What does Kung Fu Panda 2 sound like?

A sweeping orchestral journey that blends Eastern motifs with Zimmer's signature cinematic grandeur. Rooted in video game music and film score. Start with "Ancient China / Story of Shen".

Is Kung Fu Panda 2 a good place to start with Hans Zimmer?

Yes, Kung Fu Panda 2 is recommended as a starting point for new Hans Zimmer listeners. A sweeping orchestral journey that blends Eastern motifs with Zimmer's signature cinematic grandeur. By 2011, Hans Zimmer was an established film composer known for his work on blockbuster films like 'The Dark Knight' and 'Inception'. 'Kung Fu Panda 2' followed the success of its predecessor, which garnered critical acclaim and showcased Zimmer's ability to infuse emotional depth into animated features. This album further solidified his reputation as a versatile composer adept at creating engaging scores for family-oriented narratives.

Who is Kung Fu Panda 2 for?

Kung Fu Panda 2 works well if you're into playful motifs for adventure, dynamic journey with peaks and wave-like pacing for immersion.

How many songs are on Kung Fu Panda 2?

Kung Fu Panda 2 has 17 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Kung Fu Panda 2

Hans Zimmer · 2011

64 min · 17 tracks · video game music

A sweeping orchestral journey that blends Eastern motifs with Zimmer's signature cinematic grandeur.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Ancient China / Story of Shen Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Po Finds the Truth — This track encapsulates Po's emotional journey as he discovers his past, combining poignant melodies with powerful orchestration that elevates the narrative stakes.
→
Rickshaw Chase — A fast-paced and dynamic piece that captures the tension of a pivotal action sequence, showcasing Zimmer's ability to blend urgency with thematic material.
→
Zen Ball Master — This extended track brings together various motifs from the film, reflecting Po's growth and mastery over his abilities, while incorporating intricate layers of instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The score effectively blends orchestral elements with playful themes, creating a vibrant listening experience.

What we noticed

The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks building tension through rapid rhythms while others provide moments of calm reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

playful motifs for adventure
dynamic journey with peaks
wave-like pacing for immersion
short tracks for quick bursts
vibrant orchestral swells

Maybe skip if you

seeking standalone track variety
prefer instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid score that enhances the film, but not a primary entry point or breakthrough.
Themes: Asian musical influences· animated adventure spirit· self-discovery journey
Career context: By 2011, Hans Zimmer was an established film composer known for his work on blockbuster films like 'The Dark Knight' and 'Inception'. 'Kung Fu Panda 2' followed the success of its predecessor, which garnered critical acclaim and showcased Zimmer's ability to infuse emotional depth into animated features. This album further solidified his reputation as a versatile composer adept at creating engaging scores for family-oriented narratives.
Stylistic neighbors: John Williams· Ennio Morricone· Howard Shore