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The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid

1984
Drama, Family/Kids
2h 6m
A handyman/martial arts master agrees to teach a bullied boy karate and shows him that there is more to the martial art than fighting. (imdb)
Your probable score
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The Karate Kid

1984
Drama, Family/Kids
2h 6m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 46.22% from 8035 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(8035)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 23 Jun 2015
71
62nd
Some tremendous/ridiculous 80s styling/acting/music on show here, which fortunately doesn't smother what is a fairly entertaining movie. Macchio and Morita have decent chemistry, and the broader cast is effective; Shue and Zabka in particular are good fits for their roles. Morita is great in this, carrying himself with authority and thoughtfulness, and proving a great foil to the pure evil of the Cobra-Kai sensei. Would Toshiro Mifune have been any better? Who knows.
Rated 15 Mar 2008
65
87th
Past all of the parodies, remakes and pointless sequels its easy to forget that the original Karate Kid is actually a pretty good film. Every character has a good deal of dimension, even the films Cobra Kai bullies who are allowed consciences and remorse by the end. The fighting is hardly the point since the movie is more about romanticizing discipline and hard work over ability and ambition. There's a lot of heart that drives the film, something that we miss out on these days.
Rated 18 Aug 2013
75
45th
When I heard it was Rocky for kids I didn't think it was going to literally be Rocky... for kids. But it is, encapsulating many of that film's core themes and even building on them in ways. It's a bit cornball with that eighties flair, but wholly enjoyable far surpassing my low expectations.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
96th
I am a grown man, but when Daniel hits the crane kick on Johnny, I want to cry...every damn time. RIP Pat Morita. What an awesome movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
10
99th
Far and away one of my favorite slices of the 80s, and definitely my favorite underdog sports movie. It's got awesome training montages, "You're the best... around! Nothing's gonna ever keep ya down!", a karate tournament ending, Pat Morita being awesome, and Billy Zabka as arguably the single greatest high school jock villain of all time. Love it, love it, love it.
Rated 08 May 2018
85
86th
Footage of me finishing a family size Doritos bag marathoning Cobra Kai scored by Bill Conti. My dachshund licks the crumbs off my shirt. Freeze frame. Countless children tricked into doing chores thinking they’ll become martial art masters. “I folded towels for three straight hours, try to stop me”
Rated 29 Mar 2007
65
76th
My definition of 80ies and youngster years. I am aware each and every fallacy of the movie, but perhaps Macchio's performance gets to me.
Rated 08 Feb 2008
92
96th
The poor man's "Rocky", but that is no insult, as "Rocky" is one of the best movies ever made. Though it is a little dated by the soundtrack (although I love the "Cruel Summer" opening) and the presence of Billy Zabka, it's still one of the best underdog stories ever. Macchio generates some real empathy, and Morita owns the Miyagi role. The "Evil Sensei" and his squadron of teenage karate cronies is a little cartoonish, but it all works for me in this context. So very rewatchable.
Rated 24 Mar 2013
83
92nd
The little movie that just is and should be. If this film assaulted my wife I would still love it.
Rated 27 Mar 2020
95
97th
First time I'd actually watched this in full. Enjoyed the Morita/Macchio chemistry in their downtime. I wish people saw Morita's Miyagi was less of a stereotype since it was actually a fairly progressive character for the time. Good side character depth. Macchio weakest link since he looked so lost. Great music. It's not even so much an '80s movie as it is a good kids movie. Fav scenes: Morita talking about his wife and kid @ internment camp; "You're the Best" montage.
Rated 26 Feb 2008
84
81st
The original is as good as it gets for Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-Son. I used to be able to do that final move when I was younger but it never brought me the same success, instead I just got laughed at.
Rated 29 Aug 2008
93
93rd
Predictable, sometimes cartoonish, so why does it work? B/c it doesn't shy away from rough moments: notice Macchio's losing it & bursting into tears after the bike attack & the mortifying scene w/ Shue's parents & his mother's jalopy. How can you not root for this kid? Shue beams as the girl every teen hopes to meet & Miyagi the father figure we'd all love to have. Like Daniel LaRusso, the film did some goofy-looking one-leg balancing crane move, kicked me in the face & I respect it ever since.
Rated 11 Feb 2010
70
56th
This is a modern classic coming of age film. It's sentimental but has a timeless grace to it because of Pat Morita's charming presence and strong performance as Mr. Miyagi. Also Macchio makes a good average joe hero because usually high school kids end up looking like obnoxious pricks no matter what but he manages to come across as genuine and sympathetic in his performance. This is still enjoyable and it is such a big slice of the 80's which still works.
Rated 11 Aug 2019
60
18th
Cliched and manipulative "feel-good" film is a typically heavy-handed, at times mawkish piece of work from Avildsen; the blatant rip-off of his own ROCKY formula makes this predictable from the word go - at 2 hours, it seriously wears out its welcome. Remains watchable and agreeable thanks to its cast, especially Morita's subtle, charming and sincere performance; like ROCKY, Avildsen can't even commit to the victorious schmaltz the ending requires!
Rated 04 Mar 2007
50
38th
Perfects the use of the 80's freeze frame ending.
Rated 06 Mar 2008
6
55th
[Miyagi karate-chops the tops off three beer bottles] Daniel: How did you do that? How did you do that? Miyagi: Don't know. First time.
Rated 05 Nov 2008
81
42nd
Wax on, wax off.
Rated 24 Nov 2008
85
81st
If do right - no defense. Infinitely quotable film, full of 80s bollocks. Fucking awesome
Rated 09 Dec 2008
90
91st
While it is cheesy at parts there are some truly amazing moments in the movie. Notably the one seemingly throw away part of a scene where Danny finds Mr. Miyagi's box filled with letters, newspapers and a Congressional Medal of Honor. That one thing told me so much more about his character than the entire movie had, and I felt there were a lot of those small great moments throughout the movie. Definitely a classic family sports movie.
Rated 09 Nov 2009
90
94th
One of the all time greats from the eighties. It pretty much has the same story that most sports movies has, but it doesn't feel tired in this. It has memorable lines, memorable scenes and a very memorable soundtrack. Decent amount of action to go with the comedy and the drama surrounding this movie. Very well acted and what an awesome cast. Pat Morita is the best. William Zabka and Ralph Macchio have such good chemistry as enemies. A great movie that brings back some good memories.
Rated 08 Jan 2010
95
73rd
good: great acting, really amazing chemistry between Miyagi and Larusso, great pacing, takes it's time to develop the characters and hit the climax, great ending, great supporting actors, acting, great/perfect villains ; - bad: too much loud music tracks blaring
Rated 12 Jan 2010
70
40th
One of the more prevalent 80s feel-good movies. The best thing this film has going for it culturally is introducing the world to Joe "Bean" Esposito's magnificent pop opus "You're The Best".
Rated 24 Apr 2010
71
29th
Underneath the hamfisted inspirational story, terrible 80's music and style, ridiculous character transformations and inconsistent acting there's something enjoyable about it.
Rated 22 Aug 2010
80
78th
It's just so ridiculously 80s that it's awesome. The soundtrack is hilarious, Ralph Macchio's wardrobe makes you wonder if his character owned a mirror, and the Cobra Kais are the biggest bunch of over actors in the business. These all seem like complaints, yet they all come together to form a movie that's awesome for anyone who lived through the 80s. If you can't find any enjoyment out of this movie then someone better get you a body bag.
Rated 24 Sep 2010
68
65th
Classic 80's bullshit, but bullshit that works.
Rated 09 May 2011
30
12th
Karate Kid is a part of popular culture since the 80's. It made kids all over the world to do repetitive housework chores as part of their karate training, and it probably got their asses kicked when the crane technique proved to be worthless in real life. Now, do you want to see this movie, if you do not have any fond memories of it? No. I re-watched it after 20 years, and it is garbage. Just remember, sweeping the leg is ultimate act of villainy.
Rated 17 Oct 2011
75
72nd
Say what you will about 'The Karate Kid', but if you were a child in the 80s, you've tried getting hurt or hurting some other kid doing the crane kick. I want all of you low-raters out there to remember that, and bow your heads in shame.
Rated 24 Oct 2012
84
60th
The perfect example of a great coming of age story, and a great lead or protagonist. Mr. Maygi is still an awesome side character. Although a bit outdated, and the acting and story can get over the top sometimes. Still a good classic film.
Rated 12 Dec 2020
80
86th
This is up there with my favorite sports movies (it's a genre I'm not crazy about, though), but it's also a really enjoyable eighties teen drama with winning performances from the three leads and a memorable bad guy.
Rated 07 Dec 2006
7
6th
It's got Morita, but this movie is horrendous, and anybody who likes it does so strictly for nostalgia.
Rated 01 Jan 2007
50
24th
saygı duyarım
Rated 27 Jan 2007
46
31st
"You gotta have a montage!" /Team America OST
Rated 01 Feb 2007
35
24th
Let's give some credit to master Hiyoshima.
Rated 20 Feb 2007
50
17th
YOU'RE THE BEST, AROUND. NO ONE'S GONNA EVER KEEP YOU DOWN!
Rated 21 Feb 2007
50
35th
Decent childrens film.
Rated 25 Feb 2007
78
53rd
Fun, new for it's time, and made kids everywhere want to take up karate.
Rated 04 Mar 2007
70
58th
Who doesn't like the Karate Kid? I didn't realize the plot was so rushed/flimsy, but then again when I first saw it I was like 5.
Rated 26 Mar 2007
67
43rd
After seeing the Jackie Chan version, this film isn't quite as good as I remember. Would have been nice if Ralph Macchio actually looked like he knew what he was doing.
Rated 21 Apr 2007
49
34th
Tries to be so serious you can't help but laugh
Rated 02 May 2007
8
87th
Get him a body bag! Yeah!
Rated 05 May 2007
30
7th
Evde tek baþýna'nýn baþka bir versiyonu...Bu sefer çocuklar havada uçup,karate yapýyor...Zamanýnda tv'de izlemiþ...Ve komþumuz en büyükleri,abim ortanca, bende en küçük çocuk olmuþtum ordaki...İzlerken eðlenmiþtik...Saygý duysamda þimdi ki zevklerimin tersi bir film...Hatta bir daha izlersem nefret edebilirim...
Rated 25 May 2007
80
61st
Possibly more fun to reference afterward than to actually watch, but a classic in its own right.
Rated 26 May 2007
50
36th
Wax on, wax off.
Rated 12 Jul 2007
92
79th
A great 80s flick.
Rated 03 Aug 2007
81
57th
Not just a bit of 80s nostalgia, this is a genuinely good coming-of-age story that got a bit lost under all the catchphrases.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
49th
I sort of miss the atmosphere of this movie every time I finish watching it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
26th
Sweep the leg! Classic shitty 80's cheese. "Wax on, wax off" will forever be associated with Karate.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
97th
Perfect movie. Action, good versus evil, romance, insurmountable odds, and a PERFECT ending.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
58th
Kobra muthafuckin' Kai, bizzatch!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
63rd
The Karate Kid is the definitive Ralph Macchio film. He's mean, he's lean, and he's a disciple of the greatest martial arts expert/handyman ever, Mr. Miyagi. The movie is a lot of fun, and Macchio does a great job as his character learns when it is necessary to fight, and when to be strong in other ways. Really good!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
61st
Not the best (AROUND!) "training for the champeenship" movie, but pretty close. "Rocky" for kids is the best way to define it.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
73
42nd
wax on...........wax off. good story, acting could be better.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
68th
No retreat, no surrender! Inspiring to kids, fun to watch.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
82
75th
Nothing's going to ever bring this down.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
52
9th
I dunno, I can barely remember it. What I do remember does not fill me with joy.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
94
86th
Good lord is this a sweet movie. I'm not even saying that because it's "cool" to like the Karate Kid. This is just a genuinely sweet movie. Plus Johnny, the blond bad guy, went to Ohio University...the best University in all the land.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
71
62nd
Perhaps it's a little corny by today's standards, but the core of The Karate Kid definitely works, especially for young kids.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
67
34th
great for quotes.
Rated 19 Aug 2007
80
31st
I used to watch this to pump myself back up after getting my ass kicked in school :P
Rated 22 Aug 2007
40
41st
ok
Rated 01 Sep 2007
60
33rd
Took my kids to see and wasn't too bored - despite simplistic plot and predictable dialog and ending.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
75
37th
Saw it when I was a boy. Good movie. It teaches patience can reap great results.
Rated 16 Sep 2007
75
79th
Very good 80's underdog film.
Rated 23 Sep 2007
8
24th
Speaking as a martial artist, the martial arts in this film are kind of appallingly bad. What makes the film worth watching is the character of Mr. Miyagi, and the little gems he tosses into the dialog. And don't use that stupid switch-kick, ok? You'll just get your butt handed to you. :-)
Rated 23 Sep 2007
80
50th
The first is the best again. Pat Morita shines as the instructor, who must take a gangly kid thru his 'rites of passage'. The karate looks good, even to this former black belt.
Rated 09 Oct 2007
85
88th
His good side is not the karate or in any type of struggle, and yes the oriental philosophy. Classic.
Rated 17 Oct 2007
70
22nd
Preachy and silly and funny and enduring. "Wax on, Wax off": a classic!
Rated 19 Oct 2007
75
85th
Wax on, Wax off. Paint the fence. The crane. A whole generation of kids misguidedly thought they knew karate thanks to this movie. I don't know much, but I know that's quite an accomplishment.
Rated 20 Oct 2007
69
74th
Very entertaining and sincere. Really fun despite the subject matter. Nice message.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
0
5th
dumb.
Rated 17 Nov 2007
80
69th
nice to see as a teenager.
Rated 24 Nov 2007
80
67th
cmon who doesn't love this movie. Love good evil, and an old man who knows karate.
Rated 04 Jan 2008
80
60th
The first and probably best of the Karate Kid films. A mix between poor kid makes good and feel-good flick. Although everyone raved about Ralph Machio at the time, it was Mr Miagi that stole many of the scenes for me. Not a brilliant plot and hardly high drama, but not a bad family film even twenty years on.
Rated 15 Jan 2008
85
79th
Solid flick.
Rated 20 Jan 2008
77
74th
A kids martial-arts classic.
Rated 22 Jan 2008
55
67th
This entire film is burned in my retina since childhood. I tried watching it recently, and it's unredeemably cheesy. Like the 80's as a whole, its value nowadays is entirely nostalgic.
Rated 02 Feb 2008
3
61st
A real slice of 80's nostalgia. Everything about this movie is 80's, from the soundtrack to the cheesy victory for the underdog storyline. There are even some awesome training montages!
Rated 11 Feb 2008
68
26th
if it weren't for the embarrassingly bad sequels, I'd be tempted to say this film was actually good.
Rated 15 Feb 2008
70
20th
Classic. A must see.
Rated 24 Feb 2008
76
51st
If you think about it, you will find that this is pure parenting sublimed in movie that average kid can comprehend. But kid must be born before 1984, becouse for today youth (omg, I'm starting like some old men at porch), it would be sooooo lame. Whatever.
Rated 25 Feb 2008
65
39th
a long time ago there was this movie and i did like it. i have not seen it in ages but i think today i would not like it as much.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
91
87th
You had me with "where did these cars come from -- Detroit"
Rated 06 Mar 2008
88
40th
wax on, wax off
Rated 19 Mar 2008
75
55th
He kicks that dude in the face
Rated 30 Mar 2008
77
45th
Made me want to pay attention in Karate class.
Rated 05 Apr 2008
75
59th
This was one of my favorite movies as a kid. As a rule, I don't really like movies about boxing and martial arts as a sport - it just seems too brutal, I guess. But this is cheesy enough to be enjoyable, the fight scenes are well choreographed and intense and although the main character gets on my nerves sometimes, Mr. Miyagi is a classic mentor, up there with Yoda and Zorro (other favorite mentors of mine). BANZAI!!!
Rated 05 May 2008
80
46th
Now with 100% more Scientology!
Rated 28 May 2008
80
53rd
Mr. Miyagi is just great!
Rated 02 Jun 2008
88
92nd
A wonderful movie for teenagers who feel out-of-place.
Rated 09 Jun 2008
69
37th
Another classic
Rated 24 Jun 2008
95
91st
Who hasn't seen the Karate Kid. "Wax On, Wax Off"
Rated 27 Jun 2008
84
94th
Nice
Rated 29 Jun 2008
4
16th
average.
Rated 22 Jul 2008
80
52nd
Hell yes! One of the great classics of all time. Not only is it an iconic 80s flic, but it teaches us all that if we believe in ourselves, we can achieve anything!
Rated 28 Jul 2008
90
81st
Classic. Well acted. The film holds up well today, except for the soundtrack, which is totally mid-80s.
Rated 29 Jul 2008
78
98th
Sentimental favorite. My favorite movie pre-adolescence. One of the gold standards for the "family" genre. It is also one of the best mentor-mentee films of all time.
Rated 20 Aug 2008
30
13th
x0
Rated 03 Sep 2008
87
36th
"Wax on! Wax off!"
Rated 13 Sep 2008
80
35th
"Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand."
Rated 17 Sep 2008
22
20th
allerede dum da den kom frem

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