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.
The Karate Kid
“He taught him the secret to karate lies in the mind and heart. Not in the hands.”
Overview
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.
Director
John G. Avildsen
Budget
8.0M
Revenue
91.1M
Status
Released
Production
Columbia Pictures, Delphi II Productions, Jerry Weintraub Productions
Cast
Ralph Macchio
Daniel LaRusso
Pat Morita
Mr. Miyagi
Elisabeth Shue
Ali Mills
William Zabka
Johnny Lawrence
Martin Kove
John Kreese
Randee Heller
Lucille LaRusso
Ron Thomas
Bobby
Rob Garrison
Tommy
Chad McQueen
Dutch
Tony O'Dell
Jimmy
Israel Juarbe
Freddy
William Bassett
Mr. Mills
Larry B. Scott
Jerry
Juli Fields
Susan
Dana Andersen
Barbara
Frank Burt Avalon
Chucky
Jeff Fishman
Billy
Ken Daly
Chris
Tom Fridley
Alan
Pat E. Johnson
Referee
Bruce Malmuth
Ring Announcer
Darryl Vidal
Karate Semi-Finalist
Frances Bay
Lady with Dog
Christopher Kriesa
Official
Bernie Kuby
Mr. Harris
Joan Lemmo
Restaurant Manager
Helen Siff
Cashier
Larry Drake
Yahoo #1
David Abbott
Yahoo #2
Molly Basler
Cheerleading Coach
Brian Davis
Boy in Bathroom
David De Lange
Waiter
Erik Felix
Karate Student
Peter Jason
Soccer Coach
Todd Lookinland
Chicken Boy
Clarence McGee Jr.
Referee #2
William Norren
Doctor
Sam Scarber
Referee #3
Scott Strader
Eddie
Shannon Wilcox
Mrs. Mills (Ali's Mother) (uncredited)
Sharon Spelman
Mrs. Lawrence (Johnny's Mother) (uncredited)
Andrew Shue
Member of Cobra Kai (uncredited)
Donald DeNoyer
Karate Student (uncredited)
David LeBell
Guy at Halloween Dance (uncredited)
Stan Rodarte
Student at Dance (uncredited)
Monty O'Grady
Club Patron (uncredited)
Robert Strong
Club Patron (uncredited)
Chris Casamassa
Tournament Guest (uncredited)
Charles Gallant
Karate Fan (uncredited)
Video Gallery
"Wax On, Wax Off"
Official Extended Preview
