Harakiri (1962)
Kernel Score: 90% · 1,172 TMDB ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Action, Drama, History
Released: 1962-09-15
Runtime: 135 minutes
Where to watch Harakiri
- Stream: The Criterion Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-11-11.
Overview
Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.
Harakiri parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that Harakiri is a samurai drama centered on ritual suicide, poverty, and themes of honor versus corrupt bureaucracy.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Features seppuku (ritual suicide), sword combat, and intense samurai-era violence.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Harakiri
If you liked Harakiri, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- 13 Assassins (2010) — 84%
- Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021) — 88%
- Samurai Rebellion (1967) — 90%
- Sanjuro (1962) — 89%
- Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012) — 85%
- Battle Royale (2000) — 82%
- Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014) — 85%
- The Last Samurai (2003) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Tatsuya Nakadai as Hanshiro Tsugumo
- Akira Ishihama as Motome Chijiiwa
- Shima Iwashita as Miho Tsugumo
- Tetsuro Tamba as Hikokuro Omodaka
- Masao Mishima as Tango Inaba
- Ichirō Nakatani as Hayato Yazaki
- Kei Satō as Masakazu
- Yoshio Inaba as Jinai Chijiiwa
- Hisashi Igawa as Retainer
- Toru Takeuchi as Retainer
Harakiri FAQ
Is Harakiri good?
Harakiri has a 90% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch Harakiri?
In the US you can stream Harakiri on The Criterion Channel and rent it from Prime Video and Apple TV.
Is Harakiri OK for kids?
Harakiri is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Harakiri is a samurai drama centered on ritual suicide, poverty, and themes of honor versus corrupt bureaucracy.
What movies are like Harakiri?
If you liked Harakiri, try 13 Assassins, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, Samurai Rebellion and Sanjuro.