If you loved the relentless action and dark fantasy of 'Blade of the Immortal' (2017), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its themes of vengeance, immortality, and samurai combat. Whether you're a fan of its brutal swordplay or its deep philosophical undertones, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

The Sword of Doom (1966)
Description: A dark and psychological samurai film that explores the descent into madness of its protagonist. The film's brutal violence and existential themes are central to its narrative.
Fact: The movie was originally intended to be part of a trilogy, but the sequels were never made. The abrupt ending has become iconic in samurai cinema.


Shogun Assassin (1980)
Description: A hyper-violent, stylized samurai film that combines elements of action and drama. The story follows a lone warrior and his young son on a path of vengeance.
Fact: The film is actually a re-edited version of the first two 'Lone Wolf and Cub' movies. It was banned in several countries due to its extreme violence.


Ninja Scroll (1993)
Description: A dark and violent anime that features supernatural elements, intense action, and a lone warrior facing overwhelming odds. The film's gritty tone and relentless pace are standout features.
Fact: The movie was a major influence on Western anime fandom in the 1990s. It was originally intended to be a standalone film but later inspired a TV series.


Lady Snowblood (1973)
Description: A revenge-driven narrative with a strong female protagonist, featuring stylized violence and a dark, poetic tone. The film's aesthetic and themes of vengeance resonate deeply.
Fact: The movie heavily influenced Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill' series. The protagonist, Yuki, is born in prison with a singular purpose: revenge.


The Last Samurai (2003)
Description: A visually stunning film that blends historical drama with action, focusing on the clash between tradition and modernity. The story revolves around a warrior's redemption and loyalty to a dying way of life.
Fact: Tom Cruise performed most of his own stunts, including horseback riding and sword fights. The film was shot in New Zealand and Japan.


Zatoichi (2003)
Description: A blend of action, drama, and dark humor, following a blind swordsman who dispenses justice in a corrupt world. The film's mix of stylized violence and moral complexity is compelling.
Fact: Takeshi Kitano not only starred in but also wrote, edited, and directed the film. The movie won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.


Samurai Champloo (2004)
Description: A unique blend of historical samurai action with modern hip-hop culture, creating a vibrant and unconventional narrative. The series balances humor, drama, and intense sword fights.
Fact: The show's soundtrack was composed by Nujabes, a legendary figure in the lo-fi hip-hop scene. It was directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, who also created 'Cowboy Bebop.'


13 Assassins (2010)
Description: A gritty and violent samurai epic that explores themes of revenge, honor, and sacrifice. The film features intense, large-scale battle sequences and a morally complex narrative.
Fact: The climactic battle scene was filmed in a single take and took over a month to prepare. The movie is a remake of a 1963 film of the same name.


Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2011)
Description: A tragic tale of a ronin seeking vengeance, filled with emotional depth and brutal swordplay. The film delves into the harsh realities of the samurai code and the consequences of dishonor.
Fact: This was the first 3D samurai film ever made. It is a remake of the 1962 classic 'Harakiri' by Masaki Kobayashi.


Afro Samurai (2007)
Description: A fusion of samurai action and hip-hop aesthetics, with a revenge-driven plot and hyper-stylized violence. The series' unique visual and auditory style sets it apart.
Fact: Samuel L. Jackson voiced the main character and also served as executive producer. The anime was inspired by a manga of the same name, which was originally a self-published work.
