The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes

The Karate Kid

PG

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2h 6m

Drama

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The Karate Kid: Trailer 1

2:14

The Karate Kid 35th Anniversary: Fathom Events Trailer

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89%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

82%

Audience Score

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

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

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

Mar 21, 2007

Full Review

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

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

Elisa Guimarães

Collider

A thrilling film that ends with what is probably the most satisfying kick in the history of cinema.

Jan 29, 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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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

Full Review

Cam H

This movie rips ! The soundtrack is also 5/5

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/25/24

Full Review

Adrian G

En lo personal de las mejores películas que he visto, me gusta el desarrollo que tiene Daniel al final, me encanta.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/19/24

Full Review

josh b

Amazing movie and the best in the franchise.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/16/24

Full Review

alan g

Predictable 80s movie but still charming. Good cast. Typical evil villians get tgeir comeuptance.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/12/24

Full Review

TheBaconWarrior

"The Karate Kid" is the ultimate underdog story. This single film created a franchise that has lasted 40 years thanks to its incredible characters voiced by talented actors who have only improved their skills over time. All three phases of the film are truly captivating and a great example of the "Hero's journey" story method. Mr Miyagi is an amazing co-lead of the film, and can be a beacon of hope and relatability for older audiences who are looking for new purpose. John Kreese makes for a truly evil villain and both a physical and psychological threat to the main characters. The movie is capped off by a masterfully crafted score which is one of the most memorable and inspiring soundtracks ever put to film. The Karate Kid is a must see movie for anyone in any phase of their life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/29/24

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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The Karate Kid: Trailer 1

2:14

The Karate Kid 35th Anniversary: Fathom Events Trailer

0:30

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8:39

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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

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