Movies like Samurai X: The Motion Picture (1997)
The best movies like Samurai X: The Motion Picture (1997) are Sekiro: No Defeat (2026), Black Lion (1992) and Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009). If Samurai X: The Motion Picture hooked you with its animation and action, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedSaint Seiya: Legend of Crimson Youth (1988)7.9/10 from 260 votes
- NewestSekiro: No Defeat (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseSekiro: No Defeat (2026)Also in Japanese
Sekiro: No Defeat (2026)
The war-torn Japan of the Sengoku period is further fractured by conspiracy, betrayal, and bloody boss battles to beggar belief, in the anime adaptation of the award-winning video game.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Black Lion (1992)
The year is 1580 and Nobunaga Oda is working to consolidate his power over Japan. In his army are weapons of great destructive power: rapid fire machine guns, lasers, missiles and, most frightening of all, the reputedly immortal ninja Ginnai Doma. Like a sentence of divine wrath he hunts down and destroys dissident monks, ninjas and others, wherever they may be. With the clans on the brink of destruction, a single ninja accepts the impossible task: kill the immortal Ginnai.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009)
Afro Samurai avenged his father and found a life of peace. But the legendary master is forced back into the game by a beautiful and deadly woman from his past. The sparks of violence dropped along Afro’s bloody path now burn out of control – and nowhere are the flames of hatred more intense than in the eyes of Sio.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGintama the Movie 2026: Yoshiwara in Flames (2026)
Upon meeting a young boy named Seita who makes a living as a pickpocket, Gintoki discovers that he is pickpocketing out of a desire to meet his long-lost mother, Hinowa, Yoshiwara's number one courtesan. Gintoki and his friends venture to Yoshiwara to fulfill Seita's wish, but standing in their way is Housen, the Night King who rules Yoshiwara.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Shogun's Samurai: The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy (1978)
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 respect. Iemitsu and his brother Tadanaga become bitter rivals for the shogunate, and the land is split into factions, eventually erupting into warfare. Iemitsu's mentor, his fencing instructor Yagyu, is fixated upon securing Iemitsu the shogunate and ends up betraying everyone, even his own family, in pursuit of the goal.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRurouni Kenshin: New Kyoto Arc: Cage of Flames (2011)
Although she's only sixteen and looks even younger, Misao Makimachi is already a skilled and competent member of the Oniwabanshu ninja clan. That's fortunate for Misao, because her onimitsu talents may be all that keeps her alive when a journey in search of the leader of the clan, Aoshi Shinomori, leads her instead into a face-to-face encounter with an even more dangerous man and a plot to overthrow the Meiji government! Quickly enmeshed in the affairs of the legendary assassin Hitokiri Battosai, now known as Kenshin Himura, wielder of the reverse-blade sword, Misao finds herself pulled into the middle of a deadly intrigue against Makoto Shishio, who is orchestrating the conquest of all Japan - beginning with Kyoto!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Gintama: The Movie (2010)
Odd Jobs Gin has taken on a lot of odd work in the past, and when you're a Jack of All Trades agency based in a feudal Japan that's been conquered and colonized by aliens, the term "Odd Jobs" means REALLY ODD jobs. But when some more than slightly suspicious secrets from the shadows of Gintoki Sakata's somewhat shady former samurai past and a new pair of odd jobs collide, the action is bound to get so wild and demented that only a feature film will do it justice!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSaint Seiya: Legend of Crimson Youth (1988)
The Sun God Abel returns to life, bent on punishing the humans and cleansing Earth from their presence. When Athena joins him, leaving humans to their fate, the Bronze Saints must defend the world in their greatest battle yet.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisKill! (1968)
A pair of down-on-their-luck swordsmen arrive in a dusty, windblown town, where they become involved in a local clan dispute. One, previously a farmer, longs to become a noble samurai. The other, a former samurai haunted by his past, prefers living anonymously with gangsters. But when both men discover the wrongdoings of the nefarious clan leader, they side with a band of rebels who are under siege at a remote mountain cabin.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNinja Scroll (1993)
Jubei is a masterless ninja who travels the land alone, lending his services to those with gold—or a worthy cause. His fearsome abilities have served him well, but a plot to overthrow the government threatens to end his wandering ways—and possibly his life.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both fantasy & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSword of the Stranger (2007)
Pursued by formidable Chinese assassins, young Kotaro and his dog run into No Name, a mysterious stranger who gets pulled into the chase. The unlikely companions form a bond over saving the dog from a poison attack, but chaos erupts when the assassins find Kotaro, and No Name must face his past before a horrible fate is met again.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle (1987)
Goku and Kuririn are given an assignment by Kame-Sen'nin: "Retrieve the sleeping princess from Lucifer and I will take you as my students." But the mission proves to be more perilous than originally thought.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSaint Seiya: The Heated Battle of the Gods (1988)
Hyoga is missing somewhere in Asgard... When Seiya and the others are looking for him, Athena is kidnapped and they have to rescue her from Dolvar and some mysterious warriors.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGintama: The Very Final (2021)
The countdown to destruction has begun! Gintoki and the others set out to fulfill the wishes of their teacher Shoyo and thwart Utsuro's plans. Shinpachi, Kagura, the Shinsengumi, members of the Kabuki District, and even former enemies will join their fight. As Utsuro's power grows, Takasugi fights for his very life. Will Gintoki be able to put an end to all this?!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (1989)
In order to wish for immortality and avenge his father, Garlic Jr. collects the dragon balls, kidnapping Goku's son Gohan in the process. Goku, Kami, Piccolo, and Krillin unite to rescue Gohan and save the world from being sucked into a dead zone.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGintama: The Final Chapter - Be Forever Yorozuya (2013)
What would have happened if the Shiroyasha never existed? Edo is thrown to chaos by a mysterious cause. Sakata Gintoki, now lives in a world where the future has changed, without him. What has happened to the Yorozuya? Gintoki, who is now a ghost of the past, must once again carry the burden in order to save his friends. He must finish the biggest job ever, which may be the final job of Yorozuya.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGintama on Theater 2D: Shinsengumi Douran Arc (2025)
In Edo, where Gintoki and the Yorozuya reside, order is maintained by the Shinsengumi. Toshiro Hijikata, known as the "Demon Vice-Commander," has long led the Shinsengumi with strict discipline. However, after obtaining a cursed demonic sword from a blacksmith, his personality drastically changes due to the curse—turning him into a completely useless good-for-nothing. Justas he’s cornered by a group of rogue samurai in a life-or-death situation, the one who saves this pathetic Hijikata is none other than the Shinsengumi’s tactician, Ito Kamotaro, who has finally returned to Edo after completing a long-awaited mission. Kamotaro comes back bearing the latest weapons and prized swords as souvenirs, receiving a grand welcome from Commander Kondo. His accomplishments are highly praised, and he gradually begins rising in prominence within the Shinsengumi.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Saint Seiya: Evil Goddess Eris (1987)
In the first anime film of the Saint Seiya series, Seiya and the gang must defeat mysterious Ghost Knights to save the world from the pending resurrection of Eris, the Goddess of Chaos!
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStreet Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994)
Bison, the ruthless leader of the international terrorist organization Shadowlaw, has been desperately searching for the greatest fighter on the planet for years. He finds it in Ryu, a young wanderer who never stays in one place long enough for Bison to find him. He does, however, get a fix on Ken Masters, an American martial arts champion who studied with Ryu as a child under the same master. Meanwhile, Major Guile of the United States Army is forced to team up with Chun Li from China in hopes of apprehending Bison and putting a stop his international ring of crime.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFist of the North Star: The Legend of the True Savior: Legend of Raoh-Chapter of Death in Love (2006)
A film adaptation of the Holy Emperor story arc, which primarily depicted the conflict between Kenshiro and Souther. New characters Reina, one of Raoh's army officers who falls in love with him, and her brother Soga, Raoh's advisor, play an important part with much of the plot involving Raoh's relationship with Reina as he conquers the land; most of this portion is new content exclusive to this film. The other side of the story is the retelling of Ken's attempt to save and protect the villagers from Souther's army with the help of Shū. There is also a small subplot of Bart returning to his home.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDragon Ball Z: Lord Slug (1991)
A Super Namekian named Slug comes to invade Earth. But the Z Warriors do their best to stop Slug and his gang.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFatal Fury: Legend of the Hungry Wolf (1992)
Terry Bogard's father was murdered by a man named Geese Howard for the purpose of retrieving an ancient manual on martial arts. When Terry grows up he is driven by hatred to avenge his father's death, but must overcome this hatred if he is to complete his training on how to defeat Geese Howard.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlade of the Immortal (2017)
Manji, a highly skilled samurai, becomes cursed with immortality after a legendary battle. Haunted by the brutal murder of his sister, Manji knows that only fighting evil will regain his soul. He promises to help a young girl named Rin avenge her parents, who were killed by a group of master swordsmen led by ruthless warrior Anotsu. The mission will change Manji in ways he could never imagine.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest (1990)
The evil Dr. Kochin uses the dragon balls to resurrect his mentor, Dr. Wheelo, in an effort to take over the world. Dr. Wheelo, his body having been destroyed by the avalanche that killed him fifty years before, desires the body of the strongest fighter in the world as his new vessel. Believing Roshi to be the world's strongest warrior, Dr. Kochin abducts Bulma and forces Roshi to surrender himself to save her. When Goku hears of their abduction, he goes to their rescue.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFist of the North Star (1986)
After a nuclear holocaust tears the world apart, mankind is forced to the harshness of not only the oppression of others who are much more powerful, but the dead earth which seems to be getting worse with every passing moment. But a savior has risen from the ashes, a man who will defeat those who would torment the weak and make the world a livable place once more. A man named Kenshiro...
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNew Fist of the North Star: The Forbidden Fist (2003)
The Last Land has crumbled at the hands of Kenshiro, but in order to save the young Lord Doha, the powerful hero must travel through a land haunted by murderous demons in this sequel to the hit anime Fist of the North Star. Lord Doha has fallen ill, and if he doesn't receive a rare serum within a few short days he will certainly die. Though the serum is a two-day trip in both directions, Sara reveals that there is a shorter path running through Cliffland but it is haunted by vicious demons. As Kenshiro bravely makes way for the dreaded Cliffland, a new fighter named Seiji arrives in Last Land pursued by evil Clifflanders and vowing to reclaim Sanga's legacy.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both animation & action
K: Missing Kings (2014)
The "Academy Island Incident" in which four "kings" cross paths... Since then, Silver Clansmen Kuroh Yatogami and Neko have been searching for their master, Shiro. Without finding any clues to Shiro's whereabouts, the two became disheartened. However, one day, they see HOMRA members Rikio Kamamoto and Anna Kushina being chased by someone.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInuyasha the Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002)
With their most formidable foe vanquished, Inuyasha and his comrades begin returning to their everyday lives. But their peace is fleeting as another adversary emerges: Kaguya, the self-proclaimed princess from the Moon of Legend, hatches a plot to plunge the world into an eternal night of the full moon. Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango and Shippou must reunite to confront the new menace.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOne Piece "3D2Y": Overcome Ace's Death! Luffy's Vow to his Friends (2014)
The special takes place during the two year before the Straw Hats reunite on Sabody. Luffy is currently in Rusukaina training to get stronger to take on the New World. However the training is interrupted when Hancock's sisters, Marigold and Sandersonia, are kidnapped by the Byrnndi World, a pirate who was locked away on Level 6 of Impel Down but escaped during Luffy's invasion to save Ace, in order to lure Hancock to him and use her as a hostage against the World Government due to her Shichibukai status. Thus Luffy and Hancock head off to confront him and save Hancock's sisters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFate/Grand Order Final Singularity – Grand Temple of Time: Solomon (2021)
After battling their way through all seven Singularities, the Chaldea Security Organization has finally arrived at the endpoint of the Grand Order: The Final Singularity, Grand Temple of Time: Solomon. Now is the time to defeat the root of all evil, Solomon, the King of Mages. Now is the time to reclaim the future. With the final operation looming large, Romani Archaman considers the choices he will soon have to make, Mash Kyrielight dwells on life's limitations, and Fujimaru prepares to receive a new Mystic Code. All their many encounters have led to this moment as Fujimaru and Mash at last embark on their final operation...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Samurai X: The Motion Picture?
The closest matches to Samurai X: The Motion Picture are Sekiro: No Defeat (2026), Black Lion (1992) and Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Samurai X: The Motion Picture?
People who watched Samurai X: The Motion Picture most often go on to Sekiro: No Defeat (2026), Black Lion (1992) and Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009).
What is the highest-rated movie like Samurai X: The Motion Picture?
Saint Seiya: Legend of Crimson Youth (1988), rated 7.9/10 by 260 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Samurai X: The Motion Picture?
Sekiro: No Defeat (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Samurai X: The Motion Picture?
Yes: Sekiro: No Defeat (2026), Black Lion (1992) and Gintama the Movie 2026: Yoshiwara in Flames (2026).
How are movies similar to Samurai X: The Motion Picture chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Samurai X: The Motion Picture, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.