The definitive “Karate Kid” experience, as per IMDb rankings
When it comes to the “Karate Kid” franchise, balance is more than just a lesson from the iconic Mr. Miyagi, played by the late Noriyuki “Pat” Morita; it’s a key element that defines the success of the series. The original 1984 film, directed by John G. Avildsen and penned by Robert Mark Kamen, set the stage for what would become a beloved franchise. It combined the raw authenticity reminiscent of Avildsen’s “Rocky” with exciting martial arts sequences and memorable antagonists that often leaned into the comical. These narratives about determined teenage underdogs learning karate beneath Miyagi’s mentorship serve as poignant coming-of-age tales capable of tackling serious issues while remaining entertaining. Even at their weakest, these films deliver important life lessons, albeit occasionally bordering on self-parody.
Fans of “Karate Kid” generally have a consensus regarding the franchise’s peaks and valleys. The original film remains the gold standard, while the 2010 reboot is often viewed as a well-produced but less impactful reinterpretation, despite its focus on kung fu rather than karate. On the other hand, “The Karate Kid Part III” is where the series seemed to become an odd mix of overly serious and utterly absurd. And let’s not forget the 1994 soft reboot, “The Next Karate Kid,” starring Hilary Swank, which surprisingly holds up better than its poor reputation suggests.
However, if we turn to IMDb ratings for guidance, one project stands above the rest. That project is none other than “Cobra Kai,” a series that showcases many tropes often found in anime. While conceiving a legacy sequel centered on Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka, may not have initially sounded like a winning formula, “Cobra Kai” proved otherwise. From the outset, even as a YouTube Red original, the show radiates confidence and quickly draws viewers in.
IMDb users have spoken, giving “Cobra Kai” a remarkable average score of 8.4 based on around 218,000 votes, making it the highest-rated entry in the franchise. The 1984 original follows with a rating of 7.3 from 254,000 votes. What elevates “Cobra Kai” is its ability to embrace the franchise’s core theme that karate reflects one’s approach to life, presenting conflicts with greater complexity than previous films had explored. The series captivates with its thrilling martial arts choreography, often reminiscent of stylized action from films like “John Wick,” allowing audiences to follow the action with clarity.
Like the original trilogy, “Cobra Kai” becomes increasingly outrageous as it progresses, yet this is a positive development. Since its acquisition by Netflix, the show has transformed into a live-action sports anime, characterized by characters intent on boosting their “power levels,” an abundance of teen melodrama, and the kind of operatic plot twists that make even “Fast & Furious” films seem tame. Regardless, “Cobra Kai” adeptly balances earnest storytelling with self-aware humor, often poking fun at itself even as it highlights intense battles featuring characters like the mohawked “Hawk,” played by Jacob Bertrand.
Perhaps Mr. Miyagi’s wisdom about balance was more insightful than we realized. “Cobra Kai” is now available for streaming on Netflix.
