Ichi the Killer (2001)
Kernel Score: 79% · 1,077 ratings
Genres: Action, Crime, Horror
Released: 2001-12-22
Runtime: 129 minutes
Where to watch Ichi the Killer
- Stream: MUBI, Hi-YAH
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, YOW.tv, Philo
- Rent: Apple TV
- Buy: Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
As sadomasochistic yakuza enforcer Kakihara searches for his missing boss he comes across Ichi, a repressed and psychotic killer who may be able to inflict levels of pain that Kakihara has only dreamed of.
Ichi the Killer parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that Ichi the Killer is an extremely violent Japanese crime horror film featuring graphic gore, sadistic torture, and violence against women.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Extremely graphic gore, sadistic torture, and violence against women are central to the film.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Keywords indicate drug references within the criminal underworld setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ichi the Killer
If you liked Ichi the Killer, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) — 88%
- Branded to Kill (1967) — 79%
- Why Don't You Play in Hell? (2013) — 83%
- The Killer (2022) — 86%
- Pusher III (2005) — 81%
- Beyond Outrage (2012) — 77%
- Brother (2000) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Tadanobu Asano as Kakihara
- Nao Omori as Ichi
- Shinya Tsukamoto as Jijii
- SABU as Kaneko
- Paulyn Sun as Karen
- Susumu Terajima as Suzuki
- Shun Sugata as Takayama
- Toru Tezuka as Fujiwara
- Yoshiki Arizono as Nakazawa
- Kiyohiko Shibukawa as Ryu Long
Ichi the Killer FAQ
Is Ichi the Killer good?
Ichi the Killer has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,077 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Ichi the Killer?
In the US you can stream Ichi the Killer on MUBI and Hi-YAH, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, YOW.tv and Philo and rent it from Apple TV.
Is Ichi the Killer OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Ichi the Killer is an extremely violent Japanese crime horror film featuring graphic gore, sadistic torture, and violence against women.
What movies are like Ichi the Killer?
If you liked Ichi the Killer, try Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Branded to Kill, Why Don't You Play in Hell? and The Killer.