The conclusion of Cobra Kai was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a nod to one of the most iconic sports films ever made. The Netflix series, while set in contemporary times, draws heavily on the nostalgia of the 1980s, particularly through its central character, Johnny Lawrence, who often seems trapped in the era of The Karate Kid, which debuted in 1984.
This nostalgia is reflected in the show’s vibrant soundtrack, peppered with classic tracks from that decade, and in Johnny’s fondness for nostalgic films, including the lesser-known action sequel Best of the Best 2. However, the series reserved its most significant homage for the finale, featuring a memorable speech followed by a training montage reminiscent of a true sports classic.
Paying Tribute to Rocky
The pivotal scene appears in Season 6, Episode 15, aptly titled “Ex-Degenerate.” During an inspiring pep talk, Daniel LaRusso references the legendary film by stating, “You remember Rocky? Yeah, I know you’re a big Rocky III and IV fan. Mr. T, Drago—fun characters, but for me, the original is unparalleled. Do you recall who reached the end?”
Daniel allows a moment of reflection before elaborating: “Rocky trains tirelessly throughout the movie. And what happens at the end? He comes excruciatingly close but still loses. Does he wallow in disappointment? Absolutely not. He goes the distance, which feels like a victory not just for him, but for everyone watching. Ultimately, he gets to embrace the woman he loves because when all is said and done, that connection is what truly matters.”
He continues, drawing a parallel to Johnny’s own journey: “You have people around you who care about you, man—present company included. That’s what truly defines a winner.” This heartfelt dialogue makes a poignant statement, and the reference to Rocky serves as an inside joke, especially considering the shared direction by John G. Avildson for both the beloved Stallone movie and the original Karate Kid.
But Cobra Kai doesn’t stop there. Following this emotional exchange is a training montage set to the empowering theme “You’re the Best Around” from the first Karate Kid film. The visuals feature Daniel and Johnny engaging in beach workouts and enjoying seaside frolics, echoing the camaraderie seen in Rocky III.
As the montage progresses, the local community joins them, reminiscent of how Rocky Balboa was supported by the citizens of Philadelphia during his iconic runs through the city in Rocky II. This sequence not only serves as an uplifting tribute to a beloved sports narrative, but it also sets the stage for the high-stakes drama that unfolds in the series’ climax.
All six seasons of Cobra Kai are now available for streaming on Netflix. For those interested, further details on the show’s homage to Back to the Future can be explored here, along with reasons why we celebrate TV and movies.
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