The Karate Kid films, beginning with the original release in 1984, have become cultural touchstones in pop culture.. The story follows Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a teenager who learns karate from Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), a wise and skilled martial artist. Through disciplined training and philosophical lessons, Daniel transforms from an insecure newcomer to a confident fighter, ultimately competing in a karate tournament. The film’s themes of perseverance, mentorship, and the struggle against adversity resonate deeply with audiences, making it both an inspiring coming-of-age story and a classic in sports filmmaking.
The franchise expanded with several sequels, each exploring new facets of martial arts and personal growth. The Karate Kid Part II delves into Okinawan culture and further develops the bond between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, while The Karate Kid Part III introduces new challenges and antagonists, testing the resilience and ethics Daniel has learned.
An unsuccessful fourth film, The Next Karate Kid, was released in 1994 with Morita returning as Miyagi. The film, which was essential a remake of the first, saw him training a female student played Hillary Swank but the film’s low box office halted the franchise. In 2010, a remake starring Jaden Smith brought a fresh perspective, relocating the story to China and featuring Jackie Chan as a reinterpretation of Mr. Miyagi.
Now, Karate Kid: Legends has rolled the remake into the main franchise and teamed Macchio up with Chan to mentor a new student in the ways of Miyagi karate.
Here are our ranking for the Karate Kid films.
6. The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
5. Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
4. The Next Karate Kid (1994)
3. The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
2. The Karate Kid (2010)
1. The Karate Kid (1984)
How do you rank the films? Comment below.
We Have Issues 