Karate Kid: Legends

If you’ve been following The Karate Kid saga from the '80s to the Cobra Kai series, then Karate Kid: Legends is your next must-watch. This 2025 martial arts drama brings together two generations of Karate Kid icons—Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio—while introducing a fresh face, Ben Wang, as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy with a troubled past and a lot to prove.

The story kicks off in Beijing, where Li trains under his great-uncle Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). But after a family tragedy, Li and his mother move to New York City, where he struggles to fit in. Things heat up when Li gets tangled with a local karate champ and ends up entering a high-stakes martial arts tournament. Realizing his kung fu alone won’t cut it, Mr. Han calls in an old friend—Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)—to help Li blend kung fu with Miyagi-Do karate. What follows is a journey of growth, healing, and some seriously cool training montages.

Fans of the original films and Cobra Kai will love the nostalgic callbacks, especially seeing Chan and Macchio share the screen for the first time. There’s even a cameo from William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence and archival footage of Mr. Miyagi, which adds a nice emotional touch. The film also dives into the origins of Miyagi-Do karate, tying it back to a centuries-old connection between the Miyagi and Han families.

At 94 minutes, the movie keeps things moving with a mix of action, heart, and humor. The fight scenes are solid, and the emotional beats—especially around Li’s grief and his bond with his mentors—give the story some depth. The soundtrack, composed by Dominic Lewis, blends new music with classic Karate Kid themes, which longtime fans will appreciate.

That said, critics were a bit split. Some felt the film leaned too hard on nostalgia and could’ve been tighter in execution. But audiences seemed to enjoy it, giving it an A- CinemaScore. If you’re into martial arts, underdog stories, or just want to see Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio kick butt again, this one’s for you. If you’re not into franchise films or haven’t followed the Karate Kid universe, it might not hit as hard.

All in all, Karate Kid: Legends is a heartfelt, action-packed continuation of a beloved franchise that bridges old-school karate with a new generation of fighters.