Ralph Macchio has been a prolific actor over the years starring in multiple iconic films as a young actor and continuing with steady work in the industry. He’s most known for his starring role in The Karate Kid and as one of the main stars of The Outsiders. And has most recently starred in The Karate Kid reboot television series, Cobra Kai.
Although the roles Macchio is most recognized for were in the 1980s, he’s still appeared in several popular television series in recent years and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down as Cobra Kai has been renewed for a third season through Netflix.
10 Ugly Betty (2006–2010) – 6.5
Ugly Betty stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, an aspiring writer who works at a fashion magazine who is successful and hardworking, but she often feels out of place due to her unique style.
Betty lives with her sister, Hilda, their father, and Hilda’s son. Ralph Macchio appeared in several episodes portraying a local city council member and Hilda’s love interest.
9 Crossroads (1986) – 7.1
Ralph Macchio stars as a young aspiring blues guitarist, Eugene Martone, in the 80s movie alongside a famous blues harmonic player, Willie Brown, portrayed by Joe Seneca. Eugene helps Willie escape a nursing home and the two go on the road traveling from New York to Mississippi so Willie can go home.
The movie delves into lore around musicians selling their soul for talent and has some great dynamic musical scenes as well.
8 The Outsiders (1983) – 7.1
Ralph Macchio and C. Thomas Howell star as Johnny Cade and Ponyboy Curtis in this classic 80s movie based on the iconic book of the same name. The two portray the quiet younger members of the Greasers group including Ponyboy’s brothers, portrayed by Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze, and the wild Dallas portrayed by Matt Dillon.
The Greasers are always brawling with the upper-class teens referred to as the Socs and when a fight gets out of hand Johnny and Ponyboy have to go on the run to avoid being thrown in jail.
7 The Karate Kid (1984) – 7.2
The Karate Kid follows high schooler Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) as he moves from New Jersey to California and has a difficult time fitting in as the local kids, who all take karate, begin to bully him.
Daniel wants to learn how to defend himself and happens to find out that the maintenance man at his apartment complex is a karate master. Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) teaches Daniel karate as a way to defend himself and the film culminates at a karate tournament as Daniel faces off against his bullies.
6 My Cousin Vinny (1992) – 7.6
Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei star in My Cousin Vinny about two young and innocent college kids who are arrested and tried for murder. One of the kids (Ralph Macchio) calls his cousin Vinny who’s an attorney to represent them during the trial.
Vinny’s not well-trained as an attorney and he and his fiance’s rough New York edges don’t mesh well with the culture in the Southern town they’re trying the case in.
5 The Deuce (2017-2019) – 8.1
The Deuce follows the beginning of the legitimization of the sex industry in 1970s New York and centers on two twins (both played by James Franco) in the middle of the boom.
The show also delves into the police response to the changes while also focusing on prostitution and the porn industry. Ralph Macchio appeared in several episodes of the series portraying a police officer.
4 How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014) – 8.3
Ralph Macchio appeared in one episode of the popular show How I Met Your Mother and portrayed a fictionalized version of himself alongside Karate Kid co-star William Zabka.
The episode shows Ted and Marshall kidnapping Barney for his bachelor party and at the beginning, everything goes wrong. They get a terrible hotel room, hire a clown for entertainment, and get Ralph Macchio to join them for the party even though Barney hates him and believes that Zabka’s Johnny was the hero of The Karate Kid.
3 Psych (2006–2014) – 8.3
Ralph Macchio has guest-starred multiple times on the popular comedy Psych that follows Shawn and Gus as they assist the local police department in their cases under the lie that Shawn is a psychic. Psych is known for having great guest stars and particularly iconic 1980s actors joining them for a few episodes.
The show is also known for its meta-comedy that references real-life and the guest stars referencing earlier work in their filmography. Ralph Macchio has portrayed two different characters on the show who have both paid homage to his earlier roles in Karate Kid and My Cousin Vinny.
2 Entourage (2004–2011) – 8.4
Entourage followed an up and coming actor, Vince, and his three friends that moved with him to L.A.; Drama, Eric, and Turtle. The group tries to understand and survive the new environment after moving from New York and often make mistakes that affect Vince’s career.
Ralph Macchio appeared in one episode of the series as a fictionalized version of himself and almost got into a fight with Drama over a Playboy mansion party.
1 Cobra Kai (2018– ) – 8.8
Cobra Kai continues the stories of Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) from the first Karate Kid film and catches up with the two in adulthood.
The two are still feuding as Johnny is struggling, deciding to re-open the Cobra Kai karate dojo, and Daniel owns a successful car dealership. Ralph Macchio will be returning as Daniel LaRusso as Cobra Kai has been renewed for a third season after its shocking season 2 cliffhanger.
About The Author
