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I’m proud of myself when it comes to the fifth season of Cobra Kai. Instead of instantly devouring all ten episodes in a single night, I… well, devoured all ten episodes in two nights. That, my friends, is called restraint. There are many highlights from Season 5 — the Daniel/Johnny/Mike Barnes/Chozen scene from the season finale instantly comes to mind — but one of the most enjoyable aspects of the latest installment of Cobra Kai (aside from the endlessly entertaining Stingray, portrayed by the great Paul Walter Hauser) is the wonderful medley of pop culture references.
This isn’t exactly new territory for Cobra Kai. The first four seasons also include a rich array of pop culture Easter eggs, but the fifth season really seemed to up the ante. If you’re a fan of ’80s films — specifically Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, and/or the Rocky franchise — you probably recognized more than a few nods to those iconic movies. Here are a few of our favorite pop culture references from Season 5 of Cobra Kai.
Johnny and Miguel Go Full 'Top Gun' (Episode 4)
Cobra Kai is quite skillful at blending nuanced drama with silly, silly comedy. The series loves paying homage to classic ’80s films, and the new season delivers one of the most enjoyable parodies in recent memory with the Johnny/Miguel Top Gun volleyball scene.
Not only are we gifted with a few additional Top Gun references (Johnny dressing like Maverick, driving a motorcycle, and making love to Carmen a la the famous Tom Cruise/Kelly McGillis sex scene), but the scene is scored to the classic Kenny Loggins song “Playing with the Boys.”
Chozen's Love of '90 Day Fiancé' (Episode 4)
Chozen Toguchi is the MVP of Cobra Kai Season 5. We already know that the reformed Karate Kid II villain is a badass, but Season 5 showcases his humorous side. This tiny moment from Episode 4 literally made me laugh out loud. His heartfelt reaction to a 90 Day Fiancé proposal (“Never give up”) gave fans a peek at Chozen’s softer side.
Stingray's Pitch Perfect AEW/Chris Jericho Reference (Episode 5)
Decider recently covered this reference in greater detail, but Episode 5 features Stingray singing Chris Jericho’ popular All Elite Wrestling theme song “Judas” (a tune performed by Jericho’s heavy metal band Fozzy). Fun fact: Paul Walter Hauser, a real-life wrestling fan, not only came up with the idea, but he also helped production score a discount on the tune.
Johnny's 'Young Guns II-Themed' Escape Room (Episode 5)
A Young Guns II-themed escape room? That’s just classic Johnny Lawrence.
In an effort to help pacify the bad blood between Robby and Miguel, Johnny constructs the cinematically inspired escape room in his apartment, forgetting that he already showed the movie to Miguel.
Bonus points to Rosa Diaz for her exceptional commitment to the bit.
Johnny's 'Rocky IV' Love (Episode 8)
The Karate Kid franchise and Rocky share more than just a plucky underdog spirit; they also share a director! John G. Avildsen helmed the first three Karate Kid movies, Rocky, and Rocky V, so naturally there are few well-placed Rocky shoutouts.
Near the end of the episode, Johnny cribs Balboa’s speech from the conclusion of Rocky IV, while the beginning of Episode 8 pokes fun at the whole “Rocky IV ended the Cold War” joke that has endured for over 35 years: “Rocky Balboa is my hero. His victory over Russia effectively restored my fractured homeland.”
Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen Sing "Eye of the Tiger" (Episode 9)
You just know that Cobra Kai co-creators Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg relished shooting a scene in which Daniel, Johnny, and Chozen drunkenly perform Survivor’s iconic feel-good song “Eye of the Tiger.” This silly moment of revelry is an all-time classic moment for fans of the original franchise.
Robby's 'Beverly Hills Cop II' Reference (Episode 10)
When I first watched the season finale I was like, “Wait, did Robby just drop a Beverly Hills Cop II reference?” I was initially skeptical, but, c’mon, Robby is Johnny’s son and the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, ya know?
I’m sure Johnny is quite proud.
Go With Stingray If You Want To Live (Episode 10)
Beverly Hills Cop wasn’t the only sly movie reference in the Cobra Kai season finale. Our boy Stingray unleashed a timely nod to Terminator 2: Judgment Day when he pulled up and said these magic words to a distressed Daniel LaRusso: Come with me if you wanna live.
Speaking of Stingray, this isn’t exactly a “pop culture reference,” but it’s simply too funny to ignore.
We truly don’t deserve the gift of Stingray.
