10 Essential Samurai Movies to Watch if You Like Actions

IMDb: 8.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Criterion Chanel, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home

A small farming village hires seven samurai to protect them from bandits who return each harvest to steal their crops. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this masterpiece tells a powerful story about courage, teamwork, and sacrifice. Each samurai brings unique strength and wisdom, creating deep bonds through shared struggle. With unforgettable characters and breathtaking battles, it became one of the most influential films in cinema history and inspired countless action movies worldwide.

IMDb: 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Where to Watch: BFI Player Amazon Channel

An aging warlord decides to divide his vast kingdom among his three sons, hoping for peace in his final years. However, his decision sparks betrayal, chaos, and war. Directed by Akira Kurosawa and inspired by Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” this epic masterpiece explores ambition, pride, and the tragic downfall of a once-great ruler. With stunning visuals, massive battle scenes, and emotional depth, “Ran” stands as one of the greatest samurai dramas ever made.

IMDb: 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Philo, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, FlixFling, Apple TV, Spectrum On Demand

Set in Japan’s feudal era, a group of brave samurai is secretly assembled to assassinate a sadistic and powerful lord whose cruelty endangers the nation. Directed by Takashi Miike, this film masterfully builds suspense through clever planning and strong character development. It leads to an unforgettable final battle lasting nearly an hour. Combining classic samurai honor with modern filmmaking, “13 Assassins” delivers intense action and pays tribute to the golden age of samurai cinema.

IMDb: 8.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Amazon Video, Apple TV

A weary samurai arrives at a feudal lord’s home, requesting to perform ritual suicide, known as harakiri. His calm request hides a painful story of loss, revenge, and moral decay. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, the film challenges traditional ideas of honor and exposes hypocrisy within the samurai code. With its gripping dialogue, emotional storytelling, and haunting cinematography, “Harakiri” remains one of the most powerful and thought-provoking samurai films ever created.

IMDb: 8.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home

A wandering samurai named Sanjuro enters a town torn apart by two rival gangs. Using his intelligence and sword skills, he manipulates both sides to destroy each other and bring peace to the village. Directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshiro Mifune, “Yojimbo” mixes humor, tension, and sharp storytelling. Its clever hero and stylish action influenced many films, including Sergio Leone’s “A Fistful of Dollars,” and became a timeless action classic.

IMDb: 8.0/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel,  Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home

In this striking retelling of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” a samurai general named Washizu encounters a spirit who predicts his rise to power. Consumed by ambition and guided by his ruthless wife, he commits terrible crimes to fulfill his destiny. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this film blends Japanese legend and Shakespearean tragedy, using eerie mist, haunting visuals, and dramatic performances. It stands as one of cinema’s most powerful portrayals of guilt, fate, and moral downfall.

IMDb: 8.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Where to Watch: Criterion Channel

When a loyal samurai’s son is forced to marry his lord’s former mistress, the family faces deep humiliation. But love grows between the couple, and when the lord demands her return, rebellion begins. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, this emotional story explores loyalty, love, and personal dignity against unjust power. Toshiro Mifune delivers a moving performance in this beautifully filmed drama about honor, courage, and standing up for what is right.

IMDb: 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home

This film follows the early years of Musashi Miyamoto, one of Japan’s most legendary swordsmen. After fighting in a great battle, Musashi begins a journey of self-discovery to find the true meaning of strength and wisdom. Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki and starring Toshiro Mifune, it’s the first part of an epic trilogy that traces his growth from a reckless warrior to a disciplined and honorable samurai seeking inner peace.

IMDb: 8.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

Where to Watch: -

In Japan’s late Edo period, a poor samurai named Seibei lives a quiet life caring for his two daughters after his wife’s death. When duty calls him to face a dangerous duel, he must balance his love for family with his sense of honor. Directed by Yoji Yamada, this touching film focuses on human emotion and dignity, offering a more personal and heartfelt side of the samurai world.

IMDb: 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Where to Watch: -

Set in 1860 Japan, just before the fall of the shogunate, a masterless samurai named Niiro seeks to restore his honor and uncover the truth about his mysterious father. Drawn into a deadly plot to assassinate a high-ranking official, he becomes trapped in a web of deceit and betrayal. Directed by Kihachi Okamoto and starring Toshiro Mifune, this gripping historical drama mixes intrigue, politics, and action with emotional depth.