Kwaidan
1965, Japanese. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi.
In the tradition of "RASHOMON" and "GATE OF HELL."
Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.
- Runtime
- 3h 3m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- NR
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Worth the Hype
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7.7/10 from 489 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Kwaidan
Kwaidan is streaming on HBO Max, Criterion Channel, and TCM in India.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 8 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Masaki KobayashiDirector
- Michiyo AratamaFirst Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
- Rentaro MikuniHusband (segment "The Black Hair")
- Misako WatanabeSecond Wife (segment "The Black Hair")
- Kenjirō IshiyamaFather (segment "The Black Hair")
- Ranko AkagiMother (segment "The Black Hair")
- Fumie Kitahara(segment "The Black Hair")
- Kappei Matsumoto(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Yoshiko Ieda(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Otome Tsukimiya(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Kenzō Tanaka(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Kiyoshi Nakano(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)
- Tatsuya NakadaiMinokichi (segment "The Woman of the Snow")
Details
- Released
- 6 January 1965
- Original title
- 怪談
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Yōko Mizuki
- Budget
- $885K
- Box office
- $625K
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News & fan talk
What Kwaidan is based on
Kwaidan is based on Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, a 1904 novel by Lafcadio Hearn.
Novel · 1904
Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things
By Lafcadio Hearn
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Kwaidan: quick answers
Is Kwaidan worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.7/10 from 489 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Kwaidan?
Kwaidan runs 183 minutes (3h 3m).
Does Kwaidan have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Kwaidan. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Kwaidan parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Kwaidan is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Kwaidan on?
Kwaidan is streaming on HBO Max, Criterion Channel, and TCM in India. (Checked 8 November 2026.)
What movies are like Kwaidan?
If you liked Kwaidan, try Daimajin, Ugetsu, Ju-On: White Ghost.
Who directed Kwaidan?
Kwaidan (1965) was directed by Masaki Kobayashi and stars Michiyo Aratama, Rentaro Mikuni, Misako Watanabe.
What is Kwaidan based on?
Kwaidan is based on Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, a 1904 novel by Lafcadio Hearn.