Why It Ranks
The Karate Kid launched a franchise that endures through Cobra Kai. Morita's Miyagi is one of cinema's greatest mentors. The training-through-chores concept is genius. Avildsen proved his Rocky formula was universal.
The Film
The Karate Kid is the quintessential mentor-student sports film. Pat Morita earned an Oscar nomination as Mr. Miyagi, the maintenance man who teaches Daniel LaRusso karate through wax-on, wax-off chores that are actually defensive techniques. John G. Avildsen, who directed Rocky, applies the same underdog formula with equal effectiveness. The crane kick finale became one of the most iconic moments in 1980s cinema.
Fun Facts
Pat Morita was primarily known as a comedian before this role — the studio initially resisted his casting.
Ralph Macchio was 22 years old playing a high school student.
The crane kick would actually be illegal in real tournament karate — it is a face kick.
The Cobra Kai series, launched in 2018, revived the franchise for a new generation.
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