Greatest High School Movies of the 80s of All Time
Say Anything… (1989) or The Karate Kid (1984)

Pick Your Favorite

SAY ANYTHING… (1989)

VS

THE KARATE KID (1984)
0%

Your GOAT List

Why This Battle Matters

What’s truly at the heart of the quintessential '80s high school experience? This clash between 'Say Anything…' (1989) and 'The Karate Kid' (1984) digs deep into this query. On one corner, we have Lloyd Dobler with his boombox and earnest love, symbolizing the tender, introspective take on teenage life. In the opposing corner, Daniel LaRusso karate chops through adversity, encapsulating a narrative of resilience and martial discipline. This isn’t just about which film tugs harder at the nostalgic heartstrings; it’s a duel over which values resonate more deeply with us today -- the power of emotional connection or the triumph over personal challenges.

🔥 Fan Takes

The Karate Kid is a metaphor for every awkward teen's dream of beating the odds. That’s deep, man.
lol can we just agree that karate kid sweeping the leg is peak cinema? iconic.
Say Anything’s just a warm blanket of 80s vibes, you feel me? How you gonna beat Lloyd Dobler's boombox moment?

How Fans Are Voting

In this battle:

Fans currently prefer The Karate Kid (1984) over Say Anything… (1989) when it comes to the greatest High School Movies of the 80s of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick The Karate Kid (1984) 82.4% of the time over Say Anything… (1989).

Across all battles:

The Karate Kid (1984) win rate: 53.4%

Say Anything… (1989) win rate: 38.8%

Fan FAQs

Why is the battle between The Karate Kid and Say Anything... so intense in the Greatest High School Movies of the 80s league?

This matchup stirs up so much debate because it pits a classic tale of resilience and martial arts against an unforgettable story of romance and personal growth. Fans are torn between the action-packed, feel-good vibes of The Karate Kid and the deep, emotional connection many feel with Say Anything….

What makes Say Anything... a beloved contender among fans?

Fans adore Say Anything... for its authentic portrayal of young love and the iconic boombox scene, which has been etched into pop culture forever. Lloyd Dobler, standing outside with that boombox, has become a symbol of grand romantic gestures.

Why is The Karate Kid crushing Say Anything... in the Greatest High School Movies of the 80s league on GoatWars?

The Karate Kid’s lead is massive! Fans are clearly resonating with its underdog story and iconic moments. It’s the nostalgia and those memorable karate scenes that keep viewers coming back and voting it up over Say Anything…, which, while impactful, just doesn't hold the same cultural punch.