IMDb 6.5 2008 HD

The Forbidden Kingdom

The Forbidden Kingdom

2008
Action Adventure Fantasy
104 min PG-13 China
6.623 / 10
6.5 IMDB

An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Rob Minkoff / Kenneth Siao Wai-Keung
Starring
Jackie Chan / Jet Li / Michael Angarano / Liu Yifei / Li Bingbing / Collin Chou / Morgan Benoit / Jack Posobiec

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

exciting nostalgic action-packed predictable charming entertaining classic mythical fun solid enjoyable

Reviews

A
Astrid Thorne
May 2, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

While 'The Forbidden Kingdom' boasts an impressive roster of martial arts talent, its narrative struggles to find its footing. The central premise, a young American discovering a legendary artifact and travelling to ancient China, feels somewhat derivative. Jackie…

J
Julian Croft
May 2, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'The Forbidden Kingdom' delivers a potent dose of nostalgia and thrilling martial arts action. The premise, a modern-day teen’s accidental journey into a world of myth and legend, is a clever device to showcase the talents of Jackie…

S
Seraphina Dubois
May 2, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

An enjoyable romp through ancient China, 'The Forbidden Kingdom' succeeds primarily on the strength of its legendary cast. Jackie Chan and Jet Li are undeniably magnetic, their decades of experience evident in every perfectly timed move. The story,…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 2, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is the cinematic equivalent of a perfectly executed dragon kick. 'The Forbidden Kingdom' is a joyous celebration of martial arts cinema, elevated by the inspired pairing of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Their performances are a masterclass…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 2, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

A visually pleasing, if somewhat predictable, adventure, 'The Forbidden Kingdom' offers a delightful reunion of martial arts titans. Jackie Chan and Jet Li lend their considerable star power and physical prowess to a tale that cleverly bridges East…

FAQs

The film artfully weaves thrilling martial arts sequences with a compelling fantasy narrative. The action is designed to showcase the legendary skills of its stars, while the fantastical journey provides context and stakes. This blend ensures the film appeals to both fans of classic kung fu and those who enjoy imaginative adventure stories.