Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)
Kernel Score: 81% · 1,362 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama
Released: 1999-10-06
Runtime: 116 minutes
Where to watch Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
- Stream: HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A Black hitman who models after the samurai of old finds himself targeted for death by the mob.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is an R-rated crime drama with gun violence, a racial slur, and mafia hits.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Contract killings and mafia violence throughout, per the R rating.
- Language: Moderate — Keywords flag a racial slur among other harsh language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
If you liked Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Drive (2011) — 85%
- On the Waterfront (1954) — 89%
- Unleashed (2005) — 76%
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) — 86%
- The French Connection (1971) — 87%
- The Long Good Friday (1980) — 79%
- Let It Shine (2012) — 76%
Director
Cast
- Forest Whitaker as Ghost Dog
- John Tormey as Louie
- Cliff Gorman as Sonny Valerio
- Frank Minucci as Big Angie
- Richard Portnow as Handsome Frank
- Tricia Vessey as Louise Vargo
- Henry Silva as Ray Vargo
- Gene Ruffini as Old Consigliere
- Frank Adonis as Valerio's Bodyguard
- Victor Argo as Vinny
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai FAQ
Is Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai good?
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,362 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai?
In the US you can stream Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai on HBO Max and Cinemax Apple TV channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai OK for kids?
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai is an R-rated crime drama with gun violence, a racial slur, and mafia hits.
What movies are like Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai?
If you liked Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, try Drive, On the Waterfront, Unleashed and John Wick: Chapter 4.