The Forbidden Kingdom

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The Forbidden Kingdom

PG-13

2008

1h 45m

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

128 Reviews

60%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager, is a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing in a Chinatown pawn shop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free the imprisoned man.

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Critics Consensus

This hotly-anticipated pairing of martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li features dazzling fight scenes but is weighed down by too much filler.

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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

Apr 21, 2008

One of the more entertaining movies we've seen in recent months.

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David Fear

Time Out

Apr 18, 2008

3/6

Every time the focus switches to Michael Angarano channeling his inner Ralph Macchio, The Forbidden Kingdom reminds you that it's primarily an act of occidental tourism.

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Mark Rahner

Seattle Times

Apr 18, 2008

2.5/4

It might take a Zen master to explain exactly what audience this is aimed at.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Sep 8, 2023

... has fun with the tale and Americanizes the genre without losing the pleasures of its Asian inspirations.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Nov 28, 2020

4/10

Why would a Jet Li/Jackie Chan picture actually star a scrawny American boy instead?

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Nov 8, 2019

The Forbidden Kingdom spins a web of fantasy and enchantment. A gift for the ages. A timeless classic. A masterpiece. Pure Oscar gold.

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Mutalib A

@RT97954997 Jul 28, 2026

It is one of the best kung fu movies I have watched. I enjoyed watching this movie till the part that I learnt it was all a dream. Overall, it was a great movie.

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Keith A

@RT48453165 Jun 26, 2026

I really wasn't expecting much from this movie for starters, but growing up watching Kung Fu movies on TV, this really hit the spot. Lots of action, a bit goofy for good measure but loads of fun. I was pleasantly surprised.

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Bill D

@Billdejean Jun 18, 2026

I don’t know what the hell these reviews are about. I’m thinking the liberal are angry because they think it was whitewashed. Your review should be based on if the movie was good or not. If you have an agenda get rid of it. This kid should have been nominated for an Oscar. His acting was flawless. This is why I don’t watch the Oscars anymore. It’s pathetic and these movie stars think they’re above us humans. ‘N

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Babatunde Michael A

@Teeabod Jun 5, 2026

The Forbidden Kingdom was such a blast! Seeing Jackie Chan and Jet Li together was a total dream, but the whole vibe of the movie really pulled it all together. The fight scenes were wild, super creative and funny at the same time, so I was hooked the whole way through. I also really dug the main character's glow up throughout the journey. It's got the perfect mix of action, laughs, and heart, making it a solid watch for anyone. If you're into martial arts flicks, you seriously have to check this out.

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IIGIBB0II T

@RT58547592 Mar 24, 2026

Good god I miss when bangers like this would drop, I've watched this with my lad a few times now, absolutely ace

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Mike W

@MikeW269 Mar 24, 2026

Unless a person is into martial arts, there is not much here.

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Rob Minkoff

Director

Jackie Chan

Lu Yan

Jet Li

Silent Monk

Michael Angarano

Jason

Yifei Liu

Golden Sparrow

Collin Chou

Jade Warlord

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Synopsis

Jason (Michael Angarano), an American teenager, is a huge fan of Hong Kong cinema and old kung-fu movies. While browsing in a Chinatown pawn shop, he discovers the stick weapon of an ancient Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. The magic relic transports Jason back in time, where he joins a band of legendary martial-artists on a quest to free the imprisoned man.

Director: Rob Minkoff
Producer: Casey Silver
Screenwriter: John Fusco
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Casey Silver Productions, Lions Gate Films, Lionsgate Television
Rating: PG-13 (Some Violence|Martial Arts Action)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 18, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.0M
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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