People always hesitate to start a new series or a movie franchise, especially if it has a legacy. Thus, people avoid sequels and spinoffs of a movie/series, they haven’t followed. Cobra Kai also has a similar problem, as it is a sequel to the “Karate Kid” movies. If you are facing the same dilemma of whether to stream Cobra Kai or skip it, we can help.

Cobra Kai takes us back to the valley 34 years after the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. The series gives a new spin to the entire rivalry by changing the point-of-view of the viewers. We look at the movie franchise, which has attracted new and old fans alike.

What were the Karate Kid movies about?

The Karate Kid franchise has four movies, and the first one premiered on February 16, 1985. In 2010, the iconic movies got a reboot of the same name, featuring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. However, the 2010 adaptation never became a full-fledged franchise.

The Karate Kid (1985) follows Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who has to face some rough days in the beginning. Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) the reigning All Valley Karate Champion bullies Daniel. But Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), the handyman at Daniel’s apartment, saves Daniel from the bullies and starts giving him Karate lessons.

The second movie follows Daniel and Mr. Miyagi on a trip to Okinawa, where Mr. Miyagi’s old rivals await them. The third movie follows Daniel and Mr. Miyagi up against an old foe. Each experience brings new enemies, but also develops Daniel as a Karate fighter.

Does Cobra Kai provide the context from the Karate Kid movies?

Cobra Kai showrunners don’t expect the viewers to remember every detail from the Karate Kid. Instead, the creators have added flashbacks to explain the past incidents. One of the many reasons Cobra Kai has such a large fanbase is because the series doesn’t alienate you.

The flashbacks also provide just the right amount of nostalgia for the old fans. Also, the series has also excelled at placing flashbacks, as they are neither too much nor too scarce.

After YouTube Red dropped Cobra Kai, it became a Netflix Original series only in its third season. So, Netflix has recognized Cobra Kai’s potential and its large fanbase also testifies.

When will you join the wave and watch Cobra Kai?