Let’s be honest: Cobra Kai is not merely a karate show. It’s a messy, emotional, and utterly thrilling rollercoaster ride of decades-old grievances, redemption stories, and roundhouse kicks to the heart. Over six seasons, it’s delivered up everything from family drama that tugs at the heartstrings to so-bad-they’re-good dojo brawls—and at the heart of it are the characters that make it impossible to turn away. So, who emerges above the rest in this endless Valley saga? Here’s our top 10 countdown of the most interesting Cobra Kai characters, from scene-stealers to emotional centers.
10. Anthony LaRusso
Anthony could have begun as the forgettable, screen-addicted kid in the LaRusso family, but over the years, he’s gradually found his footing in the narrative. Originally a bratty witness, Anthony matures into a child who must deal with the aftermath of his bullying—and attempt to do better. He never really becomes the focus, but his development brings some realistic grounding to the LaRusso family dynamic. As Screen Rant points out, he has become a more sympathetic character, even if his path to redemption remains ongoing.
9. Carmen Diaz
Miguel’s mother may not fight, but she’s one of the most solid, emotionally significant characters on the show. Carmen’s impact on Johnny Lawrence is enormous—her existence tends to move him out of his messier impulses and towards duty. Even when she doesn’t take up with big storylines, Carmen’s steady strength and reliability make her one of the show’s most underappreciated characters. As Screen Rant has it, she’s an integral part of Johnny’s development, even when she spends much of her time operating as a support mechanism instead of a main player.
8. Terry Silver
Terry Silver does not merely return to the Karate Kid franchise—he kicks the door in with unbridled verve. His evolution from reformist billionaire to madman villain is theatrical gold. Yes, his reasons are slightly ridiculous (and his hair, somehow, even more ridiculous), but that’s what makes him such a memorable figure. As Screen Rant points out, Silver maintains the stakes at a high level and the drama at an incendiary pitch—even if subtlety is not his forte.
7. Samantha LaRusso
Sam’s journey is marked with complex friendships, inner struggles, and some seriously heated rivalries. She’s a skilled fighter and also usually the emotional anchor of the teen plots, walking the tightrope between stress from home and drama in the dojo. Though her plot sometimes rehashes old territory, her inner conflict regarding identity, self-esteem, and forgiveness makes her a standout character. Screen Rant calls out her steady character growth as one of the biggest strengths.
6. Tory Nichols
Tory burst into the series with attitude and edge—but there’s way more going on beneath the surface. Juggling school, dojo politics, and a troubled home life, Tory is raw, complex, and surprisingly vulnerable. Her shift from Cobra Kai’s most aggressive fighter to someone searching for balance and support is one of the most rewarding arcs in the show. As The Oracle points out, Tory’s emotional journey, especially her search for redemption, gives her real depth.
5. Robby Keene
Robby’s life is one of turmoil—from tense family relations to crises of identity. As Johnny’s estranged son, he’s been mad, sad, and emotionally everywhere. But his gradual rise toward forgiveness, maturity, and inner peace makes him one of the series’ richest emotional characters. Whether he’s jumping from dojo to dojo or trying to deal with his past, Robby’s life is a strong affirmation of second chances. According to The Oracle, his development is among the most mature in the series.
4. Miguel Diaz
Miguel is the heart of Cobra Kai—plain and simple. His journey from bullied outsider to confident fighter is packed with challenges, from physical recovery to family struggles. What sets him apart is his empathy, his connection to Johnny, and his ability to stay grounded even as chaos swirls around him. The Oracle emphasizes that Miguel’s growth perfectly captures the series’ themes of resilience and reinvention.
3. Daniel LaRusso
He may be the original Karate Kid, but Daniel’s Cobra Kai tale is far from one-note. Today, a prosperous business owner and doting dad, Daniel continues to struggle to reconcile the teachings of Mr. Miyagi with his shortcomings and neuroses. His constant competition with Johnny and his mentorship role ensure that things remain complicated in the best possible sense. Netflix Tudum points to Daniel’s messy yet sincere growth as both nostalgic and profound.
2. Johnny Lawrence
Who would have thought Johnny Lawrence would turn out to be one of the most endearing, nuanced characters on television today? He’s abrasive, arrogant, and badly flawed—but he’s also working. Johnny’s journey to self-improvement, rebuilding his relationship with his son, and mentoring Miguel generates some of the show’s most sincere moments. Netflix Tudum characterizes Johnny’s journey as a masterclass in invulnerability and development—he’s got a whole way to go yet, but you can’t help but find yourself rooting for him.
1. Chozen Toguchi
Chozen’s franchise comeback was unexpected—and totally genius. Once Daniel’s vengeful nemesis in Okinawa, Chozen, returns as a stony-eyed, unflappable, and wonderfully deadpan loyalist. He adds emotional depth, battle smarts, and surprise hilarity to the later seasons. As Media Sandwich observes, Yuji Okumoto gives a performance that’s both earnest and scene-stealing, making Chozen a fan favorite MVP.
There you have it—our selections for the most interesting Cobra Kai characters. Whether you’re rooting for Miyagi-Do, Eagle Fang, or just holding out to find out who is going to get into the next crazy dojo fight, these characters are the true reason we return week after week.