Samaritan Zatoichi
1968, Japanese. Directed by Kenji Misumi.
Zatoichi is forced to kill a young man who owes a debt to a yakuza boss. Moments later, his sister Osode arrives with the money she earned (prostituting herself) to pay his debts. The bosses true motives are revealed and he attempts to steal Osode even though the debt is paid. Zatoichi realizes his grievous error and protects the girl from the gang. Osode and Zatoichi are caught in a dilemma as she must rely on her brother's killer for protection and Zatoichi wrestles with the injustice he has caused.
- Runtime
- 1h 24m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.8/10 from 44 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Samaritan Zatoichi
Samaritan Zatoichi is streaming on Criterion Channel in India.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 12 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman: watch order
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 28 December 1968
- Original title
- 座頭市喧嘩太鼓
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Hisashi Sugiura, Kiyokata Saruwaka, Tetsurō Yoshida
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
Watch before Samaritan Zatoichi
In release order. The films it follows, and anything it builds on.
Adventures of Zatoichi
1964 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickEarlier in the series
Zatoichi's Revenge
1965 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickEarlier in the series
Zatoichi and the Doomed Man
1965 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickEarlier in the series
Zatoichi and the Chess Expert
1965 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickEarlier in the series
Zatoichi's Vengeance
1966 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickEarlier in the series
Zatoichi's Pilgrimage
1966 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeEarlier in the series
Zatoichi's Cane Sword
1967 · 7.3/10
Worth the HypeEarlier in the series
Zatoichi the Outlaw
1967 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickEarlier in the series
Zatoichi Challenged
1967 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeEarlier in the series
Zatoichi and the Fugitives
1968 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeEarlier in the series
After Samaritan Zatoichi
What comes next in the series.
Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo
1970 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickNext in the series
Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival
1970 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickNext in the series
Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman
1971 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickNext in the series
Zatoichi at Large
1972 · 6.6/10
NewNext in the series
Zatoichi in Desperation
1972 · 6.7/10
NewNext in the series
Zatoichi's Conspiracy
1973 · 7.0/10
NewNext in the series
If you liked Samaritan Zatoichi
Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman
1971 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Zatoichi and the Chess Expert
1965 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Tale of Zatoichi Continues
1962 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Zatoichi's Pilgrimage
1966 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Zatoichi and the Fugitives
1968 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Zatoichi the Outlaw
1967 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Zatoichi's Revenge
1965 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Adventures of Zatoichi
1964 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Tale of Zatoichi
1962 · 7.3/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Fight, Zatoichi, Fight
1964 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Samaritan Zatoichi: quick answers
What should I watch before Samaritan Zatoichi?
Watch Zatoichi's Cane Sword (1967), Zatoichi the Outlaw (1967), Zatoichi Challenged (1967), and Zatoichi and the Fugitives (1968) first, plus 6 earlier titles listed on this page.
What comes after Samaritan Zatoichi?
Next in the series: Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo (1970), Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival (1970), and Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman (1971).
Is Samaritan Zatoichi worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.8/10 from 44 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Samaritan Zatoichi?
Samaritan Zatoichi runs 84 minutes (1h 24m).
Does Samaritan Zatoichi have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Samaritan Zatoichi. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Samaritan Zatoichi parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Samaritan Zatoichi yet.
Which OTT platform is Samaritan Zatoichi on?
Samaritan Zatoichi is streaming on Criterion Channel in India. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like Samaritan Zatoichi?
If you liked Samaritan Zatoichi, try Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman, Zatoichi and the Chess Expert, The Tale of Zatoichi Continues.
Who directed Samaritan Zatoichi?
Samaritan Zatoichi (1968) was directed by Kenji Misumi and stars Shintarō Katsu, Yoshiko Mita, Makoto Satou.