The dojo is calling, and not just for karate! For fans of the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai, the soundtrack is almost as iconic as the characters themselves. The show expertly blends nostalgic 80s hits with modern tracks, creating a perfect sonic backdrop to the epic rivalry between Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai. But with so many killer tunes featured throughout the seasons, picking the absolute best songs from Cobra Kai can feel like choosing your favorite student. This list dives deep into the show's musical heart, analyzing the perfect pairings of song and scene to unveil the ultimate soundtrack playlist. Whether you're a seasoned karate expert or just starting your Cobra Kai journey, get ready to unleash your inner sensei with this definitive ranking of the show's most unforgettable tracks. Prepare to revisit the emotional highs and dramatic lows – all soundtracked by the music that made them unforgettable.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Here I Go Again | Whitesnake | 133M+ | |
| 2. I Want It All | Queen | The Miracle (Collector's Edition) | 113M+ |
| 3. Round and Round | Ratt | The Essentials: Ratt | 55M+ |
| 4. You're The Best | Joe "Bean" Esposito | 40M+ | |
| 5. Take It On the Run | REO Speedwagon | 21M+ | |
| 6. Ain't That A Kick In The Head | Dean Martin | Dean Martin: The Capitol Recordings, Vol. 11 (1960-1961) | 19M+ |
| 7. Don't Look Back | Boston | Don't Look Back | 13M+ |
1. Here I Go Again (Whitesnake - 1982)
Iconic 80s Rock: Here I Go Again perfectly captures the swaggering, guitar-driven sound of Whitesnake's heyday, making it a quintessential track from the era and a perfect fit for the high-octane energy of *Cobra Kai*.
Emotional Resonance: The song's blend of yearning vocals and powerful instrumentation creates a compelling emotional backdrop, mirroring the complex relationships and dramatic conflicts within the show.
Scene-Setting Potential: Its dramatic build-up and anthemic chorus would score a training montage, a romantic moment, or a tense showdown incredibly well, adding nostalgic weight to key *Cobra Kai* moments.
2. I Want It All - The Miracle (Collector's Edition)
Anthemic Power: "I Want It All" boasts Queen's signature stadium-ready sound, perfectly capturing the high-stakes battles and unwavering determination found in Cobra Kai.
Freddie Mercury's Vocals: Mercury's powerful and passionate vocals drive the song, mirroring the intensity of the karate rivalries and the characters' relentless pursuit of victory.
Driving Rhythm: The relentless, driving rhythm of the song creates a feeling of unstoppable momentum, ideal for montage scenes of intense training or epic confrontations.
3. Round and Round (Ratt - 1984)
Sound: Ratt's signature hard rock sound, complete with soaring guitars and powerful drums, perfectly captures the high-octane energy of Cobra Kai's fight scenes.
Vocal Performance: Stephen Pearcy's vocals are iconic and instantly recognizable, adding a layer of 80s nostalgia that resonates with the show's setting and themes.
Emotional Impact: The song's relentless energy and driving rhythm create a sense of urgency and intensity, mirroring the emotional stakes of the karate rivalries in Cobra Kai.
4. You're The Best
You're The Best
Artist: Joe "Bean" Esposito
Upbeat Energy: The song's relentlessly positive vibe and driving rhythm perfectly capture the high-energy fight scenes and underdog spirit of *Cobra Kai*.
Nostalgic 80s Sound: Its classic 80s synth-pop sound evokes the decade's iconic action movies, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the show's soundtrack.
Memorable Hook: The instantly catchy chorus and powerful vocals make "You're The Best" an anthem that stays with you long after the credits roll.
5. Take It On the Run (REO Speedwagon - 1981)
Driving Rhythm: The relentless beat of "Take It On the Run" perfectly captures the high-octane energy and relentless action sequences often found in Cobra Kai.
Anthemic Vocals: Kevin Cronin's powerful vocals deliver a sense of unwavering determination, mirroring the fighters' commitment to their respective dojos.
Nostalgic Vibe: Its 80s rock sound evokes a specific era of training montages and underdog stories, fitting the show's retro feel.
6. Ain't That A Kick In The Head - Dean Martin: The Capitol Recordings, Vol. 11 (1960-1961)
Swinging Rhythm: "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" boasts a classic, upbeat swing rhythm perfectly capturing the energetic spirit of martial arts training montages.
Dean Martin's Vocals: Martin's smooth, effortlessly cool vocals lend a sophisticated yet playful vibe, adding a layer of unexpected charm to the often intense world of *Cobra Kai*.
Nostalgic Vibe: The song's timeless quality evokes a sense of nostalgia, fitting for the show's callbacks to the 80s and the enduring themes of rivalry and redemption.
7. Don't Look Back (Don't Look Back - 1978)
Driving Guitar Riff: Boston's signature sound is in full effect here, with a powerful guitar riff that perfectly captures the intensity of a Cobra Kai dojo showdown.
Anthemic Chorus: The soaring vocals and memorable chorus create a sense of triumph and determination, mirroring the fighting spirit of the show's characters.
Nostalgic 70s Vibe: "Don't Look Back" evokes the classic rock energy of the 70s, fitting the show's blend of classic martial arts themes and modern storytelling.
8. Battle Without Honor or Humanity (2000)
Title: Battle Without Honor or Humanity
Artist: Hotei
Iconic Guitar Riff: The instantly recognizable, hard-rocking guitar riff is a cornerstone of the *Cobra Kai* soundtrack, perfectly capturing the show's blend of action and drama.
Intense Energy: The song's driving rhythm and relentless pace amplify the high-stakes fight scenes, adding a layer of intensity that perfectly complements the on-screen action.
Nostalgia Factor: Its use in *Cobra Kai* has cemented its place in pop culture, making it an instantly recognizable and beloved track for fans of the show and martial arts movies.
9. Lay It Down (Ratt - 1985)
Song Title: Lay It Down
Artist: Ratt
80s Hair Metal Vibe: "Lay It Down" perfectly captures the high-energy, guitar-driven sound that defined the era, making it a quintessential track for any Cobra Kai training montage.
Anthemic Quality: The powerful vocals and driving rhythm create an undeniably motivating atmosphere, ideal for scenes depicting intense dojo battles or triumphant moments.
Nostalgia Factor: Its inclusion in Cobra Kai taps into the powerful nostalgia associated with 80s action films and their iconic soundtracks, adding another layer of authenticity to the show's aesthetic.
10. Young Hearts (COMMUTER)
Sound: COMMUTER's "Young Hearts" boasts a driving, 80s-inspired synth-wave sound perfectly capturing the energetic, rebellious spirit of *Cobra Kai*.
Vocals: The powerful vocals deliver a sense of youthful yearning and determination, mirroring the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Emotional Impact: The song's blend of intensity and melody creates a feeling of both nostalgia and anticipation, enhancing the show's emotional core.
11Sushi
Hoodie Allen
2018
12Nothing Left to Lose
Kari Kimmel
2018