The original The Karate Kid (1984) is a feel-good classic that still packs a punch decades later. Directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, it’s the ultimate underdog story. Pat Morita’s performance as Mr. Miyagi is legendary—wise, kind, and quietly powerful. His chemistry with Macchio is the heart of the film, and the “wax on, wax off” training montage has become part of pop culture history. It’s more than just a martial arts movie—it’s about mentorship, discipline, and standing up for yourself. The fights are grounded, the story is simple but effective, and it builds to one of the most satisfying tournament finales in film.
The 2010 remake shifts the setting to China and ups the scale, with Jaden Smith in the lead role and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, the new mentor figure. While it’s technically not even about karate (it’s kung fu), the core story remains intact: a kid gets bullied, trains hard, and earns respect. Chan brings a more serious, emotional depth to the mentor role, and Jaden does a decent job carrying the film, especially in the more physical scenes. The film looks great, the locations are stunning, and the training sequences are well done.
It’s not as iconic, and it doesn’t have quite the same charm—but it’s far from a bad remake. It respects the original while offering a fresh take, and it manages to be entertaining and heartfelt in its own way.
Still, the original takes the win—classic characters, memorable moments, and a legacy that continues to this day.
Winner: The Karate Kid (1984) (8/10)
Solid remake: The Karate Kid (2010) (7/10)
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