Every 'Karate Kid' Movie and TV Show Ranked!
From the original movie to TV shows and remakes, Moviefone counts down the best 'Karate Kid' movies and TV shows of all time.
(L to R) Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Columbia Pictures 'Karate Kid: Legends'. Photo: Sony Pictures.
'The Karate Kid' franchise is over 40 years old and is just as popular today as it was when it first began!
Starting with 1984's 'The Karate Kid', which starred Cobra Kai', which has breathed fresh life into the IP.
The franchise is now returning to the big screen once again with '2010 remake, alongside Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso from the original film.
In honor of the release of 'Karate Kid: Legends', Moviefone is counting down every 'Karate Kid' movie and TV show ever made, from forgettable to legendary.
Let's begin!
8. 'The Karate Kid' (1989)
Mr. Miyagi in the 1989 'The Karate Kid' cartoon. Photo: DIC Enterprises/Saban Entertainment.
Daniel and his mentor Mr. Miyagi travel the world with their Okinawan friend Taki Tamurai in search of an ancient Japanese talisman stolen from an old fishing village.
7. 'The Next Karate Kid' (1994)
Hilary Swank in 'The Next Karate Kid'. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Mr. Miyagi (Hilary Swank), a troubled teenager, under his wing after he learns that she blames herself for her parents' demise and struggles to adjust with her grandmother and fellow pupils.
The Next Karate Kid
6. 'Karate Kid Legends' (2025)
(L to R) Ben Wang, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in Columbia Pictures 'Karate Kid: Legends'. Photo: Jonathan Wenk. © 2024 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
In 'Karate Kid: Legends', after a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
Karate Kid: Legends
5. 'The Karate Kid Part III' (1989)
(L to R) Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi in 'The Karate Kid Part III.' Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Despondent over the closing of his karate school, Cobra Kai teacher John Kreese (Thomas Ian Griffith) to get revenge on Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita).
The Karate Kid Part III
4. 'The Karate Kid' (2010)
(L to R) Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Jaden Smith as Dre Parker in 2010's 'The Karate Kid.' Photo: Sony Pictures.
Twelve-year-old Dre Parker (Wang ZhenWei). With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is a kung fu master. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.
The Karate Kid
3. 'The Karate Kid Part II' (1986)
(L to R) Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in 'The Karate Kid Part II.' Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Summoned by his dying father, Miyagi (Pat Morita) returns to his homeland of Okinawa, with Daniel (Ralph Macchio), after a 40-year exile. There he must confront Yukie (Yuji Okumoto). Now, far away from the tournaments, cheering crowds and safety of home, Daniel will face his greatest challenge ever when the cost of honor is life itself.
The Karate Kid Part II
2. 'Cobra Kai' (2018-2025)
(L to R) William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence, Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in 'Cobra Kai'. Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Netflix © 2024.
This 'Karate Kid' sequel series picks up 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament and finds Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) on the hunt for redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. This reignites his old rivalry with the successful Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who has been working to maintain the balance in his life without mentor Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita).
1. 'The Karate Kid' (1984)
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in 'The Karate Kid.' Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves to Los Angeles with his mother, Lucille (Elisabeth Shue). He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of high school students, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny (Willian Zabka), who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei, John Kreese (Martin Kove). Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more comionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
The Karate Kid
