How Many Karate Kid Movies Are There? Full List & Timeline

By Sarah Miller · May 10, 2036

There are a total of 6 official Karate Kid movies, including the original trilogy, the 2010 remake, and the two sequels that continue the story in the Cobra Kai era: The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), The Next Karate Kid (1994), THE KARATE KID (2010), Cobra Kai: The Movie (2022), and Cobra Kai: A New Beginning (2025).

Understanding the Karate Kid Franchise Timeline

The Karate Kid series has evolved significantly since its debut in 1984. What began as a coming-of-age martial arts drama has expanded into a multigenerational saga spanning over four decades. The franchise includes films centered on Daniel LaRusso, Mr. Miyagi, and later, new protagonists like Dre Parker and Robby Keene.

Original Karate Kid Series (1984–1994)

The Karate Kid (1984) – Introduces Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi.
The Karate Kid Part II (1986) – Continues Daniel's journey in Okinawa.
The Karate Kid Part III (1989) – Focuses on Terry Silver's manipulation of Cobra Kai.
The Next Karate Kid (1994) – Features Julie Pierce, trained by Mr. Miyagi.

Modern Era and Reboots (2010–Present)

THE KARATE KID (2010) – A reboot starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.
Cobra Kai: The Movie (2022) – Direct continuation of the original series' legacy.
Cobra Kai: A New Beginning (2025) – Latest installment bridging old and new characters.

Key Characters Across the Karate Kid Films

The emotional core of the franchise lies in mentorship, discipline, and personal growth. Below is a breakdown of central figures and their appearances across the films.

Character	Actor	Films Appeared In	First Appearance	Notable Dojo
Daniel LaRusso	Ralph Macchio	5	1984	Miyagi-Do
Mr. Kesuke Miyagi	Noriyuki Pat Morita	4	1984	Miyagi-Do
Johnny Lawrence	William Zabka	4	1984	Cobra Kai
Dre Parker	Jaden Smith	1	2010	Wax On Wax Off
Master Li	Jackie Chan (mentor role)	1	2010	Temple Martial Arts
Robby Keene	Jacob Bertrand	2	2022	Eagle Fang / Miyagi-Do

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that Ralph Macchio and William Zabka have become central figures across generations, with their rivalry evolving into mutual respect. Mr. Miyagi remains the most influential mentor, appearing in four films and shaping the philosophy of multiple students. The 2010 film introduced a global perspective by shifting the setting to China, expanding the cultural scope of the franchise.

Themes and Martial Arts Philosophy

Each Karate Kid movie emphasizes personal development through martial arts. Core themes include:

Respect and humility over aggression
The balance between tradition and modernity
Intergenerational mentorship
Redemption and second chances
Discipline as a life skill beyond fighting

The iconic "wax on, wax off" training method symbolizes how seemingly mundane tasks build foundational skills. This metaphor extends beyond karate, teaching patience and attention to detail.

About the Karate Kid Legacy and Cobra Kai Series Impact

The revival of the franchise through the Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018–2025) redefined the narrative, showing the long-term consequences of childhood rivalries. The two films released under this continuity — Cobra Kai: The Movie (2022) and Cobra Kai: A New Beginning (2025) — were produced as cinematic conclusions to the series arc.

These films seamlessly blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, introducing younger fighters while honoring the original cast. Their success proves the enduring appeal of the Karate Kid message: true strength comes from character, not just combat skill.

Common Questions About the Karate Kid Movies

Is The Next Karate Kid part of the main series?

Yes, The Next Karate Kid (1994) is an official sequel featuring Mr. Miyagi mentoring a new student, Julie Pierce. While it doesn't follow Daniel LaRusso, it continues the core teachings of Miyagi-Do karate and is recognized as the fourth installment in the franchise.

Does the 2010 Karate Kid movie connect to the original series?

No, the 2010 Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith is a standalone reboot set in China, with no narrative connection to the original films. It features a different protagonist, Dre Parker, and martial art style (kung fu), though the mentorship theme remains consistent.

Are the Cobra Kai movies canon?

Yes, Cobra Kai: The Movie (2022) and Cobra Kai: A New Beginning (2025) are fully canonical, serving as direct continuations of the original trilogy and the Cobra Kai TV series. They feature the return of Ralph Macchio and William Zabka as central characters.

How many Karate Kid movies did Mr. Miyagi appear in?

Mr. Miyagi appeared in four films: The Karate Kid (1984), Part II (1986), Part III (1989), and The Next Karate Kid (1994). His legacy continues to influence all subsequent entries, even after his passing in the storyline.

What order should I watch the Karate Kid movies?

For chronological viewing: 1) The Karate Kid (1984), 2) Part II (1986), 3) Part III (1989), 4) The Next Karate Kid (1994), 5) THE KARATE KID (2010), 6) Cobra Kai series (2018–2025), 7) Cobra Kai: The Movie (2022), 8) Cobra Kai: A New Beginning (2025). For thematic impact, start with the originals before the reboot.