Best movies like The Next Karate Kid
Last updated March 2024
Looking for movies similar to The Next Karate Kid? Share your insights to guide others find films and tv series you've viewed already that might suit them too. Aid in growing the cohort of people putting forward videos to one another. We welcome your contribution!
Plot Summary:
During a commemoration for Japanese soldiers fighting in the US Army during World War II, Mr. Miyagi meets the widow of his commanding officer. He gets to know her granddaughter Julie, an angry teenager who is still feeling the pain of losing both her parents in an accident and is having problems with her grandmother and her fellow pupils. Mr. Miyagi decides to teach her karate to get her through her pain and issues and back on the right path.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 33000
Genere: Action, Drama, Family, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: teen, motivational, cult classic, action packed, exciting, sentimental, uplifting, touching, feel good, humorous
Best tv shows and movies like The Next Karate Kid (1994):
Similar in 89%
The Sensei (2008)
Plot Summary:
Lonely gay teenager, McClain, struggles to fit in with his classmates in a small, conservative Colorado town. After he's severely beaten at school, Karen O'Neil, a martial arts Sensei, secretly trains him to defend himself. When the town discovers their secret, a series of catastrophic events unfolds.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 475
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, psychological, suspense, independent film, serious, realistic
Similar in 80%
Black Belt (2007)
Plot Summary:
Set in 1932, amid the rise of militarism after the establishment of the Manchukuo colony in Northeast China, the story centers on a trio of karateka. Studying under their aging master in a small dojo in the woods of central Kyushu, Choei, Taikan and Giryu face a company of kempeitai military police come to requisition their dojo for use as a military base.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: Japan
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, exciting, captivating
Similar in 83%
Bloodsport 2 (1996)
Plot Summary:
After thief Alex Cardo gets caught while stealing an ancient katana in East Asia, he soon finds himself imprisoned and beaten up by the crowd there. One of the guards, Demon, feels upset by Alex appearance and tortures him as often as he gets the opportunity. Alex finds a friend and mentor in the jailhouse, Master Sun, who teaches him a superior fighting style called Iron Hand. When a 'best of the best kumite' is to take place, Demon gets an invitation. Now Master Sun and Alex need to find a way to let Alex take part in the kumite too.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: suspense, intense, serious, realistic, independent film, fast, unusual plot structure, humorous, bad ending, melancholic
Similar in 78%
Only the Strong (1993)
Plot Summary:
Former Green Beret Louis Stevens returns to his hometown of Miami after completing military service in Brazil, only to learn that his old high school has become a haven for gangs and drug dealers. After Stevens uses his capoeira skills to kick several drug dealers off of the school property, Kerrigan, one of Stevens' old teachers, sees the impact that Stevens has on the students. Kerrigan gives him the task of teaching Capoeira to a handful of the worst at-risk students at the school.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: France, USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: rough, serious, realistic, independent film, cult film
Similar in 83%
Duel of Legends (2023)
Plot Summary:
Duel of Legends is directed by Hector Echavarria and is about a Chinese boy who is left to survive by himself because his parents were murdered by rebels. The boy is raised by a Temple Monk who teaches the boy the secrets of the Martial arts. When the child grows up he travels to America were he joins American tournaments in karate where he discovers a dark secret about who actually killed his parents. An action filled martial arts movie with many twist and turns.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes:
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration:
Plot tags: thought provoking, suspense, suspenseful, captivating
Similar in 85%
3 Ninjas (1992)
Plot Summary:
Each year, three brothers Samuel, Jeffrey and Michael Douglas visits their Japanese grandfather, Mori Shintaro whom the boys affectionately refer to as Grandpa, for the summer. Mori is a highly skilled in the fields of Martial arts and Ninjutsu, and for years he has trained the boys in his techniques. After an organized crime ring proves to be too much for the FBI, it's time for the 3 brother NINJAS! To use their martial arts skills, they team up to battle the crime ring and outwit some very persistent kidnappers!.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 23000
Genere: Action, Comedy, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: humorous, light, entertaining, semi serious, sentimental, exciting, slapstick, motivational, epic, romantic comedy
Similar in 77%
3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995)
Plot Summary:
Rocky, Colt and TumTum must battle an evil wealthy toxic waste dumper in order to save a local Indian tribe and their friend Joe. The 3 Ninjas must help find Joe's father and find a secret disk that contains evidence that could stop the toxic landfill that is destroying the Indian community. However the town is owned by the rich man and he controls the police and even the mayor. They must fight a motorcycle gang and renegade cowboys in this non-stop ninja adventure.
IMDB Rating: 4.3
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Action, Comedy, Family
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: humorous, motivational, cult classic, exciting, feel good, realistic, semi serious, light, road movie, sexy
Similar in 83%
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968)
Plot Summary:
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is an American children's television series that was created and hosted by namesake Fred Rogers. The series originated in 1963 as Misterogers on CBC Television, and was later debuted in 1966 as Misterogers' Neighborhood on the regional Eastern Educational Network, followed by its US network debut on February 19, 1968, and it aired on NET and its successor, PBS, until August 31, 2001. The series is aimed primarily at preschool ages 2 to 5, but has been stated by PBS as "appropriate for all ages". Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was produced by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA public broadcaster WQED and Rogers' non-profit production company Family Communications, Inc.; previously known as Small World Enterprises prior to 1971, the company was renamed The Fred Rogers Company after Rogers' death. The series could be seen in reruns on most PBS stations until August 31, 2007, when it was removed by PBS from their daily syndicated schedule. Despite this, a number of stations have chosen to continue airing it independently of the PBS feed.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Family, Fantasy, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 30 min
Plot tags: retro, sentimental, sincere, feel good, serious, educational, vintage
Similar in 79%
A Warrior's Heart (2011)
Plot Summary:
After his father’s death, high school lacrosse star Conor Sullivan becomes self-destructive but through a new love interest and his passion for this sport, Conor discovers the warrior within himself.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: sentimental, serious, emotional, realistic, uplifting
Similar in 79%
Gladiator (1992)
Plot Summary:
A story of two teenagers trapped in the world of illegal underground boxing. One is fighting to save his fathers life and using the money pay off gambling debts accumulated by his father. The second is fighting for the money to get out of the ghettos. While being exploited by a boxing promoter the two teens become friends. An explosive ending puts the two friends in the ring against each other.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, rough, harsh, hood, motivational, exciting, sentimental, inspirational, touching
Similar in 86%
D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
Plot Summary:
After Gordon Bombay's hockey comeback is cut short he is named coach of Team USA Hockey for the Junior Goodwill Games. Bombay reunites the Mighty Ducks and introduces a few new players, however, he finds himself distracted by his newfound fame and must regather if the Ducks are to defeat tournament favourites Iceland.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 42000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: epic, hilarious, spectacular, feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious, exciting, funny, light
Similar in 90%
Vision Quest (1985)
Plot Summary:
High school wrestler Louden Swain is a man obsessed , trying to shed 23 pounds in a dangerously short time and take on Shute, the undefeated, tough-as-nails 168-pound champion who's the best wrestler in the state. Matthew Modine stars as the mop-headed student undeterred in his Vision Quest...until a day a sexy drifter threatens to pin Louden and his dreams to the mat of unrequited love.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: inspirational, melancholic, sentimental, serious, realistic, cult classic, intense, romantic, uplifting, romantic drama
Similar in 88%
Underdogs (2013)
Plot Summary:
Set in rural Ohio, the birthplace of football, UNDERDOGS is the story of a small-town high school football team destined to play their cross-town rival, a perennial powerhouse, while standing up for an entire community.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: feel good, touching, realistic, captivating, light, serious
Similar in 84%
The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
Plot Summary:
Kreese, his life in tatters after his karate school was defeated by Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, visits Terry, a friend from Vietnam. Terry is a ruthless business man and a martial arts expert, and he vows to help Kreese take revenge on Daniel and Mr. Miyagi.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 68000
Genere: Action, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: motivational, spiritual, saga, action packed, sentimental, feel good, serious, realistic, inspirational, romantic
Similar in 79%
Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011)
Plot Summary:
Four fighters different backgrounds come together to train under an ex MMA rising star and then ultimately have to fight each other and the traitor in heir midst.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 20000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: exciting, suspenseful, serious, realistic, inspirational, suspense, erotic, cult classic, teen, visually appealing
Similar in 90%
Bloodsport (1988)
Plot Summary:
Frank Dux has entered the "kumite", an illegal underground martial-arts competition where serious injury and even death are not unknown. Chong Li, a particularly ruthless and vicious fighter is the favorite, but then again Dux has not fought him yet.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 92000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: exciting, intense, grindhouse, cult classic, serious, suspenseful, epic, independent film, rough, realistic
Similar in 77%
The Karate Kid (1984)
Plot Summary:
Hassled by the school bullies, Daniel LaRusso has his share of adolescent woes. Luckily, his apartment building houses a resident martial arts master: Kesuke Miyagi, who agrees to train Daniel ... and ends up teaching him much more than self-defense. Armed with newfound confidence, skill and wisdom, Daniel ultimately faces off against his tormentors in this hugely popular classic underdog tale.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 240000
Genere: Action, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 126 min
Plot tags: feel good, inspirational, sentimental, uplifting, touching, captivating, teen, epic, entertaining, saga
Similar in 89%
Going to the Mat (2004)
Plot Summary:
Jace Newfield has a problem. Besides being blind and being the new kid at school, his problem is that the kids at his new school thinks he's a jerk. Jace has to find a way to be accepted into his new school. Joining the wrestling team just might work.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 79%
Knockout (2011)
Plot Summary:
Steve Austin is Dan Barnes, a former heavyweight boxer who hangs up his gloves to escape his violent lifestyle. Dans life is quickly turned upside down when the resident boxing champion makes his presence felt by dominating all opponents who stand in his way. In order to put the title holder in his place, Dan prepares an unseasoned newcomer for the biggest challenge of his life.
IMDB Rating: 4.9
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Family
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: sincere, uplifting, serious, sentimental, touching, realistic, independent film
Similar in 81%
Best of the Best (1989)
Plot Summary:
A team from the United States is going to compete against Korea in a Tae Kwon Do tournament. The team consists of fighters from all over the country--can they overcome their rivalry and work together to win?.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 15000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: inspirational, emotional, exciting, serious, suspenseful, realistic, cult classic, independent film, feel good, unusual plot structure
Similar in 76%
The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
Plot Summary:
Mr. Miyagi and Daniel take a trip to Okinawa to visit Mr. Miyagi's dying father. After arriving Mr. Miyagi finds he still has feelings for an old love. This stirs up trouble with an old rival who he originally left Okinawa to avoid. In the mean time, Daniel encounters a new love and also makes some enemies.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 97000
Genere: Action, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: sentimental, saga, motivational, uplifting, slasher, action packed, sincere, touching, feel good, serious
Similar in 88%
Sidekicks (1992)
Plot Summary:
Barry is an asthmatic kid having trouble in life. He lives with his father, a computer programmer, in Texas. Barry is struggling to get by in life, dealing with his rough school life, bullies, as well as his health. Barry's only source of enjoyment is fantasizing that he is with Chuck Norris. Barry becomes sick of getting picked on by the bigger guys, and decides to learn karate.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: humorous, motivational, sentimental, epic, suspense, cult classic, independent film, exciting, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 89%
Jump In! (2007)
Plot Summary:
Story revolves around a young boxer, Izzy Daniels, who trains to follow in his father's footsteps by winning the Golden Glove. When his friend, Mary, however, asks him to substitute for a team member in a Double Dutch tournament, the young man discovers a hidden passion for jump roping.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: humorous, feel good, realistic, semi serious, teen
Similar in 79%
Never Back Down (2008)
Plot Summary:
Rebellious Jake Tyler is lured into an ultimate underground fight Scene at his new high school, after receiving threats to the safety of his friends and family Jake decides to seek the mentoring of a veteran fighter who trains him for one final no-holds-barred elimination fight with his nemesis and local martial arts champion Ryan McCarthy.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 105000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: inspirational, serious, exciting, entertaining, intense, suspenseful, teen, motivational, cult classic, realistic
Similar in 86%
Cobra Kai (2018)
Plot Summary:
This Karate Kid sequel series picks up 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament and finds Johnny Lawrence on the hunt for redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. This reignites his old rivalry with the successful Daniel LaRusso, who has been working to maintain the balance in his life without mentor Mr. Miyagi.
IMDB Rating: 8.5
IMDB Votes: 200000
Genere: Action, Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 30 min
Plot tags: light, exciting, motivational, epic, captivating, spectacular, semi serious, humorous, teen comedy
Similar in 80%
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Plot Summary:
When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa, reigning heavyweight titleholder, Mason Dixon retaliates by challenging Rocky to a nationally televised, 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who's faster, stronger and thirty years his junior.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 229000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, touching, melancholic, action packed, realistic, sentimental, motivational, action adventure, entertaining
Similar in 82%
International Velvet (1978)
Plot Summary:
A charming sequel to the hit National Velvet follows our young heroine and her trusty steed overseas.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, uplifting, touching, feel good, realistic, semi serious, romantic drama
Similar in 81%
Geek Charming (2011)
Plot Summary:
Dylan Schoenfield is the pink princess of the upscale Los Angeles Woodlands Academy. She has the coolest boyfriend, the most popular friends, and a brand-new it bag that everyone covets. But when she accidentally tosses her Serge Sanchez bag into a fountain, this princess comes face-to-face with her own personal frog, self-professed film geek Josh Rosen. In return for rescuing Dylan's bag, Josh convinces Dylan to let him film her for his documentary on high school popularity. Reluctantly, Dylan lets F-list Josh into her A-list world, and is shocked to realize that sometimes nerds can be pretty cool. But when Dylan's so-called prince charming of a boyfriend dumps her flat, her life and her social status comes to a crashing halt. Can Dylan win the Woodlands Academy Fall Formal Blossom Queen crown? Can Josh win the Woodlands Academy 10th Annual Film Festival? Can Dylan, with Josh's help, pull the pieces together to create her own happily-ever-after?.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: feel good, sentimental, romantic, humorous, semi serious, teen, heartbreaking, sincere, captivating, touching
Similar in 83%
The Karate Kid (2010)
Plot Summary:
12-year-old Dre Parker could have been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying but the cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make him an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is a kung fu master. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 201000
Genere: Action, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA, China
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, feel good, sentimental, sincere, touching, serious, entertaining, teen, stylized
Similar in 83%
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Plot Summary:
Despondent over a painful estrangement from his daughter, trainer Frankie Dunn isn't prepared for boxer Maggie Fitzgerald to enter his life. But Maggie's determined to go pro and to convince Dunn and his cohort to help her.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 713000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: emotional, sad, touching, depressing, bad ending, bleak, harsh, poignant, motivational, sentimental