If you want to watch the Karate Kid movies in order, the franchise spans several decades and follows the journey of different martial arts students guided by wise mentors.
The original Karate Kid films began in 1984 and quickly became one of the most recognizable martial arts movie franchises in Hollywood. The story focuses on young students learning karate not only as a form of self-defense but also as a philosophy for discipline, balance, and personal growth.
This guide explains the correct way to watch the Karate Kid movies in order, including both chronological order and release order.
Karate Kid Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- Karate Kid Movies in Chronological Order
- Karate Kid Movies in Release Order
- Karate Kid Movies Checklist (Printable)
- FAQ
Karate Kid Movies in Chronological Order
- The Karate Kid (1984)
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- The Next Karate Kid (1994)
- The Karate Kid (2010)
- Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
The original trilogy follows Daniel LaRusso and his mentor Mr. Miyagi. Later films expand the universe with new students and teachers while keeping the same martial arts philosophy.
Karate Kid Movies in Release Order
- The Karate Kid (1984)
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- The Next Karate Kid (1994)
- The Karate Kid (2010)
- Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
Karate Kid: Legends (2025) expands the Karate Kid universe by bringing together characters from both the original films and the 2010 reboot while continuing the legacy of martial arts mentorship.
Karate Kid Movies Checklist (Printable)
- The Karate Kid (1984)
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- The Next Karate Kid (1994)
- The Karate Kid (2010)
- Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
Download Karate Kid Movies Checklist (PDF)
FAQ
How many Karate Kid movies are there?
There are six Karate Kid movies released between 1984 and 2025.
Is Cobra Kai connected to the Karate Kid movies?
Yes. The Netflix series Cobra Kai continues the story decades after the original Karate Kid films and features several returning characters.
Should you watch Karate Kid movies before Cobra Kai?
Yes, watching the Karate Kid movies in order helps viewers understand the backstory of the characters that appear in Cobra Kai.
Final Thoughts
The Karate Kid movies in order represent one of the most beloved martial arts franchises ever created. The films focus not only on karate but also on life lessons about discipline, respect, and perseverance.
For more information about the franchise you can visit the Karate Kid franchise overview .