<em>The Karate Kid</em> movie franchise consists of five films, including sequels and a remake, and this article ranks them from the least to the most impressive. The original The Karate Kid introduced audiences to the memorable characters of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his wise karate mentor, Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita). Following its success, 1986’s The Karate Kid Part II and 1989’s The Karate Kid Part III were released, with Morita leading 1994’s The Next Karate Kid, featuring Hilary Swank as Julie Pierce, Mr. Miyagi’s second student. In a surprising revival, a 2010 remake of The Karate Kid featured Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, introducing this classic story to a new generation.
Equally essential to the enduring success of The Karate Kid series is the infamous Cobra Kai dojo, which served as Daniel’s adversary and returned in the critically acclaimed series Cobra Kai. This show, which started on YouTube Red and transitioned to Netflix, reignited Daniel LaRusso’s rivalry with Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). Cobra Kai has not only cemented the legacy of The Karate Kid but has also inspired a fresh wave of viewers to explore the original films. Audiences soon discover that the films vary significantly in quality, with some standing out as fan favorites. Nevertheless, the franchise continues to resonate, and one film undoubtedly shines above the rest.
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The Next Karate Kid (1994)
The Last Film Featuring Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi
The Next Karate Kid
- Release Date
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July 18, 1994
- Runtime
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107 minutes
- Director
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Christopher Cain
- Writers
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Robert Mark Kamen, Mark Lee
The Next Karate Kid represents the final film featuring Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, albeit without Ralph Macchio taking on the role of Daniel LaRusso. This installment, also referred to as The Karate Kid Part IV, marks the film debut of future Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank, who portrays Julie Pierce, a troubled teenager from Boston under Mr. Miyagi’s mentorship. Notably, this is the first film in the Karate Kid series that was neither directed by John G. Avildsen nor penned by Robert Mark Kamen.
The narrative revolves around Mr. Miyagi discovering that Julie Pierce, the granddaughter of his deceased World War II friend, has some prior knowledge of Miyagi-Do karate. Consequently, he decides to continue her training while imparting crucial life lessons. The film also features Michael Ironside as the antagonist, Colonel Paul Duga, and Walton Goggins in a minor role as one of the Alpha Elite, serving as the film’s version of Cobra Kai’s antagonists.
Despite the captivating dynamic between Miyagi and Julie, alongside the athletic performance by Swank, The Next Karate Kid unfortunately ranks lowest among the Karate Kid films. The characters lack depth, and the stakes become increasingly far-fetched. The climax culminates in a predictable confrontation between the Alpha Elite, Julie, and her boyfriend Eric McGowen (Chris Conrad), mirroring the conclusion of The Karate Kid Part II. Just as the Cobra Kai gang betrayed John Kreese (Martin Kove) in the second film, the defeated Alpha Elite turn their backs on Colonel Dugan, who faces humiliation at the hands of Miyagi, much like Kreese did.
While The Next Karate Kid introduces a novel aspect with the inclusion of Buddhist monks at their monastery, which serves as a training ground for Julie, the portrayal of the monks leans more towards comedic relief rather than exploring the deeper philosophical teachings of Miyagi-Do karate. Although the film experienced a lackluster reception both critically and financially upon its release in 1994, moments of joy still arise from watching Mr. Miyagi train Julie-san, all while reminiscing about how “boys are easier.”
Related
Karate Kid & Cobra Kai Timeline Explained
The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai saga spans Mr. Miyagi’s life and continues with the children of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence in the 21st century.
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The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
Daniel’s Karate Kid Trilogy Concludes on a Disappointing Note
