The Karate Kid

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2:14

The Karate Kid

PG

1984

2h 6m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

97 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "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 compassionate form of karate and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.

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Critics Consensus

Utterly predictable and wholly of its time, but warm, sincere, and difficult to resist, due in large part to Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio's relaxed chemistry.

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Susie Eisenhuth

Sydney Morning Herald

May 27

3/4

Pat Morita makes an engaging old sage, and Macchio is a hero likeable enough to get you on side and barracking.

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Joe Pollack

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

May 27

John G. Avildsen, who directed Rocky, has directed it again, only this time the sport is karate and the hero and his girlfriend are high school students.

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Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

May 27

The Karate Kid is even paced like a TV show.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Apr 10

3.5/4

A film that really keeps the blood pumping and brings the audience to its feet.

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David Wilson

Tulsa World

May 27

2/4

The Karate Kid is a film for kids, a Don Quixote comic book of a movie that takes a few sly punches at the martial arts without blocking hope for heroism that karate often brings.

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Tom Sabulis

Tampa Bay Times

May 27

4/5

With an admirable moral posture based on its spine of universal good will, The Karate Kid should be accepted on various terms by both mainstream Saturday night audiences and the serious film crowd.

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Brayden G.

@DeadShotVibe802 6d

Classic film of where it all started before the cobra Kai series

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Bret M.

@BretM-3 Apr 8

This is a classic that makes you remember why you love classics and makes you want to watch more classics. It’s a great story about conquering your challenges and beating the bullies. And at the center of it all: the heartfelt friendship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. It’s a friendship that I love watching grow. Their relationship goes beyond respect, and we see that throughout the film. The fight scenes are also really good. In particular, the final fight between Daniel and Johnny. That fight gives me HUGE Rocky vibes. This is an 80s movie that everyone needs to watch. C’mon, like I said, it’s a classic!

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Ethan G

@ethdrew05226 Apr 3

I’d give "classic movie" status to almost every 80s movie. The decade had so many iconic films with unforgettable characters, great music, and memorable stories. Most 80s movies still feel fun, nostalgic, and timeless today.

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Romas M

@Romas Mar 29

Greetings from Lithuania. "The Karate Kid" (1984) is one of those movies that is so easy to return to once in a while to revisit the film so full of energy and nostalgia. I didn't grew up with this film and discovered only in my 20's, but since then I bought it on 4K and watching it from time to time. This is an excellently paced, acted and directed movie about ... well there is no need to go into plot details in 2026 since so many sequels and shows were made. Still this is my favorite from the bunch - sometimes less is better. Performances by Ralph Macchio & Pat Morita were excellent and really glued the film together. These two made such an iconic duet. Directing by the later John G. Avildsen ("Rocky") was excellent. Overall, "The Karate Kid" still works all those years later because its core is excellent. Great dialogs, iconic performances, great pacing and editing makes this one of the great movies that were made in 80's. Great film.

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Khloe W.

@MovieGirl657 Mar 10

Amazing. Great. Good scenes

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Damon G

@Dmoney420 Feb 22

Best franchise ever

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John G. Avildsen

Director

Ralph Macchio

Daniel LaRusso

Pat Morita

Mr. Kesuke Miyagi

Elisabeth Shue

Ali Mills

Randee Heller

Lucille Larusso

Martin Kove

John Kreese

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Mr. Miyagi Saves The Day

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The Karate Kid: Official Clip - I Hate This Place

2:37

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Wants Balance

2:18

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Crane Kick

3:12

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel and Ali's First Date

2:12

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Catching A Fly With Chopsticks

2:09

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Defends Ali

2:25

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Wax On, Wax Off

2:30

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Lessons Come Together

3:30

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel's Training

2:23

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Synopsis

Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "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 compassionate form of karate and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.

Director: John G. Avildsen
Producer: Jerry Weintraub
Screenwriter: Robert Mark Kamen
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 22, 1984, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): May 10, 2025
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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