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Movies Like One Day in January

If you liked One Day in January (2012), a drama movie directed by Akira Inoue, 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. 1Samurai Rebellion

    Samurai Rebellion (1967)

    ★ 8.2/10Also drama

    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.

  2. 2Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto

    Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954)

    ★ 7.2/10Also drama

    Struggling to elevate himself from his low caste in 17th century Japan, Miyamoto trains to become a mighty samurai warrior.

  3. 3Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno

    Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014)

    ★ 7.6/10Also drama

    Kenshin has settled into his new life with Kaoru and his other friends when he is approached with a request from the Meiji government. Makoto Shishio, a former assassin like Kenshin, was betrayed, set on fire and left…

  4. 4Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple

    Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple (1955)

    ★ 7.2/10Also drama

    After years on the road establishing his reputation as Japan's greatest fencer, Takezo returns to Kyoto. Otsu waits for him, yet he has come not for her but to challenge the leader of the region's finest school of…

  5. 5The Sword of Doom

    The Sword of Doom (1966)

    ★ 7.8/10Also drama

    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.

  6. 6The Tale of Zatoichi

    The Tale of Zatoichi (1962)

    ★ 7.3/10Also drama

    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.

  7. 7Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance

    Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972)

    ★ 7.4/10Also drama

    Official Shogunate executioner Ogami Itto has been framed for disloyalty to the Shogunate by the Yagyu clan, against whom he now is waging a one-man war, along with his infant son, Daigoro.

  8. 8Taboo

    Taboo (1999)

    ★ 6.6/10Also drama

    Set during Japan's Shogun era, this film looks at life in a samurai compound where young warriors are trained in swordfighting. A number of interpersonal conflicts are brewing in the training room, all centering on a…

  9. 913 Assassins

    13 Assassins (2010)

    ★ 7.3/10Also drama

    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…

  10. 10Rurouni Kenshin: The Final

    Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021)

    ★ 7.7/10Also drama

    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.

  11. 11Kamui

    Kamui (2009)

    ★ 6.1/10Also drama

    A rebellious ninja in 17th century Japan takes refuge with a fisherman and his family.

  12. 12Chûshingura

    Chûshingura (1962)

    ★ 7.1/10Also drama

    After their lord is tricked into committing ritual suicide, forty-seven samurai warriors await the chance to avenge their master and reclaim their honor.

  13. 13The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

    The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail (1952)

    ★ 6.7/10Also drama

    A fugitive lord and his six retainers disguise themselves as monks to bluff their way through a hostile checkpoint.

  14. 14Ugetsu

    Ugetsu (1953)

    ★ 8/10Also drama

    In 16th century Japan, peasants Genjuro and Tobei sell their earthenware pots to a group of soldiers in a nearby village, in defiance of a local sage's warning against seeking to profit from warfare. Genjuro's pursuit…

  15. 15Zatoichi

    Zatoichi (2003)

    ★ 7.2/10Also drama

    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.

  16. 16Killing

    Killing (2018)

    ★ 7.1/10Also drama

    In mid-19th century Edo period, a masterless rōnin named Mokunoshin Tsuzuki resides in a peaceful village among those he helps. However, as the prevalent peace and tranquility are sure to be replaced by war and…

  17. 17Kagemusha

    Kagemusha (1980)

    ★ 7.8/10Also drama

    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…

  18. 18Yojimbo

    Yojimbo (1961)

    ★ 8.1/10Also drama

    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…

  19. 19Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell

    Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell (1974)

    ★ 7.1/10Also drama

    With most of his family already dead at Ogami Itto's hands, Retsudo launches one final plot to destroy him, and when that fails, unleashes the fury of every remaining member of the Yagyu clan.

  20. 20Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally

    Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally (1989)

    ★ 6.4/10Also drama

    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…

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