10 Movies & Shows Like The Karate Kid (1984)

Description: This classic martial arts film shares themes of honor, discipline, and revenge with The Karate Kid. Both films feature a tournament setting where the protagonist must prove his worth.

Fact: Bruce Lee's most famous film. Released posthumously. The film is credited with popularizing martial arts cinema worldwide.

Description: This action-packed film shares the martial arts training and underdog elements with The Karate Kid. The protagonist, a soldier, uses his skills to fight injustice, much like Daniel standing up to bullies.

Fact: Launched the American Ninja series. Michael Dudikoff became an action star because of this role. The film blends military action with martial arts.

Description: A blend of martial arts and music, this film shares the coming-of-age and underdog themes with The Karate Kid. The protagonist seeks to achieve the highest level of martial arts mastery, much like Daniel's journey.

Fact: Produced by Motown founder Berry Gordy. Features the iconic villain Sho'nuff. The film has a cult following for its unique mix of genres.

Description: Like The Karate Kid, Bloodsport features an underdog protagonist who trains rigorously to compete in a martial arts tournament. Both films highlight the importance of discipline, honor, and overcoming personal challenges.

Fact: Based on the alleged real-life exploits of Frank Dux. Jean-Claude Van Damme's breakout role. The film popularized the Kumite, a secret martial arts tournament.

Description: This film shares the tournament structure and underdog theme with The Karate Kid. It focuses on a team of martial artists who must overcome personal and collective challenges to compete against a formidable opponent.

Fact: Features an early role for James Earl Jones. The film emphasizes teamwork and camaraderie, unlike the solo journey in Karate Kid. It spawned several sequels.

Description: Like The Karate Kid, Kickboxer features a protagonist who trains under a skilled mentor to avenge a wrong. Both films highlight the transformative power of martial arts training.

Fact: Jean-Claude Van Damme performs his famous split stretch in this film. The movie's success led to several sequels. It's known for its intense training montages.

Description: Similar to The Karate Kid, this film focuses on young protagonists learning martial arts to defend themselves. It combines action with comedy and family themes, appealing to a younger audience.

Fact: Originally titled '3 Ninja Kids'. The film's success led to multiple sequels. It emphasizes the bond between siblings and their grandfather, who trains them.

Description: This film mirrors The Karate Kid's theme of a young, bullied kid finding confidence through martial arts. It also features a mentorship dynamic, though with a more comedic tone.

Fact: Stars Chuck Norris as himself. The protagonist's fantasies about being a martial arts hero drive the narrative. It's a family-friendly take on the martial arts underdog story.

Description: This is a direct sequel to The Karate Kid, continuing the legacy of Mr. Miyagi's teachings. It follows a similar underdog story but with a female protagonist, emphasizing discipline, respect, and personal growth through martial arts.

Fact: Hilary Swank's first major film role. Mr. Miyagi is the only character from the original to return. The film shifts focus to a new student, Julie Pierce, showcasing Miyagi's universal teaching methods.

Description: This film blends martial arts with fantasy, similar to how The Karate Kid mixes martial arts with a coming-of-age story. Both films feature a young protagonist learning valuable life lessons through martial arts.

Fact: First on-screen collaboration between Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Inspired by Chinese mythology and classic martial arts films. The protagonist's journey mirrors Daniel's in its focus on personal growth.