The Hidden Fortress (1958)
Kernel Score: 89% · 683 ratings
Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
Released: 1958-12-28
Runtime: 139 minutes
Where to watch The Hidden Fortress
- Stream: HBO Max
- Free with ads: Shout! Factory TV, 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
In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.
The Hidden Fortress parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Hidden Fortress is a classic feudal Japan adventure drama involving war and greedy peasants navigating danger.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Depicts a bloody clan war backdrop, though violence is largely off-screen and stylized for the era.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Hidden Fortress
If you liked The Hidden Fortress, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Kagemusha (1980) — 88%
- Ugetsu (1953) — 88%
- Throne of Blood (1957) — 89%
- Sanjuro (1962) — 89%
- Samurai Rebellion (1967) — 90%
- Zatoichi (2003) — 81%
- Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954) — 80%
- Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning (2021) — 86%
Director
Cast
- Toshirō Mifune as General Rokurota Makabe
- Minoru Chiaki as Tahei
- Kamatari Fujiwara as Matashichi
- Misa Uehara as Princess Yuki
- Susumu Fujita as General Hyoe Tadokoro
- Takashi Shimura as General Izumi Nagakura
- Ikio Sawamura as Gambler (uncredited)
- Kōji Mitsui as Guard (uncredited)
- Takeo Oikawa as Guard (uncredited)
- Yū Fujiki as Guard (uncredited)
The Hidden Fortress FAQ
Is The Hidden Fortress good?
The Hidden Fortress has an 89% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 683 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Hidden Fortress?
In the US you can stream The Hidden Fortress on HBO Max, watch it free with ads on Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is The Hidden Fortress OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Hidden Fortress is a classic feudal Japan adventure drama involving war and greedy peasants navigating danger.
What movies are like The Hidden Fortress?
If you liked The Hidden Fortress, try Kagemusha, Ugetsu, Throne of Blood and Sanjuro.