The Karate Kid

1984 · 2h07 · Film

Directed by John G. Avildsen

Starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, Ron Thomas, Rob Garrison, Chad McQueen, Tony O'Dell

Ideal when you feel… Bored Happy Sad / low

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.

Original language

English

Screenplay

Robert Mark Kamen

Music

Bill Conti

Cinematography

James Crabe

Cast

William Zabka, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, Ron Thomas, Rob Garrison, Chad McQueen, Tony O'Dell, Israel Juarbe, William Bassett

Updated July 22, 2026

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