10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Daruma (2024)

Description: As with 'Daruma', Kurosawa's masterpiece examines duty and sacrifice through the lens of skilled warriors. Both films share a humanistic approach to their characters and influence modern action storytelling with their pacing and combat choreography.

Fact: Inspired 'The Magnificent Seven'. Took a year to film. The longest cut was 207 minutes.

Description: This film shares with 'Daruma' the theme of a lone warrior manipulating rival factions. Both feature morally ambiguous protagonists and share a similar visual style in depicting feudal Japan's dusty streets and tense standoffs.

Fact: Inspired 'A Fistful of Dollars'. Mifune's scruffy look became iconic. Features innovative wide-angle shots.

Description: The sequel to 'Yojimbo' continues similarities with 'Daruma' through its world-weary protagonist and exploration of when violence becomes necessary. Both films balance action with humor and feature climactic duels that emphasize skill over spectacle.

Fact: Features one of cinema's most famous blood sprays. Was originally meant to be serious. The final duel lasts only seconds.

Description: Like 'Daruma', this film features a wandering protagonist with exceptional skills who becomes entangled in local conflicts. Both explore themes of justice and morality through the lens of a skilled warrior navigating complex social situations.

Fact: Spawned 26 sequels. The blind swordsman trope originated here. Actor Shintaro Katsu was a trained musician.

Description: Similar to 'Daruma' (2024), 'The Last Samurai' explores themes of honor, redemption, and cultural clash. Both films delve into the personal transformation of their protagonists through immersion in a foreign culture. The visual aesthetics of feudal Japan and the emotional tone of self-discovery are key parallels.

Fact: Tom Cruise performed most of his own stunts. The film was shot in New Zealand, not Japan. Ken Watanabe's performance earned him an Oscar nomination.

Description: This anime series shares with 'Daruma' a unique fusion of traditional samurai elements with modern cultural influences. Both feature unconventional protagonists on personal journeys, blending action with philosophical undertones and striking visual styles.

Fact: Features hip-hop soundtrack in feudal setting. Directed by Cowboy Bebop's creator. Each episode has distinct artistic style.

Description: Like 'Daruma', this film combines historical Japanese elements with supernatural themes. Both stories revolve around loyalty, vengeance, and the samurai code, presented through visually striking cinematography that blends traditional and fantastical elements.

Fact: Keanu Reeves learned Japanese for his role. The production faced numerous delays. It's based on the famous Chushingura legend.

Description: This film shares with 'Daruma' a focus on meticulous planning and execution of vengeance, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan. Both feature intense character studies within action-packed narratives, with similar visual styles emphasizing the brutality of samurai combat.

Fact: The final battle sequence lasts 45 minutes. It's a remake of a 1963 film. Director Takashi Miike shot the film in sequence.

Description: Both films examine the concept of honor through personal sacrifice. 'Hara-Kiri' shares with 'Daruma' a contemplative pacing and tragic tone, exploring how societal expectations shape individual destinies in historical Japan.

Fact: First 3D film to premiere at Cannes. Based on the same novel as the 1962 classic. Features minimal CGI.

Description: Similar to 'Daruma', this film follows a warrior seeking redemption through violent means. Both explore immortality (literal in this case, metaphorical in 'Daruma') and feature stylized, graphic swordplay sequences with emotional depth.

Fact: Based on long-running manga. Features over 100 onscreen deaths. Took 10 years to adapt to film.