The Karate Kid

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2:14

The Karate Kid

PG

1984

2h 6m

Drama

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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.

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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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Susie Eisenhuth

Sydney Morning Herald

May 27, 2025

3/4

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

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Joe Pollack

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

May 27, 2025

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.

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Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

May 27, 2025

The Karate Kid is even paced like a TV show.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Apr 10, 2026

3.5/4

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

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David Wilson

Tulsa World

May 27, 2025

2/4

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.

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Tom Sabulis

Tampa Bay Times

May 27, 2025

4/5

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.

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Sloane H

@RT37187003 22 hrs ago

had me on the edge of my seat the whole movie

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Christian K

@ckacar Aug 29, 2026

Its a mostly fun time, and the swan kick finish does kinda kick ass.

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Aria C

@Ariacoopcoop Aug 21, 2026

Ts mad goated if you don’t like it your a burger one of my favorite movie

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bruce F

@bruce999 Aug 14, 2026

classic tale, of a young man with enemies. and his caretaker, saves the day. full of emotion and charm. don't miss it. it's the best karate kid movie

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Jason R

@JasonLovesMoviesForever Aug 6, 2026

I am sure no one will argue when I say this is hands down the Greatest American Martial Arts movie ever made! Pat Morita will forever be remembered as Mr. Miyagi and the Grandfather figure anyone would want. Ralph Macchio will forever be known as the Original Karate Kid! William Zabka will forever be known as the Original Karate Badass! Martin Kove will forever be known as one of the greatest martial arts villains ever!

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Paul R

@PaulRiotRials Jul 14, 2026

From the opening scene The Karate Kid has you hooked. Something about it is just as charming still to this day. Dare I say a perfect movie.

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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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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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