"Top Karate Kid Films Ranked"

This week marks the release of *Karate Kid: Legends*, a film that unites two distinct eras of the beloved franchise—the iconic '80s *Karate Kid* films and the 2010 reboot. At one point, the 2010 version was intended to exist outside the original continuity, but now, thanks to *Legends*, both universes are finally brought together in a seamless cinematic fusion.

In this exciting new chapter, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan join forces as Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han—karate and kung fu mentors who have each guided young students through trials of strength, discipline, and personal growth. Their on-screen collaboration marks a historic moment for the franchise, blending decades of martial arts storytelling into one unforgettable experience.

And to address the big question: yes, *Netflix’s Cobra Kai* remains canon in relation to *Karate Kid: Legends*. While you won't see any *Cobra Kai* characters directly appearing in *Legends*, the events of the series are acknowledged and respected within the new film's storyline. Set three years after the conclusion of *Cobra Kai*, *Legends* follows Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han as he seeks out Daniel LaRusso’s help to train a promising new student, Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang (*American Born Chinese*).

With such rich narrative history, it’s the perfect time to look back at the entire *Karate Kid* film series and rank each installment. The original trilogy features the legendary Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, guiding Daniel through life’s toughest battles—both inside and outside the dojo. Hilary Swank also joined the fold in *The Next Karate Kid*, bringing a fresh perspective to the mentor-student dynamic. Meanwhile, the 2010 reboot reimagined the classic relationship with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith stepping into roles reminiscent of Miyagi and Daniel.

Ranking the Karate Kid Movies

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