Summary

• DreamWorks and Universal saw success with Kung Fu Panda 4 in theaters, now streaming on Peacock.
• Jack Black returns in Po's adventure with humor, action, and a new story about acceptance.
• Kung Fu Panda 4's audience score outshines critics with a worldwide total of $543.6 million.

The Kung Fu Panda franchise returned with great success in theaters, and now Kung Fu Panda movies in theaters in March 2024. The animated kids film was set up for success by being given an extended exclusive theatrical run at a time when there was very little competition in the same genre and for the target demographic. Given the general success of the previous three entries, expectations were high for how Kung Fu Panda 4 would perform and be received.

With Jack Black returning as the voice of Po, other familiar voices back, and some high-profile new additions, Kung Fu Panda 4's cast helped make the movie a fun return. There is plenty of humor offered throughout the runtime as Po teams up with Zhen (Awkwafina) to take down The Chameleon, all while he struggles to accept moving on from being the Dragon Warrior. The typically great animation, action scenes, and humor help make the sequel an immensely enjoyable experience. While the box office suggests many watched Kung Fu Panda 4 in theaters, its now on streaming too.

Kung Fu Panda 4 Is Now Streaming On Peacock

It Released On Peacock On June 21, 2024

DreamWorks and Universal have finally moved Kung Fu Panda 4 to streaming with its Peacock debut. The movie became available to watch on NBCUniversal's streaming service on June 21, 2024, which is a little over three months after it premiered in theaters - or 105 days later to be exact. That is quicker than the projected Kung Fu Panda 4's streaming release date. Peacock is currently the only place to stream Kung Fu Panda 4, although the movie will go to Netflix at a later, unannounced date as part of an ongoing deal between DreamWorks, Universal, and Netflix.

Kung Fu Panda 4's story begins as Po learns that he is no longer meant to be the Dragon Warrior and must begin the search for his replacement so he can become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. This comes as word of Tai Lung's return begins to spread, leading to Po recruiting Zhen to help him learn the truth. The unlikely duo ultimately cross paths with The Chameleon, who is stealing the kung fu abilities of former masters. It all leads to Kung Fu Panda 4's ending revolving around the final confrontation between Po and The Chameleon.

Kung Fu Panda 4's Theatrical Success Explained

The Kung Fu Panda Franchise Remains Mighty

The decision to release Kung Fu Panda 4 in theaters instead of making it a streaming exclusive from the start paid off for Universal and DreamWorks. Critics were generally favorable towards the sequel, as the film earned a 72% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. General audiences were much more enthusiastic about the movie based on Kung Fu Panda 4's 87% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. While the critics score is a franchise low, the audience score is a franchise high. That love from general moviegoers is clear with the box office.

Kung Fu Panda 4's box office was a massive success for the studios. After watching the previous two sequels end with franchise-low totals, the fourth installment broke the trend by suring Kung Fu Panda 3. The movie made $193 million domestically overall and added $350 million internationally, giving Kung Fu Panda 4 a worldwide total of $543.6 million. This makes it the highest-grossing animated movie of 2024 so far, although Inside Out 2 is on track to it. And with only an $85 million budget, Kung Fu Panda 4 should be incredibly profitable and a bonafide success.