# The Karate Kid (1984)

> A displaced New Jersey teenager finds discipline, friendship, and self-respect through a wise mentor and a high-stakes karate tournament.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/1261

## Facts

- Runtime: 127 min
- Genres: Action, Drama, Family
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, Ron Thomas, Rob Garrison
- TMDB rating: 7.2/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Mood: warm, sincere, nostalgic, family movie night, nostalgic rewatch

## Synopsis

A young outsider discovers the power of martial arts and friendship in a new world.

## Movies like The Karate Kid

- [No Retreat, No Surrender (1986)](https://ember.film/movie/7337)
- [E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)](https://ember.film/movie/481)
- [Vision Quest (1985)](https://ember.film/movie/18636)
- [Back to the Future (1985)](https://ember.film/movie/76)
- [Dirty Dancing (1987)](https://ember.film/movie/59)
- [The Karate Kid (2010)](https://ember.film/movie/24333)
- [The Outsiders (1983)](https://ember.film/movie/188)
- [The Bad News Bears (1976)](https://ember.film/movie/13901)
- [Pretty in Pink (1986)](https://ember.film/movie/6491)
- [Lucas (1986)](https://ember.film/movie/7696)

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