8 Best Samurai Movies to Watch After Playing 'Ghost of Yōtei'
Each film is the bridge, transporting the emotions of Ghost of Yōtei to new, equally captivating universes.
After completing the epic journey of Ghost of Yōtei, you will long to return to a world where honor means more than life and the blade is an extension of the soul.
This list includes timeless samurai classics that shaped the genre's canon, as well as more modern works that reimagine the code of Bushido.
1. 'Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai', 2011
IMDb Score: 7.3/10
The impoverished samurai Hanshiro arrives at the Ii clan's mansion, hoping to find a place to commit ritual suicide, or seppuku.
A clan advisor suspects that Hanshiro hopes to be dissuaded and offered a job. He tells Hanshiro about a young man named Motome who recently came to the estate with the same request. Motome was forced to perform seppuku, and his death was painful and horrific.
Hanshiro remains determined, however, begins preparing for his suicide and tells his story to the clan's vassals.
2. '13 Assassins', 2010
IMDb Score: 7.5/10
This is a remake of the 1964 Japanese movie of the same name. However, the modern version is in no way inferior – in fact, it is even more spectacular and intense. Takashi Miike's film won numerous awards and was named one of the top samurai movies.
The action takes place in 1844. The shogun's cruel brother has seized power and is leading the country toward chaos and ruin. Then, the shogun's adviser recruits twelve samurai. Together, they plot to overthrow the tyrant ruler and establish peace.
3. 'Shogun Assassin', 1980
IMDb Score: 7.3/10
Quentin Tarantino was inspired by this movie when he made his cult Kill Bill. According to the plot, a samurai is betrayed by his master and loses his wife and home.
But his young son survives. Armed with a sword and carrying the baby in a stroller, the samurai sets out to take revenge on the killers. His main target is the traitorous shogun.
Despite being set in the 1980s and lacking special effects, the action scenes are spectacularly shot, and the amount of fake blood rivals that of the equally bloody Kill Bill.
4. 'The Warrior's Way', 2010
IMDb Score: 6.3/10
The skilled warrior, Yang, killed a renowned swordsman from an enemy clan, taking his place as a recognized master of bladed weapons. However, his hardened heart softened when he saw a baby, the last living member of his enemies' clan.
Although he had sworn to kill them all, he broke his word by sparing the girl. Now, he is sentenced to death. He fled with the baby and hid in a town in the Wild West, where he befriended locals living in fear of the cruel colonel.
He wants to help them but can't draw his sword in case the ninja searching for him hear the call of the sword-slain souls and come for him.
5. 'Seven Samurai', 1954
IMDb Score: 8.6/10
Tired of internal warfare and bandit raids that repeatedly steal their crops and women, the villagers decide to invite a few samurai to defend the village.
The peasants fear that the ronin might dishonor their daughters, and they can only offer the samurai modest food in exchange for their services. However, they have no choice – the bandits are armed with guns, and bamboo spears are no match for them.
Riders return from the city with a detachment of seven samurai, who begin preparing the settlement for defense and gradually unite the farmers.
6. 'Red Sun', 1971
IMDb Score: 6.8/10
During a train robbery, a valuable samurai sword intended as a gift for the American president is stolen. Samurai Kuroda is given only a week to retrieve the sword – otherwise, he must commit hara-kiri by order of the shogun if he fails.
Gangster Link Stuart, who has a personal vendetta against the gang leader, Gauche, becomes the samurai's companion.
7. 'The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi', 2003
IMDb Score: 7.4/10
To the Japanese, Zatoichi is a mythical folk hero and savior of the dispossessed and downtrodden. He is a fictional character created by writer and historian Kan Shimozawa in 1948.
Zatoichi is a blind masseur and bone-setter, a vagabond who earns a living by singing, practicing acupuncture, and playing dice. He always carries meager belongings and a cane.
No one realizes that this harmless cripple is actually a skilled swordsman and that his cane is a sharp blade. Zatoichi uses it to dispense justice, save people, and kill villains.
8. 'The Last Samurai', 2003
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
Japan in the second half of the 19th century. The desire for modernization and change to the centuries-old way of life has arrived. American officer Nathan Algren is training soldiers in the emperor's army in modern combat techniques.
These recruits were peasants yesterday and have never held a weapon. Soon after training begins, however, Algren receives orders to confront the rebellious samurai Katsumoto.
His inexperienced soldiers flee and die, while Algren is captured by the samurai, who are impressed by his defense. Life among the samurai changes Algren, leading him to reflect on and reassess his values.
