William Zabka - Actor Profile

William Zabka

Acting
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
44Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 20, 1965
Birth Place: New York City, New York, USA

About William Zabka

William Michael "Billy" Zabka (born October 20, 1965) is an American actor, martial artist, screenwriter, and film producer. Zabka is best known for his role of Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part II (1986), and decades later reprises the role of Johnny in the Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018-), along with Ralph Macchio as Daniel. During the 1980s, Zabka appeared in the comedy movies Just One of the Guys (1985) and Back to School (1986). Zabka also co-starred on the CBS television series The Equalizer as the son of the title character (1986–89). He also played Jack, Audrey's jock boyfriend, in National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985). During the 1990s and 2000s, he acted mostly in independent films while studying to be a filmmaker. In 2003, he wrote and produced the short film Most, shot on location in the Czech Republic and Poland. Most (aka The Bridge) had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2003 and won numerous awards at prestigious film festivals, including Best of Festival at the Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films in 2003. In 2004, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Most in the Live Action Short Film category.

William Zabka Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of William Zabka reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 44 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of William Zabka's work falls within the Action genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 18% of William Zabka's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Cobra Kai Movie, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best William Zabka Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from William Zabka's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie William Zabka has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 Karate Kid: Legends Johnny Lawrence Hit Similar →
2024 The Cobra Kai Movie William Zabka Super Hit Similar →
2024 Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Self Average Similar →
2022 Beyond the Bonsai - Flop Similar →
2021 More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story Self Hit Similar →
2017 John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs Self Hit Similar →
2016 The Man in the Silo Kevin Flop Similar →
2015 The Dog Who Saved Summer Officer Johnny/Apollo Average Similar →
2015 I Hate Christian Laettner Johnny Lawrence (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2014 Where Hope Grows Milton Malcolm Hit Similar →
2011 Cross Saw Flop Similar →
2010 Hot Tub Time Machine Rick Average Similar →
2007 Smiley Face Prison Guard Average Similar →
2007 Cake: A Wedding Story Sam Flop Similar →
2007 Sweep the Leg Johnny Lawrence/Hilmself Flop Similar →
2005 The Way of The Karate Kid Self / Johnny Flop Similar →
2004 Wild Roomies Slick Salesman Flop Similar →
2002 Antibody Otto Emmerick Flop Similar →
2002 Dark Descent Marty Flop Similar →
2002 Python 2 Greg Larson Flop Similar →
2002 Ablaze Curt Peters Flop Similar →
2002 Landspeed Bob Bailey Flop Similar →
2002 Hyper Sonic The Executive Flop Similar →
2002 Gale Force Rance Average Similar →
2001 Epoch Rover Driver Joe Flop Similar →
2001 Falcon Down John - Security Guard Flop Similar →
2001 Project: Human Weapon Rojack Flop Similar →
2000 Python Greg Larsen Flop Similar →
1999 Interceptors Dave Flop Similar →
1997 High Voltage Bulldog Flop Similar →
1996 To the Ends of Time Alexander Flop Similar →
1996 Shootfighter II Ruben Average Similar →
1995 The Power Within Raymond Vonn Average Similar →
1994 Unlawful Passage Howie Flop Similar →
1993 Shootfighter: Fight to the Death Ruben Average Similar →
1989 Protect and Surf Russell Cooper Flop Similar →
1988 A Tiger's Tale Randy Flop Similar →
1986 Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story Kim Fisher Hit Similar →
1986 The Karate Kid Part II Johnny Lawrence Average Similar →
1986 Back to School Chas Average Similar →
1985 National Lampoon's European Vacation Jack Average Similar →
1985 Just One of the Guys Greg Average Similar →
1984 Contract for Life: The S.A.D.D. Story Rick Peterson Flop Similar →
1984 The Karate Kid Johnny Lawrence Hit Similar →

William Zabka - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of William Zabka?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Zabka is "The Cobra Kai Movie" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has William Zabka acted in?

William Zabka has been featured in at least 44 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by William Zabka?

Other notable films include "Where Hope Grows", "The Karate Kid", and "More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story".

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