The 12 Best Samurai Movies Of All Time

In simpler terms, Samurai movies are a more recent type of film for viewers in the West, gaining popularity through the work of renowned Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, particularly his movie “Rashomon”. This piece and others ignited the creativity of numerous Japanese and international filmmakers and writers, giving birth to this genre featuring some of the most exceptional films ever produced. The impact of Samurai movies isn’t just confined to Japan; their influence can still be observed in Western cinema today.

Movies such as “A Bug’s Life,” “A Fistful of Dollars,” and “Star Wars” have roots in the samurai film genre. Typical samurai films depict samurai warriors, a historical backdrop often set during Japan’s Edo (Tokugawa) period, and swordplay. This is the foundation of the genre, and since its inception, it has spawned numerous adaptations. It’s quite typical for a single samurai movie to evolve into a series, with successful films like “Yojimbo” giving rise to a sequel titled “Sanjuro.

Due to an abundance of outstanding samurai films worth watching, it can be difficult to pick the best one, as numerous titles boast high ratings (90-100%) on Rotten Tomatoes. To find the top film, several elements were taken into account: The initial response upon release, current reception, combined scores from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, and the overall influence these films had on the samurai movie genre as a whole.

Samurai Assassin (1965)

1860, in a world I’m immersing myself in, finds me in the heart of feudal Japan – a time before the Meiji Restoration, when Imperial rule was reinstated, and my role as a samurai is not just a title, but a tumultuous reality. As the son of a mighty nobleman, I’m a skilled swordsman, yet find myself shunned by society. This film, “Samurai Assassin,” takes me on a thrilling journey through political intrigue, where powerful clans engage in treacherous games, all culminating in the assassination of the shogunate. Toshirô Mifune plays Niiro Tsurichiyo, a character who embodies the struggles and resilience of this era.

Tsurichiyo is a roaming samurai who teams up with three clans to take down the daimyō of Hikone, a man named Matsumoto Kōshirō VIII who is closely associated with Li Naosuke. This alliance arises due to the shogun’s plan to allow foreign traders and diplomats into Japan, which was once considered forbidden in Japanese customs. Their plot to kill these two men is inspired by a true story known as the Sakuradamon incident, during which Li Naosuke was assassinated outside Edo Castle in 1860.

The movie appears to adhere to typical elements found within its genre, yet its cinematography gives it an unexpectedly theatrical feel. In other words, “Samurai Assassin” is presented as a visually stunning dramatization of a significant historical event, designed for optimal viewing on a grand theater stage.

The Sword of Doom (1966)

In the film “The Sword of Doom,” directed by Kihachi Okamoto, the character Ryunosuke Tsukue, played by Tatsuya Nakadai, is a ruthless swordsman who disregards morality and Bushidō, the samurai code. He kills swiftly and without regret, even taking the life of his opponent during a fencing competition that wasn’t meant to be fatal. After winning the heart of the man’s wife, he mercilessly murders numerous members of her husband’s clan as he departs from town, accompanied by the grieving widow.

In a turn of events, Tsukue settles down with his companion and their child, yet uncovers an adversary seeking retribution from his mistress’s late husband’s brother. He intends to confront and eliminate this foe, but is left reeling when he encounters a more proficient swordsman. As events spiral out of control between him and his partner, the disgraced rōnin experiences feelings for the first time – regret over the lives he took, which ultimately sends him into madness.

The Blade of Corruption” delves into the motifs of integrity, particularly corruption. Character Tsukue, consumed by his relentless slaughter, echoes the sentiments of master swordsman Shimada Toranosuke (played by Toshirô Mifune), “The sword mirrors the soul. Understand the soul to grasp the sword. A wicked heart, a wicked weapon.” The movie is brutally violent, yet its intention is clear, and it underscores the essence of a murderer’s blade.

13 Assassins (2010)

13 Assassins, a 1963 movie, is an enduring masterpiece that’s definitely worth your time. However, the remake from 2010 often gets overlooked, but it stands as one of the best action films from the past decade. The story unfolds in 1844, during the final stages of the Edo era. The plot revolves around a group of 13 assassins consisting of 12 samurai and a hunter. They are on a mission to kill daimyō Matsudaira Naritsugu (played by Gorō Inagaki), a ruthless and unforgiving leader of the Akashi clan. This is set against the backdrop of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which is in a weakened state, with Naritsugu being a cruel daimyō who terrorizes his subjects.

Following his appointment to the Shogun’s Council, several feudal lords voice their discontent, causing Justice Minister Doi Toshitsura (Mikijirō Hira) to issue an order for Naritsugu’s assassination. This plan is exposed, and the 13 assassins hired for the job are persistently pursued by those loyal to the Shogunate. In response, they set up a sequence of traps in the village of Ochiai, which escalates into a fierce and decisive battle that is characterized by its extreme violence and bloodshed.

13 Assassins ends with a stunningly orchestrated and captured battle scene lasting over 45 minutes, starting with long-range weaponry before moving on to swords and spears. The climactic fight is worth watching the movie for on its own, as is the political tension that masterfully depicts the waning days of samurai culture in Japanese history.

Throne of Blood (1957)

As a devoted admirer, I firmly believe that Akira Kurosawa stands out as one of the most exceptional samurai film directors ever, almost uniquely avoiding the misstep in his cinematic journey. His passion for the works of William Shakespeare was profound, and he skillfully transformed numerous plays into captivating films. One such masterpiece is “Throne of Blood,” a mesmerizing retelling of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” While the narrative shifts from Scotland to Japan, it beautifully incorporates the enchanting aesthetics of Japanese Noh theater, an ancient form of Japanese dance drama that adds a classical touch.

In this movie, Toshirô Mifune portrays Taketoki Washizu, who is similar to Macbeth in another story. The film starts with Washizu and his fellow samurai Yoshiaki Miki (Minoru Chiaki) encountering an evil spirit in a forest. This spirit reveals their future destinies: Washizu will rule the Spider Web Castle as a daimyō, while Miki’s son will inherit the position after him. Manipulations follow, including a plan to kill for parts of the prophecy to come true. Consequently, many lives are lost, and there’s a disastrous attack on the castle that ends in tragedy.

Similar to the play it’s derived from, “Throne of Blood” explores the inescapable outcomes of human greed and the intricacies of fate. This film is widely regarded as one of the finest adaptations of “Macbeth” ever made on film, and it ranks among Kurosawa’s most impressive works. The fusion of Western influences with Japanese drama gives a fresh twist to a well-known tale, transforming it into a contemporary masterpiece that every connoisseur of samurai films must see.

The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)

Among the memorable figures in the annals of samurai cinema, Zatoichi stands out as one of the most cherished. His debut graced the screens in 1962 with “The Tale of Zatoichi,” which marked the beginning of a cinematic saga encompassing 26 films and numerous contemporary adaptations. The original film serves to introduce this captivating character, portrayed by Shintaro Katsu.

Zatoichi, often referred to as “Ichi,” is not just a blind masseur associated with the Yakuza; he’s also an acclaimed swordsman and samurai, boasting extraordinary skills that rely on his heightened remaining senses.

Ichi is often looked down upon because of his job, and also mistakenly underestimated due to his blindness, which can be harmful for anyone who dares to draw a sword near him. However, he’s respected and becomes friends with a rōnin named Miki Hirate, played by Shigeru Amachi, who wants to fight Ichi because of his deteriorating health and the wish to die while still holding his sword. Meanwhile, the Yakuza Shigezo, portrayed by Ryūzō Shimada, plans to kill Ichi, prompting Hirate to intervene.

Reaching this point results in a confrontation, with Ichi standing as the sole survivor. Among numerous outstanding movies within the “Zatoichi” series, “The Tale of Zatoichi” stands out as exceptional. It maintains a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and introduces the character so compellingly that viewers are left craving for more. The character of Zatoichi has left an indelible mark not just in Japanese cinema, but also in films like “John Wick: Chapter 4,” where Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Caine is nothing short of brilliant.

Ran (1985)

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at Director Akira Kurosawa’s artistic journey back to the works of William Shakespeare, culminating in what many regard as his masterpiece, “Ran.” This cinematic gem draws inspiration from the historical figure Mōri Motonari and his offspring, serving as a basis for the plot. In a stunning creative move, Kurosawa seamlessly blended this historical family saga with the narrative of Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” making “Ran” the director’s captivating finale in his adaptation series of the Bard’s works. Tatsuya Nakadai brilliantly portrays Hidetora Ichimonji, a venerable warlord who makes the fateful decision to step down and pass the reign to his sons, echoing the role of King Lear.

Ichimonji intends to share his realm evenly among his three sons: Akira Terao (Taro), Jinpachi Nezu (Juro), and Daisuke Ryu (Saburo). The younger brothers, Juro and Saburo, are expected to aid the eldest, Taro. Regrettably, Saburo defies Ichimonji’s demand for loyalty, resulting in his exile. This act of disobedience ignites a significant war among the siblings, ultimately resembling the sorrowful tale found in Shakespeare’s masterpiece that served as inspiration for the movie.

Beyond its captivating plotline, memorable soundtrack, stunning period attire, and convincing performances, the cinematography of “Ran” has earned much acclaim. It is considered one of Kurosawa’s most visually striking films, embodying director David Lean’s concept that each frame should resemble a piece of art. Notably, “Ran” was the only film for which Kurosawa received an Academy Award nomination for best direction, although he didn’t ultimately win. However, Emi Wada did take home the Oscar for her exceptional work on costume design.

Yojimbo (1961)

The story “Yojimbo” unfolds at the end of the samurai era in 1860, focusing on a ronin named Kuwabatake Sanjuro, played by Toshirô Mifune. Sanjuro travels through rural landscapes until he encounters a farmhouse where he requests water. Inside, he overhears the farmer and his wife bickering about their son, who is involved with one of two rival yakuza gangs in the nearby town. Ignoring the advice to depart from this dangerous place, Sanjuro decides to stay and delve deeper into the conflict between the yakuza groups.

Sanjuro becomes involved with both parties of the dispute, and he secretly assists each group, manipulating them against one another. In numerous skirmishes, he skillfully defeats his adversaries, even when confronted by multiple swordsmen simultaneously. Over time, he intensifies the conflict between the gangs, exacerbating their struggle. This is done intentionally, as he perceives that neither group intends to bring an end to their prolonged, violent feud.

In the film, Sanjuro escalates the scenario into a full-blown battle, managing to rescue the farmer’s son in the end. The success of “Yojimbo” prompted director Akira Kurosawa to rearrange his subsequent movie, “Sanjuro,” as a sequel. This film too was successful and further highlighted the robust collaboration between Kurosawa and Mifune. Moreover, it sparked Italian director Sergio Leone to produce “A Fistful of Dollars,” which borrowed its storyline from “Yojimbo,” although it’s far from being the only movie influenced by Kurosawa’s cinematic creations.

The Twilight Samurai (2002)

The Twilight Samurai” derives from a 1976 short story titled “The Bamboo Sword,” penned by Shuhei Fujisawa, and was masterfully transformed into one of the finest samurai films of the last fifty years. The film is set in the mid-1800s, just prior to the Meiji Restoration, and revolves around a humble samurai named Seibei Iguchi (Hiroyuki Sanada), who serves as a low-level government official while struggling as a widower.

In a rather tranquil existence, tending to his daughters and ailing mother, Iguchi is derisively labeled “Tasogare” (Twilight) by his fellow samurai. However, this peaceful routine of Iguchi’s gets disrupted when an old acquaintance, Tomoe Iinuma (played by Rie Miyazawa), arrives in town. In quick succession, her ex-husband intrudes, and Iguchi is compelled to engage in a duel with him. The confrontation concludes with Iguchi choosing to spare his adversary’s life, which nonetheless manages to win the admiration of the clan leader. This newfound respect leads the leader to command Iguchi to execute an individual who had refused the traditional seppuku (suicide).

In a hesitant manner, Iguchi consents, resulting in a definitive showdown and an ending that mirrors reality more closely than usual in films. “The Twilight Samurai” revolves around a man who yearns for nothing more than to nurture his family. He shows no ambition to elevate his position within the clan and cherishes deeply only those closest to him. This tale is one of love, rather than death.

Samurai Rebellion (1967)

In 1725, during the Edo era, Director Masaki Kobayashi’s film “Samurai Rebellion” features Toshirô Mifune as Isaburo Sasahara, a loyal vassal of the Aizu clan led by daimyō Matsudaira Masakata. The daimyō requests that Yogoro (Go Kato), Isaburo’s eldest son, marry his ex-concubine, Ichi (Yoko Tsukasa). Despite their reservations, the family consents to this arrangement. The union proves successful, and they fall in love, welcoming a daughter into their lives. However, their joy is short-lived when the daimyō’s heir passes away, altering the power dynamics within the clan.

In a turn of events, the master commands Ichi to rejoin her family home, yet they stubbornly resist, inviting harsh judgment and threats of seppuku. Subsequently, the daimyō’s representative, accompanied by twenty samurai, storms the residence with the intention of compelling Ichi to annul her marriage. However, she makes a desperate stand by leaping onto a spear, which results in Yogoro’s tragic demise as he rushes to shield her. Enraged, Sasahara retaliates, slaying all twenty samurai in his party, sparing the representative for later questioning. The narrative then concludes abruptly before we learn if Sasahara pursues his quest to appeal to the shōgun.

In most cases, revenge tales aren’t as effectively conveyed as “Samurai Rebellion,” a Western rendition of its original Japanese title, which could be more accurately translated as “Rebellion — Take the Wife.” Mifune’s acting skills shine brilliantly throughout the film, and his fervent depiction of a desperate man contributes to why it maintains a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Lady Snowblood (1973)

The vast majority of samurai films focus on male characters due to their dominant presence in the samurai class. However, it’s essential to remember that female samurai, or onna-bugeisha, did indeed exist. “Lady Snowblood” is a captivating portrayal of such a warrior woman. This film, inspired by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura’s manga series with the same title, features Meiko Kaji as Yuki Kashima, a woman driven to seek vengeance against those who dishonored her mother through rape and murdered her half-brother.

The movie deviates from the norm due to its unconventional narrative style, moving between different timeframes, from the present to the past. “Lady Snowblood,” set in 1874 post-Meiji Restoration, follows Sayo Kashima (Miyoko Akaza) as she gives birth to a daughter, Yuki (Snow), inside a women’s prison. Shortly after, she passes away, leaving behind a wish for her child to seek vengeance for their family’s wrongdoings. Two decades later, Yuki becomes an assassin, but her primary mission is tracking down the culprits who brought ruin upon her kin, which she pursues relentlessly with intense fury and precision.

The film titled “Lady Snowblood” truly earns its name, as it’s remarkably brutal and ranks among the top classic Japanese revenge thrillers. It significantly impacted Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” series, which revolves around a female samurai seeking vengeance.

Harakiri (1962)

In Feudal Japanese society during the Edo era, a significant cultural custom was known as seppuku or “harakiri,” a ritual suicide often depicted in films like Masaki Kobayashi’s classic samurai movie, titled after this very act. The story revolves around a rōnin named Hanshirō Tsugumo (portrayed by Tatsuya Nakadai), who petitions to perform seppuku within the manor of the Iyi clan daimyō – a practice not uncommon in such feudal societies.

The narrative unfolds as Tsugumo makes his entrance at the palace, where he shares his experiences of the past eleven years that led him to this moment. However, efforts are made to discourage him, considering recent occurrences, but he remains resolute. The three samurai asked to carry out the beheading decline due to illness. As they wait for messengers to return, Tsugumo narrates his life story to the assembly of samurai, discussing how his adoptive son was slain and disrespected by the very men he had summoned.

Subsequently, he unveils the manner in which he brought shame upon them, igniting a colossal conflict between Tsugumo and their clan. This confrontation resulted in the destruction of their valuables, and as he breathed his last, he was fatally wounded by seppuku. This act dishonored the entire clan profoundly, yet they resorted to deception, concealing the truth about the breach of bushidō’s code of honor from the shōgun, thus camouflaging their failure. Known as “Harakiri”, this film is universally acclaimed as one of the finest samurai movies ever created, a reputation it certainly deserves given its perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Seven Samurai (1954)

Acclaimed filmmaker Akira Kurosawa is known for creating nine films centered around samurais, with “Seven Samurai” being his most celebrated work. This movie takes place in 1586, where a group of marauders plans to loot a secluded village and steal their grains. Upon learning this, the villagers seek aid and locate a masterless samurai (ronin) in a neighboring town. After some hesitation, he consents to help them and gathers additional samurais to form a team. Eventually, they recruit six samurais altogether. When they reach the village, they realize the gravity of the villagers’ predicament and decide to educate them on defense strategies and fortifications in anticipation of the bandit gang’s imminent attack.

With a bit of determination, the samurai rallied the townsfolk, turning them into a formidable fighting unit. In their first attack, numerous outlaws were slain, but unfortunately, some villagers also lost their lives. Despite this, the bandits persisted in their aggression, and as dawn broke, the villagers lured them into a trap smack dab in the heart of the town. This led to a fierce battle, resulting in the demise of several samurai and ultimately, a triumph for the village.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “Seven Samurai” isn’t just an outstanding samurai flick; it has left an indelible mark on cinema, spawning countless remakes and adaptations. If you haven’t watched it but find its storyline familiar, you might have encountered “The Magnificent Seven,” “A Bug’s Life,” and several others. The influence it wielded over the samurai genre and film history at large is undeniable, placing it among the greatest samurai movies ever made.

2025-01-26 00:32