There are so many inspiring facts about judo circling the internet that one must wonder why this martial art isn’t more popular with up-and-coming generations. Except for one fact – it seems like it is.

On second thought, judo might also be a perfect discipline for the new age.

Just like these unpredictable times, judo is full of contradictions. Being a martial art, it’s essentially a school of fighting techniques. But like many other Eastern philosophies, it’s rooted in peace, self-control, and mindfulness. In many ways, it’s like yoga – only more dynamic and competitive.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the art or are here because you’re interested in finding out more about this fascinating sport, these moving pictures are just a perfect way to enjoy judo.

Throw Down (2004)

Throw Down is pure delight regardless of how you watch it and whatever it is you're looking for. It's directed by Johnnie To, an experienced master of Hong Kong cinema, responsible for creating (and breaking) many of its visual and narrative staples. In Throw Down, his passions are friendship and judo.

Throw Down is not an easy movie to explain. More than a story, Mr. To creates a unique feeling as expected from Kurosawa’s best student. Fluorescent lights, unlikely companionships, the importance of virtue, and martial arts collide in this cinematic treat and a tender bite of Hong Kong.

Flash Point (2007)

Another Hong Kong movie legend stars not one but two judo enthusiasts – Wilson Yip and Donnie Yen. The two have collaborated on two other pictures, including the critically acclaimed SPL, before returning to the big screen with Flash Point, their homage to 80’s Hong Kong thriller.

Like in Throw Down, but a lot grittier, we're knee-deep in the city's underground. There's a drug deal to be discussed, but things escalate before they are set in motion. The cops are dirty, the gangs fight as they mean it, and the Yip-Yen directorial duo receives the award for the Best Action Choreography.

John Wick (2014-)

A bit closer to home, John Wick is an everyman hero that fights to avenge. You don’t have to be versed in obscure cinema to know how this one goes. It’s an international blockbuster beloved by action buffs but also a member of the prestige martial-arts movie club, carefully curated by die-hard fans of the genre. Triple Olympic Champion Tadahiro Nomura taught Keanu Reaves the judo skills.

In addition to crowd-pleasing genre conventions, full-throttle action, and big-budget combat effects that are more than a mere money-grabbing device, the John Wick franchise has one and only Keanu Reeves. You can make a judo-themed marathon out of it even before the fourth chapter comes out in 2023. 

Yawara (1989-1992)

What sharply dressed John Wick is to martial-arts-adoring boys from all generations, that is what Inokuma Yawara, a fashionable judo girl, is to little girls who are cool enough to know and love anime. She’s a nerd girl’s Emma Chamberlain – quirky and unconventional but relatable in everything she does, values, and wears.

Just so be it, she is a judo prodigy too. Yawara is on a personal quest to balance her father’s expectations and her own flowering personality, all while training to take the trophy at the upcoming 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. It’s a lovely portrait of a delicate thing that is a teenage girl and the sport of judo.

Where to watch movies and TV shows about judo?

Judo is not as represented in popular culture as some other sports, so it might be difficult to discover new movies and TV shows where judo is one of the main characters. Furthermore, you should also consider upcoming martial arts movies that are guaranteed to be worth a watch.

Another challenge is that even when you do discover the titles and synopsis, you can’t find a place to watch them. Or you’re forbidden access.

If this is your first time searching for obscure movies and TV shows, you should learn more about geo-blocking and ways to circumvent it. Long story short, if there’s a streaming service that you want to access, but your IP address keeps getting blocked, you can download VPN apps to unblock the geo-blocked content.

Another alternative is to use a proxy, but this is generally a less secure option. Virtual Private Networks allow you to stream titles from domains based all over the world simply by changing your IP address. It’s also a convenient way to hide your private information and secure your sensitive data while browsing.

Conclusion

Do you know about some other movies and TV shows where judo receives the treatment it deserves? If you do, we’re sure there are martial-arts buffs in our midst that would love to expand their knowledge. If not, we hope you’ll enjoy our selection. It’s curated with love for both good movies and judo legacy. Let’s hope that the future will bring even more titles showcasing judo and its benefits.