Movies Like Challenge to Ambition: Chapter 1

If you liked Challenge to Ambition: Chapter 1 (2009), a movie directed by Seiichi Shirai, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
The Outsider (2018)
★ 6.1/10
A former American G.I. joins a yakuza family after his release from prison in post-World War II Osaka.
2
Crying Freeman (1995)
★ 6.4/10
A lethal assassin for a secret Chinese organisation, who sheds tears of regret each time he kills, is seen swiftly and mercilessly executing three Yakuza gangsters by a beautiful artist. She is captivated by the grace…
3
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981)
★ 7/10
A high-school girl inherits a declining yakuza organization, which seeks to repair its fortunes under her leadership.
4
Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally (1989)
★ 6.4/10
Older, wiser but still a wandering loner, the blind, peace-loving masseur Ichi seeks a peaceful life in a rural village. When he's caught in the middle of a power struggle between two rival Yakuza clans, his reputation…
5
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril (1972)
★ 7.3/10
Ogami Itto is hired to kill a tattooed female assassin and battles Retsudo, head of the Yagyu clan, and his son Gunbei.
6
Kamikaze Girls (2004)
★ 7.2/10
Momoko, a strange and seemingly emotionless girl obsessed with 18th century France, befriends a Yanki biker and the two experience the ups and downs of their unusual lives in a rural Japanese town.
7
Outrage Coda (2017)
★ 6.8/10
Five years after the all-out war between the Sanno and Hanabishi crime families, former yakuza boss Otomo works in South Korea for Mr. Chang, a noted fixer. When tensions rise between Chang and the Hanabishi, and…
8
Street Fighter Alpha: Generations (2005)
★ 6.7/10
When Ryu returns to pay homage to his deceased mentor, Gouken, he is tormented by disturbing memories of his master's killer (Gouki). In a quest to become a true martial arts master, he sets out to hone his street…
9
Samurai Rebellion (1967)
★ 8.2/10
The mother of a feudal lord's only heir is kidnapped by the lord. Her husband and his samurai father must decide whether to accept the unjust decision, or risk death to rescue her.
10
Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954)
★ 7.2/10
Struggling to elevate himself from his low caste in 17th century Japan, Miyamoto trains to become a mighty samurai warrior.
11
Ajin: Demi-Human (2017)
★ 7.3/10
Kei Nagai dies in a car accident, but realises he is a type of immortal known as Ajin. Hunted by humans, Ajin is eventually found by the government and used as a subject in cruel experiments. He finds fellow…
12
The Fable (2019)
★ 6.7/10
The Fable is a legendary yakuza hitman equal to none—but his boss orders him and his sultry associate to lay low and learn how to live a "normal life" in Osaka.
13
Outrage (2010)
★ 6.9/10
When a tough yakuza gangster is betrayed by his bosses, it means all out war. Bodies pile up as he takes out everyone in his way to the top in a brutal quest for revenge.
14
Crazy Samurai Musashi (2020)
★ 5.9/10
In 1604, Miyamoto Musashi attacked the Yoshioka family at their dojo and defeated master Seijūrō and his younger brother Denshichirō in two duels. To save their reputation, the Yoshioka family decides to fight back…
15
Graveyard of Honor (1975)
★ 6.7/10
A self-destructive man becomes a powerful member of the yakuza but quickly loses his self-control. Based on the true story of Rikio Ishikawa.
16
Crows Zero (2007)
★ 7.1/10
The students of Suzuran High compete for the King of School title. An ex-graduate yakuza is sent to kill the son of a criminal group, but he can't make himself do it as he reminds him of his youth.
17
Tokyo Tribe (2014)
★ 6.5/10
In an alternate Japan, territorial street gangs form opposing factions collectively known as the Tokyo Tribes. Merra, leader of the Wu-Ronz tribe of Bukuro, joins forces with heavy-hitting gangster Buppa of Buppa Town…
18
ICHI (2008)
★ 6.8/10
Ichi is a blind entertainer that travels the countryside with her traditional Japanese guitar and walking stick. She’s in search for the kind man that brought her up as a child, but because of her beauty she encounters…
19
Altered Carbon: Resleeved (2020)
★ 6.6/10
On the planet Latimer, Takeshi Kovacs must protect a tattooist while investigating the death of a yakuza boss alongside a no-nonsense CTAC.
20
A Family (2021)
★ 7.4/10
Taken in by the yakuza at a young age, Kenji swears allegiance to his old-school boss, pledging to adhere to the family code amid ever-changing times.