The Karate Kid - Watch Order: Classic Trilogy

Other Watch Orders:
1984 - 19893 Films5h 51m3.6 Average

This watch order focuses on the original Daniel LaRusso story that launched the franchise. Follow Daniel's complete arc from his first encounter with Johnny Lawrence and the Cobra Kai dojo through his training with Mr. Miyagi and his adventures in Okinawa and back to the All Valley Tournament. These three films establish the core mythology and relationships that continue to resonate throughout the modern franchise, including the Cobra Kai series.

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The Karate Kid poster

The Karate Kid

19842h 6m4.2
Director: John G. Avildsen
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka, Martin Kove

New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, 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 for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.

ActionAdventureDramaFamily
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The Karate Kid Part II poster

The Karate Kid Part II

19861h 53m3.5
Director: John G. Avildsen
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Danny Kamekona, Nobu McCarthy, Yuji Okumoto

Summoned by his dying father, Miyagi returns to his homeland of Okinawa, with Daniel, after a 40-year exile. There he must confront Yukie, the love of his youth, and Sato, his former best friend turned vengeful rival. Sato is bent on a fight to the death, even if it means the destruction of their village. Daniel finds his own love in Yukia's niece, Kumiko, and his own enemy in Sato's nephew, the vicious Chozen. Now, far away from the tournaments, cheering crowds and safety of home, Daniel will face his greatest challenge ever when the cost of honor is life itself.

AdventureDramaActionRomanceFamily
3
The Karate Kid Part III poster

The Karate Kid Part III

19891h 52m3.2
Director: John G. Avildsen
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Robyn Lively, Thomas Ian Griffith, Martin Kove

Despondent over the closing of his karate school, Cobra Kai teacher John Kreese joins a ruthless businessman and martial artist to get revenge on Daniel and Mr. Miyagi.

ActionFamilyDramaAdventure