Disney+ action comedy television series “American Born Chinese” is a well-made and entertaining show that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. Created by Kelvin Yu, it follows tenth-grader Jin Wang (Ben Wang), who is struggling to fit in with his peers. When he is tasked with showing new exchange student Wei-Chen (Jimmy Liu) around, he is unexpectedly thrust into a battle between mythical Chinese gods, including Sun Wukong (Daniel Wu) and Guanyin (Michelle Yeoh).
The series has been praised for its humor, action, and representation of Asian Americans. If you liked the show’s mystical Asian mythology and are looking for similar action-fantasy series, here are the best shows we recommend you watch after “American Born Chinese” (2023).
1. Warrior (2019- )
“Warrior” is an American action television series set during the late 19th century in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The plot follows Ah Sahm, a Chinese martial arts prodigy who travels to America in search of his missing sister. Once there, he becomes embroiled in the complicated and dangerous politics of the Tong Wars between rival Chinese factions and must use his skills to navigate the treacherous world of the American West.
The show does an excellent job of showcasing the struggles that Chinese immigrants faced during this time period, from discrimination and violence to the challenges of assimilating into American culture. It also features well-choreographed fight scenes and intriguing characters with their own agendas.
2. The New Legends of Monkey (2018-2020)
“The New Legends of Monkey” is a fantasy series that blends ancient Chinese legends and modern storytelling. The show follows a young monk, Tripitaka, and his three companions, Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy, as they embark on a journey to retrieve sacred scriptures and restore order to the world.
The series is directed by Gerard Johnstone and stars Chai Hansen as Monkey, Josh Thomson as Pigsy, Emilie Cocquerel as Sandy, and Luciane Buchanan as Tripitaka. Other notable cast members include Jarred Blakiston, Jordan Mooney, and Glen Levy. While some applaud its imaginative storytelling and dynamic visuals, others criticize its uneven pacing and lack of character development. Overall, “The New Legends of Monkey” is an engaging and entertaining series that is well worth a watch for fans of fantasy and adventure.
3. Into the Badlands (2015-2019)
“Into the Badlands” is a post-apocalyptic martial arts television series that aired on AMC from 2015 to 2019. The show was created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, and was directed by various directors throughout its three-season run. “Into the Badlands” is a thrilling and action-packed television series that explores themes of power, loyalty, and the human condition in a dangerous and unpredictable world.
The series takes place in a future world where civilization has collapsed and the remaining population is divided into seven feuding barons who control different territories. The barons are protected by loyal armies of skilled fighters known as “clippers,” who are trained in the art of combat and serve as both bodyguards and enforcers. The story follows a clipper named Sunny, played by Daniel Wu, who becomes embroiled in a power struggle between the barons and their competing interests. Along the way, he befriends a young boy named M.K., played by Aramis Knight, who possesses a mysterious power that makes him a valuable asset to those who seek to control him.
The characters engage in intense martial arts battles and political maneuverings as they navigate the dangerous and unpredictable world of the Badlands. The show received critical acclaim for its action sequences and world-building, and is considered a unique fusion of post-apocalyptic and martial arts genres.
4. Cobra Kai (2018- )
“Cobra Kai” is a 2018 television series that continues the story of the 1984 film “The Karate Kid.” The series follows the lives of Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, former rivals who are now middle-aged adults. Johnny reopens the Cobra Kai dojo, which reignites his rivalry with Daniel. The series is well-received and has gained a large following due to its nostalgic value and engaging characters.
5. Wu Assassins (2019)
“Wu Assassins” is an exciting and visually stunning show that blends elements of action, fantasy, and crime drama. While the plot can feel a bit convoluted at times, the strong performances and impressive action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of martial arts and action genres.
Set in present-day San Francisco, the plot follows Kai Jin, a chef who is chosen to become the Wu Assassin – a warrior tasked with stopping five powerful “Wu” crime lords from gaining control of an ancient and mystical power. The show features an impressive cast of martial arts experts, including Iko Uwais, who also serves as the lead actor and fight choreographer. The fight scenes are fast-paced, highly stylized, and beautifully shot, making them a highlight of the series.
6. Kung Fu (2021-2023)
“Kung Fu” is an American martial arts action television series, based on the original 1970s series of the same name. The plot follows Nicky Shen, a Chinese-American woman who drops out of college and travels to a Shaolin monastery in China, where she trains in kung fu and gains a new perspective on life.
Upon returning to San Francisco, Nicky finds her hometown plagued by crime and corruption, and uses her martial arts skills to fight back against the criminals and protect her community. Along the way, she also grapples with family drama and romantic relationships. “Kung Fu” is a solid entry into the martial arts genre, with well-choreographed fight scenes and a diverse cast of characters. While some of the writing can feel a bit heavy-handed at times, the show’s themes of empowerment and representation make it a refreshing addition to the television landscape.
7. Ms. Marvel (2022)
“Ms. Marvel” is a television series about a Pakistani-American teenager named Kamala Khan who gains shape-shifting abilities and decides to become a superhero. Throughout the series, Kamala struggles to balance her newfound powers with her responsibilities as a student and daughter, while also fighting crime in her community. The show explores themes of identity, culture, and representation, and has been well-received for its diverse and inclusive cast and storytelling.
8. I Am Not Okay With This (2020)
“I Am Not Okay With This” is a must-watch for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories with a supernatural twist. Its unique blend of drama, humor, and suspense makes for a compelling viewing experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The show follows the life of a teenage girl named Sydney, who discovers that she has supernatural abilities. As she tries to navigate her newfound powers, Sydney also deals with the challenges of being a teenager, including family issues, friendship drama, and first love.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, who also directed the hit series “The End of the F***ing World.” The cast includes Sophia Lillis as Sydney, Wyatt Oleff as Stanley, Sofia Bryant as Dina, Kathleen Rose Perkins as Maggie, and Richard Ellis as Brad.
9. The Imperfects (2022)
Sci-fi drama series “The Imperfects” follows a group of young scientists who are searching for the secret to immortality. Along the way, they discover a technology that allows them to alter human DNA. However, the process is not perfect and the altered individuals develop various defects and abnormalities. These altered humans are known as “the imperfects”, and they must face discrimination and identity struggles in society. Meanwhile, they also face threats from mysterious forces, and must unite to protect themselves and unravel the mystery.
As a sci-fi drama, “The Imperfects” is quite intriguing, full of suspense and tension. The actors did a great job of bringing their characters to life and making them relatable to the audience. Moreover, the series touches on some profound themes such as identity and social discrimination, making it more than just an entertaining show, but also a thought-provoking one.
10. Runaways (2017-2019)
As a superhero series, “Runaways” is quite entertaining, with a good mix of action, drama, and suspense. The actors did a great job of bringing their characters to life and making them relatable to the audience. The series also touches on some important themes such as family, friendship, and loyalty, making it more than just a typical superhero show.
Created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the story follows a group of teens who discover that their parents are part of a secret organization called “The Pride”, which is involved in criminal activities. The teens, who possess unique abilities, decide to run away and use their powers to stop their parents and the organization from carrying out their evil plans.