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.
Directed by John G. Avildsen
high school
friendship
martial arts
fight
painting
karate
bullying
sensei
bully
teen movie
los angeles, california
martial arts master
single mother
sabotage
beaten
high school student
martial arts tournament
martial arts training
crane
sport competition
school dance
semi autobiographical
mentor protégé relationship
teenage gang
teenage romance
philosophical
high school romance
bullies
Rank
#8 in 1984·#1981 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.8 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Ralph Macchio
Daniel LaRusso
Pat Morita
Mr. Miyagi
Elisabeth Shue
Ali Mills
William Zabka
Johnny Lawrence
Martin Kove
John Kreese
Ron Thomas
Bobby
Rob Garrison
Tommy
Chad McQueen
Dutch
Tony O'Dell
Jimmy
Israel Juarbe
Freddy
William Bassett
Mr. Mills
Larry B. Scott
Jerry
Crew
John G. Avildsen
Director
Robert Mark Kamen
Writer
Bill Conti
Original Music Composer
John G. Avildsen
Editor
Jerry Weintraub
Producer
Scott Wilder
Stunts
Fumio Demura
Stunts
Buck McDancer
Stunts
Pat Romano
Stunts
Bonnie Timmermann
Casting
Bill Conti
Theme Song Performance
Jonathan West
Camera Operator
Popular Reviews
4406 reviews
vi
7.0★ · 09/02/17
that crane kick bullshit would have never worked in real life
that crane kick bullshit would have never worked in real life
6
Arina
6.9★ · 06/12/24
2
lєαh
10.0★ · 09/17/24
my mamas favourite film of all time, I’ve missed it sm
my mamas favourite film of all time, I’ve missed it sm
1
FR
9.6★ · 05/25/26
Amazing Film that Represents the 80s Pop Culture. The Legacy fhat came after it is amazing!
Amazing Film that Represents the 80s Pop Culture. The Legacy fhat came after it is amazing!
Mariangela
8.6★ · 02/21/26
Empecé a ver la película por Ralph Macchio, la terminé por el Señor Miyagi
Empecé a ver la película por Ralph Macchio, la terminé por el Señor Miyagi