Movies

Karate Kid Fans NEED To See These Movies!

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The Karate Kid series expands further, with fans eagerly anticipating the sixth film titled Karate Kid: Legends. This upcoming movie takes place three years following the storyline of Cobra Kai, and is scheduled for release. In this new installment, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio will once again step into their iconic roles, while Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen, and Sadie Stanley are set to join the cast in prominent positions. Notably, this film marks the first Karate Kid production without the late Jerry Weintraub, who passed away in 2015.

The idea of individuals mastering combat skills and excelling at it is quite fascinating, which is why it has been replicated numerous times since the initial film was released in 1984. The ’80s and ’90s saw a surge of films that were essentially copies of The Karate Kid. However, some of these imitations are just as enjoyable as the original they emulate. Here are some of the most notable instances.

10
‘Showdown’ (1993)

As a cinephile, let me tell you about a movie titled “Showdown“. In this flick, I find myself unwittingly drawn into a mess after charming the girlfriend of the school’s resident thug. However, luckily for me, our trusty janitor, Billy (Billy Blanks), who has a secret past as a policeman, steps in and offers to teach me some martial arts moves. This way, I can stand up for myself!

Fighting Over Love

The movie “The Karate Kid” tells a story about an ex-military man (who now does various jobs) guiding a young person when he notices the younger one is being bullied due to romantic reasons. Although it might seem like a typical studio production, this film stands out with its unique elegance and suspense, thanks to impressive action scenes and well-developed characters. Both actors deliver genuine performances, while the opening scene, revealing how Billy lost his job and ended up as a janitor, is particularly touching.

9
‘The Power of One’ (1992)

The Power of One” is a narrative about PK, an Anglo-South African child maturing amidst the Apartheid era. He endures racial prejudice and torment at his boarding school but experiences a change when a boxing coach named Geel Piet (Morgan Freeman) decides to instruct him in combat techniques.

Beating Racism

From a film enthusiast’s perspective, if The Karate Kid was reimagined with an eye towards Academy Awards, it would take the shape of “The Power of One“. Despite its seemingly generic premise, it offers a powerfully gripping drama that stands out. Though many characters in the narrative seem to harbor hidden transgressions, the film manages to keep a delightful, entertaining tone running throughout, even at its slowest moments. Keep an eye out for Daniel Craig, making his debut on the big screen in this captivating production.

8
‘Gymkata’ (1985)

Gymkata features Kurt Thomas, an Olympic gymnast, playing the role of Jonathan Cabot. He’s not just any gymnast, but one who is enlisted by an American intelligence agency for a lethal contest known as “The Game,” which takes place in the make-believe nation of Parmistan. The incentive? The United States gets to build a satellite tracking station in that country.

Muscles and Skills Do Wonders

1. In an unusual twist, Cabot plays a fish-out-of-water character, yet he swiftly adapts to his new environment. Guided by a wise Japanese master, this intriguing, edge-of-your-seat film improves with each watch. Despite being new to acting, there’s an undeniable on-screen camaraderie between Thomas and his fellow actors. Make sure you catch the climax, which showcases a brilliant, understated brilliance that never fails to impress.

2. Cabot is like a fish out of water as the protagonist, but he swiftly learns the ways. Trained by a Japanese guru, this gripping thriller keeps getting more captivating with each viewing. Although Thomas wasn’t accustomed to acting, there’s an electric chemistry between him and his co-stars on screen. Don’t skip the ending, which is nothing short of a subtle, genius masterpiece.

3. Cabot is a fish-out-of-water in this role, but he catches on quickly. Trained by a Japanese guru, this enthralling, nail-biting film just gets better with every viewing. Despite being new to acting, Thomas and his co-stars share an undeniable screen chemistry. Don’t miss the conclusion, which is pure, understated genius at its finest.

4. As a fish-out-of-water character, Cabot soon adapts. Guided by a Japanese master, this captivating, suspenseful movie improves with each watch. Even though Thomas wasn’t familiar with acting, there’s an undeniable chemistry between him and his co-stars on screen. Don’t forget to catch the finale, which showcases a brilliant, understated brilliance that never disappoints.

5. As the fish-out-of-water protagonist, Cabot learns quickly. Under the tutelage of a Japanese guru, this riveting, edge-of-your-seat film only gets better with each viewing. Although Thomas wasn’t experienced in acting, there’s an electric on-screen chemistry between him and his co-stars. Don’t miss the climax, which is a testament to subtle, genius storytelling.

7
‘Kickboxer: Retaliation’ (2018)

Following his portrayal of fighter Kurt Sloane in the initial Kickboxer film, Jean-Claude Van Damme assumed a new role as Master Durand in the movie Kickboxer: Retaliation. In this sequel not belonging to the original series, the character Sloane (now played by Alain Moussi) finds himself compelled to battle an enormous fighter, standing at 6’8″ and weighing around 400 lbs.

David vs. Goliath

In a scenario where the main character stands at 6 feet 8 inches and weighs 400 pounds, it’s safe to say he’s facing long odds, much like in the movie “Karate Kid.” That’s why he needs a sort of upgrade in his fighting techniques. And that’s where Durand enters the picture. Unlike early Jean-Claude Van Damme films with questionable plots, there’s real depth here, backed by fantastic fight sequences. Keep an eye out for Mike Tyson. He makes an appearance as well.

6
‘Magic Kid’ (1993)

11-year-old karate prodigy Kevin Ryan (Stephen Furst), hailing from Kalamazoo, Michigan, plans to spend his summer vacation with his uncle. However, upon arrival in California, he discovers that his uncle has a significant debt to settle with some unsavory characters, who are threatening to pay a visit. The question is: Will Kevin take action before the situation escalates in the movie “Magic Kid”?

Kids to the Rescue

With a blend of tender and laugh-out-loud moments, the movie “Magic Kid” skillfully pulls at your heartstrings throughout its duration. This action-packed film offers an interesting twist on the typical formula, serving as a sort of reverse “Karate Kid” where the younger character assists the older one instead of vice versa. It’s always entertaining to see children outsmarting adults (when they aren’t your own). The movie “Home Alone” demonstrated this concept effectively long ago, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the director of this film drew inspiration from that classic as well.

5
‘Never Back Down’ (2008)

16-year-old Jake Tyler undergoes challenging and uncomfortable changes when his parents compel him to transfer to a school in Orlando, a move intended to boost his younger brother’s tennis aspirations. Initially, he encounters humiliation and physical harm when he attempts to retaliate against the school’s MMA champion over insensitive remarks about his deceased father. Fortunately, his new acquaintance introduces him to an MMA coach, leading to a turnaround in his circumstances, as depicted in the movie titled “Never Back Down.

Starting Over

Never Back Down is a vibrant, thrilling teen action movie blending themes of camaraderie and rivalry. Essentially, it’s not only about fighting; it also portrays the challenging experience of a teenager adapting to a new environment after an initial defeat. Maintaining emotional depth while never sacrificing its visually appealing aspects, the film is a remarkable, unforgettable masterpiece.

4
‘The Last Dragon’ (1985)

In the movie titled “The Last Dragon“, the protagonist Leroy Green is an ardent admirer of Bruce Lee and a martial arts student. His ambition lies in reaching the pinnacle of mastery, a level known as “The Last Dragon.” Consequently, he embarks on a spiritual odyssey to locate Master Sum Dum Goy, a sage he believes can aid him in this pursuit. However, before he can reach his mentor, he must contend with Sho’nuff, also known as the “Shogun of Harlem”, who regards Leroy as the sole hurdle preventing him from being recognized as the true master.

Striving To Be the Best

In a quirky blend of “Karate Kid” and Bruce Lee-inspired films, this stylish musical martial arts production is filled with catchy tunes, hilarious visual jokes, and numerous subtle cultural references. At one point, Leroy adopts the nickname Bruce Lee’roy. Hold up, tiger. You’ll be captivated by the eccentric ensemble cast and the amusing extremes some characters reach when performing even the most basic tasks.

3
‘American Samurai’ (1992)

The story of American Samurai begins when an American child miraculously survives a plane crash in Japan and is subsequently adopted by a skilled samurai master. Growing up under his care, he surpasses even the master’s biological son, leading to bitter sibling rivalry. Feeling overshadowed and resentful, the brother turns to the Yakuza, much like Caine from other tales. As they grow older, their lives intersect once more.

Bro Vs. Bro

Is it not the case that Mark Dacascos is often underestimated as a martial arts movie star, especially compared to his contemporaries? While younger viewers might recognize him as the assassin Zero from John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, or not know him at all, those born in the ’80s and earlier would likely be familiar with him as one of the top martial artists of that era. Here, he demonstrates his skills once more in a new story that explores how humans can transform into potent weapons through training. Initially feeble, but ultimately formidable.

2
‘The Perfect Weapon’ (1991)

In the film “The Perfect Weapon”, Jeff Sanders portrays a character who works in construction. Unbeknownst to most, he’s also a dedicated student of American Kenpo, striving to master martial arts. When his friend, Kim (Mako Iwamatsu), a compassionate shop owner, is tragically killed by the Korean mafia, Jeff’s hidden skills become crucial. Will Jeff be able to seek retribution?

Revenge is a Must

Jeff embodies a unique blend of Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid, making him an incredibly captivating character. Speakman delivers an exceptional performance in this martial arts movie as he portrays the protagonist with genuine ambition, but one that is hampered by the hardships he encounters. The film goes beyond just martial arts, addressing themes like greed, classism, and camaraderie.

1
‘Only the Strong’ (1993)

In the movie “Only the Strong“, it bothers ex-Green Beret Louis Stevens (Mark Dacascos) that his old school is now overwhelmed by drugs and violence. So, he proposes to teach a rowdy group of students martial arts, believing this could provide them with direction. However, these students quickly catch the eye of a local drug kingpin who harbors ill feelings towards Louis.

Turning Students into Fighting Machines

This movie, “Only the Strong,” could be seen as a copy of “The Karate Kid,” but it stands out in a unique way. It’s the only known American film to prominently feature Capoeira, a distinctive Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines aspects of acrobatics, dance, music, and spirituality. While it may not completely overturn traditional sentimental genre tropes, it does tell a compelling story that underscores the importance of learning and personal transformation.

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2025-05-17 22:34

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