Discover the Top 10 Cobra Kai Characters You Never Knew You Loved!

Over six seasons, “Cobra Kai” has emerged as one of Netflix’s most successful series. A spinoff of “The Karate Kid,” it surpassed ratings benchmarks and connected with “Karate Kid: Legends.” Its finale provided a satisfying conclusion to a tale that captivated viewers since the very first episodes. One key factor in its success was developing complex characters, even bringing back those from the original trilogy. With a large cast and intriguing individual storylines from the beginning, it’s challenging to rank them from least favorite to most – because being a skilled fighter on the mat isn’t everything here.

In the series “Cobra Kai,” every character played a significant role without question. However, certain characters truly stood out by leaving a more substantial impression, either due to their pivotal roles in the plot or their evident personal development. So who were these memorable characters?

10) Samantha LaRusso

In the initial season, I wasn’t expecting much from Daniel LaRusso’s daughter, Samantha, given her background of hailing from a well-off family, being popular, and showing little interest in her father’s karate path. However, what truly sets her apart is her strong adherence to sound values. Unlike many other characters, she proved her mettle when circumstances demanded it, and her swift decision to join Daniel’s Miyagi-Do dojo underscored her significance to the narrative.

Indeed, a significant part of her narrative was focused on her romantic entanglement with Miguel and Robby, which formed a love triangle (until Tory entered the scene, transforming them into rivals). Consequently, her storyline had essentially reached its conclusion by Season 5. The remaining episodes primarily explored her post-Sekai Taikai life.

9) Terry Silver

In the Netflix series Cobra Kai, the main antagonist didn’t appear until Season 4, but since then, he’s stood out as the most formidable among them. This is due to his unwavering determination, understanding that achieving his goals required walking some dark paths. However, it’s important to note that his character development wasn’t extensive. As last season revealed, he was battling an illness and saw the All Valley Karate Tournament as his final challenge (his only soft spot that elicits a certain degree of empathy). Yet, throughout the series, he consistently displayed no remorse for his actions.

The significance of Silver lies in his role as an exceptional antagonist throughout the entire series, consistently serving as a reminder to both characters and viewers that he remains at large, unconquerable, and eager for victory. Hailing from the ’80s original trilogy, Silver is a timeless representation of villainy in The Karate Kid, making him one of the pivotal figures within the narrative.

8) Demetri Alexopoulos

I’m Demetri, the unassuming friend of the main character who seems more suited to crunching numbers than throwing punches. Frankly, I’ve never been one to embrace fighting, viewing it as a last resort due to my strong belief that violence isn’t the solution. Yet, I become quite the intriguing figure in the eyes of the audience.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Hawk joins John Kreese’s Cobra Kai. Slowly but surely, I find myself gaining courage, a transformation that is as natural as it is remarkable. What truly captivates the audience is my gradual evolution from a timid bystander to someone who stands tall against the group of bullies. This journey has made me a fan favorite.

In due course, we’ll trace his transformation as he eventually chooses to master combat skills and enrolls in Miyagi-Do. His odyssey is captivating to behold, and the climax, where he faces off against his closest friend, is the most riveting part of his tale. Ultimately, he gains unwavering self-assurance and manages to win over Yasmine, the most admired girl in school. This character could have effortlessly slipped into obscurity, but quite the opposite occurred.

7) Eli “Hawk” Moskowitz

Eli, one of our most fully-realized characters, has a unique backstory. Like Demetri, he’s known as a nerd, but what sets him apart is the resilience he’s developed from years of being bullied. Inspired by Miguel, he joins Cobra Kai and undergoes a dramatic change, taking on the persona of “Hawk.” However, it’s his extreme ideology that truly defines him – he thinks that in order to gain respect, he must be aggressive and cruel.

Without a doubt, his experiences significantly shaped him into a formidable adversary on the mats. Conversely, he eventually forfeited everything valuable in his life. In essence, Eli’s character resonates with many because it mirrors our own propensity to err and learn from those mistakes. His compelling narrative sets him apart, leaving one to ponder whether he isn’t among the most captivating characters on Cobra Kai.

6) Robby Keene

In the TV series Cobra Kai, karate stands out as a transformative influence for Robby, as he explains in the final episodes. This is because the martial art helped him discover his best self when things were tough – his mother was neglectful and his father was absent. When he starts training under Daniel (an unexpected choice given that Johnny is his rival), audiences warm to him instantly. Even after he changes allegiance due to anger and solitude, viewers continue to root for him to find his path again.

Unlike Samantha and Tory, the dynamic between him and Miguel holds more significance for the main narrative. Their intense rivalry, culminating in that pivotal fight that resulted in Miguel’s paralysis, is crucial not only to the overall plot but also to Johnny’s personal journey. Eventually, they become half-brothers and friends, with Robby emerging as a true role model.

5) John Kreese

Since the initial trilogy of “The Karate Kid” films, John Kreese has been a relentless antagonist who consistently pushes people to their limits. His reappearance at the end of the first season of “Cobra Kai” is no exception (if anything, it’s more intense given his determination to cause misery for all). This character is a master manipulator within the series, with seemingly no bounds when it comes to achieving his goals. Whether he’s targeting adults or his own students, he always manages to influence people’s thoughts and actions. However, his character development truly gained momentum when his past was unveiled, providing a human aspect that allowed viewers to empathize with the motivations behind his actions and behavior.

One of his notable qualities is his ability to care deeply for individuals such as Tory and Johnny, despite using them in certain circumstances. Contrary to expectations, the series doesn’t follow a predictable pattern of repetition. Instead, it unfolds into a heartfelt redemption storyline. Remarkably, he even goes so far as to selflessly give his life to slay Silver, demonstrating growth and atonement not just for his own tale but also for the characters who have influenced him.

4) Tory Nichols

In combat, Tory stands unrivaled – evident in her victory at Sekai Taikai in the women’s division. However, regarding character growth, she truly excels. Characters in ‘Cobra Kai’ aren’t always virtuous, but Tory’s motivations are delved into extensively. Beneath her tough exterior lies a desire to do good, yet life has dealt her harsh blows, particularly the sudden demise of her mother. This complexity is apparent as she struggles to reveal her vulnerabilities, but when Amanda LaRusso perceives this, change begins to occur.

In Season 5, Tory’s character development takes a significant turn as it becomes evident that while she stands up for Silver’s Cobra Kai, she doesn’t condone the questionable actions happening off-screen. By the finale, despite audience sympathy for her, when Robby confesses his feelings, it brings a fitting conclusion to her journey. What she yearned for most – being valued and cherished – is finally within her grasp. It’s safe to say that Tory ranks among the show’s most compelling characters.

3) Miguel Diaz

Miguel is essentially the “Cobra Kai’s” version of “The Karate Kid,” despite straying from the right path at times. What sets him apart is that he embodies characteristics of both Daniel and Johnny. He’s an ideal pupil for any sensei, yet as a teenager, he’s susceptible to his surroundings. Given the central theme of teaching and growth, Miguel serves as the foundation of the narrative. His final fight at Sekai Taikai underscores this journey, with numerous flashbacks detailing his transformation into a formidable victor.

A significant aspect of his narrative is his bond with Johnny, who serves as a mentor-like figure in his life. Their interaction is truly inspiring, given that Miguel remains steadfastly loyal to him from the start, and Johnny reciprocates this loyalty deeply. As the series unfolds, you’ll witness Miguel’s character develop in a heartwarming manner, making it all the more poignant due to its deep emotional resonance. The influence Johnny has on Miguel, especially as a teacher, is pivotal to the storyline, as he fosters strength within him that proves crucial throughout.

2) Daniel LaRusso

It’s undeniable: the original characters from “The Karate Kid” are hard to top, particularly the lead character. In “Cobra Kai”, Daniel appears to have it all – a content family, wealth, and a car dealership. Despite seeming like he’s accomplished everything, including the harmony that Mr. Miyagi taught him, it doesn’t take much for Johnny’s return after years to set him off. The show also highlights how deeply karate is ingrained in him and his desire to pass on Mr. Miyagi’s teachings to future martial artists. The core of the story that sparked the series remains alive within him, making his character even more significant.

As the story unfolds, this character proves to be quite different from his initial portrayal in the early episodes. Despite his ability to err when provoked by past conflicts and personal feelings, he is one of the most well-developed and cherished characters due to his complexity. It’s fascinating to witness the blossoming friendship between him and a former adversary, which seems destined, like yin and yang for the audience. It takes time for him to fully grasp this bond, but it rings true with its peaks and valleys, making it both realistic and entertaining to watch – particularly for fans of the original trilogy.

1) Johnny Lawrence

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Johnny, who was once a secondary character in The Karate Kid, has been masterfully transformed into the main focus in Cobra Kai. It’s nothing short of amazing how the series manages to weave him intricately into numerous pivotal relationships. His character development is truly one of the most captivating aspects of the entire series, as it delves deep into his journey, showcasing both triumphs and setbacks, and countless efforts towards self-improvement.

What’s equally fascinating is the stark contrast between Johnny in Season 1 and the evolved character we see in Season 6. His transformation from a villain to an anti-hero who continues to garner unwavering audience support is a testament to the series’ skillful storytelling.

Johnny possesses all the essentials to achieve his goals, yet it takes time for him to acknowledge this, mainly due to the lingering effects from his past relationship with Kreese. A significant moment occurs when he and his mentor confront their deepest issues in the final episode, a scene that stands out as particularly impactful. Moreover, Johnny’s connections with Robby, Miguel, Carmen, and especially Daniel are multifaceted and intricate, reflecting the internal struggles he continues to navigate. The series Cobra Kai primarily revolves around Johnny learning to forgive himself and understanding that he deserves all he desires. His poor decisions stemmed from external factors, but they don’t define him as a villain. Johnny’s personal growth journey, supported by individuals he never expected would stand by him, is what makes him an exceptional character in Cobra Kai.

Cobra Kai is available to stream on Netflix.

2025-02-20 06:41