The Karate Kid Collection
The first three films follow Daniel LaRusso, who learns to use karate for good under the eccentric mentorship of a janitor named Mr. Miyagi. In the fourth and final installment of the original series, Mr. Miyagi becomes the guardian of his late friend's granddaughter in an effort to steer her away from trouble. A new era introduces new rivals and new characters. In the fifth film, Mr. Han, a kung fu master, passes his wisdom to his new student, Dre. In Karate Kid: Legends, the two continuities merge when the main character, Li, is trained by both Mr. Han and the original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso.
Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis
The The Karate Kid Collection has evolved significantly over a span of 26 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 6 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.
The "Series" Benchmark: 6.4/10
The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 6.4. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," The Karate Kid Collection has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with The Karate Kid standing out as the peak cinematic achievement.
Continuity vs. Commercial Appeal
Our data indicates that while the "Release Order" is preferred for first-time viewers, the "Chronological Order" provides a much deeper understanding of the world-building within the The Karate Kid Collection. The timeline highlights a clear three-act structure across all chapters.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the The Karate Kid Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
The Karate Kid
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 bullyin...
The Karate Kid Part II
Summoned by his dying father, Miyagi returns to his homeland of Okinawa, with Daniel, after a 40-year exile. There he must confront Yukie, the love of his youth...
The Karate Kid Part III
Despondent over the closing of his karate school, Cobra Kai teacher John Kreese joins a ruthless businessman and martial artist to get revenge on Daniel and Mr....
The Next Karate Kid
Mr. Miyagi decides to take Julie, a troubled teenager, under his wing after he learns that she blames herself for her parents' demise and struggles to adjust wi...
The Karate Kid
12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his...
Karate Kid: Legends
After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. When a new friend need...
Common Questions about The Karate Kid Collection
How many movies are in the The Karate Kid Collection?
There are currently 6 movies in the The Karate Kid Collection, starting from The Karate Kid to the latest release, The Karate Kid.
What is the best order to watch the The Karate Kid Collection?
The best way to watch the The Karate Kid Collection is usually in release order: starting with The Karate Kid and ending with The Karate Kid. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the The Karate Kid Collection?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for The Karate Kid in this franchise.