The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

90% Tomatometer 48 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings

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.

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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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Critics Reviews

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The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (1) 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 The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Variety Staff Variety Morita is simply terrific, bringing the appropriate authority and wisdom to the part. Mar 21, 2007 Full Review The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (3) 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 The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (4) 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 The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (5) 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 The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Elisa Guimarães Collider A thrilling film that ends with what is probably the most satisfying kick in the history of cinema. Jan 29, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gina I LOVE WATCHING MOVIES FROM MY CHILDHOOD!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars • 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 5/5 Stars • 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 5/5 Stars • 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 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/02/22 Full Review Artin S Brilliant underdog story. Has amazing storytelling for its time. Certainly the greatest sports movie ever made. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/01/24 Full Review Cara T I thought this film was good, there was alot of action in the film that keeps your eyes glued to the screens and is over all a great story line. I rate it 4 stars as it was good but there was places that could have been worked on Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

John G. Avildsen Director Ralph Macchio Daniel LaRusso Pat Morita Mr. Kesuke Miyagi Elisabeth Shue Ali Mills Randee Heller Lucille Larusso Martin Kove John Kreese
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The Karate Kid

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

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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
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The Karate Kid | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

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