Rashomon (1950)
Kernel Score: 91% · 2,465 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Released: 1950-08-26
Runtime: 88 minutes
Is Rashomon worth watching?
Must-watch. Four people tell four conflicting versions of one crime. Kurosawa's short classic is about how truth bends to self-interest, and its influence is everywhere. Viewers rate it very highly.
Watch it if you
- like mysteries about unreliable memory
- enjoy classic world cinema
- want a short film that stays with you
Skip it if you
- dislike old black-and-white films
- want a clear final answer to the mystery
Best for: Classic film night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Rashomon
- Stream: HBO Max
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fawesome, YouTube Free, Plex, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife.
Rashomon parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that Rashomon is a classic Japanese drama examining a murder and rape through multiple conflicting perspectives.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — The film centers on the murder of a man, recounted through multiple witness perspectives.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — Keywords indicate the rape of a woman is a central plot element, discussed rather than graphically shown given the era.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Rashomon
If you liked Rashomon, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- High and Low (1963) — 92%: Kurosawa's tense crime story built on moral choices.
- Seven Samurai (1954) — 91%: Kurosawa's epic, human story of a band of fighters.
- Ikiru (1952) — 90%: Kurosawa's moving drama about a man facing his life.
- Yojimbo (1961) — 90%: Kurosawa's sharp, witty samurai thriller.
- Throne of Blood (1957) — 89%: Kurosawa's atmospheric Macbeth adaptation.
- Anatomy of a Murder (1959) — 86%: Courtroom drama where the truth keeps shifting.
Director
Cast
- Toshirō Mifune as Tajômaru
- Machiko Kyō as Masako
- Takashi Shimura as Woodcutter
- Masayuki Mori as Takehiro
- Minoru Chiaki as Priest
- Kichijirō Ueda as Commoner
- Noriko Honma as Medium
- Daisuke Katō as Policeman
Rashomon FAQ
Is Rashomon worth watching?
Must-watch. Four people tell four conflicting versions of one crime. Kurosawa's short classic is about how truth bends to self-interest, and its influence is everywhere. Viewers rate it very highly.
Where can I watch Rashomon?
In the US you can stream Rashomon on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fawesome, YouTube Free, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Rashomon OK for kids?
Rashomon is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that Rashomon is a classic Japanese drama examining a murder and rape through multiple conflicting perspectives.
What movies are like Rashomon?
If you liked Rashomon, try High and Low, Seven Samurai, Ikiru and Yojimbo.