All Karate Kid Movies, Ranked From Worst to Best by Rotten Tomatoes
“Fear does not exist in this dojo, does it?”
While Netflix ’s global top is prominently dominated by the Cobra Kai show, it’s high time to recall the origins of Ralph Macchio and William Zabka’s Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, the Karate Kid franchise.
Back in 1984, the first movie not only set up this whole series, but also proved people’s huge interest in martial arts dramas that hasn’t yet waned.
Here are 5 films of the Karate Kid franchise, ranked by Tomatometer.
5. The Next Karate Kid (1994) – 7% on RT
This flick was an attempt to give the series a female lead and not to change the 1984 film’s formula at all, and the result was a disaster. Hilary Swank’s Julie is quite charming, yes, but the writing is certainly poor here, as it displays cringey dialogues full of sexism.
4. The Karate Kid Part III (1989) – 15% on RT
Although it brings back Cobra Kai and LaRusso’s antagonist John Kreese (played by Martin Kove), this shameful sequel lacks the charisma of the OG Karate Kid. The third movie feels recycled from the first two and makes us want to unwatch it.
3. The Karate Kid Part II (1986) – 45% on RT
This one is much better than the subsequent sequels, but it’s still a flick that defames the honor of the original martial arts gem. The story about Mr. Miyagi and Daniel’s trip to Okinawa is full of fan service, but lacks proper screenwriting and spectacularity.
2. The Karate Kid (2010) – 66% on RT
Surprisingly, there’s no mention of karate whatsoever in this remake, as Jackie Chan’s guru teaches Jaden Smith’s leading character the art of kung fu. However, these alterations don’t make it bad, but rather a modern worth-watching take on the classics.
1. The Karate Kid (1984) – 90% on RT
Of course, the first film of the franchise is a must-watch for all, even those who aren’t into martial arts. The original story of Daniel and Johnny’s rivalry is impeccably written, acted and choreographed, and be sure it won’t leave you indifferent at all.
The first part of Cobra Kai Season 5 is now available to stream on Netflix.