Ironically, while Cobra Kai is predominantly about the rivalry that dates back 30+ years between Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso as well as brewing rivalries between two kids in dueling dojos, Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do, there are also a number of great friendships on the show. Some of the friendships went through a period where they were fractured while others started out on rocky ground only to bloom into mutual respect and admiration.
There are many types of friendships, after all, and it's natural for a friendship to ebb and flow. And on Cobra Kai, which has already been renewed for a fourth season, some of them are really notable as being the best.
Johnny And Daniel
The series is based on the long-standing rivalry between Johnny and Daniel due to their All-Valley Tournament fight 30+ years prior in the Karate Kid movies, the alleged illegal kick, and Johnny's relentless bullying. But it's safe to say that in season three, these two have finally become friends, or at least allies working toward a common enemy.
Sure, they still have a mutual disdain for one another and couldn't have led more different lives. But deep down, as Ali pointed out, they are more alike than they realize. What really solidified the friendship, along with the combined dojos to fight Kreese, is the fact that Daniel saved Johnny's life.
Daniel And Yumiko
When you can go without seeing someone for more than 30 years, run into one another, and sit and talk as though not a single day had passed, you know that's a good friendship. There was also still a twinkle in both Daniel and Yumiko's eyes that showed they share an unbreakable bond, even if it isn't a romantic one anymore.
Yumiko, one of several returning characters from the original Karate Kid movies, went out of her way to help Daniel, which is exactly what a good friend would do.
Johnny And Ali
While it seemed initially that the pair might hook up, even if just for a nostalgic fling, they showed great maturity in not doing so. Once Ali heard about Carmen, she respected that Johnny deserved to move forward in his life and chose to be just his friend.
Their adorable reunion lunch followed by the reminiscent date at the fair, complete with a Ferris wheel ride, games, and an intimate chat on a park bench where they talked about their lives, showed that no matter what, they will always have one another's' backs. It wouldn't be surprising if this wasn't the last fans see, or hear, of Ali on the show.
Miguel And Sam
Yes, there is still a romantic spark there and by the end, Miguel and Sam were more girlfriend and boyfriend than friends. But they also make a great team and anyone knows that the best relationships are born out of friendships.
They hatched a plan together to combine the Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang dojos. Sam was there when Miguel needed someone in the hospital and he was there to help Sam train. They're the picture-perfect high school sweethearts who also make great best friends.
Demetri And Hawk
One of the most frustrating things about Hawk's transformation from an awkward kid who was being bullied to a bully himself was how he treated his former best friend Demetri. He not only ditched him to hang with his Cobra Kai crew, but he also went out of his way to make fun of, and even physically injure, Demetri. In season three, things got really heavy when he intentionally broke Demetri's arm.
Even though Demetri retaliated by publicly revealing humiliating facts about Hawk, the brunt of the blame was still on Hawk for his terrible behavior. But it was inevitable that he would come back to his senses, which he did by the end of season three. Demetri and Hawk's friendship was long-lasting and would endure, despite the bumps along the way.
Sam And Moon
Sam and Moon's friendship isn't explored a lot through the season but it's clear it's one that's solid and dependable. While they might not spend a whole lot of time together, they are always there for one another. Despite the fact that they seem to run in different circles as they have grown apart, Moon would probably still drop anything if Sam needed her, and Sam for Moon.
They do typical girl things like choose outfits or go to parties together. Moon is all about peace and love, which is exactly what Sam needs. And Sam might help Moon adopt some of her fighting spirit.
Johnny And Miguel
Johnny and Miguel have such a father-son-type bond that it's no wonder Robby is jealous of their relationship. While Johnny wasn't in the right frame of mind to raise his own son as a child, he met Miguel and it was like he had a second chance.
Johnny was not only Miguel's Sensei but they hung out together. Johnny took Miguel to a concert in season three while Miguel tried to help Johnny build a Facebook profile so he'd have something to show about his life to Ali. While Johnny is training Miguel, what they have is a deep friendship that goes beyond the dojo.
Daniel And Amanda
Daniel and Amanda are married, and while there's an electric passion between the two, they also fight like–and speak to one another like–best friends. Which is, of course, the sign of a great relationship.
Daniel is the dreamer who always believes that he can find his balance in life and do it all or figure things out. Amanda, meanwhile, is the more logical, practical one who is always there to reign Daniel in when he gets too caught up in something. They make a great team and have one of the best friendships on the show.
Johnny And Carmen
Johnny and Carmen's friendship turned romantic, but they share a special bond. As a single mother with a teenage son who never had a relationship with his father, who she will only say was "a bad man," Johnny fills a role in Miguel's life that Carmen really appreciates.
She is also there for Johnny as a confidante, someone he can talk to openly and be himself with, not worrying that she will judge him. While chances are their relationship will continue on a path beyond friendship, they are great friends as well.
Johnny And Bobby
Regardless of how troubled Johnny is, Bobby has always been there for him, including during the death of their mutual friend Tommy. It was clear from the original Karate Kid movie that Bobby was the one Cobra Kai student with a strong conscience who, at the end of the movie, threw down his belt and quit because of what he saw go down at the tournament.
He then went on to pursue a career as a man of the cloth. Even when Johnny showed up in the middle of his sermon, drunk and embarrassing him, Bobby stood by his old friend. He even took time out to try and help Johnny repair his relationship with his son. That's a great friendship.