How to watch

Cobra Kai Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch Cobra Kai in order

Last updated: April 23 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

Cobra Kai is the critically acclaimed sequel series to the original Karate Kid films, revisiting the rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence decades after their legendary All Valley tournament bout. Spanning six seasons on Netflix, the show rewards viewers who come in having seen the classic films.

What began as a YouTube Originals series in 2018 became one of Netflix's most popular shows, proving that the world of Karate Kid had more stories to tell. Cobra Kai dives deep into the complicated legacies of both Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, asking who was really the villain in 1984 and what happens when old wounds refuse to heal. The series is packed with callbacks to the original films while building a new generation of karate students and rivalries.

🕐 Release Order

Cobra Kai is a direct continuation of the Karate Kid film series. For the fullest experience, watch the original Karate Kid films first, then proceed through all six seasons of Cobra Kai in order.

  1. The Karate Kid (1984) — strongly recommended before starting Cobra Kai
  2. The Karate Kid Part II (1986) — referenced in Cobra Kai
  3. The Karate Kid Part III (1989) — referenced in Cobra Kai
  4. Cobra Kai: Season 1 (2018)
  5. Cobra Kai: Season 2 (2019)
  6. Cobra Kai: Season 3 (2021)
  7. Cobra Kai: Season 4 (2021)
  8. Cobra Kai: Season 5 (2022)
  9. Cobra Kai: Season 6 (2024–2025)

The story of Cobra Kai picks up 34 years after the events of the original film and builds continuously through all six seasons, with each season ending on a cliffhanger that drives you straight into the next.

📖 Story Chronology

Unlike many franchises, Cobra Kai's story is entirely linear — no prequels, no alternate timelines. The story flows directly from the 1984 All Valley Tournament through Cobra Kai's six seasons.

  1. The Karate Kid (1984) — the original tournament
  2. The Karate Kid Part II (1986) — Daniel and Mr. Miyagi in Okinawa
  3. The Karate Kid Part III (1989) — Terry Silver's revenge plot
  4. Cobra Kai: Seasons 1–6 (2018–2025) — the next chapter, set in present day

Which Order Should You Choose?

The original 1984 Karate Kid is essential viewing before starting Cobra Kai — the series is a direct sequel that assumes you know the original story, and much of its emotional power comes from recontextualising the events of that film. Parts II and III add depth to characters who reappear in the show, particularly Chozen and Terry Silver. Then watch all six seasons of Cobra Kai in order — it is a binge-worthy, surprisingly emotional ride from start to finish.

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