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Karate Kid: Legends poster
7.8
Columbia Pictures Acclaimed

Karate Kid: Legends

The Karate Kid · The Karate Kid Collection

2025 94 min PG-13
Critic7.8
Action Drama Sports
Netflix Apple TV FindEdition
Trailer Where to Watch

Overview

Kung fu prodigy Li Fong moves from Beijing to New York City, leaving behind everything he knows. When a friend lands in trouble, Li enters a karate tournament, bringing together his kung fu mentor Mr. Han and original karate student Daniel LaRusso.
Story 7.6
Acting 8.0
Direction 7.8
Cinematography 7.9
Music 8.0
Pacing 7.7
Originality 7.5
Emotional Impact 8.1
Overall 7.8

Editorial Review

By FindEdition Cinema Desk

7.8 /10

Generational Crossover Appeal

Seeing Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio share screen space brings a wonderful sense of legacy and heart to the franchise.

Strong Breakout Lead

Ben Wang carries the physical demands and emotional core of the film with immense charisma.

Pros

  • Fantastic chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio
  • Strong breakout lead performance by Ben Wang
  • Heartwarming blend of kung fu and traditional karate philosophies

Cons

  • Predictable sports tournament narrative beats
  • Pacing juggles multiple legacy elements at times
Verdict A crowd-pleasing, nostalgic crossover that successfully unites generations of martial arts mentors and student disciplines.

AI Review

An inspiring martial arts crossover uniting legendary mentors Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio with newcomer Ben Wang.

A crowd-pleasing, nostalgic crossover that successfully unites generations of martial arts mentors and student disciplines.

A fantastic family-friendly watch for fans of the entire Karate Kid franchise and martial arts cinema.

Awards

Critics Choice Super Awards

Best Action Movie · Nominated

Saturn Awards

Best Action / Adventure Film · Nominated

Timeline

Release Date
Theatrical Date
Digital Date
Physical Date
Premiere
Festival
Status
Development

Officially announced by Sony Pictures in September 2022 with Jonathan Entwistle attached to direct.

Principal photography

Shot between April and June 2024 across locations in North America and China.

Post-production

Wrapped in early 2025 ahead of its worldwide theatrical premiere in late May.

Critics Choice Super Awards

Best Action Movie Nominated

Saturn Awards

Best Action / Adventure Film Nominated

Production

Development

Officially announced by Sony Pictures in September 2022 with Jonathan Entwistle attached to direct.

Principal photography

Shot between April and June 2024 across locations in North America and China.

Post-production

Wrapped in early 2025 ahead of its worldwide theatrical premiere in late May.

Streaming

Netflix Apple TV FindEdition

Cast

Ben Wang Li Fong
Jackie Chan Mr. Han
Ralph Macchio Daniel LaRusso
Joshua Jackson Victor
Sadie Stanley Abby
Ming-Na Wen Dr. Fong
Aramis Knight Zack
Wyatt Oleff Mark
Shaunette Renee Wilson Ms. Morgan
Marcus Aurelio Local Karate Champion

Characters

Li Fong Ben Wang
Mr. Han Jackie Chan
Daniel LaRusso Ralph Macchio
Victor Joshua Jackson
Abby Sadie Stanley
Dr. Fong Ming-Na Wen
Zack Aramis Knight
Mark Wyatt Oleff
Ms. Morgan Shaunette Renee Wilson
Local Karate Champion Marcus Aurelio

Crew

Jonathan Entwistle Director
Rob Lieber Screenwriter
Robert Mark Kamen Characters
Karen Rosenfelt Producer
James Lassiter Producer
Dominic Lewis Composer
Justin Brown Cinematographer
Dana E. Glauberman Editor

Videos

Official Trailer

Soundtrack

  1. Two Traditions Overture — Dominic Lewis
  2. New York Showdown — Dominic Lewis
  3. Legends Never Die — Dominic Lewis feat. Milan Records

Trivia

  • This film marks Ralph Macchio's first appearance in a theatrical Karate Kid feature film since The Karate Kid Part III in 1989.
  • Ben Wang beat out thousands of applicants worldwide during an extensive open casting call to secure the lead role of Li Fong.
  • The movie bridges two distinct eras of the franchise by uniting Jackie Chan's Mr. Han teaching kung fu with Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso teaching traditional karate.

Quotes

"Different styles, same heart."

"Defend yourself with honor, always."

Goofs

  • During the final tournament match, the scoreboard timer briefly skips three seconds forward between camera cuts.

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Collections

Part of The Karate Kid Collection

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Universe

The Karate Kid Universe

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Franchise

The Karate Kid

The sixth feature film in The Karate Kid franchise, bridging the 2010 film and the original series continuity.

Browse franchise →

Recommendations & Alternatives

For higher ratings, consider Spider-Man: Brand New Day (8.6/10). A similarly themed alternative is Materialists.

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AI Recommendation Insight

An inspiring martial arts crossover uniting legendary mentors Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio with newcomer Ben Wang. Similar picks: Highly Rated Action, Highly Rated Drama