- Release Date:
- June 22, 1984
- Director:
- John G. Avildsen
- Cast:
- Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, William Zabka
- Rating:
- PG
- Runtime:
- 126
- Main Genre:
- Action
- Studio:
- Columbia Pictures
- Writers:
- Robert Mark Kamen
- Tagline:
- Only the 'Old One' could teach him the secrets of the masters.
- Related Articles
- Details
Summary
In John G. Avildsen's THE KARATE KID, Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and his mother (Randee Heller) move from New Jersey to Southern California, where he's not too keen about his new home--until he meets Ali (Elizabeth Shue), an attractive girl who seems to like him. But trouble looms when Ali's ex-boyfriend (William Zabka) and his gang of ruffians start tormenting Daniel. One day, as Daniel is suffering a beating at the hands of these louts, Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), an elderly Japanese handyman, comes to his rescue. To Daniel's amazement, Miyagi manages to take down the whole group all by himself using karate. Daniel begs to learn this ancient martial art, and soon Miyagi begins the boy's training, teaching Daniel that there is more to karate than fighting. Through a series of lessons, the wise mentor instills a sense of honor and nobility in his young pupil while preparing him for the ultimate karate showdown. However, as Daniel studies the discipline and art of karate, his enemies are learning a dirtier kind of fighting from Kreese (Martin Kove), a cold-blooded ex-marine. Ultimately, the boys will fight to the finish in the All Valley Karate Championship in a rousing and triumphant finale. Morita is a gem as the elderly father figure Miyagi, giving the character warmth, wisdom, and comic charm. Macchio's underdog character inspired an entire generation to run out and join the nearest karate school while chanting "wax on, wax off."
latest Karate Kid Articles
New Karate Kid Movie Plot details Reportedly Revealed
A New Karate Kid movie is on the way, and it could include the return of Jackie Chan.
Jackie Chan Is in Talks to Return to the Karate Kid Franchise
A new Karate Kid movie is in the works, and it will connect the 80s classic with the 2010 remake.
Cobra Kai Season 6 Predictions
Season six of Cobra Kai will conclude the popular Karate Kid spin-off, so here are some major predictions for what the final season could bring.
The Karate Kid Franchise Could Continue to Grow After Cobra Kai Ends
A Sony executive talks about the possibility of Karate Kid and Cobra Kai spin-offs after the Netflix show ends with its next season.
Cobra Kai Star Ralph Macchio Wants to See a Mr. Miyagi Prequel
Ralph Macchio would love to see a Mr. Miyagi prequel take shape as a Cobra Kai spinoff.
Why The Karate Kid Movie Being Independent of Cobra Kai Could be a Good Thing
A new Karate Kid movie set for 2024 may be a separate entity from the Cobra Kai sequel series. Here's why that could be good for the franchise.
Potential Karate Kid Movie Storylines We Could See
Sony has announced a new Karate Kid movie for release in 2024, but what is it going to be about?
Cobra Kai Season 6 Might Be Delayed, Creators Say
Cobra Kai creators have multiple projects in the pipeline, which could delay the next season of Netflix’s Karate Kid spinoff.
Karate Kid Movie Unrelated to Cobra Kai, Co-Creator Says
Co-creator Jon Hurwitz says Sony's upcoming Karate Kid movie won't have anything to do with Cobra Kai's characters or storylines.
Karate Kid Movie Announced by Sony, Set for Theatrical Release in 2024
A new Karate Kid movie has been dated for 2024 following the smash success of Cobra Kai.
The Best Moments from the Karate Kid Franchise, Ranked
With inspirational victories and valuable life lessons, here are the best moments from the Karate Kid franchise.
The Karate Kid HD Throwback Trailer Arrives in Anticipation of Cobra Kai Season 4 Premiere
With Cobra Kai season 4 premiering New Year's Eve, The Karate Kid trailer in HD takes us back to the beginning.
Cobra Kai Season 4 Has Longer Episodes and Even More Montages
Cobra Kai creator Hayden Schlossberg has revealed that season 4 will be longer and chock-full of triumphant montages.
Cobra Kai Season 3 Continues The Karate Kid Saga on DVD This January
The Karate Kid saga continues with Cobra Kai season 3 coming to DVD in January.
Johnny Does Daniel's Iconic Crane Kick in Cobra Kai Season 4 Sneak Peek Photos
William Zabka is attempting to pull off Ralph Macchio's signature movie from The Karate Kid in a new photo from Cobra Kai season 4.
The Karate Kid Collection Brings the Original Trilogy Home for the Holidays in 4K Ultra HD
The coming-of-age trilogy that started it all is getting the 4K treatment as The Karate Kid gets a special collector's edition set.
Cobra Kai Season 4 Trailer Announces Netflix Premiere on New Year's Eve
Netflix has just swept the leg with an exclusive sneak peek of season 4 of Cobra Kai.
Cobra Kai Gets Officially Renewed for Season 5 at Netflix
Ahead of the premiere of Cobra Kai season 4 later this year, Netflix has renewed the hit Karate Kid sequel series for season 5.
Cobra Kai Season 4 Trailer Reveals Release Date and All-Valley Karate Tournament Return
Netflix has released a new teaser trailer for Cobra Kai season 4 that confirms the new season will be released this December as the series heads back to the All-Valley Karate Tournament.
Cobra Kai Creators Tease Season 4 Plans While Celebrating Emmy Nomination
Cobra Kai creators Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald and Hayden Schlossberg have reacted to their recent Emmys nod while teasing the upcoming fourth season.