Movies like The Next Karate Kid (1994)
The best movies like The Next Karate Kid (1994) are The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid (1984) and Never Back Down (2008). If The Next Karate Kid hooked you with its action and drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedIp Man (2008)7.8/10 from 4,326 votes
- NewestKarate Kid: Legends (2025)Released 2025
- Same seriesThe Karate Kid Part II (1986)The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
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, and Sato, his former best friend turned vengeful rival. Sato is bent on a fight to the death, even if it means the destruction of their village. Daniel finds his own love in Yukia's niece, Kumiko, and his own enemy in Sato's nephew, the vicious Chozen. Now, far away from the tournaments, cheering crowds and safety of home, Daniel will face his greatest challenge ever when the cost of honor is life itself.
Why it matches: Same series: The Karate Kid · both adventure & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Karate Kid (1984)
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 bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Why it matches: Same series: The Karate Kid · both action & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNever Back Down (2008)
Jake, full of anger after his father's death, is just starting to find a place for himself at his new Orlando high school - until Ryan, head of an underground MMA fight club, picks Jake out as a prime opponent. After being trounced by Ryan in front of the entire school, Jake begins training under the firm, moral guidance of a MMA master, where he learns how to fight... and how to avoid a fight. But it becomes obvious that a rematch will be inevitable if Jake wants to stop Ryan and his bullying, once and for all.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Karate Kid Part III (1989)
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. Miyagi.
Why it matches: Same series: The Karate Kid · both action & family
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Karate Kid (2010)
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 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.
Why it matches: Same series: The Karate Kid · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKickboxer 2: The Road Back (1991)
In this rousing sequel to Kickboxer, Tong Po broods about his defeat at the hands of Kurt Sloan. Po and his managers resort to drastic measures to goad Kurt's brother into the ring for a rematch.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisKickboxer (1989)
If your enemy refuses to be humbled... Destroy him. Accompanied by his brother Kurt, American kickboxing champion Eric Sloane, arrives in Thailand to defeat the Eastern warriors at their own sport. His opponent: ruthless fighter and Thai champion, Tong Po. Tong not only defeats Eric, he paralyzes him for life. Crazed with anger, Kurt vows revenge.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLionheart (1990)
Lyon Gaultier is a deserter in the Foreign Legion arriving in the USA entirely hard up. He finds his brother between life and death and his sister-in-law without the money needed to heal her husband and to maintain her child. To earn the money needed, Gaultier decides to take part in some very dangerous clandestine fights.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Martial Arts Kid (2015)
When a troubled teen from Cleveland experiences bullying in Cocoa Beach, he soon learns Martial Arts to gain confidence and self-defense skills.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
The King of the Kickboxers (1990)
Jake, a New York policeman poses as an actor to expose the making of martial-arts death movies in Thailand.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBest of the Best (1989)
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?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Quest (1996)
Ghang-gheng, the ancient winner-take-all competition in which the deadliest fighters from around the world employ the most spectacular feats of martial arts skills ever displayed in order to win the prized Golden Dragon. But fighting prowess alone will not be enough for Chris to triumph over such daunting foes.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBloodsport (1988)
An American Army Major goes AWOL to Hong Kong for an outlawed martial arts contest called the Kumite.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSidekicks (1992)
Asthmatic teenager Barry Gabrewski is a daydreamer. Troubled by bullying, he escapes into a fantasy world where he is the sidekick to his martial arts hero, Chuck Norris, in a series of high-octane adventures taken right out of his movies. With help from his teacher's wise old uncle, Mr. Lee, Barry learns the finer points of martial arts and enters a karate championship.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisKickboxer 4: The Aggressor (1994)
David Sloan must travel to Mexico to save his wife from a savage international terrorist.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
SnoozefestMovies like this3 Ninjas (1992)
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!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both family & action
SnoozefestMovies like thisIp Man (2008)
A semi-biographical account of Yip Man, the first martial arts master to teach the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. The film focuses on events surrounding Ip that took place in the city of Foshan between the 1930s to 1940s during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Directed by Wilson Yip, the film stars Donnie Yen in the lead role, and features fight choreography by Sammo Hung.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisD2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
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.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006)
It is the story of an average, popular American teenager named Wendy Wu who discovers that in order to win the coveted crown she must first learn the way of the warrior. Wendy Wu has a one track mind, and that track leads directly to the title of homecoming queen -- no unscheduled stops, and no unnecessary detours. When a mysterious Chinese monk named Shen arrives to mold Wendy into a fearless kung fu warrior, however, her royal aspirations suddenly jump the track as she desperately attempts to juggle her boyfriend, her homework, and of course, the fierce competition to become homecoming queen. Now, as Wendy begins to train her mind, body, and spirit in the ancient tradition of the martial arts and her inner warrior gradually begins to emerge, the girl who once obsessed over popularity finally begins to put that popularity into perspective as she gradually realizes what truly matters in life.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both family & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Man with the Iron Fists 2 (2015)
When a stranger, Thaddeus, is found badly wounded near the village, miner Li Kung and his wife Ah Ni offer him refuge. As he heals, he becomes entrenched in a conflict that pits the townsfolk against the evil Master Ho, his nefarious Beetle Clan and the terrifying Lord Pi.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisKickboxer: Vengeance (2016)
Eric and Kurt Sloane are the descendants of a well-known Venice, California-based family of martial artists. Kurt has always been in older brother, Eric's shadow, as he lacks the instincts needed to become a champion. Against Kurt's concerns, Eric accepts a paid offer and travels to Thailand to challenge the Muay Thai champion Tong Po and fails with dire consequences. Kurt sets out for revenge. He trains with his brother's mentor, Master Durand, for a Muay Thai fight against the merciless champion, Tong Po. Durand first thinks Kurt is impossible to train, but through a series of spiritual exercises and tests, Durand discovers that Kurt has a deeper strength that will carry him through his final showdown with Tong Po.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
SnoozefestMovies like this3 Ninjas Kick Back (1994)
During a championship baseball match, the three brothers hear that their grandfather in Japan is in trouble, and head out to help him, conceding the match. When they arrive in Japan, they must use all their powers to defend him against his ancient enemy, who has returned to exact revenge.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both family & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Mighty Ducks (1992)
After reckless young lawyer Gordon Bombay gets arrested for drunk driving, he must coach a kids hockey team for his community service. Gordon has experience on the ice, but isn't eager to return to hockey, a point hit home by his tense dealings with his own former coach, Jack Reilly. The reluctant Gordon eventually grows to appreciate his team, which includes promising young Charlie Conway, and leads them to take on Reilly's tough players.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKarate Kid: Legends (2025)
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 needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren't enough. Li's kung fu teacher Mr. Han enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
Why it matches: Same series: The Karate Kid · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like this3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995)
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.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both family & adventure
SnoozefestMovies like thisBloodsport II (1996)
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.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
SnoozefestMovies like thisOnly the Strong (1993)
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.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUnderdog Kids (2015)
Inner city kids from a poor neighborhood go up against the undefeated Beverly Hills Junior National Karate Team.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both family & action
Here Comes the Boom (2012)
A high school biology teacher moonlights as a mixed-martial arts fighter in an effort to raise money to save the school's music program.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Warrior's Heart (2011)
Unable to cope with his military father's sudden death in combat, quick-tempered teen, Conor, starts getting into serious trouble. During an intense lacrosse camp, his father's old friend challenges Conor to get his life on track and become a man.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & drama
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Next Karate Kid?
The closest matches to The Next Karate Kid are The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid (1984) and Never Back Down (2008). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Next Karate Kid?
People who watched The Next Karate Kid most often go on to Never Back Down (2008), Kickboxer 2: The Road Back (1991) and Kickboxer (1989).
What is the highest-rated movie like The Next Karate Kid?
Ip Man (2008), rated 7.8/10 by 4,326 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Next Karate Kid?
Karate Kid: Legends (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Is The Next Karate Kid part of a series?
Yes. It belongs to The Karate Kid, which includes The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid (1984), The Karate Kid Part III (1989) and The Karate Kid (2010).
Are there English movies like The Next Karate Kid?
Yes: The Karate Kid Part II (1986), The Karate Kid (1984) and Never Back Down (2008).
How are movies similar to The Next Karate Kid chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Next Karate Kid, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.