Where to start
The Karate Kid
2 versions · originally a film, 1984
Themes: Underdog Story, Mentor-Mentee Relationship, Bullying, Self-Discovery, East vs. West.
The Karate Kid chronicles the transformative journey of an underdog finding discipline and inner strength through the rigorous mentorship of a martial arts master.
✦ Most fans start here
Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
The original movie
The Karate Kid
John G. Avildsen · Film · 1984
The Karate Kid (1984) establishes the definitive underdog narrative, focusing on Daniel LaRusso’s emotional growth under Mr. Miyagi’s tutelage while navigating the intense social pressures of high school life in Los Angeles.
2025 film
✦ Start hereKarate Kid: Legends
Film · 2025
Karate Kid: Legends (2025) offers a modern, global perspective on the classic story, shifting the setting to New York City and exploring the intersection of kung fu mastery and personal adversity.
Common questions
Is The Karate Kid from 1984 related to the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends?
Yes, Karate Kid: Legends is part of the same franchise as the 1984 film The Karate Kid. Both movies share the title and core themes of the original story, connecting the legacy of the 1984 classic to the new 2025 release.
What order should I watch The Karate Kid and Karate Kid: Legends?
You should watch the original 1984 movie The Karate Kid first to understand the foundation of the series. After finishing the 1984 film, you can proceed to Karate Kid: Legends, which is scheduled for release in 2025 as the next installment in the franchise.
Does Karate Kid: Legends follow the events of The Karate Kid?
Karate Kid: Legends is the latest entry in the series that began with the 1984 film The Karate Kid. While it continues the brand, it serves as a modern addition to the cinematic universe established by the original movie.
How long has it been since the original The Karate Kid was released?
The original film The Karate Kid was released in 1984. With the release of Karate Kid: Legends arriving in 2025, there is a span of forty-one years between the debut of the 1984 movie and the newest installment in the franchise.