It’s safe to say that we’re in the era of remakes and reboots, but not all of them work or succeed. However, Netflix’s ‘Cobra Kai,’ the spin-off series of the ‘Karate Kid’ universe, has proven that, when the creators know their audience and source material well, magic can happen.
Ahead of Cobra Kai’s final season release, you might want to revisit the original saga. Starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, the franchise became a staple of the decade. The first film not only was highly popular, but also received critical acclaim.
Before “Cobra Kai,” the franchise was revived with the 2010 movie starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. While it follows different characters, it seems like the stories will connect in the upcoming “Karate Kid 6” film, which is expected for 2025.
Where to watch all the ‘Karate Kid’ movies
The Karate Kid (1984)
Stream on: Starz
The first film follows Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who moves from New Jersey to Los Angeles. In his new neighborhood, he is bullied by a group of kids, including Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). To help him defend himself, he is taught karate by LaRusso is taught karate by a handyman and war veteran named Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita).
The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
Stream on: Starz
In the second film, LaRusso accompanies Mr. Miyagi (Morita) sees his dying father in Okinawa, only to encounter an old friend-turned-rival with a long-harbored grudge against Miyagi. This film serves as the introduction of Chozen (Yuji Okumoto).
The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
Stream on: Starz (Prime Video add-on)
In the third film, John Kreese (Martin Kove) is broke and destitute. He visits Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), a fellow Green Beret who has become a toxic chemical magnate. Silver vows to personally help him re-establish Cobra Kai, while getting revenge on Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi.
The Next Karate Kid (1994)
Buy it or rent it: Amazon Prime Video, Google, and more
In the fourth film, Mr. Miyagi goes to Boston to attend a military reunion. There, he visits with Louisa (Constance Towers), the widow of his former commander, and meets her granddaughter, Julie (Hilary Swank). Julie, who recently lost her parents in a car crash, impresses Mr. Miyagi with her knowledge of karate, and he trains her.
The Karate Kid (2010) – Remake
Stream on: Netflix, Starz
The remake follows 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith), who moves to China with his mother. There, he is bullied by Cheng. However, he is protected by Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a maintenance man who is also a martial-arts master. Mr. Han teaches Dre all about kung fu in the hope that Dre can defend himself.
