Karate Kid: Legends surprised many people in 2025. Critics were divided, but fans couldn’t get enough. While critics gave it a modest 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score skyrocketed to 91%. That’s higher than any other Karate Kid movie or even the latest season of Cobra Kai.
So, what made regular viewers love Karate Kid: Legends so much more than the critics did?
Here are 10 clear reasons audiences connected deeply with the film.
1. It Brought Back Memories in a Big Way
Karate Kid: Legends is a treat for longtime fans. The film is packed with throwbacks to past movies — from the original 1984 classic, the 1994 Next Karate Kid, to the 2010 reboot. We see visual Easter eggs, famous quotes, and familiar scenes reimagined.
Examples:
- Mr. Miyagi’s chopstick fly-catching moment is referenced.
- Daniel LaRusso is seen painting a fence again, echoing his original training.
- Julie Pierce (played by Hilary Swank) gets a nod.
- Even Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) from the 2010 version are acknowledged.
All these callbacks make the film feel like a heartfelt tribute. While critics might have overlooked these emotional touches, fans clearly appreciated the effort to honor the legacy.
2. It Was the First Karate Kid Movie in 15 Years
Audiences had waited a long time. The last movie came out in 2010. Karate Kid: Legends marks the first new theatrical release in 15 years — and the first major follow-up after Cobra Kai ended.
Fans were eager for more, especially after how successful Cobra Kai was on streaming platforms. The series reignited interest in the franchise and reminded people why they loved it in the first place.
So, when Legends dropped, people rushed to theaters to see what came next. For many, it was a satisfying continuation.
3. The Action Was Top-Notch
One thing critics and fans could agree on? The fight scenes were incredible.
From the very beginning, the action is fast-paced and well-choreographed. That’s because Li Fong (played by Ben Wang), the film’s new lead, already knows martial arts. So, the movie doesn’t waste time on slow training montages. It jumps straight into high-energy fights.
What made the action stand out?
- Mr. Han’s kung fu and Daniel LaRusso’s traditional karate clash in interesting ways.
- There’s more variety in fighting styles than in previous films.
- The camera work and stunt coordination are slick and polished.
Fans loved seeing their favorite characters return to form — and take part in some of the most exciting battles the franchise has ever had.
4. Ben Wang Gave a Breakout Performance
Ben Wang plays Li Fong, the new face of the franchise. And he truly shines.
Despite sharing the screen with legends like Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, Wang holds his own. He brings heart, humor, and raw energy to his role. Viewers praised him for:
- His believable martial arts skills.
- Emotional depth in scenes with his family.
- Chemistry with the returning cast.
Ben Wang’s Li Fong isn’t just a side character — he’s the future of the franchise. Audiences connected with his journey and wanted more.
5. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio Returned
Let’s be honest: One of the biggest reasons people saw the movie was to see Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio together. Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso on the same screen? That’s something fans never thought they’d witness.
This team-up brought together two generations of Karate Kid heroes.
Even though their screen time was limited, their presence carried emotional weight. Mr. Han shows up early on, while Daniel doesn’t appear until the second half. Some fans wished they were in the movie more, but just having them both was enough for many.
Their return helped bridge the gap between the old and the new, making the film feel bigger and more meaningful.
6. It Was Actually Pretty Funny
Unlike earlier Karate Kid movies, which were mostly serious with a few light moments, Legends leaned into comedy. This time, the laughs were more frequent — and they worked.
Examples of humor:
- Mr. Han reacting awkwardly to American customs.
- Daniel LaRusso struggling to bond with Li Fong.
- Li Fong using modern slang around older characters.
Critics might have found the humor too light or silly. But audiences loved it. The comedy helped balance out the intense fight scenes and emotional storylines.
7. It Was Short and Easy to Watch
In today’s world, people love short and sweet movies. Karate Kid: Legends delivers just that.
At only 94 minutes, it’s the shortest film in the entire franchise. Compare that to:
- The Next Karate Kid (107 minutes)
- The Karate Kid (1984) — 127 minutes
- The Karate Kid (2010) — a whopping 140 minutes!
This shorter runtime made it perfect for casual viewing. Fans could enjoy a full Karate Kid story without sitting through two-plus hours. It felt more like a fun event than a long commitment.
8. It United All Three Karate Kid Timelines
This is perhaps the movie’s biggest achievement. Karate Kid: Legends managed to unite:
- The original films with Daniel LaRusso.
- The 2010 reboot with Mr. Han.
- The streaming success of Cobra Kai.
In doing so, it created one shared universe. This crossover made the story feel more complete. For fans who grew up watching all the versions, it was a dream come true.
Even minor references — like old tournament results or Miyagi’s teachings — helped blend the timelines seamlessly. It was like a celebration of everything Karate Kid has been across generations.
9. Strong Themes of Family and Mentorship
Like past entries, Legends focuses on the bond between student and teacher. But it also dives into family relationships, especially between Li Fong and his mother, Dr. Fong (played by Ming-Na Wen).
Some standout emotional moments:
- Li Fong struggles with his cultural identity.
- He and Mr. Han clash over training methods but eventually form a bond.
- Daniel steps in as a mentor, offering guidance without taking over.
These emotional threads added depth to the story. Critics may have wanted something more groundbreaking, but for fans, it hit all the right notes.
10. It Was Made for the Fans — Not the Critics
Ultimately, Karate Kid: Legends wasn’t trying to win Oscars. It aimed to please fans — and it succeeded.
The movie delivered:
- Nostalgia
- Fun fight scenes
- New heroes
- Beloved characters
- Laughs
- A heartwarming story
In short, it gave audiences what they wanted. Critics often look for originality, risk-taking, or deeper messages. But fans were happy just spending time in a familiar world with characters they love.
Final Thoughts
While Karate Kid: Legends didn’t get glowing reviews from critics, the 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes speaks volumes. The movie brought old memories back to life while also starting a fresh chapter.
If you’ve followed the franchise — from Daniel LaRusso’s crane kick to Dre Parker’s kung fu lessons — this film is a satisfying blend of everything that made Karate Kid special.
Whether you’re in it for the action, the laughs, or the legacy, Legends delivers.
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