All 6 Karate Kid Movies Ranked From Worst to Best

Since the 1980s, the ‘Karate Kid‘ series has served as a pillar of martial arts narratives, seamlessly combining emotional coming-of-age plots with electrifying fight sequences. Over the years, it has grown from a humble underdog narrative into a worldwide sensation, triggering spin-offs like TV shows, video games, and even a Broadway play.

In every film I’ve encountered, there’s always something fresh – be it an innovative backdrop, a captivating new talent, or a creative take on the traditional mentor-apprentice relationship. I’ve taken the time to evaluate all six of them, starting with the one that didn’t quite resonate as deeply and moving up to the original masterpiece that started this journey. I ranked them based on their influence, narrative depth, and enduring charm.

6. The Next Karate Kid

1994 saw the arrival of ‘The Next Karate Kid’, which takes a fresh approach by introducing Julie Pierce, portrayed by Hilary Swank in her younger days, as Mr. Miyagi’s latest pupil. This time around, the narrative unfolds in Boston, where we find Julie, a teenager dealing with the loss of her parents, finding solace and guidance under Miyagi as he teaches her to control her anger through martial arts. The movie replaces the original’s Californian ambiance with a new backdrop and a female protagonist, but it fails to recreate the same enchantment that the first film offered.

1) Ralph Macchio’s character Daniel LaRusso is conspicuously missing, and the storyline seems repetitive without his endearing charm. Hilary Swank excels in her debut role, yet the adversaries, particularly Michael Ironside’s ominous Col. Paul Duga, fail to match the intensity of previous villains. The series attempts a fresh take, but it fails to capture the emotional resonance we cherish from this franchise.

5. The Karate Kid Part III

1989 saw the return of ‘The Karate Kid Part III’ in cinemas, with Daniel LaRusso making his way back to Los Angeles following his Okinawa journey. In this installment, he encounters a vindictive John Kreese and his cunning associate Terry Silver, who plot to ruin Daniel’s life and resurrect Cobra Kai. The conflicts seem overly contrived, and at times, Daniel’s actions appear bafflingly illogical.

Ralph Macchio, approaching 30 years old, appears incongruous in his teenage role, and the narrative relies heavily on replicating the original’s formula without the same energy. Thomas Ian Griffith’s exaggerated portrayal of Silver stands out as a strength, but the film’s foreseeable conclusion and lack of innovative concepts make it a less impressive addition. It’s entertaining to watch, but it falls short compared to its earlier versions.

4. Karate Kid: Legends

2025 sees the release of ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, a film that bridges two realms by reintroducing Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso. The narrative revolves around Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang, an exceptional kung fu practitioner who migrates from Beijing to New York, participating in a high-stakes karate competition. The amalgamation of kung fu and Miyagi-Do karate results in exhilarating battle sequences.

The movie relies on common themes such as bullies and large competitions, but Wang’s heartfelt portrayal of Li gives it additional layers. The interaction between Chan and Macchio is enjoyable, however, a hurried storyline about neighborhood toughs seems misfit. It’s an entertaining journey with nostalgic vibes that links the 2010 remake to the original series, though it doesn’t bring anything fresh to the table.

3. The Karate Kid (2010)

The 2010 film adaptation titled ‘The Karate Kid’ relocates the narrative to Beijing. In this new setting, Jaden Smith portrays Dre Parker, a 12-year-old who encounters bullies upon his move from Detroit. Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, is a skilled kung fu master who steps up as his guide, instructing him on how to confront his adversaries. Unlike the original, this version emphasizes kung fu instead of karate, giving it a unique twist.

Smith and Chan have a powerful connection, and the Chinese environment provides an intriguing cultural landscape. The action is skillfully coordinated, although the younger actors give the narrative less emotional weight than the initial version. It’s a commendable reinterpretation that honors the franchise’s origins while forging its unique path, receiving accolades for its emotional depth and aesthetics.

2. The Karate Kid Part II

In 1986, ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ finds Daniel and Mr. Miyagi journeying to Okinawa, Japan. Here, Mr. Miyagi encounters his past, dealing with an old adversary, Sato, and a long-lost love, Yukie. Meanwhile, Daniel, portrayed by Ralph Macchio, experiences his own trials, pursuing Kumiko and butting heads with Sato’s nephew, Chozen. The breathtaking filming location on Oahu provides an enchanting backdrop to the story.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by this sequel to the original. It delves deeper into Miyagi’s character, offering insights into his past and the emotional depth that drives him. The action sequences have been amped up significantly, culminating in an intense, life-or-death showdown that left me on the edge of my seat.

While it may not possess the same level of refinement as its predecessor, the introduction of new characters and increased stakes make it a compelling follow-up that broadens the franchise’s emotional range and scope. In essence, this sequel is a worthy addition to the series, offering fans a richer, more nuanced understanding of Miyagi and the world he inhabits.

1. The Karate Kid

Originally released in 1984, ‘The Karate Kid’ continues to set the benchmark as a timeless classic. In this film, Ralph Macchio plays Daniel LaRusso, a young man from New Jersey who relocates to California and encounters harassment by Johnny Lawrence, a member of Cobra Kai. However, he finds guidance in the form of Mr. Miyagi, portrayed by Pat Morita, who not only teaches him karate but also imparts valuable life lessons using memorable techniques like ‘wax on, wax off’. The film’s straightforward narrative is its main appeal.

The relationship between Daniel and Miyagi is the core of the movie, offering a mix of humor, insightful advice, and touching scenes. The exciting tournament finale and memorable characters make it no wonder that this film ignited a series and continues to be cherished as an enduring underdog story even 40 years after its release.

2025-06-01 17:44