Karate Kid: Legends (2025) is the long-awaited sixth film in The Karate Kid franchise, directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber.
Blending storylines from both the 1980s originals and the 2010 reboot, this film creates a shared universe where Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprise their iconic roles.
It introduces Ben Wang as the new central protagonist alongside Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen.
Set after the events of Cobra Kai (2018–2025), Karate Kid: Legends follows a young Chinese teen who moves to New York City with his mother after a personal tragedy.
Despite already being a kung fu prodigy, he must retrain and confront personal demons in order to defeat his rival in a climactic martial arts tournament.
Rated PG-13 for martial arts violence, some rude humor, and mild language, the film combines action, emotional growth, and mentorship in a family-friendly yet intense package.
Karate Kid: Legends Age Rating
Karate Kid: Legends is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for martial arts violence, some rude humor, and language. This rating suggests some content may not be suitable for children under 13. Here’s what parents should know:
Violence & Peril
The film contains frequent martial arts fights, including tournament-style duels, training sequences, and street confrontations.
The violence is stylized rather than graphic, but characters are occasionally shown bruised, knocked unconscious, or emotionally distressed. There are moments of peril involving bullying, intimidation, and revenge.
Language
The film features mild coarse language including a few uses of words like “hell,” “damn,” and other slang. There is no strong profanity.
Sexual Content
There is no sexual content or nudity. Some mild flirting and brief, innocent romantic moments may occur between teen characters.
Mature Themes
Themes include grief, loss of a parent, cultural displacement, bullying, and perseverance. The main character must overcome personal trauma and societal pressure while forming new bonds with mentors and friends.
Is Karate Kid: Legends Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Caution Advised. While many tweens will be drawn to the action and themes of friendship and resilience, the emotional intensity and violence may be too much for more sensitive viewers. Parents should preview the film first or watch it together.
Ages 13–17: Suitable. The film is appropriate for most teens. The PG-13 rating reflects action violence more than mature themes, and teens familiar with Cobra Kai or earlier Karate Kid films will find the content engaging and age-appropriate.
Karate Kid: Legends offers valuable lessons wrapped in high-energy martial arts action. Though it tackles emotional subjects, it does so with restraint and is generally safe for teens.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film: Consider watching the movie ahead of time, especially for younger viewers around age 10–12.
Talk About the Themes: Use the film as a springboard to discuss bullying, grief, and the importance of discipline and self-control.
Encourage Positive Role Models: Reinforce that martial arts should be used responsibly and with purpose, as shown by the film’s mentors and heroes.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Karate Kid: Legends?
A: The film is rated PG-13 for martial arts violence, some rude humor, and language.
Q: Is Karate Kid: Legends suitable for younger kids?
A: Children under 10 may find some fight scenes and emotional moments too intense. Parental guidance is recommended.
Q: Is there blood or graphic violence?
A: No. The violence is mostly clean, stylized martial arts action with minimal blood or injury detail.
Q: Are there any inappropriate scenes or nudity?
A: No. The film contains no nudity or sexual content and is safe in that regard.
Q: Where can I watch Karate Kid: Legends?
A: Karate Kid: Legends premieres in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2025, following its debut in Mexico City on May 8. Buy Karate Kid: Legends | Official Website