10 Hidden Easter Eggs in Cobra Kai That Pay Tribute to The Karate Kid

One of the great things about watching Cobra Kai is the nostalgic references to The Karate Kid. The Netflix series continues 30 years after the classic movie from 1984. Even though it's a new story with the old villain as the main character, the show still pays tribute to its roots. It mentions all three original Karate Kid movies, some of which are easy to spot, while others require a keen eye for detail.

Daniel's journey began in the first Karate Kid film in 1984, which is the most well-known. Since Johnny Lawrence was the bad guy in this movie, Cobra Kai has its origins here. As the series progresses, characters like Chozen from The Karate Kid Part 2 and Terry Silver from The Karate Kid Part 3 also make appearances. They bring with them hidden references from the Karate Kid movies that many viewers may have missed.

Several Cobra Kai Episode Titles Are Sneaky References To The Karate Kid Movies

Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid and a Cobra Kai poster - Several Cobra Kai Episode Titles Are Sneaky References To The Karate Kid Movies

Miguel’s Training In Cobra Kai S1 Reflects Daniel’s In The Karate Kid Part 3

When binge-watching Cobra Kai, it's easy to overlook the episode titles. However, many of them hold hidden connections to pivotal moments from the Karate Kid movies. For instance, the series pilot, "Ace Degenerate," is a nod to Johnny's claim of being an "ex-degenerate" in The Karate Kid. Another example is season 3, episode 3, titled "Now You're Gunna Pay," which references one of Johnny's iconic movie lines. Additionally, in Cobra Kai season 2, episode 4, the title "The Moment of Truth" pays homage to the famous song by Survivor featured in The Karate Kid.

Miguel takes a fighting stance in the dojo in Cobra Kai Season 1 - Miguel’s Training In Cobra Kai S1 Reflects Daniel’s In The Karate Kid Part 3

When Johnny started teaching Miguel karate in Cobra Kai season 1, he incorporated techniques similar to those used by John Kreese and Terry Silver when training Daniel in The Karate Kid Part 3. This not only pays homage to the movie, but it also makes sense. Since we never saw Johnny's own training at Cobra Kai, the show's writers looked to how Daniel was trained for inspiration. It's reasonable to think that the teaching methods would have similarities.

A Gift Daniel Gave Mr. Miyagi In The Karate Kid Part 2 Is Seen In Cobra Kai

Daniel and Miyagi in the Karate Kid - A Gift Daniel Gave Mr. Miyagi In The Karate Kid Part 2 Is Seen In Cobra Kai

In The Karate Kid, Daniel discovered Mr. Miyagi's medal of honor from his service in World War II hidden in a box along with other keepsakes. This discovery later inspired him to have the medal framed as a special gift for Mr. Miyagi, which he presented during the events of The Karate Kid Part 2. The heartfelt gesture was exploited by Cobra Kai, who featured the framed medal prominently among Daniel's belongings.

Cobra Kai's anticipated sixth and final season is set to premiere on Netflix in 2024.

Robby Finds Daniel’s Toy Drum From The Karate Kid Part 2

Karate Kid 2 Fight Daniel Chozen - Robby Finds Daniel’s Toy Drum From The Karate Kid Part 2

Songs Are Sometimes Used To Tie In Karate Kid Scenes With Cobra Kai

In Cobra Kai season 1, Daniel takes Robby to his dojo and starts teaching him karate. Robby unknowingly fiddles with a hand drum, which is a nod to The Karate Kid Part 2. This small detail adds a fun connection to the franchise.

The Karate Kid Halloween Johnny Daniel - Songs Are Sometimes Used To Tie In Karate Kid Scenes With Cobra Kai

The music in Cobra Kai pays tribute to The Karate Kid, adding to the nostalgia of the series. For example, when Demetri runs away from Hawk, the song "No Shelter" by Broken Edge plays, the same song from the Halloween dance scene in The Karate Kid. Similarly, when Johnny and his friends reunite, their theme song from The Karate Kid, "The Ride" by Matches, sets the perfect tone for the moment.

Cobra Kai Subtley Revealed The Previous Owner Of Miyagi’s 1947 Ford Convertable

Cobra Kai Yellow Car 1965 - Cobra Kai Subtley Revealed The Previous Owner Of Miyagi’s 1947 Ford Convertable

Terry Silver’s Karate Kid Part 3 Crimes Are Subtly Referenced In Cobra Kai S4

Cobra Kai took viewers back in time even further than the 1980s during season 3, delving into the backstory of John Kreese through flashbacks. These scenes revealed details from Kreese's past long before his encounter with Mr. Miyagi. Despite the timeline difference, there were subtle nods to The Karate Kid sprinkled throughout. An example of this is a scene outside a diner where a man expresses frustration over his 1947 Ford convertible, calling it a piece of junk and wanting to get rid of it. Interestingly, this car later becomes the one Mr. Miyagi gifts Daniel in The Karate Kid. This unexpected connection sheds light on how Miyagi came to possess the old Ford in the first place.

Demetri in Cobra Kai - Terry Silver’s Karate Kid Part 3 Crimes Are Subtly Referenced In Cobra Kai S4

When Terry Silver became a problem in Cobra Kai season 4, Demetri decided to do some research. Despite Silver's wealth and power, Demetri couldn't find any incriminating information about him. The only thing he discovered was a vague reference to a toxic waste scandal in Borneo in the 1980s. This subtle moment in the show was a nod to a similar comment made by Silver in The Karate Kid Part 3, where he mentioned dumping something in Borneo during a phone call.

Daniel & Johnny Reference A Karate Kid Deleted Scene In Cobra Kai

Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid - Daniel & Johnny Reference A Karate Kid Deleted Scene In Cobra Kai

Daniel and Sam Go Fishing In The Same Boat Seen In The Karate Kid

In Cobra Kai season 2, Johnny and Daniel find themselves on a double date by accident. This marks the beginning of their bonding as they reminisce about their teenage years and share jokes. During their conversation, they mention the "blueberry pie incident," a prank that Johnny played on Daniel in high school. Interestingly, this particular scene was never included in The Karate Kid movie but has been circulated on the internet for years. Fans who are familiar with the prank would have caught this subtle reference.

Sam and Daniel on a boat in Cobra Kai - Daniel & Sam Go Fishing In The Same Boat Seen In The Karate Kid

In Cobra Kai season 3, Daniel and Sam spent some quality time bonding on a fishing trip. It's a special moment as Daniel recalls doing the same activity with Mr. Miyagi. Interestingly, the boat they use is the same one from The Karate Kid. This boat has actually made appearances in earlier scenes at Miyagi's house in the series as well.

Chozen’s Cobra Kai Season 3 Line Is Straight From The Karate Kid Part 3

cobra kai chozen love interest kumiko - Chozen’s Cobra Kai Season 3 Line Is Straight From The Karate Kid Part 3

Daniel and Chozen reuniting in Cobra Kai season 3 was a standout moment. At first, Daniel was wary of his former opponent from The Karate Kid Part 2. However, as they said their goodbyes in Japan, it was evident that Chozen had turned over a new leaf. This positive change was highlighted when Chozen handed Daniel a scroll containing Miyagi-Do secrets, saying, "Keep for your collection." Interestingly, this was the same phrase Chozen had used with Kumiko in The Karate Kid Part 2, but delivered much more kindly in Cobra Kai.

Editor's P/S:

The article "Cobra Kai: Sneaky References to The Karate Kid Movies" is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the original film and its sequels. It highlights the meticulous attention to detail and respect for the source material that the writers of Cobra Kai have shown in their creation of the series. From subtle nods to pivotal moments to the incorporation of iconic characters and themes, the article reveals the deep connection between the two and how Cobra Kai serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of The Karate Kid.

The article not only provides a fun and informative exploration of the hidden references, but it also sheds light on the creative process behind Cobra Kai. The writers' decision to draw inspiration from the original movies, such as the character development of Johnny Lawrence and the exploration of John Kreese's backstory, demonstrates their understanding and appreciation of the franchise. The result is a series that both honors the past and expands upon it, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant experience for fans of all generations.