The Samurai

1962·Show
128Episodes in10Seasons
89
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Samurai fingerprint

High energy, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense and fast-paced

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension8
  • Fast Pace8
  • Adrenaline7

Heart

Nostalgic

  • Nostalgia7
  • Hopefulness5
  • Catharsis5

Humor

Some slapstick

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Physical Comedy5
  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Satire & Parody3

World

History

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Direction7
  • Acting7
  • Narrative Structure7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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About

The Samurai is a Japanese historical fiction television series made by Senkosha Productions during the early 1960s. Its original Japanese title was Onmitsu Kenshi. The series premiered in 1962 on TBS and ran continuously until 1965 for ten self-contained story arcs, usually of 13 episodes each. Also created were two black-and-white feature films by Toei Company, made in 1964 by the same crew which has created the TV series, and a stage show. The Samurai proved to be highly successful despite its initially very limited budget. It was the first Japanese TV program ever screened in Australia, where it premiered in 1964 and built up a remarkably large fan-base among the local young audience at the time, rapidly becoming a cult favourite. Despite its massive popularity in Australia as well as success in Japan, New Zealand and the Philippines, the series was not widely screened elsewhere and its fame remains largely restricted to those countries.
Japanese Historical FictionSamurai EraCult ClassicMartial Arts ActionEspionage & IntrigueBlack & WhiteEarly TV SeriesTBS ProductionAustralian TV History

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Samurai

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Samurai legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Samurai in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Samurai worth watching?

89
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 89/100 (IMDb 8.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Samurai rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How many seasons does The Samurai have?

10 seasons

It has 10 seasons with 128 episodes.

When did The Samurai air?

It ran from 1962 to 1987 and has ended.

What language is The Samurai in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

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