The Karate Kid Part III

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1:28

The Karate Kid Part III

PG

1989

1h 51m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

18%

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61 Reviews

35%

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50,000+ Ratings

Cobra Kai karate instructor John Kreese (Martin Kove) is still brooding over the defeat handed to him by Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita). With his slimy partner, Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), Kreese plans an intricate payback that involves hiring a mean-spirited ringer (Sean Kanan) to rob Daniel of his championship title. When Mr. Miyagi refuses to train Daniel, even under threat, the boy makes the mistake of turning to Terry for guidance.

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Critics Consensus

Inspiration is in short supply in this third Karate Kid film, which recycles the basic narrative from its predecessors but adds scenery-chewing performances and a surprising amount of violence.

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Terry Kelleher

Newsday

We've gone from the rudimentary Rocky dramatics of the original to the Okinawan feuds and face-saving of Part II to the sort of cartoon villainy that should be sanctioned by the World Wrestling Federation.

May 28, 2025

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James Rampton

Independent (UK)

Provides woefully few surprises.

May 28, 2025

Full Review

Derek Malcolm

Guardian

Having seen it, I don't want to see IV either.

May 28, 2025

Full Review

Lou Cedrone

Baltimore Sun

The film is not bad. There are times when it verges on silly, but it always pulls back in time, and if you liked the first two films, you're likely to appreciate this one -- if not as much, then almost as much.

May 28, 2025

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Nanciann Cherry

Toledo Blade

Elements that make The Karate Kid such a hit are back in III, but their age is showing.

May 28, 2025

Full Review

Fernando Morales

El Pais (Spain)

Unnecessary and mediocre sequel. [Full review in Spanish]

May 28, 2025

Full Review

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JJ T

Yipes what a stinker! If you love the first Karate Kid, and basically like the second one, do yourself a favor and avoid this steaming pile like the plague, unless you just want to be a completionist and are a sucker for punishment. The villains are more cartoony and over the top than a Scooby Doo episode. The main bad guy's plan is extremely convoluted and weird, just to get back at a 17 year old kid and an old man for winning a local teen karate match. Ralph Macchio displays one of the following emotions throughout: extreme enthusiasm, extreme frustration, and extreme anger. It's like watching a dog eagerly trying to dryhump an old VHS copy of Rocky V.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/25

Full Review

TheNerd G

This is the best movie of the 1900s. Incredible acting by the entire cast especially the compellingly dark villains. Ralph Maccio wins again against impossible odds proving that courage and heart always prevail. Highly recommend to viewers of all ages.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/08/25

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Noot N

Terry Silver and his cartoonishly evil ways make this film a must watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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Brooks D

The weakest of the original 3 by far. Returning to the original story but amping up the stakes but falls way short.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/16/25

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Flurried S

Def the weakest original Karate Kid movie tho introduces many new Characters that I love for example Terry Silver and Mike Barnes. Sadly the All Valley didn't feel as Climactic as in the first Karate Kid. 60%

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

Full Review

Sammy L.

This movie was amazing. I thought it was almost better than the second one. this is what I thought for karate kid part III.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

Full Review

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John G. Avildsen

Director

Ralph Macchio

Daniel LaRusso

Pat Morita

Mr. Kesuke Miyagi

Robyn Lively

Jessica Andrews

Thomas Ian Griffith

Terry Silver

Martin Kove

John Kreese

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Strong Roots

1:54

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Mr. Miyagi vs Terry Silver

2:59

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Daniel Wins!

2:29

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Save the Tree!

3:08

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Doing Damage

1:55

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Blackmailed

2:59

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Mr. Miyagi's Little Trees

2:26

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Refusing to Compete

2:04

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip -The Real Pain Begins

2:56

The Karate Kid Part III: Official Clip - Killer Instinct

2:12

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Movieclips: Karate Kid - Best Scenes

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The Karate Kid Part III: Trailer 1

1:28

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Synopsis

Cobra Kai karate instructor John Kreese (Martin Kove) is still brooding over the defeat handed to him by Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita). With his slimy partner, Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), Kreese plans an intricate payback that involves hiring a mean-spirited ringer (Sean Kanan) to rob Daniel of his championship title. When Mr. Miyagi refuses to train Daniel, even under threat, the boy makes the mistake of turning to Terry for guidance.

Director: John G. Avildsen
Producer: Jerry Weintraub
Screenwriter: Robert Mark Kamen
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Weintraub Entertainment Group
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 9, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $36.8M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Surround

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