Overview
A young outsider discovers the power of martial arts and friendship in a new world.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- warm
- sincere
- nostalgic
- family movie night
- nostalgic rewatch
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as a warm, sincere, highly accessible coming-of-age sports drama whose familiar formula is elevated by the chemistry between Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Daniel's relationship with Miyagi turns practical chores and karate instruction into a path toward confidence and self-control.
Daniel moves from New Jersey to Reseda and struggles against school bullying and an unfamiliar surfer culture.
Miyagi prepares Daniel for the All-Valley tournament after Daniel is targeted by the Cobra Kai students.
Painting fences and waxing cars initially appear unrelated to karate but structure Daniel's physical instruction.
Films like The Karate Kid, and why
The Mighty Ducks
coming of age drama centered on bullying, mentorship, self-discipline, and a climactic youth competition
Hoosiers
warm teen sports story featuring an outsider, an inspirational mentor, friendship, and an uplifting underdog arc
Dirty Dancing
1980s coming of age film blending teenage romance, social outsider status, music, and emotionally cathartic personal growth
Movie Details
- Director
- John G. Avildsen
- Release Date
- 1984-06-22
- Runtime
- 127 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (4892)
Cast
- Ralph Macchio
- Pat Morita
- Elisabeth Shue
- William Zabka
- Martin Kove
- Randee Heller
- Ron Thomas
- Rob Garrison
- Chad McQueen
- Tony O'Dell
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, YouTube TV
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Karate Kid about?
- A displaced New Jersey teenager finds discipline, friendship, and self-respect through a wise mentor and a high-stakes karate tournament.
- What is The Karate Kid like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Karate Kid as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Karate Kid violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Karate Kid as mild.
- What did critics think of The Karate Kid?
- Critics broadly regard it as a warm, sincere, highly accessible coming-of-age sports drama whose familiar formula is elevated by the chemistry between Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.
- Which films are like The Karate Kid?
- Films with a similar feel include The Mighty Ducks, Hoosiers, and Dirty Dancing.
- How long is The Karate Kid?
- The Karate Kid runs 127 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Karate Kid?
- In United States, The Karate Kid streams on Netflix, YouTube TV.
