The Karate Kid (1984 Film) - Legacy

Legacy

The film spawned a franchise of related items and memorabilia such as action figures, head bands, posters, T-shirts and a video game. A short-lived animated series spin-off aired on NBC in 1989. The film had three sequels, and it launched the career of Macchio, who would turn into a teen idol featured on the covers of magazines such as Tiger Beat. It revitalized the acting career of Morita, previously known mostly for his comedic role as Arnold on Happy Days, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his performance as Mr. Miyagi. Morita reprised his role in three subsequent sequels.

• The Karate Kid, Part II, a 1986 sequel in which Daniel accompanies Miyagi on a trip back to Okinawa, where he is reunited with loved ones, and is challenged by an old adversary.
• The Karate Kid, Part III, a 1989 sequel in which Martin Kove reappears as Kreese, seeking revenge on Daniel and Miyagi with the help of allies played by Thomas Ian Griffith and Sean Kanan.
• The Next Karate Kid, a 1994 revamp in which Hilary Swank appears as Mr. Miyagi's new student, Julie Pierce.
• The Karate Kid, a 2010 remake starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.