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The Karate Kid

Play trailer 2:14 Poster for The Karate Kid PG Released Jun 22, 1984 2h 6m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Karate Kid

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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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Critics Reviews

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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

Audience Reviews

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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
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The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Mr. Miyagi Saves The Day The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Mr. Miyagi Saves The Day 2:57 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - I Hate This Place The Karate Kid: Official Clip - I Hate This Place 2:37 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Wants Balance The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Wants Balance 2:18 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel and Ali's First Date The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel and Ali's First Date 2:12 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Crane Kick The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Crane Kick 3:12 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Catching A Fly With Chopsticks The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Catching A Fly With Chopsticks 2:09 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Defends Ali The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Defends Ali 2:25 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Wax On, Wax Off The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Wax On, Wax Off 2:30 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Lessons Come Together The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Lessons Come Together 3:30 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel's Training The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel's Training 2:23 View more videos
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Movie Info

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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