Jack Black leads the blockbuster franchise as Po, a panda with an appetite for combat (and dumplings). How to watch the Kung Fu Panda movies in order Jack Black leads the blockbuster franchise as Po, a panda with an appetite for combat (and dumplings). By Skyler Trepel November 25, 2025 3:56 p.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/KUNGFUPANDA2JackBlackAngelinaJolieJackieChandavidcrosssethrogenlucyliu052325b5bb0c8ba69a4954aa37afe381e6dee7.jpg) Po and the Furious Five.

Jack Black leads the blockbuster franchise as Po, a panda with an appetite for combat (and dumplings).

How to watch the *Kung Fu Panda *movies in order

Jack Black leads the blockbuster franchise as Po, a panda with an appetite for combat (and dumplings).

By Skyler Trepel

November 25, 2025 3:56 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Po and the Furious Five. Credit:

DreamWorks Animation

Jack Black first delivered his signature catchphrase in 2008, becoming an unlikely kung fu hero *and* launching a franchise. Brought to life by Black's energetic vocal performance, *Kung Fu Panda *introduced audiences to Po, a panda working at his father's noodle restaurant but harboring dreams of becoming a kung fu master.

Black spoke with * *in 2024 about how the character captured a devoted fanbase that has given the movie series a lasting impact. "The first one will always hold a special place in my heart because you never know how a new character is going to go over with an audience and it really connected," he said. "I thought we touched some magic there and it was a beautiful story."

As a franchise, *Kung Fu Panda* became something of a juggernaut — theme park attractions, merchandise, TV series, short films, and of course, four features, each one a box-office hit. The movies feature elaborate slapstick kung fu sequences, but they've also got heart and humor to spare, proving that heroes often come in unlikely forms.

Here's how to watch all the *Kung Fu Panda *movies in order.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

More flexible than you expected from a panda, yes? Never underestimate Po. DreamWorks Animation

Po's journey begins while slaving away at his boring noodle job on the day the Dragon Warrior is to be chosen. After finally telling his father (James Hong) that his dream is to become a dragon warrior, an unexpected firework mishap leads to Po being chosen. His dream having miraculously come true in an ironic twist, he suddenly faces the prospect of proving himself — which means taking on the menacing snow leopard, Tai Lung (Ian McShane).

In addition to Black's lovable Po, the film also introduced Dustin Hoffman as the wise but hard-nosed Master Shifu and Randall Duk Kim as Grand Master Oogway, a tortoise with no shortage of sage advice. And then, of course, there are Po's initially skeptical teammates: the Furious Five, a group of warriors brought to life by Angelina Jolie as the leader, Tigress, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper, David Cross as Crane, and Jackie Chan as Monkey.

*Kung Fu Panda *was the highest-grossing animated film of 2008 and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Where to watch *Kung Fu Panda*: Peacock

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

A standard day on the job for Po and his team.

DreamWorks Animation

Po and the Furious Five return in *Kung Fu Panda 2* as a full-fledged heroic crimefighting team. Now, they must face a new existential threat — a warlord peacock named Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) whose horrifying backstory makes him a unique danger to Po in particular. Our heroes travel to Gongmen City to stop Shen from taking over China. Meanwhile, Po discovers secrets about his family, expanding the franchise's lore and deepening the character's personal history.

With a larger budget and enhanced technology, the hit sequel was able to do even more with its action sequences — including a few that become elaborately surreal. With Jennifer Yuh Nelson at the helm, *Kung Fu Panda 2* was the highest-grossing film by a female director at the time of its release, solidifying the franchise's staying power.

"You want to prove the first one wasn't a fluke. We took that all over the world," Black told EW. "I loved opening that up to the Cannes Film Festival. I loved opening that up to a whole world audience."

Where to watch *Kung Fu Panda 2*: Peacock

Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Po and Monkey (Jackie Chan) prepare for battle.

DreamWorks Animation

In *Kung Fu Panda 3*, Master Shifu retires from teaching and selects Po to take the mantle. Enthusiastic as he is, he initially struggles in the transition to leadership. Meanwhile, he finally meets his biological father,* *Li Shahn (Bryan Cranston), who takes Po to a secret village of pandas.

Having always seen himself as something of a misfit, Po seemingly finds a place where he truly belongs and begins training a village in kung fu — including some undeniably adorable child pandas. The village is threatened by an evil bull from the spirit world, General Kai (J.K. Simmons), who intends to wipe the pandas out for good. Their only hope? Po being able to truly embrace his destiny as a kung fu teacher before it's too late.

This third installment deepens the series' theme of the many forms family — and parent/child relationships in particular — can take. Black went into detail in a 2024 chat with EW: "I think it's pretty rad that Po has two dads: the goose and the panda. 'My adoptive father and my biological father. They both love me equally.' And he definitely needs that love and that confidence coming from both of them in order to save the valley of the beasts."

Where to watch *Kung Fu Panda 3*: Peacock

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Po finds new foes in 'Kung Fu Panda 4'.

DreamWorks Animations

Things come full circle for Po, who is now tasked with choosing the next Dragon Warrior after Master Shifu tells him it's time to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

While picking his successor, Po crosses paths with a sly fox bandit, Zhen (Awkwafina), who attempts to steal ancient weapons. After locking her in jail, Po hears that Tai Lung has returned, but it's complicated. Zhen explains that it's actually The Chameleon (Viola Davis), a new villain systematically stealing the powers of every kung fu master and shapeshifting to take on their appearance. She can even turn into — wait for it — *Evil Po*.

Po releases Zhen and they team up for a buddy-comedy romp that doubles down on the franchise's comedic martial arts set pieces as the two try to stop The Chameleon.

Black told EW that the fourth installment is his favorite: "The whole arc is like, 'Po's growing up.' In this one, he's finally kind of transitioning into a spiritual leader. It's a big step for him as a character."

Where to watch *Kung Fu Panda 4*: Peacock

How to watch the Kung Fu Panda movies in release order:

- *Kung Fu Panda *(2008)

- *Kung Fu Panda 2 *(2011)

- *Kung Fu Panda 3 *(2016)

- *Kung Fu Panda 4 *(2024)

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

- Animated Movies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Animated"

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Source: Animated

Published: November 25, 2025 at 11:38PM on Source: MARIO MAG

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