Cobra Kai (2018)

Fans of the original The Karate Kid will enjoy revisiting Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence from the original movie, but Cobra Kai proves that this franchise is much more than just karate. Instead, it’s about family, friendship—even from people who used to be enemies—and how the unlikeliest bonds are sometimes the strongest ones. But yes, there’s also a lot of karate. And oh, so many cameos. Plus, this wouldn’t be Cobra Kai without a healthy helping of '80s nostalgia. This is for the Millennials, at heart. But hey, Gen Z, some of the jokes are for you too!

Repacking a decades-old story is never easy since they are often labeled as cash grabs that lack substance. However, Cobra Kai is the exception, proving that nostalgia can be successful when blended with a fresh premise. Ralph Macchio and William Zabka never miss a beat reprising their roles as Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence alongside a new generation of talent. The series is essentially about letting go of old grudges because heroes and villains aren't always so clear-cut. But the show's most important message is that redemption is always within reach because Cobra Kai never dies!