Whether you have seen all the Karate Kid movies or not, you have probably heard the famous quote “Wax on, wax off”! For someone who has never seen these movies, it probably makes no sense, but for those of us who did, it makes perfect sense; what seems to be a mundane chore is a valuable lesson in karate technique and muscle memory. Each movie follows the journey of various teenagers who are taught the ways of martial arts and a more compassionate form of karate to defend themselves against bullies. It is no wonder that the movies have created a decades-long pop culture phenomenon; they center around a subject that in some way we all can relate to, and we always want to root for the good guy who is fighting for what is right!
Karate Kid 1984
In the movie where it all began, Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio, opens a new window, finds himself the target of bullies after moving to a new town with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller). These bullies study Karate at the Cobra Kai dojo —a hall or place for immersive learning. 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. The storyline is based on the life of screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen. I don’t want to give too much away for those that may not have seen it, but in essence, you learn what wax on, wax off really means, you witness a fly caught with chopsticks, and a fence balancing act that showcase the themes of discipline, self-esteem, and perseverance.
Karate Kid Part II (1986)
With the original turning out to be a box office hit, grossing over $130 million worldwide, it is no wonder a second one would hit the screen so soon! The storyline continues with Mr. Miyagi returning home to his dying father in Japan. He ends up bringing his protégé, Daniel, and the action and drama take off too when Miyagi must confront his old rival and deal with unresolved issues from his past while Daniel navigates new challenges and a blossoming romance. Again, there is a battle of good against evil, with Daniel facing off against Miyagi’s rival’s arrogant nephew. While it was another commercial success grossing $115 million, it did stray quite a bit from the tone and story of the first one. It shifted the focus from Daniel to Mr. Miyagi, making it feel more like a spinoff than a sequel. Nonetheless, it was still a hit with young and old alike.
Karate Kid Part III (1989)
This is the final chapter of the Daniel and Miyagi storyline in the series. Some say this part was not as strong as the first two movies, but there is definite evidence of growth and maturing in the relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. It holds a new type of struggle, one being the strain in their relationship and the other being that for the first time, Daniel truly doesn’t want to fight, but is forced to decide whether or not fighting is worth it anymore. Giving some ironic drama in a karate movie for sure.
The Next Karate Kid (1994)
If you are wondering if Mr. Miyagi will be mentoring someone again, then you guessed right, but in this one, it is a troubled teen named Julie, played by Hilary Swank. Having lost her parents suddenly, she is dealing with a great loss, bullies, and trying to find her way in life. Mr. Miyagi takes her under his wing, and teaches her life lessons through karate. Meanwhile, Julie cares for an injured Harris’s hawk named “Angel.” Some have said she says the word hawk one too many times, but this amazing bird also helps her develop patience, empathy, and gives her a closer connection with nature. Of all the movies, this one was considered the least successful, but I think it is definitely worth checking out anyway, especially if you want to complete this iconic collection and maybe see a Harris’s hawk.
The Karate Kid (2010)
If you are a big fan of Mr. Miyagi, then you may be a little disappointed with this movie, but not to worry, there is a Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, a maintenance man who is also a martial arts master. The main character is a 12-year-old boy named Dre Parker, played by Jaden Smith, who has just moved to China with his mom and is dealing with a bully named Cheng. In this film, Kung Fu is the featured martial art, which reflects the new setting and the desire to showcase a different style of training. Han teaches Dre in the hope that Dre will be able to face down Cheng and perhaps win the heart of a pretty girl named Mei Ying. It ultimately is a remake of the original with some of the same terms like “Wax on, wax off,” but with its own saying, “Kung Fu lives in everything we do. It lives in how we put on our jacket and how we take off the jacket.” I don’t know about you, but I see a similarity there.
Cobra Kai series spin off (2018 – 2025)
Because we couldn’t get enough of the pop culture phenomenon that is The Karate Kid, a series was created! This American comedy-drama web television series is a basic sequel to the original Karate Kid movie. The first season was on YouTube Premium, also known as YouTube Red. Set thirty-three years after the storyline of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament, Johnny Lawrence (William Zapka) seeks to redeem himself by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo and rekindling his rivalry with the now successful Daniel LaRusso (Macchio). Both men are dealing with past demons and current life struggles in the main way they have learned: through karate. I won’t delve into it more than that in case you want to make some popcorn and binge-watch it for yourself.
Karate Kid: Legends (May 2025)
Now for the movie we have all been waiting for, Karate Kid: Legends. It will be in theatres this month, May 30! Who would have thought that after 41 years we would be anticipating another movie?! The Karate Kid will no longer be considered a tetralogy with 4 movies spanning over 26 years. With a storyline that holds many of the themes we have come to know and love, like honor, tradition, and overcoming the adversities of change and bullies, Legends looks to stir some old memories and create some new ones as well! It has some new characters and some old ones too, and after watching the trailer, I can see why they chose the title, Legends. Psssst….Jackie Chan & Ralph Macchio! I can't help but wonder if this will be the final movie. If it is, I know that the legacy created by The Karate Kid franchise will stand the test of time and be just as strong as any Kung Fu or Karate master ever could!
Maybe I will see you in the theaters later this month!
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