Ronin (1998)
Kernel Score: 79% · 2,603 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
Released: 1998-09-25
Runtime: 122 minutes
Is Ronin worth watching?
Worth watching. A tough, old-school thriller about mercenaries chasing a mystery briefcase across France. The car chases are the real draw and the cast is excellent, though the plot is thin and the middle drags.
Watch it if you
- love practical car chases
- enjoy grizzled professionals double-crossing each other
- like 90s spy and heist thrillers
Skip it if you
- need a clear, emotional story
- dislike slow stretches between action scenes
Best for: Solo night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Ronin
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, MGM+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals' hands. An Irish liaison assembles a squad of mercenaries, or 'ronin', and gives them the thorny task of recovering the case.
Ronin parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Ronin is an R-rated crime thriller centered on mercenaries, a violent heist, and shootouts.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Features shootouts, car chases, and violence among mercenaries fighting over a briefcase, rated R.
- Language: Moderate — R rating for a crime thriller typically reflects strong profanity throughout.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ronin
If you liked Ronin, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Bourne Identity (2002) — 84%: Lean spy thriller with grounded fights and European chases
- The Day of the Jackal (1973) — 87%: Cold, methodical professional on a covert mission
- The Train (1964) — 87%: Same director, big practical set pieces in wartime France
- The French Connection (1971) — 87%: Gritty chase-driven crime thriller with a famous car sequence
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962) — 85%: Same director, paranoid Cold War thriller
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) — 85%: Relentless chases and double-crosses across Europe
Director
Cast
- Robert De Niro as Sam
- Jean Reno as Vincent
- Natascha McElhone as Deirdre
- Stellan Skarsgård as Gregor
- Skipp Sudduth as Larry
- Jonathan Pryce as Seamus O'Rourke
- Sean Bean as Spence
- Michael Lonsdale as Jean-Pierre
- Féodor Atkine as Mikhi
- Katarina Witt as Natacha Kirilova
Ronin FAQ
Is Ronin worth watching?
Worth watching. A tough, old-school thriller about mercenaries chasing a mystery briefcase across France. The car chases are the real draw and the cast is excellent, though the plot is thin and the middle drags.
Where can I watch Ronin?
In the US you can stream Ronin on Fubo, Philo and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla, Fawesome, The Roku Channel and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Ronin OK for kids?
Ronin is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Ronin is an R-rated crime thriller centered on mercenaries, a violent heist, and shootouts.
What movies are like Ronin?
If you liked Ronin, try The Bourne Identity, The Day of the Jackal, The Train and The French Connection.