Kung Fu Panda is a popular media franchise that features the adventures of Po, a clumsy and lovable panda who becomes a kung fu master. The franchise includes three animated films, three television series, four short films, a holiday special, and several video games. The franchise is set in a fantasy version of ancient China, where animals can talk and practice martial arts.

The first film, Kung Fu Panda (2008), introduces Po as a noodle shop worker who idolizes the Furious Five, a group of kung fu warriors trained by Master Shifu. Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior, a prophesied hero who can defeat the evil snow leopard Tai Lung. Po must learn to believe in himself and master the secrets of kung fu with the help of his new friends.

The second film, Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), follows Po as he faces a new threat: Lord Shen, a peacock who has invented a powerful weapon that can destroy kung fu. Po also learns about his past and his connection to Shen. The third film, Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016), explores Po’s relationship with his biological father Li Shan, who takes him to a hidden panda village. Po must train the other pandas to fight against Kai, a spirit warrior who steals the chi of other kung fu masters.

The franchise also has three television series: Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011-2016), which depicts Po’s adventures as the Dragon Warrior and his interactions with the Furious Five and other characters; Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny (2018-2019), which focuses on four young pandas who discover a mystical cave and gain chi powers; and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (2022-), which follows Po as he teams up with an elite English knight to rescue magical weapons and save the world.

The franchise has received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning several awards and nominations. The films are praised for their animation quality, humor, action sequences, voice acting, and emotional depth. The franchise is also popular in China, where it is seen as a respectful homage to the wuxia genre and Chinese culture.

One of the most distinctive features of the franchise is the use of kung fu as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery. Po’s journey from a clumsy fanboy to a confident hero is paralleled by his mastery of various kung fu styles and techniques. Each film also explores a different aspect of Po’s identity: his role as the Dragon Warrior, his origin as a panda, and his destiny as a teacher. Po learns to overcome his doubts, fears, and insecurities by embracing his true self and his unique talents.

Another important element of the franchise is the humor and comedy that balance the serious and dramatic moments. The franchise is known for its witty dialogue, slapstick gags, pop culture references, and parody of martial arts tropes. The franchise also features a diverse and colorful cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and motivation. The main characters include the Furious Five: Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Viper, and Crane; Master Shifu, Po’s mentor and father figure; Mr. Ping, Po’s adoptive goose father; Oogway, the wise tortoise who chose Po as the Dragon Warrior; and various villains such as Tai Lung, Shen, Kai, and others.

The franchise has also spawned several spin-off media and merchandise, such as books, comics, toys, video games, theme park attractions, and more. The franchise has a loyal fan base that enjoys creating fan art, fan fiction, cosplay, and other forms of fan expression. The franchise has also inspired many people to learn more about kung fu, Chinese culture, and philosophy. The franchise’s motto is “Skadoosh!”, which Po says before delivering a powerful attack or finishing a sentence.