The Yakuza (1974)
Kernel Score: 79% · 205 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1974-12-21
Runtime: 112 minutes
Where to watch The Yakuza
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
When George Tanner does business with high-ranking Yakuza Tono, Tono kidnaps his daughter, and George summons his old friend, private eye Harry Kilmer, to Japan to investigate.
The Yakuza parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Yakuza is an R-rated crime thriller involving a kidnapping and organized crime conflict between American and Japanese gangsters.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — R-rated crime/thriller involving yakuza mafia conflict and a kidnapping plot, implying gun violence and physical confrontation.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Yakuza
If you liked The Yakuza, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Drunken Angel (1948) — 86%
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- A Wolf at the Door (2013) — 79%
- The Killer (2022) — 86%
- Rob-B-Hood (2006) — 76%
- Boys Cry (2018) — 77%
- Crows Zero (2007) — 80%
- Fireworks (1997) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Robert Mitchum as Harry Kilmer
- Ken Takakura as Tanaka Ken
- Eiji Okada as Tono
- Herb Edelman as Wheat
- Richard Jordan as Dusty
- James Shigeta as Goro
- Keiko Kishi as Eiko
- Christina Kokubo as Hanako
- Kyōsuke Machida as Kato
- Brian Keith as George Tanner
The Yakuza FAQ
Is The Yakuza good?
The Yakuza has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 205 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Yakuza?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Yakuza OK for kids?
The Yakuza is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Yakuza is an R-rated crime thriller involving a kidnapping and organized crime conflict between American and Japanese gangsters.
What movies are like The Yakuza?
If you liked The Yakuza, try Drunken Angel, Suburra, A Wolf at the Door and The Killer.