The Karate Kid franchise is back with its sixth film. Karate Kid: Legends brings familiar faces and new leads to tell an age-old story of dedication and perseverance.

After moving to New York City with his mother, kung fu prodigy Li Fong struggles to let go of the past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition — but his skills alone aren’t enough. With help from Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, he soon learns to merge two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.

Review

40 years after the original film debuted, The Karate Kid remains a franchise rooted in the classic story of the underdog rising up against the arrogant bully and reaching the ultimate showdown. In Legends, Jackie Chan returns as Mr. Han, and a familiar face—Danny LaRusso (Ralph Macchio)—also makes a comeback. The film bridges the two eras, exploring the connection between Mr. Han and LaRusso’s mentor, Mr. Miyagi. Set three years after the events of the Cobra Kai TV series, the story follows Li Fong as he moves to New York with his mother.

The film clearly appeals to a newer, younger audience—especially students of martial arts. At our screening, the theater was filled almost exclusively with dojo students, and their energy during the fights was infectious. Fong’s (Ben Wang) primary antagonist, Conor Day, is played by Aramis Knight. Lending realism to the fight scenes is the fact that both Wang and Knight are trained martial artists in real life. Watching them go head-to-head on screen felt far more authentic because of that.

While the story itself follows a familiar—and yes, somewhat formulaic—path, it’s impossible not to root for Li Fong, just as we rooted for Danny back in 1984. This franchise doesn’t need to stray far from its roots to succeed. Chan and Macchio’s roles are more limited than you might expect, but even in supporting parts, their presence is impactful. They help connect longtime fans to the legacy without weighing down new audiences with backstory.

The Karate Kid: Legends is in theaters now. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the films, a follower of the Cobra Kai series, or brand new to the Karate Kid universe, Legends is a fun, fresh chapter in the franchise. And if you’re a Cobra Kai fan—make sure to stay for the post-credit scene.