The Karate Kid Part III

Right now you can watch The Karate Kid Part III in Australia on BINGE and Foxtel Now, and in the US on Netflix and Philo — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 1,859 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. Start it on BINGE whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Karate Kid Part III is worth clearing space for. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious, The Karate Kid Part III operates well above the genre average. Despondent over the closing of his karate school, Cobra Kai teacher John Kreese joins a ruthless businessman and martial artist to get revenge on Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita bring voice work that does more than the format usually asks for. The Karate Kid Part III came out in 1989. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

The Karate Kid Part III belongs on any best-of list regardless of format. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Ralph Macchio brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.