Zatoichi (2003)
Kernel Score: 81% · 936 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Action
Released: 2003-09-06
Runtime: 116 minutes
Where to watch Zatoichi
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Blind traveler Zatoichi is a master swordsman and a masseur with a fondness for gambling on dice games. When he arrives in a village torn apart by warring gangs, he sets out to protect the townspeople.
Zatoichi parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Zatoichi is an R-rated samurai action film with sword violence, revenge, and blackmail in a lawless village.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Features sword combat, aggressive gang warfare, revenge killings, and blackmail typical of an R-rated samurai film.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Zatoichi
If you liked Zatoichi, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021) — 88%
- Rurouni Kenshin Part III: The Legend Ends (2014) — 86%
- Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014) — 85%
- 13 Assassins (2010) — 84%
- Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012) — 85%
- Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954) — 80%
- Sanjuro (1962) — 89%
- Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972) — 83%
Director
Cast
- Takeshi Kitano as Zatoichi / Ichi
- Tadanobu Asano as Hattori Genosuke
- Michiyo Yasuda as Tante Oume
- Yui Natsukawa as Oshino
- Guadalcanal Taka as Shinkichi
- Daigorô Tachibana as Geisha Seitaro O-Sei Naruto
- Yuko Daike as Geisha Okinu Naruto
- Ittoku Kishibe as Boss Inosuke Ginzo
- Saburo Ishikura as Ogi
- Akira Emoto as Pub Owner
Zatoichi FAQ
Is Zatoichi good?
Zatoichi has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 936 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Zatoichi?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Zatoichi OK for kids?
Zatoichi is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Zatoichi is an R-rated samurai action film with sword violence, revenge, and blackmail in a lawless village.
What movies are like Zatoichi?
If you liked Zatoichi, try Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, Rurouni Kenshin Part III: The Legend Ends, Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno and 13 Assassins.