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Critics Consensus

Utterly predictable and wholly of its time, but warm, sincere, and difficult to resist, due in large part to Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio's relaxed chemistry.

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Richard Schickel TIME Magazine This film's art consists entirely of hiding the cynicism of its calculations under an agreeably modest and disarming manner. Aug 1, 2008 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Morita is simply terrific, bringing the appropriate authority and wisdom to the part. Mar 21, 2007 Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out A surprise summer hit in the States, this is another film-making-by-numbers exercise in teenage wish-fulfilment. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review James Berardinelli ReelViews There’s a sweetness and innocence to the story that avoids entering saccharine territory by incorporating darker themes into the mix... Rated: 3/4 Jan 16, 2025 Full Review Casey Chong Casey's Movie Mania The success of the 1984 original lies in its many winning factors, one of which includes the mentor-protege dynamics between Pat Morita’s Mr Miyagi and Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. Rated: 5/5 Jun 21, 2024 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy A film that keeps the blood pumping and brings the audience to its feet. Rated: 3.5/4 May 18, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Gina I LOVE WATCHING MOVIES FROM MY CHILDHOOD!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/24 Full Review Facebook U What an amazing night reminiscing and being taken back in time … felt like a kid again and absolutely loved this movie all over again Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/24 Full Review Mort S I of course have seen this movie countless times but only once in the movie theater (back when it was originally released in 1984). Got to take my daughter to see it on the big screen (she's also seen it previously but only on TV at home). It was a joy to watch! It never gets old. Keep bringing back movies from the past to replay in the theater and we will be there! And as an added bonus, the tickets were affordable! Overall loved it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/24 Full Review Elvedin One of the best. A story that everyone will find something to relate to in. it's a classic for a reason, to see it on the big screen is a privilege. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/02/22 Full Review Sam A I think a lot of people are blinded by nostalgia with this movie. Not bad, but not that great. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/02/25 Full Review SlickerySlope C One of the few times where the remake is better than the original Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/02/25 Full Review Read all reviews

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The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Mr. Miyagi Saves The Day The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Mr. Miyagi Saves The Day 2:57 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - I Hate This Place The Karate Kid: Official Clip - I Hate This Place 2:37 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Wants Balance The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Wants Balance 2:18 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel and Ali's First Date The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel and Ali's First Date 2:12 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Crane Kick The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Crane Kick 3:12 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Catching A Fly With Chopsticks The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Catching A Fly With Chopsticks 2:09 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Defends Ali The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel Defends Ali 2:25 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Wax On, Wax Off The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Wax On, Wax Off 2:30 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Lessons Come Together The Karate Kid: Official Clip - The Lessons Come Together 3:30 The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel's Training The Karate Kid: Official Clip - Daniel's Training 2:23 View more videos

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The Karate Kid: Trailer 1 The Karate Kid: Trailer 1 2:14 The Karate Kid 35th Anniversary: Fathom Events Trailer The Karate Kid 35th Anniversary: Fathom Events Trailer 0:30 Deadpool 2: Easter Eggs Deadpool 2: Easter Eggs 8:39 View more videos

The Karate Kid (1984) The Karate Kid (1984) View more photos

Synopsis Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), 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 and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.

Director

John G. Avildsen

Producer

Jerry Weintraub

Screenwriter

Robert Mark Kamen

Distributor

Columbia Pictures

Production Co

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Rating

PG

Genre

Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Jun 22, 1984, Original

Release Date (Streaming)

Apr 16, 2012

Runtime

2h 6m

Sound Mix

Surround

Aspect Ratio

Flat (1.85:1)

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