--- title: "Kung Fu Panda 4" year: 2024 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-4" fi1m_id: "kung-fu-panda-4" imdb_id: "tt21692408" tmdb_id: 1011985 wikidata_id: "Q114707487" fi1m_score: 54 critics_score: 55 critics_reviews: 16 published: "2026-09-09" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:00.213841+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) Directed by Mike Mitchell · 1h 34m · MPA PG · Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy ## Identity Kung Fu Panda 4 - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-4 - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** kung-fu-panda-4 - **IMDb ID:** tt21692408 - **TMDB ID:** 1011985 - **Wikidata ID:** Q114707487 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21692408/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1011985, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114707487 **Fi1m score: 54** · Critics 55 from 16 reviews *In a sentence:* A lizard who steals other people’s moves, in a film that has decided to do the same > Po’s fourth outing is brisk, bright and fitfully funny, with Viola Davis’s shape-shifting sorceress the one new thing in it. What is missing is the feeling the earlier films kept underneath the slapstick, and without it the film passes pleasantly and leaves nothing behind. ## Synopsis Po (Jack Black), the Dragon Warrior, is told by his master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) that it is time to hand over the title, choose a successor and become Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. He does not want to. Then a fox thief, Zhen (Awkwafina), is caught in the Jade Palace and tells him about the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a sorceress in the distant Juniper City who can take any shape and plans to bring back every villain Po has ever defeated, Tai Lung (Ian McShane) among them. Po sets out with Zhen to stop her. His two fathers, Mr Ping (James Hong) and Li (Bryan Cranston), follow behind. Directed by Mike Mitchell, it runs 94 minutes and carries a PG. ## Review Eight years after *Kung Fu Panda 3*, Po is back, and the first thing anyone says to him is that he should stop. Shifu wants him to give up the title of Dragon Warrior, pick a successor and become Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, a job that as far as Po can tell involves sitting still. Po would rather not. Then a fox thief called Zhen is caught in the Jade Palace with news of a sorceress in Juniper City who can take any shape and means to bring back every villain Po has ever beaten. Mike Mitchell’s film is quick, bright and cheerful, and it has nothing much underneath it. That is the whole verdict, and it took us about half an hour to reach it. The good things are real. Jack Black still plays Po as a man delighted to be in his own film, and Awkwafina’s Zhen, dry and fast and a beat ahead of him, is the right partner for him: he talks, she rolls her eyes, he turns out to be right anyway. Paul Duncan’s Juniper City is the best new thing to look at, a port built on top of itself, roofs stacked like plates, washing strung between them and lanterns in every colour the earlier films saved for festivals. Below it is a den of thieves where Ke Huy Quan plays Han, a pangolin who curls into a ball at the first sign of trouble, and Ronny Chieng plays a fish who lives inside a pelican’s beak and does his talking from there. We laughed at both, properly and more than once. Viola Davis’s Chameleon is the one idea the film has that the others did not. She speaks low and without hurry, and the animators let her scales ripple and re-form as she becomes a rabbit, a bull, a panda, so the joke and the threat arrive in the same shot. Her plan brings back Tai Lung, and when Ian McShane’s voice came out of the dark we felt a small lift; he was the frightening one in 2008 and the sound of him has not aged. The film then does with him what it does with everything: a gag, a fight, on to the next thing. He is a cameo in his own comeback. The trouble is pace, and the film chose it. Christopher Knights cuts as if a still frame would lose the audience, so nothing sits for longer than a joke takes to land, and nothing is allowed to be sad for more than a beat. Po’s two fathers, James Hong’s Mr Ping and Bryan Cranston’s Li, set off after him with a noodle cart and a bad plan, and the script by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger and Darren Lemke gives them a sitcom, one anxious dad and one gung-ho one, that repeats rather than develops. The Furious Five are gone for almost the whole running time; Seth Rogen’s Mantis gets a line. Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro bring back the old themes and hit the drums hard in the fights, and it sounds like the earlier films, which is what it is for. Here is what we felt. Around the hour mark we noticed we had laughed several times and cared not once whether Po picked a successor, and that the film had not asked us to. The words “inner peace” are spoken and nothing on screen is about them. Po has a task, and the fights are about the task; nothing he wants is at stake in any of them. The finale, in the Chameleon’s tower, is loud and crowded and we will not describe it, except to say that it settles the question the film opened with in the way the first act told you it would. Against the series’ own standards this is the slightest entry: it has a list of things to do and gets through it in 94 minutes. It will hold a six-year-old for all of them and give the adults three good laughs and one good villain. It carries a PG, and it is the first film in the series we would not have minded missing. *Fi1m score 54, published 9 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find Kung Fu Panda 4 pleasant, colourful and slightly pointless. The reviews split almost evenly between mild approval, mild disappointment and outright boredom, so the spread is wide. The praise clusters on the voices: Jack Black’s Po is singled out again and again, and his double act with Awkwafina’s Zhen is what most reviewers enjoy. Viola Davis’s shape-shifting villain gets a kind word from several. The animation is generally called slick and energetic, if rarely more than that. The reservations cluster on the script and the heart. Reviewer after reviewer says the sweetness and sense of inner journey that marked the earlier films are gone, replaced by jokes and slapstick, and that the plot is rushed and overstuffed. The word unnecessary recurs. Deadline is the outlier, calling it fresh and vibrant; The Wrap and The Telegraph are the harshest, finding a generic product going through the motions. ## Straight answers **Is Kung Fu Panda 4 worth watching?** *Kung Fu Panda 4* is a brisk, bright and fitfully funny fourth outing that passes pleasantly and leaves nothing behind, and we scored it 54. It will hold a six-year-old for all of its 94 minutes and give adults three good laughs and one good villain in Viola Davis's Chameleon. Against the series' own standards it is the slightest entry. **How long is Kung Fu Panda 4, and what is it rated?** *Kung Fu Panda 4* runs 1h 34m and is rated PG by the MPA in the US. It is an action and adventure film. **Where can I watch Kung Fu Panda 4 in the US?** *Kung Fu Panda 4* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How does Kung Fu Panda 4 compare to Kubo and the Two Strings?** *Kung Fu Panda 4* is the quicker and cheerier of the two, but [*Kubo and the Two Strings*](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings) is the better film. Both send a hero on a quest against a shape-shifting witch; Kubo gives its story time to be sad and frightening, while Po's film cuts away from any feeling before it can settle. Choose Kubo for anyone over about eight, and the panda for restless younger children. **What should I watch after Kung Fu Panda 4?** After *Kung Fu Panda 4*, try [*Kung Fu Panda*](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda) (2008, Fi1m 77): The one where the fat panda wants something, and every fight is about it. Then [*Kubo and the Two Strings*](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings) (2016, Fi1m 83): Stop-motion quest with a shape-shifting witch and time to feel things; and [*Spirited Away*](https://film.one/film/spirited-away) (2001, Fi1m 92): A child in a strange city full of monsters, and nobody rushes her. ### Reviews we read (20) - **The Times** (4/5): Director Mike Mitchell freshens up the characters with a new sidekick and strong villain performance from Viola Davis. Po's witty lines and knockabout energy keep the cursory plot engaging despite its simplicity. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-and-viola-davis-are-a-killer-combo-wqtj7wbsd) - **The New York Times**, Claire Shaffer (70/100, inferred): The animated film melds wisecracking comedy and sprightly action sequences with a message of kindness and self-discovery. It is an enjoyable entry even if missing some of the pizazz of the earlier ones, with witty gags and a charming lead duo standing out. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/movies/kung-fu-panda-4-review.html) - **Radio Times**, Mark Williams (3/5): The fourth entry in the animated action franchise finds Po at the top of his game but forced to hand over his title while dealing with a shape-shifting new villain and returns from past characters. It is colourful and satisfying, filled with visual jokes and tongue-in-cheek one-liners. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-5j22sz/kung-fu-panda-4/) - **Slant Magazine**, Justin Clark (60/100, inferred): The film is a good time that doesn’t betray the series’ strengths but exhibits signs of struggling to justify its existence. Comedy is favored over emotionality and thematic depth, with fights remaining stylish but heart more muted than before. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-awkwafina/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (55/100, inferred): The film delivers energetic slapstick and fight scenes but lacks the franchise's signature sweetness and charm. The lead voices of Jack Black and Awkwafina form a strong double act, though the story feels overfussy and fails to fully engage its young audience. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/mar/28/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-and-awkwafina-in-hurricane-of-slapstick-more-miss-than-hit) - **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (50/100, inferred): Though visually dazzling, the film shows a flabby franchise in need of punch as it coasts on elements that have worked before in a rushed and over-stuffed package. It is still a fun world to experience but virtues get short shrift and the dumpling is a little too light on the filling. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-03-07/kung-fu-panda-4-review-animation-jack-black-awkwafina-viola-davis) - **The AV Club**, Courtney Howard (D+): The critic finds that Po’s return has lost much of its creative spark and fails to prove itself worthy of cinematic inclusion. Jokes outweigh sentiments on personal evolution while Black’s vocal performance provides the main boost. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/kung-fu-panda-4-movie-review-jack-black-1851312492) - **RogerEbert.com**, Christy Lemire (40/100, inferred): The film struggles to justify its existence and lacks the delicate artistry and warm wit of its predecessors. It is geared mainly toward younger audiences in ways that are frequently silly and insubstantial, with rushed pacing and missing elements like the notion of inner peace. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-2024) - **Screen Daily** (40/100, inferred): Martial arts master panda Po returns after an eight-year absence in a lacklustre sequel that is as colourful and energetic as its predecessors but lacks the sweet buoyancy that once made the franchise fun. There is little fresh about the character or world, resulting in a sporadically amusing animated action-comedy without much kick. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-review/5191272.article) - **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (2/5): The latest instalment feels like going through the motions, wringing value from tired characters with uninspired adventure and pallid scripting. The animation is slick in places but overall unambitious compared to recent animated films. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/kung-fu-panda-4/) - **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (40/100, inferred): The fourth chapter has all the things it is supposed to have but lacks surprise and good jokes, with Po going through the motions. The comic punch and sense of journey are gone, and the action lacks the surreal freedom animation makes possible. [Read](https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-awkwafina-bryan-cranston-1235930607/) - **Empire**, Olly Richards: The film is safe and fairly predictable but still a good time, offering reliable slick and pacy animated entertainment in the familiar style of the series. It works well as an action-buddy-comedy with sparky leads and big comedy set-pieces, though it is a step back in ambition from the previous entry. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/kung-fu-panda-4/) - **IndieWire**, Wilson Chapman: The review describes it as a fun but largely unnecessary fourth outing in the wuxia-inspired animated franchise. Jack Black returns as the heaviest hero in a lightweight sequel. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-1234959791/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck: The critic calls it a predictable but pleasant franchise entry where the moves are getting a bit rusty but there's still plenty of fun. Jack Black's hilarious vocal performance remains a highlight, well matched by Awkwafina. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-awkwafina-1235843267/) - **Total Film**: It is a sprightly sequel that never leaves its comfort zone, with Jack Black and Awkwafina as a fun pairing. The film is unsurprising but amiable overall. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/kung-fu-panda-4-review/) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a winning sequel that keeps the franchise vibrant and fresh. Jack Black's energetic voice work as Po and the superb visuals and production values are singled out for praise. [Read](https://deadline.com/2024/03/kung-fu-panda-4-review-jack-black-back-lovable-dragon-warrior-dreamworks-sequel-1235845566/) - **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (7/10): The film proves there's still plenty of juice left in the series by shifting to a buddy dynamic between Po and Zhen while introducing a compelling new villain. It succeeds in trying something new for the franchise but has some pacing issues in the back half. [Read](https://collider.com/kung-fu-panda-4-review/) - **Paste**, Jesse Hassenger (6.5/10): The movie settles into formulaic mediocrity as a reliable but uninspired sequel that entertains children without much spark. It benefits from a change of setting and the Chameleon villain but feels canned compared to the earlier entries. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/jack-black/kung-fu-panda-4-movie-review) - **/Film**, Ethan Anderton (6/10): The critic finds the film entertaining with strong animation and action but criticizes it as an unnecessary sequel that treads water and sidelines the Furious Five. Praises the buddy-cop dynamic with Zhen and the action sequences. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1533424/kung-fu-panda-4-review/) - **The Wrap** (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel disappointing and lacking the heart and humor of prior entries, feeling like a generic product. The familiar story execution and absence of emotional depth or visual distinction are singled out for complaint. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/kung-fu-panda-4-review/) ## Details - **Director:** Mike Mitchell - **Director:** Mike Mitchell - **Writer:** Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Darren Lemke - **Editor:** Christopher Knights - **Music:** Hans Zimmer, Steve Mazzaro - **Production design:** Paul Duncan - **Producer:** Rebecca Huntley - **Cast:** Jack Black as Po (voice); Awkwafina as Zhen (voice); Viola Davis as The Chameleon (voice); Dustin Hoffman as Shifu (voice); Bryan Cranston as Li (voice); James Hong as Mr. Ping (voice); Ian McShane as Tai Lung (voice); Ke Huy Quan as Han (voice) - **Runtime:** 1h 34m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG - **Release (the US):** 8 March 2024 - **Genres:** Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy - **Budget:** $80 million - **Box office:** $548 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2OONzqh2jk ## Where to watch in the US - Amazon Prime Video: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $14.99, uhd *Checked 2026-09-10.* Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, ES, FI, FR, GB, HR, HU, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TH, TR, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2024: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated) - Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2024: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated) ## If you liked this - *Kung Fu Panda* (2008), Fi1m 77: The one where the fat panda wants something, and every fight is about it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda.md) - *Kubo and the Two Strings* (2016), Fi1m 83: Stop-motion quest with a shape-shifting witch and time to feel things. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings.md) - *Spirited Away* (2001), Fi1m 92: A child in a strange city full of monsters, and nobody rushes her. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spirited-away.md) - *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* (2000), Fi1m 90: The wuxia this series borrows from, with the rooftop chase done for real. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon.md) - *The Secret of Kells* (2009), Fi1m 76: Irish animation that draws its world flat and lets you look at it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-secret-of-kells.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda-4