Pat Morita
ActingAbout Pat Morita
Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita (June 28, 1932 – November 24, 2005) was an American actor of Japanese descent who was well-known for playing the role of Matsuo "Arnold" Takahashi on Happy Days and as Mr. Miyagi in the The Karate Kid movie series, in which he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1984.
Pat Morita Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Pat Morita reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Pat Morita's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 64% of Pat Morita's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Human Feelings, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Pat Morita Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Pat Morita's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Pat Morita has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story | Self / Various (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | The Real Miyagi | Self / Mr. Miyagi | Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Act Your Age | Tom | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | 2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift | (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Spymate | Kiro | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Down and Derby | Ono Yakimoto | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | The Way of The Karate Kid | Self / Mr. Miyagi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | American Fusion | Lao Dong | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Mulan II | The Emperor (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | The Last Shot | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Volcano High [MTV's Rapper Dub] | Vice Principal Jang Hak-sa (renamed Ko) | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | High Roller: The Stu Ungar Story | Mr. Leo | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | The Stoneman | Prof. Stevens | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Hammerlock | Un Huong Lo | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | The Biggest Fan | Richard Limp | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Shadow Fury | Dr. Oh | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | House of Luk | Kwang Luk | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Brother | Guy at the Poker Table | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Inferno | Jubal Early | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | I'll Remember April | Abe Tanaka | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Mulan | The Emperor (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Reflections on Ice: Michelle Kwan Skates to the Music of Disney's 'Mulan' | Emperor / Narrator (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Sports on the Silver Screen | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Beyond Barbed Wire | Narrator (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Lamb Chop's Special Chanukah | Pat / Super Ninja | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Hart to Hart: Secrets of the Hart | Ling Goldberg | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Greyhounds | Akira Mochizuki | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Miracle Beach | Gus | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Honeymoon in Vegas | Mahi Mahi | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Goodbye Paradise | Ben | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Strawberry Road | Old man's brother | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Hiroshima: Out of the Ashes | Yoodo Toda | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Karate Kid Part III | Mr. Miyagi | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Big Bird in Japan | Bamboo Princess Story Narrator (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Captive Hearts | Fukushima | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Karate Kid Part II | Mr. Miyagi | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Amos | Tommy Tanaka | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Karate Kid | Mr. Miyagi | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Savannah Smiles | Father O'Hara | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | For the Love of It | Ishihara | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Human Feelings | Waiter | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Midway | Rear Admiral Ryunosuke Kusaka | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Farewell to Manzanar | Zenahiro | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Punch and Jody | Takahasi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Cancel My Reservation | Yamamoto | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | A Very Missing Person | Delmar Faulkenstein | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Evil Roy Slade | Turhan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Shakiest Gun in the West | Wong | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Thoroughly Modern Millie | Oriental #2 | Hit | Similar → |
Pat Morita - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Pat Morita?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Pat Morita is "Human Feelings" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Pat Morita acted in?
Pat Morita has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Pat Morita?
Other notable films include "Hammerlock", "House of Luk", and "Strawberry Road".