released as a bonus short film with the official DVD of the first movie and satisfies that curiosity by offering a glimpse into the lives of these iconic characters. The film begins with Po teaching an introductory Kung Fu class to a group of eager little bunnies. To help them understand the mental discipline of Kung Fu, Po narrates stories from each of the Furious Five's pasts, delivering valuable lessons on controlling anger, learning patience, and embracing life’s other important virtues.
Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010)
The first televised spinoff in the series, Kung Fu Panda Holiday, is the perfect holiday binge. This short film takes a break from the action-packed fighting and evil kung fu villains to focus on the scariest holiday challenge of all: the wrath of an angry dad. Po is tasked with helping his father, Mr. Ping, organize a special meal for the entire village. Meanwhile, he’s also juggling his duties for Master Shifu. Overworked and exhausted, Po enlists the help of the Furious Five to save the day, all while preventing his father from facing shame during the holidays. Along the way, Po learns that the bond of family extends far beyond blood.
Kung Fu Panda: Legend of Awesomeness (2011)
Taking place between Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2, Kung Fu Panda: Legend of Awesomeness keeps the same theme and characters as the films and serves as a non-canon extension. The TV series brings in a whole new cast of voice actors to dub the roles of Po, the Furious Five, and other masters, but the characters are the same as in the movies. Each episode in the series follows Po as he continues his journey to mastering Kung Fu, ending with an important life lesson along the way. The series provides a deeper insight into the backstory of supporting characters and other storylines that were only touched on in the movies.
Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters (2011)
Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters is the official prequel short film to Kung Fu Panda 2. Similar to Secrets of the Furious Five, this flashback sequence is presented in 2D animation and follows the adventures of Master Rhino, Master Croc, and Master Ox as they defeat the evil Wu Sisters and take viewers on a journey beyond the Valley of Peace.
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
The second and most commercially successful film in the series takes Po on a journey of self-introspection in Kung Fu Panda 2. After defeating the mighty Tai Lung, Po has established himself as the Dragon Warrior, but he still struggles to find inner peace. When the evil peacock Lord Shen enters the Valley of Peace and threatens to wipe out Kung Fu entirely, Po is forced to look deeper into his past to understand where he came from, so that he can save the art of Kung Fu and set his future back on track. This movie is more psychological and philosophical than its predecessor.
Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll (2016)
By now, Kung Fu Panda loyalists know to be excited about the DVD releases of the franchise’s features because they often come with bonus content that dives deeper into the lives of the series’ most prominent characters. Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll, released shortly after Kung Fu Panda 3, serves as a prequel that offers answers to two very important questions: What sparked Po’s fierce love for Kung Fu, and how did the Furious Five come to be? The action-packed short is presented in the signature 2D animation style seen in all of the series’ prequel films.
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Kung Fu Panda 3 picks up right where the second film ends. Po continues to enjoy life at the Jade Palace after saving Kung Fu when he receives surprising news about his biological father. After learning that his father, Li, is still alive, Po sets out on an adventure to reconnect with him, a journey that leads him to a secret panda village. There, Po transitions from being the student to becoming a teacher, passing down the art of Kung Fu to a new generation of young pandas, all while preparing to face a powerful new villain, Kai. Kung Fu Panda 3 grossed $521 million at the worldwide box office, making it the lowest-earning film in the franchise, but it continues to remain a fan favourite.
Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny (2018)
An hour and a half is hardly enough to soak in the cuteness of the tiny kung fu pandas frolicking around the panda village. Fortunately, the creators of the franchise released Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny, a television series that focuses on the independent storylines of the young pandas who accidentally absorb the chi of ancient warriors and set out to fight evil. The series was released shortly after the third film, expanding the universe and giving fans even more reasons to fall in love with the next generation of kung fu heroes.
Panda Paws (2016)
Panda Paws might as well be an episode of Paws of Destiny. This standalone short film sweetly captures the playful rivalry between Mei Mei and Bao as they compete in a series of events during the Spring Festival. It’s cute, lovable, and offers a deeper look into the fascinating everyday life of the Panda Village.
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (2022)
The darkest addition to the Kung Fu Panda franchise, this television series follows Po as he journeys across China to learn more about himself and the true meaning of kung fu. Unlike the previous TV series where Po was voiced by Mick Wingert, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight brings back Jack Black as the voice of Po. The series also introduces a new character, Luthera, who accompanies Po as he tries to restore his damaged reputation and clear his name.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
The fourth film in the Kung Fu Panda series follows Po as he goes up against his toughest enemy yet. Played by the iconic Viola Davis, this movie introduces a shape-shifting chameleon as the new villain, bringing a fresh element of surprise and danger. Po is constantly tested as he’s forced to face off against both old and new enemies due to the villain’s ability to transform. Kung Fu Panda 4 also marked the longest wait between feature films in the franchise. Unlike the earlier sequels, which were released within a three to four year gap, this installment hit cinemas in 2024, nearly eight years after the release of Kung Fu Panda 3.
Dueling Dumplings (2024)
Dueling Dumplings was released as a bonus short alongside the home media of Kung Fu Panda 4. Set after the events of the fourth movie, this short sees Po and Zhen indulge in a friendly culinary showdown over dumplings from their respective homelands. What starts as a playful exchange, quickly turns into a competitive and delicious rivalry over whose dumplings reign supreme.
How To Watch Every 'Kung Fu Panda' Movie & TV Show In Release Order
Use this list if you would rather watch the Kung Fu franchise in release order.
- Kung Fu Panda (2008)
- Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five (2008)
- Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010)
- Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
- Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters (2011)
- Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011)
- Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll (2015)
- Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
- Panda Paws (2016)
- Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny (2018)
- Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (2022)
- Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
- Dueling Dumplings (2024)
Where To Watch The 'Kung Fu Panda' Franchise Online
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in India, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
