The Karate Kid

Play trailer

2:14

The Karate Kid

PG

Released Jun 22, 1984

2h 6m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

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.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

Susie Eisenhuth

Sydney Morning Herald

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

May 27, 2025

Full Review

Joe Pollack

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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.

May 27, 2025

Full Review

Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

The Karate Kid is even paced like a TV show.

May 27, 2025

Full Review

David Wilson

Tulsa World

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.

Rated: 2/4

May 27, 2025

Full Review

Tom Sabulis

Tampa Bay Times

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.

Rated: 4/5

May 27, 2025

Full Review

Bruce R. Miller

Sioux City Journal

It has values we can all cheer, and two performances that deserve to be remembered. In a word, it's a kick.

May 27, 2025

Full Review

Read all reviews

Ben S

For what it is, it's a near perfect film. Mr. Miyagi is an icon. This movie is pure joy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/21/25

Full Review

Gareth D

Absolutely fantastic movie even in 2025 it aged very well apart from the fishing line on the fly in 4k haha. Great characters, amazing chemistry between Miyagi and Daniel. Well paced for an 80s movies Really enjoyed it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/19/25

Full Review

BlueTop World b

This movie is peak cinema

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/18/25

Full Review

Renaldo D

A classic, great movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/11/25

Full Review

Shantanu R

The Karate Kid remains an enduring masterpiece, inspiring generations of viewers with its heart, soul, and themes of resilience. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita deliver standout performances that have solidified their characters as cultural icons. With its well-crafted story, memorable soundtrack, and impactful martial arts sequences, this film continues to captivate audiences, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking an uplifting and entertaining cinematic experience. And yes, continuing its brilliant legacy through Cobra Kai TV Series!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/09/25

Full Review

Sammy L.

I thought it was AMAZING. Daniel moved to California and Mr Miyagi helped him.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

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

2:57

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 - Daniel and Ali's First Date

2:12

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Crane Kick

3:12

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

View more videos

The Karate Kid Part II

49%

52%

The Karate Kid Part II

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Karate Kid Part II

The Karate Kid Part III

18%

35%

The Karate Kid Part III

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Karate Kid Part III

Kramer vs. Kramer

90%

89%

Kramer vs. Kramer

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Kramer vs. Kramer

The Age of Innocence

88%

75%

The Age of Innocence

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Age of Innocence

The Swimmer

100%

83%

The Swimmer

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Movieclips: Karate Kid - Best Scenes

36:33

The Karate Kid: Trailer 1

2:14

The Karate Kid 35th Anniversary: Fathom Events Trailer

0:30

Deadpool 2: Easter Eggs

8:39

View more videos

View more photos

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)

Most Popular at Home Now