Everybody, sing along, “You’re the best…around! Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down! You’re the best…around!” The original 1984 version of The Karate Kid is not only a pop culture touchstone for anyone who grew up in the 1980s, but also a tremendously entertaining underdog tale that ranks right up there with Rocky. (This is hardly an original observation, but it is true nevertheless, especially given how both films were directed by John G. Avildsen). This film became such an unexpected hit that it spawned three sequels, a line of action figures, a Saturday morning cartoon, and a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. Not a bad legacy at all. Wax on wax off, everybody!
