Kikujiro (1999)
Kernel Score: 85% · 588 ratings
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Released: 1999-06-05
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to watch Kikujiro
- Free with ads: The Roku Channel
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Brash, loudmouthed and opportunistic, Kikujiro is the unlikely companion for Masao who is determined to see the mother he has never met. The two begin a series of adventures which soon turns out to be a whimsical journey of laughter and tears with a wide array of surprises and unique characters along the way.
Kikujiro parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that Kikujiro is a heartfelt Japanese comedy-drama following a boy's road trip to find the mother he never met.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Kikujiro
If you liked Kikujiro, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) — 81%
- The Most Beautiful Day (2016) — 78%
- In July (2000) — 82%
- Il Sorpasso (1962) — 89%
- Nothing Left to Do But Cry (1984) — 85%
- Wicked Little Letters (2024) — 76%
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) — 86%
- La Chèvre (1981) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Takeshi Kitano as Kikujiro
- Yusuke Sekiguchi as Masao
- Kayoko Kishimoto as Kikujiro's Wife
- Yuko Daike as Masao's Mother
- Kazuko Yoshiyuki as Masao's Grandmother
- Beat Kiyoshi as Man at Bus Stop
- The Great Gidayû as Biker Fatso
- Rakkyo Ide as Biker Baldy
- Nezumi Imamura as An-chan
- Fumie Hosokawa as Juggler Girl
Kikujiro FAQ
Is Kikujiro good?
Kikujiro has an 85% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 588 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Kikujiro?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Kikujiro OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Kikujiro is a heartfelt Japanese comedy-drama following a boy's road trip to find the mother he never met.
What movies are like Kikujiro?
If you liked Kikujiro, try To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, The Most Beautiful Day, In July and Il Sorpasso.