Karate Kid: Legends

If you're a fan of martial arts movies with a nostalgic twist, Karate Kid: Legends might just be your next watch. This 2025 entry in the long-running Karate Kid franchise brings together two iconic characters—Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)—for the first time, while introducing a new hero, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang.

The story kicks off with Li, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing, who’s forced to move to New York City after a family tragedy. Struggling to fit in, he finds himself drawn back into martial arts when a friend needs help. But this time, his kung fu alone isn’t enough. That’s where Mr. Han and Daniel step in, blending their styles to train Li for a high-stakes karate tournament. It’s a classic underdog tale with a fresh cultural fusion twist.

What makes this film stand out is its blend of old and new. Longtime fans will appreciate the return of familiar faces like Chan and Macchio, while newcomers can jump in without needing to know every detail from past films. There are callbacks to the original movies and the Cobra Kai series, but the focus stays on Li’s journey and growth.

The movie runs a tight 94 minutes, keeping the pace brisk and the action flowing. Expect some solid fight choreography, heartfelt moments, and a few laughs along the way. The chemistry between the cast—especially the mentor-student dynamic—is a highlight, and the training montages hit all the right notes.

That said, critics were a bit split. Some felt the film leaned too heavily on nostalgia and could’ve used a bit more polish in its storytelling. But audiences seemed to enjoy it, giving it a strong CinemaScore of A-. If you’re into martial arts, coming-of-age stories, or just love seeing Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio back in action, you’ll likely have a good time.

If you’re not into teen drama or martial arts flicks, this might not be your cup of tea. But for everyone else, Karate Kid: Legends offers a fun, heartfelt ride that bridges generations and fighting styles in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.