30+ Movies Similar to Cobra Kai & Karate Kid (2024)

Craving the thrilling kicks and inspiring stories of Cobra Kai but finished all five seasons? Don’t fret, fellow warriors! Unleash your inner champion with this curated list of 35 movies similar to Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, ready to fuel your martial arts movie marathon in 2024. From classic underdog tales like “The Karate Kid Part II” to international gems like “Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior,” find action-packed training montages, heartwarming sensei-student bonds, and epic tournament showdowns to keep you entertained all year long. So grab your popcorn, prepare to be transported to a world of high kicks, self-discovery, and pure cinematic adrenaline! Let the movie list begin!

Underdog Tales and Inspiring Mentors:

1. Bloodsport (1988) (6.5 IMDb): An American soldier competes in a secret kumite tournament in Hong Kong, defying odds and showcasing impressive martial arts skills. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)
2. Whiplash (2014) (8.5 IMDb): A young jazz drummer pushes himself to the limit under the tutelage of a ruthless instructor, exploring the dark side of ambition and growth. (Available on Netflix)
3. Rocky (1976) (7.8 IMDb): A small-time boxer gets a shot at the heavyweight championship, showcasing themes of resilience, hope, and never giving up. (Available on Hulu)
4. Rudy (1993) (7.6 IMDb): A young man with a learning disability overcomes challenges to achieve his dream of playing football for Notre Dame, a heartwarming story of determination against all odds. (Available on Apple TV)
5. Billy Elliot (2000) (8.1 IMDb): A working-class boy in England defies his family’s expectations to pursue his passion for ballet, proving talent can bloom in unexpected places. (Available on HBO Max)

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Rivals and Redemption:

6. No Retreat, No Surrender (1985) (5.2 IMDb): A teenager trained in American kickboxing takes on a group of bullies and a ruthless karate master, delivering classic 80s action flick vibes. (Available on YouTube)
7. The Warrior (2005) (7.6 IMDb): Two brothers on opposite sides of a gang war reunite and face off in a mixed martial arts tournament, exploring themes of family, loyalty, and forgiveness. (Available on iTunes)
8. Creed (2015) (7.5 IMDb): Adonis Johnson Creed, grandson of the legendary Apollo Creed, steps into the boxing ring under the guidance of Rocky Balboa, carrying the legacy and forging his own path. (Available on Hulu)
9. Ip Man (2008) (8.3 IMDb): The true story of Ip Man, the grandmaster of Wing Chun kung fu, showcasing his dedication to his craft and fighting for his family and community during turbulent times in China. (Available on Netflix)
10. The King of Kung Fu (1978) (7.6 IMDb): Jackie Chan stars as a young cook who discovers his hidden kung fu prowess after being bullied by gangsters, delivering comedic action and impressive stunts. (Available on Blu-ray/DVD)

Family, Legacy, and Finding Your Way:

11. Kung Fu Panda (2008) (7.5 IMDb): A clumsy panda is chosen as the unlikely hero of a village, learning self-belief and inner strength through kung fu training. (Available on Peacock)
12. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) (7.9 IMDb): Two legendary warriors face off in a breathtaking duel, passing on their skills and legacies to a younger generation. (Available on Netflix)
13. Bend It Like Beckham (2002) (6.5 IMDb): A young Indian girl in England dreams of becoming a professional footballer, defying cultural expectations and proving her grit on the pitch. (Available on multiple platforms)
14. The Joy Luck Club (1993) (7.5 IMDb): Four Chinese-American families grapple with cultural clashes and intergenerational relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, and finding one’s place in the world. (Available on multiple platforms)
15. The Wrestler (2008) (7.4 IMDb): A washed-up professional wrestler tries to make a comeback while facing personal demons and family struggles. (Available on multiple platforms)

Bonus Round: Goofy Fun and Nostalgia:

16. The Karate Kid Part III (1989) (5.6 IMDb): Daniel and Mr. Miyagi face a new enemy in a ruthless karate instructor, featuring over-the-top stunts and a touch of cheese. (Available on Apple TV)
17. The Mighty Ducks (1992) (6.4 IMDb): A reluctant lawyer coaches a ragtag team of kids in peewee hockey, learning valuable lessons about teamwork and overcoming adversity. (Available on Disney+)

18. Spaceballs (1987) (7.6 IMDb): Mel Brooks’ hilarious sci-fi spoof features slapstick humor, pop culture references, and surprisingly good fight choreography in the Lone Starr vs. Dark Helmet showdown. (Available on Peacock)
19. The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (1990) (5.5 IMDb): Andrew Dice Clay stars as a rock n’ roll detective who gets tangled up in a case involving stolen rock music, featuring over-the-top humor and cheesy action sequences. (Available on Blu-ray/DVD)
20. Mystery Men (1999) (6.6 IMDb): A group of dysfunctional superheroes band together to fight crime in a hilarious and heartwarming tale of misfits finding their place in the world. (Available on Hulu)

International Martial Arts Gems:

21. The Raid 2 (2014) (8.1 IMDb): The Indonesian sequel ups the ante with even more brutal and balletic action as an undercover cop infiltrates the Jakarta underworld. (Available on Hulu)
22. Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003) (7.2 IMDb): Tony Jaa’s breakout film showcases the raw power and beauty of Muay Thai with jaw-dropping stunt work and exhilarating fight sequences. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)
23. Shaolin Soccer (2001) (7.5 IMDb): Stephen Chow directs and stars in this action-comedy about a ragtag group of Shaolin monks forming a soccer team with unorthodox kung fu techniques. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)
24. Kung Fu Hustle (2004) (7.6 IMDb): As mentioned earlier, this comedic masterpiece starring Stephen Chow delivers a hilarious blend of martial arts, slapstick humor, and visual gags. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)
25. Hero (2004) (7.7 IMDb): Jet Li stars in this visually stunning epic about a nameless warrior seeking revenge for the king’s assassination, blurring the lines between hero and villain. (Available on Netflix)

Documentaries and Hidden Gems:

26. Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) (8.4 IMDb): A heartwarming and inspiring documentary about Jiro Ono, a 90-year-old sushi chef striving for perfection in his Michelin-starred restaurant. (Available on Hulu)
27. The Iron Tiger (2014) (7.5 IMDb): This documentary explores the life and legacy of Wong Kei Ying, a legendary grandmaster of Wing Chun and teacher to Bruce Lee. (Available on Amazon Prime Video)
28. Be Water My Friend (2020) (7.9 IMDb): This biographical documentary explores the life and philosophy of Bruce Lee, featuring interviews with his students and family. (Available on ESPN+)
29. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016) (6.7 IMDb): This sequel offers more stunning visuals and martial arts sequences, although the story may not resonate as strongly as the original. (Available on Netflix)
30. The Protector (2005) (7.4 IMDb): Tony Jaa’s second film features more of his impressive Muay Thai skills as he protects a young elephant from poachers. (Available on Netflix)

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For the Animated Audience:

31. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) (7.8 IMDb): Po faces his past and discovers his inner strength in this action-packed sequel with even more heart and humor. (Available on Peacock)
32. The Lego Movie (2014) (7.8 IMDb): A hilarious and surprisingly touching animated film about an average Lego figure who becomes the “special” one. (Available on HBO Max)
33. Big Hero 6 (2014) (7.8 IMDb): A young robotics prodigy teams up with inflatable robot Baymax in this heartwarming Disney film about friendship, loss, and overcoming grief. (Available on Disney+)
34. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) (9.0 IMDb): Miles Morales takes on the mantle of Spider-Man in this groundbreaking animated film with stunning visuals and a multiverse twist. (Available on Netflix)

Craving the thrilling kicks and inspiring stories of Cobra Kai but finished all five seasons? Don’t fret, fellow warriors! Unleash your inner champion with this curated list of 35 movies similar to Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, ready to fuel your martial arts movie marathon in 2024. From classic underdog tales like “The Karate Kid…

Craving the thrilling kicks and inspiring stories of Cobra Kai but finished all five seasons? Don’t fret, fellow warriors! Unleash your inner champion with this curated list of 35 movies similar to Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, ready to fuel your martial arts movie marathon in 2024. From classic underdog tales like “The Karate Kid…