Karate Kid: Legends' Rotten Tomatoes score has been revealed – how does it compare to past movies andCobra Kai? Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, with a script written by Rob Lieber, the sixth film in the franchise brings back Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, who team up to train a new Karate Kid, Li Fong (Ben Wang).Karate Kid: Legends' castalso includes Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight, Wyatt Oleff, and Shaunette Renée Wilson.
Now, following its premiere in Mexico City on May 8 and ahead of its theatrical release,Karate Kid: Legendshas debuted with a 51% scorefrom critics onRotten Tomatoes. The movie has 35 reviews at the time of writing, so the score will fluctuate as more are published. It doesn’t yet have an audience score, though it will begin to take shape once the movie releases in theaters. See howKarate Kid: Legends' Rotten Tomatoes score compares to past movies and all six seasons ofCobra Kaibelow:
81%
83%
48%
52%
15%
35%
7%
24%
67%
100%
95%
91%
92%
90%
98%
80%
51%
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What Karate Kid: Legends' Rotten Tomatoes Score Means For The Movie
What Are The Critics Saying?
Karate Kid: Legends' Rotten Tomatoes score indicates thatits reviews are decidedly mixed, with critics split almost right down the middle. For instance, inScreenRant’s mostly positiveKarate Kid: Legendsreview, Mae Abdulbaki calls the movie “wildly entertaining and charming,” proving that the franchise “has not yet lost its spark.” She goes on to callKarate Kid: Legendsan “easygoing film that doesn’t simply bank on our nostalgia and builds enough tension and good character relationships.”
Otherwise, the reviews are mixed, withcritics praising Ben Wang’s performanceand the movie’s nostalgic charm, with some highlighting its wholesome tone, modern energy, and kid-friendly appeal. However, many found the story predictable, emotionally shallow, and overly reliant on the past formula. Several critics feelLegendslacks the heart and originality of previousKarate Kidmovies, especially compared toCobra Kai. While some see the potential for a new generation, others view the movie as a missed opportunity weighed down by clichés and uneven execution.
Our Take On Karate Kid: Legends' Reviews
Can Ben Wang Carry The Franchise Forward?
While critics are divided onKarate Kid: Legends, praise for Ben Wang’s performance is near unanimous. His charisma, athleticism, and screen presence as Li Fong stand out even to detractors of the film’s script and structure. Many reviews describe Wang as the highlight, bringing a freshness and emotional depth that the rest of the movie often lacks. With the franchise likely eyeing future installments, Wang’s standout performance positions him as a promising and worthy successor to carry the mantle of the Karate Kid.
