Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
1980s classic has fighting but still fun for older tweens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Karate Kid
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
Parents say that the film is a beloved classic that effectively conveys positive messages about perseverance, friendship, and standing up to bullies, making it enjoyable for families. However, many express concerns regarding the language and moderate violence, suggesting that while it can be suitable for older children, some scenes may warrant parental discretion.
- positive messages
- family friendly
- language concerns
- moderate violence
- parental discretion
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 94 kid reviews
Kids say the film offers a compelling mix of life lessons and action, focusing on themes like perseverance and self-defense, even as it contains some strong language and violence. Many viewers recommend it for kids 10 and up, highlighting its entertaining storyline and iconic characters despite its occasional crude remarks and scenes of bullying.
- positive role models
- family-friendly
- moral lessons
- some violence
- strong language
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE KARATE KID, after moving from New Jersey to a small apartment complex in Southern California with his single mom, Lucille (Randee Heller), Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) finds himself an outsider at his new high school. The "cool guys" in school drive expensive convertibles, and they're more than happy to beat Daniel silly again and again. Daniel's one kind friend, Ali (Elisabeth Shue), is unfortunately also the ex-girlfriend of Daniel's chief tormentor, black belt champion Johnny (William Zabka). Unable to defend himself, Daniel turns to his apartment's superintendent, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), for help. Mr. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel karate––but in his own, unique way. After some unorthodox training (waxing cars, sanding floors, painting fences, catching flies), Mr. Miyagi convinces Johnny's aggressive karate instructor, Kreese (Martin Kove), to make his pupils back off ... until the next karate championship.
Is It Any Good?
This movie isn't a slick, angsty coming-of-age drama, but there's so much to just enjoy about it. Not many movies can make cross-generational friendships seem authentic, but The Karate Kid's Macchio and Morita manage to achieve a closeness that's believably touching. When Daniel tells Mr. Miyagi "You're my best friend," it's not awkward––it's true. Daniel and Mr. Miyagi are like a more relatable Luke and Obi Wan or Harry and Dumbledore, and it's that archetypal teacher-hero dynamic that ultimately makes this movie a winner.
Despite some dated details (the big hair, the track suits, the funny-looking cars and wardrobe), the story holds up remarkably well. It was so popular in the 1980s that it spawned catchphrases ("wax on"/"wax off") and several sequels, still gaining fans decades later.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Daniel is the stereotypical "new boy in town" in The Karate Kid. How does he feel about starting over in a completely new place? How does Daniel's relationship with Mr. Miyagi change both of their lives?
This is, at its root, an underdog story. What other movies fit into this genre? What are some similarities between the main characters' journeys? Who helps them? Who are their rivals?
How do class and financial status affect Daniel's place in the high school hierarchy? Ali's country club parents treat Daniel shabbily. Why? Kids: How do you treat people from different backgrounds, or those who are new in town?
How do the characters in The Karate Kid demonstrate self-control, perseverance, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 22, 1984
- On DVD or streaming : June 7, 2005
- Cast : Ralph Macchio , Elisabeth Shue , Pat Morita
- Director : John G. Avildsen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 127 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic intensity and mild violence
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate