Yojimbo (1961)
Kernel Score: 90% · 1,648 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Released: 1961-04-25
Runtime: 110 minutes
Where to watch Yojimbo
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.
Yojimbo parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Yojimbo is a black-and-white samurai film in which a masterless swordsman manipulates two rival criminal gangs into destroying each other.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — The plot centers on sword-fighting, gang warfare, and a bodyguard-for-hire setup, with fighting a key genre element.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — The story involves rival gambling operations run by the two feuding merchants.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Yojimbo
If you liked Yojimbo, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Seven Samurai (1954) — 91%
- Kagemusha (1980) — 88%
- Throne of Blood (1957) — 89%
- Samurai Rebellion (1967) — 90%
- Sanjuro (1962) — 89%
- The Sword of Doom (1966) — 85%
- The Twilight Samurai (2002) — 86%
- Harakiri (1962) — 90%
Director
Cast
- Toshirō Mifune as Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai
- Tatsuya Nakadai as Unosuke, gunfighter
- Yōko Tsukasa as Nui
- Isuzu Yamada as Orin
- Daisuke Katō as Inokichi
- Seizaburō Kawazu as Seibê - brothel operator
- Takashi Shimura as Tokuemon, sake brewer
- Hiroshi Tachikawa as Yoichiro
- Yōsuke Natsuki as Kohei's Son
- Eijirō Tōno as Gonji, Tavern Keeper
Yojimbo FAQ
Is Yojimbo good?
Yojimbo has a 90% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,648 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Yojimbo?
In the US you can stream Yojimbo on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Yojimbo OK for kids?
Yojimbo is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Yojimbo is a black-and-white samurai film in which a masterless swordsman manipulates two rival criminal gangs into destroying each other.
What movies are like Yojimbo?
If you liked Yojimbo, try Seven Samurai, Kagemusha, Throne of Blood and Samurai Rebellion.