The Karate Kid

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2:14

The Karate Kid

PG

Released Jun 22, 1984

2h 6m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

47 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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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

This film's art consists entirely of hiding the cynicism of its calculations under an agreeably modest and disarming manner.

Aug 1, 2008

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Variety Staff

Variety

Morita is simply terrific, bringing the appropriate authority and wisdom to the part.

Mar 21, 2007

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

A surprise summer hit in the States, this is another film-making-by-numbers exercise in teenage wish-fulfilment.

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Casey Chong

Casey's Movie Mania

The success of the 1984 original lies in its many winning factors, one of which includes the mentor-protege dynamics between Pat Morita’s Mr Miyagi and Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso.

Rated: 5/5

Jun 21, 2024

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

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

Rated: 3.5/4

May 18, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

From the depths of the height of 1980s pop culture comes The Karate Kid, a motion picture that, despite being stamped by its decade of origin, still works on a basic dramatic level today.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 18, 2023

Full Review

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Gina

I LOVE WATCHING MOVIES FROM MY CHILDHOOD!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/24

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Facebook U

What an amazing night reminiscing and being taken back in time … felt like a kid again and absolutely loved this movie all over again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/24

Full Review

Mort S

I of course have seen this movie countless times but only once in the movie theater (back when it was originally released in 1984). Got to take my daughter to see it on the big screen (she's also seen it previously but only on TV at home). It was a joy to watch! It never gets old. Keep bringing back movies from the past to replay in the theater and we will be there! And as an added bonus, the tickets were affordable! Overall loved it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/24

Full Review

Elvedin

One of the best. A story that everyone will find something to relate to in. it's a classic for a reason, to see it on the big screen is a privilege.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/22

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Ed R

Classic nostalgia that lead to a great Cobra Kai series!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/26/24

Full Review

Birithivy Y

The Karate Kid - 9/10. Another YTV classic. Why was YTV only playing the same 4 movies all the time? The Karate Kid is obviously a little aged now in terms of its relatability to present day, but, its so much fun. Its one of those underdog stories which makes you believe that its possible to become a Karate expert overnight. In your mind, you too can become a karate legend by just doing chores and activities around the home. The training sequences are iconic, and the fights (though a little artificial) are fun! Pat Morita is a legend, and always will be! Ralph Macchio is a legend too (even though his performance in hindsight is a little shaky). Nostalgic memories, and I’m surprised I didn’t log this one in till now!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

Full Review

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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

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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

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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
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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