The Karate Kid franchise has significantly expanded to the point that the term “Miyagi-Verse” has been thrown around that sets itself as a ‘shared cinematic universe’ like Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
So it got me thinking, can you do a different type of viewing order for the Karate Kid franchise or “Miyagi-verse” like the popular “Machete Order” for Star Wars saga?
So here’s my version of it, by alternating between the films and the series, and divide them in different chapters.
Chapter 1: Welcome to the Valley
- The Karate Kid (1984)
- Cobra Kai (2018)
- Cobra Kai II (2019)
Chapter 2: Secrets from Okinawa
- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- Cobra Kai III (2021)
Chapter 3: Quick Silver Method
- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- Cobra Kai IV (2021)
- Cobra Kai V (2022)
Chapter 4: The Sekai Taikai
- Cobra Kai VI (2024)
Chapter 5: Two Branches, One Tree
- The Next Karate Kid (1994)
- The Karate Kid (2010)
- Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
Chapter 1:
Welcome to the Valley
The great karate rivalry in the Valley.
Starring William Zabka, Ralph Macchio, Xolo Mariduena, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, and Martin Kove, with Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi.



- The Karate Kid (1984)
- Cobra Kai (2018)
- Cobra Kai II (2019)
This part serves as an introduction to the main protagonists: Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, along with the karate dojos of Miyagi-do and Cobra Kai.
You start with the first Karate Kid movie. Then jump to Cobra Kai Season 1 which opened with a flashback to the ending of Karate Kid anyway. Continue until the end of Season 2.
Chapter 2:
Secrets from Okinawa
The Origin and Legacy of Miyagi-Do Karate from Okinawa.
Starring Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Mary Mouser, and Martin Kove, with Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi.


- The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
- Cobra Kai III (2021)
Okinawa plays a big part to the story in this part.
Karate Kid 2 acts like an extended flashback to Okinawa for Daniel. This transitions perfectly with the first five episodes of Season 3, with Daniel returning to Okinawa and reuniting with Karate Kid 2 characters.
At the end of season 3, Kreese’s flashback introduces young Terry Silver and Kreese making that phone call, which leads to….
Chapter 3:
Quick Silver Method
The Origin and Legacy of Cobra Kai.
Starring Ralph Macchio, Thomas Ian Griffith, William Zabka, Tanner Buchanan, Peyton List, and Martin Kove, with Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi.



- The Karate Kid Part III (1989)
- Cobra Kai IV (2021)
- Cobra Kai V (2022)
….an extensive flashback to Karate Kid 3 introducing Terry Silver.
We go from Karate Kid 3 to Cobra Kai Season 4 and 5, where Terry Silver becomes the main antagonist in the saga. Plus, Cobra Kai Season 5 did feel like a sequel and conclusion to Karate Kid 3 so it’s fitting for the two to bookend this part.
Chapter 4:
The Sekai Taikai
The great karate world tournament.
Starring William Zabka, Ralph Macchio, Xolo Mariduena, Tanner Buchanan, Peyton List, Thomas Ian Griffith, and Martin Kove.

- Cobra Kai VI (2024)
While Season 6 was originally released in three parts, I think it works better in viewing as one single season with Sekai Taikai being the main through line. The saga slowly shifted its focus back to Johnny Lawrence and we see his character arc concludes in this part.
Meanwhile, season 6 hinted that there was more to Mr. Miyagi’s history than his time with Daniel LaRusso. Which makes us jump into…
Chapter 5:
Two Branches, One Tree
The Legacy of Miyagi beyond Okinawa and the Valley.
Starring Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Ben Wang, Hillary Swank, and Ralph Macchio, with Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi.



- The Next Karate Kid (1994)
- The Karate Kid (2010)
- Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
….exploring other parts of Mr. Miyagi’s past beyond his time with Daniel LaRusso.
We start with ‘The Next Karate Kid’ where we get to know about Mr. Miyagi’s connection to the Pierce family in Boston.
Then we move to the story of a kung fu master in Beijing, Mr. Han in The Karate Kid (2010) and Karate Kid: Legends (2025), who has past connection to Mr. Miyagi.
In a full circle moment, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ movie ends right back with the two main protagonists of the saga: Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence.
What I like about this is that by alternating between the KK films and CK seasons, it makes it feel like Daniel Larusso and Johnny Lawrence are equal as the lead heroes of the Cobra Kai Saga. And KK2 also feels less like a standalone adventure when it is sandwiched between CK seasons.
The only problem I see with this order though is that KK3 was referenced in CK Season 2 & 3. But again, this is primarily for a rewatch, not for first time viewers.
This is just for fun and if you want to try rewatching them in a different way. This is DEFINITELY NOT for first time viewers, you simply go with release order for that.
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