Top Samurai Movies

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukiko Shimazaki
Rated Not Rated

Seven Samurai is a 1954 Japanese epic samurai drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The story takes place in 1586 during the Sengoku period of Japanese history, and follows a village of farmers who hire seven ronin (masterless samurai) to combat bandits who will return after the harvest to steal their crops. The ronin come to the village and agree to help defend it against the bandits. They teach the villagers how to defend themselves, and the villagers and samurai bond in the spirit of bravery and camaraderie. In the end, the samurai and villagers are able to fend off the bandits, but several of the samurai die in the process. The film is seen as a classic of Japanese cinema and is often credited with launching the popularity of samurai films in the West. It has inspired numerous remakes as well as films that use elements from the original.

From Masaki Kobayashi, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsurô Tanba
Rated Not Rated

Harakiri is a 1962 Japanese drama film directed by Masaki Kobayashi and starring Tatsuya Nakadai as a rōnin (masterless samurai) in 17th century Japan. The story follows the rōnin as he is driven to commit harakiri, the ritualistic suicide of a samurai, due to his poverty and lack of alternatives. As the rōnin struggles against his fate, he is caught in a web of deceit and violence, ultimately culminating in a violent showdown between him and the “house of Iyi”, a feudal lord who had previously humiliated him. This film is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of honour, duty and pride in a time of chaos and turmoil in Japan.

From Masaki Kobayashi, starring Toshirô Mifune, Yôko Tsukasa, Gô Katô, Tatsuyoshi Ehara
Rated Not Rated

Samurai Rebellion is a 1967 Japanese period drama film directed by Masaki Kobayashi that follows the story of Isaburo Sasahara, a respected elder samurai in a small village. When Isaburo's son-in-law, Yogoro, refuses to take part in a lord's arranged marriage, Isaburo is faced with a dilemma: go against his lord or protect his family. Isaburo chooses to defy his lord and fight for the freedom of his son-in-law and daughter. In doing so, Isaburo and his family become the target of a rebellion against the oppressive feudal system. With the help of his loyal followers, Isaburo and his family must face the consequences of their decision and fight for their freedom and justice.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Eijirô Tôno, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yôko Tsukasa
Rated Not Rated

Yojimbo is a classic samurai film directed by Akira Kurosawa in 1961. It follows the story of a masterless samurai, or rōnin, named Sanjuro (Toshiro Mifune) as he arrives in a small town torn apart by rival gangs. Sanjuro seeks to restore order by manipulating both sides of the conflict, ultimately uncovering a deeper plot which requires him to confront both sides. Along the way, he must contend with a powerful and corrupt local official, who is determined to keep the town's divisions intact. The film culminates in a thrilling, climactic sword fight between Sanjuro and the two gangs. Yojimbo stands as one of Kurosawa's most iconic films and has been highly influential, inspiring numerous remakes and homages.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû
Rated R

"Ran" is an epic samurai drama directed by legendary director Akira Kurosawa. Set in 16th century Japan, the film tells the story of the elderly warlord Hidetora, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three sons. However, his decision leads to civil war, betrayal, and death. The film follows Hidetora as he comes to terms with his own mortality and the treachery of his sons. With stunning visuals, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters, Ran is considered one of the greatest films of all time.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Misa Uehara, Minoru Chiaki, Kamatari Fujiwara
Rated Not Rated

The Hidden Fortress is a classic Japanese adventure film directed by Akira Kurosawa and released in 1958. The film is set in feudal Japan during the 16th century, and follows two commoner peasants (Tahei and Matashichi) as they escort a princess and a general of the defeated Akizuki clan across hostile terrain in search of a hidden fortress. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges, including an enemy samurai clan, traps and hidden enemies. As the group journeys, the story explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the power of friendship. Ultimately, the group reaches the hidden fortress and their mission is successful. The Hidden Fortress is considered a seminal work of Japanese cinema, praised for its ingenious plot structure and stunning visuals. It has also been hugely influential on later popular films, including George Lucas’s Star Wars.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ken'ichi Hagiwara, Jinpachi Nezu
Rated PG

Kagemusha is an epic period drama directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Set in 16th century feudal Japan, it tells the story of an ambitious warlord, Shingen Takeda, and a lowly thief, Kagemusha, who he takes on as a double. When Shingen dies, Kagemusha is tasked with impersonating the lord in order to keep up the morale of Takeda’s troops. As Kagemusha struggles to keep up the ruse, his true identity and loyalty are put to the test as rival warlords threaten to take over Shingen’s domain. Ultimately, Kagemusha must decide whether to save his own life or sacrifice himself for the good of the people. The film is a masterful blend of action, drama, and comedy, enhanced by an award-winning score by Toru Takemitsu. It remains a classic of Japanese cinema and an enduring example of Kurosawa’s cinematic legacy.

From Yôji Yamada, starring Masatoshi Nagase, Takako Matsu, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Yukiyoshi Ozawa
Rated R

The Hidden Blade tells the story of a low-ranking samurai, Munezo Katagiri (Masatoshi Nagase), who is asked to execute an old friend of his, Yohei Sasaki (Hidetaka Yoshioka). Munezo must choose between loyalty to his master and his loyalty to his friend, knowing that either choice will bring consequences. The film follows Munezo as he struggles to reconcile his own personal desires and values with those of the larger society, while also dealing with his own forbidden love for his friend’s wife, Kie (Takako Matsu). Ultimately, Munezo discovers that the true strength of a samurai lies not in his sword, but in his heart.

From Takeshi Kitano, starring Takeshi Kitano, Tadanobu Asano, Yui Natsukawa, Michiyo Yasuda
Rated R

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi is a 2003 Japanese film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film follows the journey of Zatoichi, a blind masseur and swordsman who travels throughout Japan in the 19th century. Zatoichi is a master of martial arts and is proficient in the art of the samurai sword. He often uses his skills to help those in need and protect the weak. Along his travels, Zatoichi encounters a variety of characters, including a mysterious young woman, an old friend, and several dangerous villains. His journey ultimately leads him to a climactic battle against a group of oppressive gangsters. Taking place over the course of a single day, The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi is a thrilling action-packed adventure full of sword fights, humor, and a heartwarming story.

From Takashi Miike, starring Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Ikki Sawamura
Rated R

13 Assassins is a 2010 Japanese period action drama film directed by Takashi Miike. Set in 1844 in the final years of the Edo period, it follows a group of samurai who come together to assassinate a sadistic lord to prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a war-torn future. Led by Shinzaemon Shimada (Kôji Yakusho) and featuring a supporting cast of some of Japan's most renowned actors, the Samurai must band together and face an army of 200 in order to complete their mission. Filled with Miike’s signature dark humor and thrilling action sequences, 13 Assassins is the perfect blend of old-school samurai chivalry and modern-age action.