The Karate Kid Part III

The Karate Kid Part III

Year: 1989

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: John G. Avildsen

ActionDramaSportFamily

Seeking revenge for past defeats, John Kreese and his associate Terry Silver plot to undermine Daniel LaRusso's chances at the karate championship. They recruit a powerful adversary to challenge Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, pushing the conflict to a new level. Loyalties are tested as old alliances face new strains in this intense sequel.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Karate Kid Part III yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Karate Kid Part III (1989)

Trace every key event in The Karate Kid Part III (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

John Kreese's Downfall

As the dust settles from his past failures, John Kreese finds himself grappling with the fallout of previous events. Once a respected karate instructor, his life is now in shambles, marked by financial struggles and a heavy emotional burden.

2

Kreese Teams Up with Terry Silver

Desperate for a comeback, Kreese reaches out to Terry Silver, a former Green Beret and successful businessman in the toxic chemical industry. Silver, always looking for an opportunity, decides to help Kreese while simultaneously plotting his revenge against Daniel LaRusso.

3

New Champion: Mike Barnes

With Kreese out of the picture, Terry Silver seeks out Mike Barnes, a notorious karate champion known for his ruthless approach. Silver recruits Barnes to revitalize Cobra Kai and serve as a new weapon against Daniel.

4

Daniel Returns from Okinawa

After his journey to Okinawa, Daniel LaRusso returns to find his home, the South Seas apartment complex, completely demolished. This shocking discovery leaves him homeless and struggling to regain his footing in a familiar yet changed landscape.

South Seas apartment complex
5

Daniel Moves in with Mr. Miyagi

With nowhere else to turn, Daniel moves in with his mentor, Mr. Miyagi, who is likewise affected by the loss of the South Seas. Together, they embark on a new venture, setting up a bonsai shop to bring some stability back into their lives.

Mr. Miyagi's residence
6

Daniel Meets Jessica Andrews

While establishing his new life, Daniel encounters Jessica Andrews, a pottery store employee. Though she is hesitant about romance due to her commitments back home, Daniel is drawn to her, complicating his emotional landscape.

Pottery store
7

Silver's Manipulative Introduction

Terry Silver introduces himself to Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, pretending to extend a hand of friendship. He claims to have a connection with Kreese from the Vietnam War, further deepening the existing tension between Daniel and the Cobra Kai legacy.

8

Barnes and His Gang's Harassment

Mike Barnes, along with his cohorts Dennis and Snake, begins a campaign of intimidation against Daniel and Jessica. Their harassment escalates to the point of vandalizing Mr. Miyagi's bonsai shop and stealing priceless bonsai trees, deepening Daniel’s troubles.

Mr. Miyagi's bonsai shop
9

Daniel's Dilemma with Silver

As pressures mount, Daniel faces an ultimatum from Silver regarding training for the All-Valley Tournament. With conflicting feelings about relying on Silver's guidance, he must find a balance between his pride and the need for preparation.

10

Daniel's Confrontation with a Stranger

Under the overwhelming stress from Cobra Kai’s antagonism, Daniel experiences a violent confrontation instigated by Silver. This incident not only challenges his composure but also forces Daniel to reflect on his approach to karate and personal growth.

11

Reconciliation with Jessica

In a moment of vulnerability, Daniel reconnects with Jessica as she considers leaving. Her encouragement to mend his relationship with Mr. Miyagi inspires him to reaffirm his commitment to both his mentor and himself.

12

Daniel Confronts Silver

Determined to confront the manipulations surrounding him, Daniel faces off with Silver about his true intentions in the lead-up to the All-Valley Tournament. However, the situation escalates rapidly as Barnes seeks revenge.

13

Miyagi's Intervention

Just as all hope seems lost, Mr. Miyagi intervenes, using his karate prowess to neutralize Barnes and Silver's threats. This act restores Daniel's confidence and solidifies their partnership ahead of the impending tournament.

14

The All-Valley Tournament

During the All-Valley Tournament, Silver's underlying motives become clear as he seeks to profit from Cobra Kai's success. As the matches commence, Barnes employs dubious tactics to try and gain the upper hand over Daniel.

All-Valley Tournament arena
15

Daniel's Triumph

Faced with a deadlock in the final match and contemplating giving up, Daniel remembers Mr. Miyagi's guiding words. With renewed determination, he channels his inner strength, performs a kata, and defeats Barnes, ultimately thwarting Silver's ambitions.

Final match

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 18:21

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about mentorship under pressure like The Karate Kid Part III

Where a wise mentor guides a vulnerable student through relentless external threats.Find more movies like The Karate Kid Part III where a young protagonist relies on a skilled mentor to survive intense rivalry and psychological warfare. These stories feature strong teacher-student dynamics tested by dangerous adversaries.

tensementorshipunderdogdangerousstressfulempoweringrivalryperseverance

Narrative Summary

This thread groups stories where a young or inexperienced protagonist forms a critical bond with a mentor. The central conflict arises from powerful antagonists who specifically target this relationship, pushing both student and teacher to their limits through psychological and physical intimidation, culminating in a trial that proves their growth and resilience.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on the central pillar of a tested mentor-student dynamic within a high-tension, adversarial context. They share a steady pacing that builds towards a climactic confrontation, a tense tone from constant threats, and a focus on perseverance and empowerment through guidance.

Psychological sports thrillers like The Karate Kid Part III

Stories where the real battle is psychological, fought before the physical contest.If you liked the mental manipulation and high-pressure rivalry in The Karate Kid Part III, explore these movies. They feature competitors facing psychological warfare and dirty tricks from villains who want to win at any cost.

psychological warfaretensedangerousaggressivestressfulcompetitionrevengeunderdog

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread revolve around a competition—be it sports, games, or other contests—where the antagonist's primary strategy is psychological destruction. The plot unfolds through a series of calculated attacks aimed at demoralizing the hero, creating a steady increase in tension that leads to a final, cathartic victory earned through sheer mental endurance.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific pattern of conflict: the antagonist employs unfair, psychological tactics to create a pervasive sense of danger and stress. They are united by a tense, aggressive tone, high intensity from constant manipulation, and a theme of overcoming psychological torment.

Unlock the Full Story of The Karate Kid Part III

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Karate Kid Part III in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Karate Kid Part III is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Karate Kid Part III Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Karate Kid Part III, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Karate Kid Part III Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Karate Kid Part III

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Karate Kid Part III. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Karate Kid Part III

The Karate Kid Part III Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Karate Kid Part III that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Karate Kid Part III Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Karate Kid Part III

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Karate Kid Part III: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Karate Kid Part III

Similar Movies to The Karate Kid Part III

Discover movies like The Karate Kid Part III that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.