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Box Office Hits: Legends Reaches Major Global Milestone


<em>Karate Kid: Legends</em> has achieved a significant milestone at the box office, generating excitement and speculation about potentially surpassing the beloved original from 1984. This revival of the iconic martial arts franchise marks the first cinematic release in 15 years, merging the narratives of Ralph Macchio’s original trilogy with Jackie Chan’s 2010 reinterpretation. This new installment also represents the first major project in the franchise since the conclusion of the hit series Cobra Kai, which wrapped up its six-season journey earlier this year. Despite facing stiff competition from films like Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Legends secured an impressive third place during its opening weekend, debuting with a robust $20 million at the domestic box office.

As reported by Box Office Mojo, Karate Kid: Legends has swiftly surpassed the $75 million threshold, achieving this feat just before its third weekend in theaters. The total gross of $76.1 million consists of $37.5 million from domestic markets and an international total of $38.6 million. At this point, the sequel is positioned as the fourth highest-grossing film in the franchise, trailing only $14.7 million behind the original Karate Kid, which garnered a total of $90.8 million.

Evaluating the Success of Karate Kid: Legends Based on Box Office Milestone

Understanding the Financial Landscape: Legends Had a Budget of $45 Million

Even with some hurdles at the box office, Legends has been showing a steady performance. Although the $76.1 million overall box office figure might not appear exceptional at first glance, it’s crucial to note that the sequel operated on a budget of just $45 million. This financial context suggests that Legends stands a solid chance of reaching its break-even point by the end of its theatrical run, which could fall within the $100-110 million range. There is even a possibility that the sequel could outpace the original 1984 film in the coming week, potentially securing the position as the third highest-grossing movie in this enduring franchise.

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8 Reasons Why Audiences Loved Karate Kid: Legends More Than Critics After Achieving a Record 91% RT Score

The release of Karate Kid: Legends has sparked a noticeable divide between critical reviews and audience reactions, and here are the key reasons why numerous fans have embraced the latest addition to the Karate Kid saga.

Conversely, doubts linger regarding Legends‘ ability to surpass The Karate Kid, Part II, and it remains uncertain whether it can compete with the 2010 reboot. The first sequel grossed approximately $115 million worldwide, making it a challenging target to reach. As new releases flood the market and the summer movie season progresses, Legends is likely to gradually lose its box-office momentum. At this rate, the likelihood of the new installment matching the success of the 2010 reboot, which earned $351 million, appears quite slim.

Karate Kid Movies

Domestic Box Office

Global Box Office

The Karate Kid (1984)

$90,815,558

$90,858,381

The Karate Kid, Part II (1986)

$115,103,979

$115,103,979

The Karate Kid, Part III (1989)

$38,793,278

$38,793,278

The Next Karate Kid (1994)

$8,751,228

$15,851,228

The Karate Kid (2010)

$176,591,618

$351,774,938

Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

$37,598,182

$76,198,182

Nonetheless, Legends finds itself in a more favorable position compared to many other recent releases, thanks to its relatively modest budget. If this latest installment can successfully reach the break-even point and transition into profitability, it will bode well for the franchise’s future. This could potentially lead to discussions surrounding Karate Kid: Legends 2, which would continue the storyline that follows Ben Wang’s character, Li Fong. However, it is important to note that as of now, Sony has not announced any plans for future films, nor has there been any updates from Netflix regarding the possibility of spinoffs following Cobra Kai.

Insights on the Box Office Milestone of Karate Kid: Legends

Hoping for the Future of Karate Kid Movies

Currently, Karate Kid: Legends appears to be on a positive trajectory toward reaching its break-even point, provided it maintains its momentum despite the inevitable weekly and daily box office declines. The lower production budget has already proven advantageous for the sequel, and the enthusiastic response from audiences has likely contributed to its strong word-of-mouth marketing. This is reflected in the film’s current standings, where it boasts a remarkable 93% Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a franchise high. However, it is also essential to recognize that Legends will encounter challenges in the upcoming weeks due to competing new releases, making it uncertain whether the film can achieve its break-even target.

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Even if the film does not meet all expectations, Karate Kid: Legends is still outperforming many other new releases, and the potential for streaming services could help bridge any revenue gaps in the future. That said, the sequel must strive to maximize its earnings over the next few weeks if it hopes to surpass the original 1984 film and secure its place as the third highest-grossing entry in the franchise.

Source: Box Office Mojo


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Karate Kid: Legends

7/10

Release Date

May 30, 2025

Runtime

94 minutes

Director

Jonathan Entwistle

Writers

Rob Lieber, Robert Mark Kamen, Christopher Murphey


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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.

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