The Karate Kid (1984)

New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.

Genres: Action, Drama, Family

What to watch after The Karate Kid

• Lean on Me (1989) — John G. Avildsen directed both
• Fist of Fury (1972) — Same subject: martial arts
• Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993) — Same feel: feel-good, uplifting
• The Power of One (1992) — John G. Avildsen directed both
• Only the Strong (1993) — Same feel: optimistic, dramatic
• Bloodsport (1988) — Same subject: martial arts, sensei