Karate Kid: Legends

If you're a fan of martial arts movies with a heart, Karate Kid: Legends might just be your next watch. This 2025 entry in the long-running Karate Kid franchise brings together two generations of martial arts mentors—Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso—for a cross-cultural, cross-style team-up that blends kung fu and karate in a fresh way.

The story centers on Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing played by Ben Wang. After a family tragedy, Li and his mother move to New York City, where he struggles to fit in. Things get complicated when he crosses paths with a local karate champion and ends up entering a high-stakes martial arts tournament. But Li’s kung fu alone isn’t enough—so Mr. Han calls in Daniel LaRusso to help train him in Miyagi-Do karate. What follows is a journey of growth, healing, and some seriously cool fight choreography.

This movie is a continuation of both the 2010 Karate Kid reboot and the Cobra Kai series, so longtime fans will appreciate the callbacks and returning characters. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles is a big draw, and their chemistry adds a nostalgic charm. There’s even a cameo from William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence and archival footage of Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, tying the whole franchise together.

At 94 minutes, the film keeps things moving at a brisk pace. It’s got action, drama, and a bit of romance, making it a solid pick for families, teens, and anyone who grew up with the franchise. The fight scenes are well-executed, and the training montages hit all the right emotional beats.

That said, if you’re not into martial arts movies or aren’t familiar with the Karate Kid universe, some of the emotional weight and callbacks might not land as strongly. Critics were mixed—some felt it leaned too hard on nostalgia—but audiences gave it a solid A- CinemaScore, so it’s clearly resonating with fans.

With a worldwide box office take of over $110 million, Karate Kid: Legends proves there’s still plenty of kick left in this franchise. Whether you're here for the action, the legacy, or just to see Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio share the screen, it’s a fun ride with a lot of heart.