5 Karate Kid Wannabe Movies

 

This weekend Karate Kid: Legends debuts in theaters, and bridging of the original franchise and the 2010 remake. Who would have thought that 41 years after the original was released, the franchise would be rejuvenated. Thanks to the YouTube/Netflix series Cobra Kai which introduced a whole new generation to the franchise here we are.

The original film was clearly inspired by the original Rocky movie. So it seems only fair that over the years, several films mostly b-movies have been made that are inspired by The Karate Kid. 

Here are 5 movies inspired by the Karate Kid franchise, note I left out the most obvious films Sidekicks and Never Back Down.

5. Knockout 

This 2011 movie starring Stone Cold Steve Austin is just about as Karate Kid as it gets, just with boxing. Stone Cold plays a school janitor who helps a bullied student who aspires to follow in his grandfather's steps as a boxer.  Learn the art and science of boxing, to fend off a tormentor. 

It's currently available to watch through Prime and freevee.

4. Legendary

Another film starring a pro wrestler. Legendary released in 2010 and stars John Cena, with Danny Glover and Patricia Clarkson. Cena plays a long lost almost Black sheep of the family. He returns to town, to help his younger brother gain some confidence as he joins the schools wrestling team. While trying to rebuild his relationship with his mom.

Legendary is currently on Tubi.

3. The Power Within

This 90's B-movie stars Ted Jan Roberts, who was the martial arts king of kids movies back then. Johnny Lawrence himself, William Zabka plays the villain in this film.  Released in 1995 the main plot point focuses on two mystical rings, and the immense power they provide their wearer. While trying to keep his ring from evil forces, Roberts learns he had power within himself all along.

Someone was gracious enough to upload this film to YouTube. Quality is not that great, but the movie isn't either so..

2. Showdown

This 1993 film is the most basic copycat version of Karate Kid there is. Starring Billy Blanks, this film follows a new kid in town during his senior year. Who bumps into the wrong crowd of marital artists at school and needs some training, sound familiar? He gets that training in the form of Billy Blanks, an ex-cop who is the school janitor and a master martial artist. 

Storyline aside, other elements borrowed include the pretty girl the new kid takes a liking to. As well as the crazed Karate instructor who was more unhinged than John Kreese.

Someone loves Showdown, because it's available on Prime, Peacock, and Tubi.

1.  Only The Strong

Only The Strong starring Mark Dacascos is one of my favorite martial arts movies. Released in 1993, it follows Dacasco as a former green beret who returns to his hometown of Miami. Upon seeing how troubled his old high school is he sets out to train some kids. With the schools permission, he trains some of the toughest kids at the school (the definition of tough is questionable here). Teaching them the martial arts style capeoria, how to control their anger and set them on better paths. While also fending the local drug dealer and his crew.

Only The Strong is currently on Hulu.