Movies Like The Acrobats of Death

If you liked The Acrobats of Death (1959), a history and action movie directed by Yasushi Sasaki, 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
Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy (1978)
★ 7/10Also action
Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the shogunate despite the stammer and birthmark which undermine his…
2
The Sword of Doom (1966)
★ 7.8/10Also action
Ryunosuke, a gifted swordsman plying his trade during the turbulent final days of Shogunate rule, has no moral code and kills without remorse. It’s a way of life that leads to madness.
3
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021)
★ 7.7/10Also action and history
In 1879, Kenshin and his allies face their strongest enemy yet: his former brother-in-law Enishi Yukishiro and his minions, who've vowed their revenge.
4
13 Assassins (2010)
★ 7.3/10Also action
A bravado period action film set at the end of Japan's feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country…
5
47 Ronin (2013)
★ 6.2/10Also action
Kai—an outcast—joins Oishi, the leader of 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honour to their homeland, the…
6
Showdown in Little Tokyo (1991)
★ 6.5/10Also action
An American with a Japanese upbringing, Chris Kenner is a police officer assigned to the Little Tokyo section of Los Angeles. Kenner is partnered with Johnny Murata, a Japanese-American who isn't in touch with his…
7
Chûshingura (1962)
★ 7.1/10Also history and action
After their lord is tricked into committing ritual suicide, forty-seven samurai warriors await the chance to avenge their master and reclaim their honor.
8
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison (2011)
★ 7.2/10Also action
After his capture for attempted assassination of the Raikage, leader of Kumogakure, as well as killing Jōnin from Kirigakure and Iwagakure, Naruto is imprisoned in Hōzukijou: A criminal containment facility known as…
9
Golden Kamuy (2024)
★ 7/10Also action
On the Hokkaido frontier, a war veteran and Ainu girl race against misfits and military renegades to find treasure mapped out on tattooed outlaws.
10
Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012)
★ 7.5/10Also action and history
In 1868, after the Bakumatsu war ends, the ex-assassin Kenshin Himura traverses Japan with an inverted sword, to defend the needy without killing.
11
Gintama 2: Rules Are Made to Be Broken (2018)
★ 7.1/10Also action
The Yorozuya gang returns to protect the country's shogun when the Shinsengumi police force finds itself in a crisis.
12
Sanjuro (1962)
★ 7.9/10Also action
In this companion piece and sequel to "Yojimbo," jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan's evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper samurai on its…
13
Goemon (2009)
★ 6.9/10Also action
Follow the infamous ninja bandit named Ishikawa Goemon in an epic story. One night while looting treasure from Nanban, Goemon finds a mysterious box hidden inside a secret grave. A forgotten relic from the past…
14
Kagemusha (1980)
★ 7.8/10Also action and history
A feudal epic presenting the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. The impostor becomes comfortable living his life among…
15
Branded to Kill (1967)
★ 7.2/10Also action
After botching his latest assignment, a third-ranked Japanese hit man becomes the target of another assassin.
16
Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Blood Spray (2017)
★ 7.8/10Also action
A yakuza boss hires Goemon Ishikawa, a modern day samurai, to protect him aboard his cruise ship casino. Everything goes sideways when the famous thief, Lupin the Third, tries to rob the vessel. Lupin's being hunted by…
17
The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)
★ 7.3/10Also action
The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur and master swordsman. Zatoichi targets a yakuza-controlled village, because war with a neighbouring town's smaller gang is brewing.
18
Samurai Reincarnation (1981)
★ 5.8/10Also action
After surviving the slaughter of many Christians 350 years ago, a samurai denounces God for ignoring the pleas of believers. He sells his soul to Satan and receives the power to resurrect the dead to join him in a…
19
Why Don't You Play in Hell? (2013)
★ 7.3/10Also action
In Japan, gonzo filmmakers hatch a three-pronged plan to save an actress's career, end a yakuza war and make a hit movie.
20
Crows Zero (2007)
★ 7.1/10Also action
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.