---
title: "Karate Kid: Legends"
year: 2025
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/karate-kid-legends"
fi1m_id: "karate-kid-legends"
imdb_id: "tt1674782"
tmdb_id: 1011477
wikidata_id: "Q124246470"
fi1m_score: 64
critics_score: 55
critics_reviews: 22
published: "2026-09-24T09:49:07.932345+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-24T09:49:31.870706+00:00"
region: "FI"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle · 1h 34m · KAVI K-12 · Action, Adventure, Drama

## Identity

Karate Kid: Legends

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/karate-kid-legends
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** karate-kid-legends
- **IMDb ID:** tt1674782
- **TMDB ID:** 1011477
- **Wikidata ID:** Q124246470
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1674782/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1011477, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124246470

**Fi1m score: 64** · Critics 55 from 22 reviews

*In a sentence:* Ben Wang could use fewer life lessons and more time with his friends

> Ben Wang gives this martial-arts sequel warmth and a reason to care. The fights are lively, but the hurried storytelling leaves its new friendships underdeveloped and gives Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio too little room.

## Synopsis

Li Fong (Ben Wang) makes friends with Victor Lipani (Joshua Jackson) and Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley). Their growing friendship runs alongside martial-arts training, with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) bringing the experience of an older generation. Practice and instruction come with lessons about life beyond fighting, while Li Fong has opponents to face and relationships to navigate. Time with Victor Lipani and Mia Lipani shares space with the demands of training and the prospect of a tournament.

## Review

*Karate Kid: Legends* is a decent, hurried martial-arts film with a lead worth spending more time with than the screenplay allows. Jonathan Entwistle aims for uncomplicated warmth, and for stretches that is enough: friendships form, lessons are delivered and the fighting supplies a little lift. At 94 minutes, it avoids the fatigue of a long franchise instalment. Rob Lieber’s script nevertheless tries to fit a new coming-of-age story and a reunion into a space that barely accommodates either.

Ben Wang gives Li Fong an appealing shyness without making him seem feeble, and his ease with the other actors is the film’s strongest asset. The friendship with Victor Lipani and Mia Lipani allows for ordinary affection, helped considerably by Joshua Jackson’s unforced charm. We warmed to these three together; their exchanges made us interested in the people before the next bout. That is useful groundwork, and the film could have trusted it for longer.

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are enjoyable company, too, as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. Their shared scenes have an easy comic rhythm, and Jackie Chan’s playful approach to martial arts gives the film some welcome lightness. The difficulty is how little time the pairing gets to become more than a familiar pleasure. The film relies heavily on our affection for the returning characters, without giving them much chance to develop a relationship here.

The action is generally more satisfying than the plotting. Justin Brown’s cinematography serves the performers well, while editors Dana E. Glauberman and Colby Parker, Jr. give the fights a brisk, engaging rhythm. Ben Wang can hold our attention through a bout without the script having to tell us what to feel. The same urgency becomes a liability when applied to the tournament and the relationships around it: the cutting keeps us moving before the characters have properly registered what has happened.

Elsewhere, the supporting parts are too slight. Sadie Stanley has less to play as Mia Lipani than the promising friendship deserves, and the antagonists are thin enough to make the confrontations feel prearranged. Maya Sigel’s production design gives the action a serviceable setting without making the surrounding life especially memorable. Dominic Lewis’s music is similarly functional; it cannot make the film’s life lessons feel earned when the writing delivers them so insistently.

There is nothing inherently wrong with a training montage or a predictable contest. A coming-of-age sports film earns those familiar scenes by letting us understand why winning matters to this particular person, and by giving the people watching something at stake. Here, the early friendships suggest a more personal film than the later rush can sustain. The screenplay keeps supplying the expected steps, while Jonathan Entwistle moves through them too quickly for the quieter moments to matter as much as the punches.

We can forgive a certain amount of corn in a film this amiable. There is enough pleasure in the company and enough skill in the fights to make this a reasonable choice for martial-arts devotees, provided expectations stay modest. Come for Ben Wang; allow for a script that keeps checking the clock.

*Fi1m score 64, published 24 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews are divided on Karate Kid: Legends, with warmth and appealing performances offset by complaints about familiar storytelling. Praise clusters around Ben Wang’s personable lead performance and the comic chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, pleasures that even some detractors acknowledge. More favourable critics find a breezy, family-friendly sequel, with lively fights and enough affection for its characters to make the recycled formula enjoyable.

Reservations centre on rushed storytelling, underdeveloped characters and nostalgia that crowds out the younger cast. The spread is wide: some critics welcome the straightforward approach, while others find the same material tired and unnecessary. There is disagreement about the action, too: The AV Club praises the editing and choreography for making the climactic fight thrilling, whereas Vulture finds the fights lacklustre and the brief Chan–Macchio pairing the chief pleasure. Even several supporters concede that the crossover promise is only partly fulfilled.

## Straight answers

**Is Karate Kid: Legends worth watching?**

*Karate Kid: Legends* is worth considering for martial-arts fans with modest expectations; we score it 64 out of 100. Ben Wang brings warmth and the fights are lively, but the hurried storytelling short-changes his friendships and gives Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio too little room together.

**How long is Karate Kid: Legends, and what is it rated?**

*Karate Kid: Legends* runs 1h 34m and is rated K-12 by the KAVI in Finland. It is an action and adventure film.

**Where can I watch Karate Kid: Legends in Finland?**

*Karate Kid: Legends* is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €5.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Karate Kid: Legends, and is it suitable for children?**

*Karate Kid: Legends* has a UK 12A certificate and martial-arts fights, making it a more straightforward choice for teenagers than younger children. Under-12s need an accompanying adult at the cinema; we find the bouts brisk and engaging, but that lightness should not be taken as a guarantee that sensitive children will be comfortable.

**How does Karate Kid: Legends compare to The Karate Kid?**

*Karate Kid: Legends* offers lively fights and an appealing lead, but we favour [*The Karate Kid*](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid) for a teacher-pupil friendship that earns its sentiment. The earlier film lets its lessons matter, despite teenage distractions that could be shorter; *Legends* suits those chiefly after brisk action, though its hurried relationships make it less satisfying.

**What should I watch after Karate Kid: Legends?**

After *Karate Kid: Legends*, try [*The Karate Kid*](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid) (1984, Fi1m 81): For a more patient account of how training changes a teenager’s life. Then [*Wadjda*](https://film.one/film/wadjda) (2012, Fi1m 80): A girl’s determination to ride a bicycle gives growing up a concrete goal.

### Reviews we read (22)

- **The AV Club**, Brianna Zigler (B): Zigler finds the film an unexpectedly enjoyable, energetic entry in a franchise built on nostalgia. She especially praises its dynamic editing and choreography, which make the climactic fight thrilling. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/karate-kid-legends-review)
- **The Guardian**, Andrew Lawrence (75/100, inferred): Lawrence finds the sequel a warm, breezy family-friendly success despite some thin antagonists and awkward product placement. He especially praises the chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, and Chan’s comic martial-arts performance. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/28/karate-kid-legends-review)
- **Empire**, Dan Jolin (70/100, inferred): The review finds the film peppy and warm-hearted, though it falls short of its crossover promise. It praises the impressive fight sequences, boosted by the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/karate-kid-legends/)
- **Total Film**, Jack Shepherd (3.5/5): The critic calls it one of the franchise’s better installments, though it falls short of the 1984 original. Ben Wang’s performance and the lively chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio stand out, despite their limited screen time. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/action-movies/karate-kid-legends-review/)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (70/100, inferred): Gleiberman finds the sequel likable, wholesome retro corn whose straightforward approach is a welcome change from bloated modern franchise films. He especially praises Ben Wang’s captivating performance and the comic chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. [Read](https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/karate-kid-legends-review-jackie-chan-1236410862/)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The page is blocked by browser verification, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint is available in the supplied page text. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/karate-kid-legends-movie-review-2025)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The blocked page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It provides no details about what the review praises or criticizes. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/movies/karate-kid-legends-review.html)
- **Time Out** (64/100, inferred): The available metadata frames the film as another extension of the Miyagi-verse, but does not reveal the critic’s full verdict. It provides no clear detail about a specific element singled out for praise or complaint. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/karate-kid-legends-2025)
- **Slant Magazine**, Justin Clark (2.5/4): The review finds the film entertaining but rushed, with its final stretch moving too quickly to give the characters and tournament enough room. It praises the early storytelling and the natural friendship between Li Fong, Victor, and Mia. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/karate-kid-legends-review-jackie-chan-ralph-macchio/)
- **IndieWire**, Wilson Chapman (C): The critic finds the legacy sequel redundant and says it mostly repeats the original without giving its new characters room to develop. Joshua Jackson’s charming performance is singled out as the film’s standout. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/karate-kid-legends-review-jackie-chan-1235127331/)
- **The Observer**, Wendy Ide (35/100, inferred): Ide finds the film’s expected story beats and punches strangely ineffective. Jackie Chan’s amiable comedy provides some lightness, but the life lessons feel heavy-handed and the training montages lack surprise. [Read](https://observer.co.uk/culture/film/article/film-review-the-salt-path-karate-kid-legends-along-came-love-and-bogancloch)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (30/100, inferred): Walsh finds the film overstuffed and lacking in charm, arguing it should have focused on its fresher story. She praises Ben Wang’s bashfully appealing presence and chemistry with his costars. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-05-29/karate-kid-legends-review-ralph-macchio-jackie-chan-joshua-jackson)
- **Radio Times**, Jeremy Aspinall (30/100, inferred): The review finds the reboot disappointing and says it lacks the soul and heft of earlier films. It particularly criticizes its treatment of legacy characters, which it says falls short of Cobra Kai. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/karate-kid-legends-review/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a pleasant but uninspired continuation that adds nothing original to the franchise. They praise Ben Wang’s appeal, while criticizing the plot’s abundance of clichés. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/karate-kid-legends-review-1236230996/)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (25/100, inferred): Grierson finds the franchise reboot lifeless and unable to land a punch. He singles out Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s reunion, but says even they cannot enliven the formula. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/karate-kid-legends-review-franchise-re-boot-fails-to-land-a-punch/5205532.article)
- **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (20/100, inferred): Ebiri finds the sequel lifeless, lazy, and thoroughly uninvolving. He singles out the brief pairing of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio as its chief pleasure, while criticizing the recycled plot and lackluster fights. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-karate-kid-legends-is-lazy-nostalgia-bait.html)
- **Collider**, Aidan Kelley (7/10): Kelley calls the film a consistently entertaining, strong addition to the franchise, though its rushed second half may leave fans underwhelmed. He praises Ben Wang’s charismatic lead performance and the elaborate, enjoyable fight sequences. [Read](https://collider.com/karate-kid-legends-review-ben-wang-jackie-chan-ralph-macchio/)
- **/Film**, Witney Seibold (7/10): The critic finds the film light and enjoyable despite its awkward two-movie structure. Ben Wang’s performance is singled out for praise, while the supporting women are given too little personality. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1871880/karate-kid-legends-review/)
- **Paste**, Jesse Hassenger (6.6/10): Hassenger finds the film a sweet, corny and charming children’s movie, though it falls short of the original. He praises its likable characters and the attention it gives them over the fight scenes. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/karate-kid/karate-kid-legends-jackie-chan-ralph-macchio-ben-wang-legacy-sequel)
- **The Wrap** (65/100, inferred): The review finds the film charming but unsteady, saying it loses focus when nostalgia takes over its coming-of-age story. It praises the first half’s twist on the familiar formula and the chemistry among its younger cast and Joshua Jackson. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/karate-kid-legends-review-jackie-chan-ralph-macchio-ben-wang/)
- **The Playlist** (60/100, inferred): The review describes the film as flawed but entertaining, while saying it falls short of the franchise’s legacy. The headline suggests its entertainment value is a bright spot, though the inaccessible article prevents identifying a more specific point of praise or criticism. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/karate-kid-legends-review-a-flawed-but-entertaining-distraction-that-doesnt-quite-live-up-to-the-franchises-legacy-20250528/)
- **Den of Geek**, Gene Ching (2/5): The review finds the film predictable and disappointing, despite strong performances and decent action. It singles out Ben Wang’s performance and the fight choreography for praise, while criticizing the story’s clichés and its disconnect from Cobra Kai. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/karate-kid-legends-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Jonathan Entwistle
- **Director:** Jonathan Entwistle
- **Writer:** Rob Lieber
- **Cinematography:** Justin Brown
- **Editor:** Dana E. Glauberman, Colby Parker, Jr.
- **Music:** Dominic Lewis
- **Production design:** Maya Sigel
- **Costume design:** Mirren Gordon-Crozier
- **Producer:** Karen Rosenfelt
- **Cast:** Jackie Chan as Mr. Han; Ben Wang as Li Fong; Joshua Jackson as Victor Lipani; Sadie Stanley as Mia Lipani; Ming-Na Wen as Dr. Fong; Wyatt Oleff as Alan; Aramis Knight as Conor; Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
- **Runtime:** 1h 34m
- **Certificate (KAVI):** K-12
- **Release (Finland):** 30 May 2025
- **Genres:** Action, Adventure, Drama
- **Part of:** [The Karate Kid](https://film.one/collections/the-karate-kid.md) · 2 of 2
- **Budget:** $45 million
- **Box office:** $117 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhRXf-yEQqA

## Where to watch in Finland

- Amazon Prime Video: rent €5.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent €5.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy €7.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy €8.99, sd

*Checked 2026-09-24.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Karate Kid* (1984), Fi1m 81: For a more patient account of how training changes a teenager’s life. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-karate-kid.md)
- *The Young Master* (1980): Jackie Chan gives comic martial arts the space and precision they need.
- *Bend It Like Beckham* (2002): Another young athlete negotiates family expectations, with friendships allowed to develop.
- *The Fits* (2015): A quieter, stranger look at adolescence, physical discipline and finding a group.
- *Wadjda* (2012), Fi1m 80: A girl’s determination to ride a bicycle gives growing up a concrete goal. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/wadjda.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/karate-kid-legends