The Karate Kid
He taught him the secret to karate lies in the mind and heart. Not in the hands.
1984 • 127 min • Action · Drama · Family
Synopsis
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.
Our family guide
Best from age 9- 100 Reviewers · 4 · 60%
- 72 Audience · 4803 · 40%
Daniel, a new kid in town, faces bullying from a gang of karate students. He finds an unexpected mentor in his apartment building's handyman, Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him karate and life lessons. Their bond helps Daniel stand up for himself and compete in a local tournament.
- Violence & peril
- 4/10
- Language
- 2/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 1/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 2/10
- Scary moments
- 2/10
Heads up
- Some fighting scenes are intense and involve kicks and punches.
- Teenagers are shown drinking at a party.
- Some mild language is used.
What it models well
- Mentorship and guidance
- Standing up to bullies
- Perseverance and discipline
- Unexpected friendships
Talk about it after
- What makes a good mentor?
- How can we respond to bullying without becoming bullies ourselves?
- The importance of patience and respect in learning new things.
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Karate Kid. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
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Top billed cast
Director: John G. Avildsen • Crew: Robert Mark Kamen
Trailers & clips
Ralph Macchio & William Zabka React to Their Karate Kid Fight
40th Anniversary Throwback Commercial
The Karate Kid (1984) Original Trailer [FHD]
Official Trailer
Bonus Feature – Beyond The Form
Official Extended Preview
"Wax On, Wax Off"
Reviewer notes
Recommended**A landmark of the 80's** I'm not exactly a fan of fighting or martial arts movies. It's usually a type of movie I avoid because I find it boring and tiring. However, I was surrendered to this film, which is surely one of the most famous of the 80s, a film that even today, thirty years later, feels good to review. Perhaps because of this, it is a film that still retains its place on the grid of cinema TV channels.…
RecommendedThe start of <em>'The Karate Kid'</em>. Good viewing, this. I'd be lying if I didn't say I expected more from it, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy it - because I did. Coming into this I had only seen the 2010 remake, therefore I did know what was coming in certain points. Still, the plot is interesting and holds a positive message.…
RecommendedTrusted family reviewers***Reverent and emotionally potent coming-of-age/sports flick*** A boy (Ralph Macchio) moves with his mother from New Jersey to Los Angeles, but isn’t welcomed by the Cobra Kai gang at school, led by bully Johnny (William Zabka). But Daniel (Macchio) finds a potential girlfriend (Elisabeth Shue) and a ‘golden connection’ with a Japanese American who’s willing to teach him the art of karate (Pat Morita).…
RecommendedTrusted family reviewersThe Karocky Kid. The Karate Kid is directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Robert Mark Kamen. It stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita (Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor) and Elisabeth Shue. Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) moves with his mother (Randee Heller) from Newark, New Jersey to Reseda, a neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California.…
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.2/10 (4,803)
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $8,000,000
- Box office
- $91,138,075
- Franchise
- The Karate Kid Collection
- IMDb
- tt0087538
- Official site
- www.sonypictures.com
