Cobra Kaimay be best known for extendingThe Karate Kidfranchise, but over the years, it’s proven to be far more than a nostalgic revival. With sharp character arcs, unpredictable plot twists, and evolving rivalries, the show quickly rose above being a simple spinoff. It’s now one of the most thrilling martial arts series of the last decade.
That evolution meansCobra Kai’s fanbase isn’t just made upofKarate Kiddevotees. Its mix of intense action, layered characters, and high-stakes drama has drawn in a wider audience - viewers now searching for the next addictive martial arts series that can deliver the same mix of adrenaline, emotional depth, and smart storytelling.
For those hungry to fill the void, there’s one clear contender:Warrior, the 2019-2023 series inspired by a concept frommartial arts legend Bruce Lee. Holding a 93%Rotten Tomatoesscore,Warrioris both a critical darling and an audience favorite. ForCobra Kaifans, it might just be the perfect follow-up.
Warrior Combines Martial Arts With Crime Drama
A Gripping Historical Martial Arts Series With A Gritty Crime Underbelly
Set during the violentTong Wars of 19th-century San Francisco,Warriorfollows Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a martial arts prodigy who emigrates from China in search of his sister, Mai Ling (Dianne Doan). What begins as a personal quest quickly thrusts him into the dangerous world of Chinatown’s rival tongs - criminal organizations embroiled in bloody power struggles.
The series blends meticulously choreographed martial arts battles with a layered crime drama. As Ah Sahm becomes an enforcer for one of the most feared tongs,Warriorunfolds a story of shifting loyalties, political corruption, and the immigrant experience in a racially divided America. It’s a world where every punch has consequences, both in the streets and behind closed doors.
WhileCobra Kaiuses karate tournamentsand dojo rivalries as the framework for its drama,Warriorwields historical crime as its narrative spine. It’s as much about intrigue, alliances, and betrayal as it is about spectacular fight scenes. The stakes feel life-or-death at all times, with martial arts used not just for sport, but survival.
For fans ofCobra Kai,Warrioroffers an entirely different time period and tone, but retains the pulse-pounding thrill of watching a martial arts master face impossible odds in a world where violence and loyalty are equally deadly weapons.
Cobra Kai Fans Will Love Warrior
Warrior Matches Cobra Kai’s Intensity While Raising The Stakes In Every Fight
At first glance,Cobra KaiandWarriormay seem like very different beasts - one is a contemporary dramedy rooted in an iconic ’80s film series, the other a historical action epicbased on Bruce Lee’s vision. Dig deeper, however, and the connective tissue between them becomes obvious. Both thrive on fierce rivalries, intense training sequences, and characters whose identities are shaped by martial arts.
WhatCobra Kaifans will immediately recognize inWarrioris the commitment to character-driven action. Ah Sahm’s journey mirrors that of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) in the sense that martial arts is both a personal philosophy and a battleground. Every fight means something - whether it’s about honor, survival, or revenge.
WhereCobra Kaileans into humorand nostalgia,Warriortakes a darker, more unflinching path. Its violence is raw, the stakes more brutal, and the fight choreography more elaborate than anything seen inCobra Kai. This isn’t to say one is better than the other -Cobra Kai’s charm lies in its balance of comedy, heart, and competition - butWarriordelivers the kind of jaw-dropping fight sequences that leave audiences stunned.
Ultimately, both shows celebrate martial arts as more than just combat - it’s a way of life, a language of respect, and a test of will. ForCobra Kaifans ready to explore that idea in a grittier, high-stakes world,Warrioris a natural next step.
Why Warrior Is The Best Martial Arts Series Of All Time
Warrior Delivers Unmatched Fight Choreography And Storytelling Rooted In Bruce Lee’s Vision
One of the biggest reasonsWarriorstands above the competitionis its origin. The series is based on an original concept and treatment written by Bruce Lee, who envisioned a martial arts show set in America’s past. Produced by his daughter, Shannon Lee, alongside Jonathan Tropper (Banshee),Warriorcarries the weight of that legacy while forging its own identity.
The fight choreography is nothing short of breathtaking. From one-on-one duels in cramped back alleys to chaotic gang brawls spilling into the streets, every sequence is filmed with clarity, impact, and a sense of brutal realism. It’s martial arts in its purest cinematic form - dynamic, bone-crunching, and exhilarating to watch.
Unlike many action series,Warriornever loses momentum. Its pacing keeps tension high, balancing large-scale battles with intimate moments of character development. Ah Sahm isn’t a superhuman hero - he’s flawed, driven, and vulnerable, which makes his victories more rewarding and his defeats more devastating.
The historical backdrop adds another layer of depth. The Tong Wars setting allowsWarriorto explore immigration, racism, and political corruption, giving the show a social resonance alongside its action. This blend of cultural commentary and relentless fight sequences creates a unique viewing experience that’s hard to replicate.
For martial arts television,Warriorisn’t just good - it’s definitive. It honors Bruce Lee’s vision while proving that martial arts storytelling can be just as rich, complex, and powerful as any other genre. ForCobra Kaifans, it’s not just a worthy follow-up, it’s a masterclass in the art of the fight.
Cobra Kai
Cast
Cobra Kai is a sequel series continuing the narrative of the Karate Kid saga, set 30 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. It focuses on Johnny Lawrence seeking redemption by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with Daniel LaRusso, who strives to maintain balance in his life.
Warrior
Warrior is an action-thriller television series set in the ruthless underworld of San Francisco in the late 1800s, pitting rival Chinatown syndicates against one another, the police, and a privileged and prejudiced upper class. Inspired by stories from the late Bruce Lee, the series follows Ah Sahm, a martial arts prodigy who emigrates from China to San Francisco under mysterious circumstances and becomes a hatchet man for Hop Wei, one of Chinatown’s most powerful crime families.
