When The Karate Kid hit theaters in 1984, viewers were introduced to an epic underdog story that would continue to live on in the hearts and minds of fans for decades. Its life lessons, coupled with some of the coolest training montages ever, turned the movie into a phenomenon with sequels, a remake, a hit series, and a legacy sequel.
Thanks to a perfect mix of nostalgia and clever storytelling, Cobra Kai, which completed its sixth and final season, breathed new life into the original films while introducing a new generation to the rivalries, friendships, and wisdom of rival dojos. If you're ready to jump into the world of The Karate Kid, here's a breakdown of all the movies and shows in order of release and where to find them on Netflix, Prime Video, and more.
The Karate Kid (1984)
The Karate Kid begins with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moving to California with his mom, where he is targeted by a group of aggressive karate students belonging to a dojo known as Cobra Kai. After finding himself on the receiving end of constant attacks from the group's leader, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), he is rescued by Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), a quiet but skilled karate master.
More of a coming-of-age story than a martial arts movie, The Karate Kid’s real magic lies in Mr. Miyagi's lessons of patience, humility, and inner strength. Anyone who loves an underdog story will enjoy this movie. Teens having a hard time in school will relate to Daniel, while adults may rediscover the wisdom hidden in Mr. Miyagi's deceptively simple lessons. The pacing is slower than modern blockbusters, but that's part of its charm. The Karate Kid is a timeless comfort movie that feels just as powerful on the 10th watch as it did the first time.
The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
Instead of rehashing the same formula, the sequel, The Karate Kid Part II, takes Daniel and Mr. Miyagi to Okinawa, Japan, after the karate master learns that his father is ill. Upon their arrival, Mr. Miyagi confronts old wounds with his rival Sato, while Daniel finds love with Kumiko and a new enemy in Sato's nephew Chozen. Unlike the first film, the stakes have close links to culture and tradition, which leads to a fight that's less about trophies and more about honor.
Part II expands on the first film by giving Mr. Miyagi a backstory and exploring the philosophy behind his teachings of balance. Fans who want more depth than the first film's tournament arc will love this movie for daring to shift focus. It's more meditative than its predecessor, but the emotional arc of Mr. Miyagi reconnecting with his past makes it resonate. It may not be as crowd-pleasing as the original, but it's arguably the most soulful entry.
The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
Although critics described The Karate Kid Part III as a recycled version of the original movie, the third installment in the martial arts franchise is still very entertaining. Picking up after Daniel and Mr. Miyagi return to California, they are approached by Cobra Kai's new owner, Sensei Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), who tells them that John Kreese is dead. What Daniel and Mr. Miyagi don't realize is that Terry is just as vicious as his old war buddy.
The story explores what happens when Daniel strays from Mr. Miyagi's philosophy, and the tension between them, while sometimes melodramatic, gives the film a different feel. While it sort of leans into over-the-top villainy and portrays Daniel as less sympathetic, it's a necessary bridge that makes Cobra Kai a more satisfying series.
The Next Karate Kid (1994)
Mr. Miyagi takes teenager Julie Pierce (Hilary Swank) under his wing in The Next Karate Kid, in a story that has no connection to the first three films. Julie is a stereotypical troubled girl dealing with loss. Mr. Miyagi uses karate to help Julie find balance in her life. Her newfound fighting skills also come in handy when she has a run-in with the school bullies.
The Next Karate Kid offers a fresh perspective by placing a female student at the center. It's great for franchise fans who are curious about seeing Mr. Miyagi's philosophy applied in a new context. This is the quietest entry, but it deserves respect for trying something different and broadening the franchise's reach.
The Karate Kid (2010)
This 2010 movie aimed to reboot The Karate Kid story with new actors in a new setting while attempting to maintain the essence of the first film. The story follows Dre Parker (Jaden Smith), a kid who moves to China with his mom and becomes a target for a local bunch of bullies. Luckily, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a maintenance worker who's far more skilled in kung fu than he lets on, comes to the rescue.
Mr. Han brings a slightly tougher edge to his karate master, and the action choreography is also slicker and more athletic. It's perfect for families introducing younger viewers to The Karate Kid, and fans of Chan who enjoy watching his martial arts mastery. It doesn't replace the original, but it stands on its own as a worthy reinterpretation.
Cobra Kai (2018–2025)
The hit series Cobra Kai is a direct follow-up to the original Karate Kid films. But this time, viewers get to see what became of Johnny Lawrence (Zabka) decades after losing the All Valley Karate Tournament to Daniel. Johnny finds himself mentoring a high school student named Miguel (Xolo Maridueña) and eventually reopens Cobra Kai. When Daniel (Macchio), who is a successful car dealership owner, sees an advert for the dojo, he is pulled back into the karate world.
The series reframes Johnny as a sympathetic antihero and Daniel as a flawed protagonist, adding shades of gray to what once felt black-and-white. Fans who grew up with the original films, as well as newbies, will enjoy the teen drama that's mixed in with martial arts. It's funny, heartfelt, and filled with loads of self-aware humor.
Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
The latest entry brings everything full circle. Set three years after the events of Cobra Kai, Karate Kid: Legends sees Daniel and Mr. Han team up to mentor a new karate kid (Ben Wang), in a story that features fresh martial arts action. Supporting performances from Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen add to the ensemble.
The movie successfully bridges two eras of the franchise. The result is a cool new story that sets up the next Karate Kid chapter without erasing any of the magic created in the original films. It's the perfect choice for fans who always wanted to see Daniel and Han share the screen, as well as younger viewers who might be discovering the movies for the first time. Although some characters don't get enough screen time, Wang proves he has the chops to carry the franchise into the future.
