The Karate Kid (1984)
Kernel Score: 82% · 4,612 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Family
Released: 1984-06-22
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is The Karate Kid worth watching?
Worth watching. A crowd-pleasing underdog story about a bullied teen and his mentor. It's simple and predictable, but the sweetness and the final tournament still work.
Watch it if you
- like underdog stories
- enjoy mentor-and-student bonds
- want a feel-good 80s classic
Skip it if you
- want realistic martial arts
- dislike formulaic stories
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Karate Kid
- Stream: Netflix, YouTube TV
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
The Karate Kid parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Karate Kid is a PG family drama about a bullied teen who learns discipline and self-defense from a mentor.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes bullying and karate fight sequences, including a tournament finale.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Karate Kid
If you liked The Karate Kid, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rocky (1976) — 88%: The original underdog story from the same director
- Kung Fu Panda (2008) — 83%: Funny martial-arts film about an unlikely hero
- Karate Kid: Legends (2025) — 78%: Newer entry in the Karate Kid line
- Lean On Me (1989) — 82%: Inspiring story of a teacher changing lives
Director
John G. Avildsen
Cast
- Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
- Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi
- Elisabeth Shue as Ali Mills
- William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
- Martin Kove as John Kreese
- Randee Heller as Lucille LaRusso
- Ron Thomas as Bobby
- Rob Garrison as Tommy
- Chad McQueen as Dutch
- Tony O'Dell as Jimmy
The Karate Kid FAQ
Is The Karate Kid worth watching?
Worth watching. A crowd-pleasing underdog story about a bullied teen and his mentor. It's simple and predictable, but the sweetness and the final tournament still work.
Where can I watch The Karate Kid?
In the US you can stream The Karate Kid on Netflix and YouTube TV and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Karate Kid OK for kids?
The Karate Kid is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Karate Kid is a PG family drama about a bullied teen who learns discipline and self-defense from a mentor.
What movies are like The Karate Kid?
If you liked The Karate Kid, try Rocky, Kung Fu Panda, Karate Kid: Legends and Lean On Me.