16 Best Yakuza (Gangster) Japanese Movies of All Time

From the classic “Yojimbo” to the mind-bending “Ichi the Killer,” there’s something here for every fan of the genre. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be transported into a world of violence, loyalty, and honor.

Japanese Yakuza movies are some of the most captivating and intense crime thrillers you’ll ever see. Spanning stories of loyalty, revenge, corruption, and redemption, these films will take you on a wild ride through the criminal underworld of Japan.

Yakuza is a Japanese organized crime syndicate. It is mostly active in Japan, but also has international operations in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and many others. Yakuza are known for their strict codes of conduct and a variety of criminal activities such as gambling, extortion, drug trafficking, and prostitution.

Japanese cinema has a range of Yakuza classics and modern flicks, from violent gang wars to tales of honor among thieves, here are 16 Yakuza Japanese movies you need to see.

Rainy Dog is a Japanese movie that tells the story of a hitman who is trying to make a new life for himself. The movie is full of action, suspense, and drama. It is a great movie to watch if you are looking for something different from the usual Hollywood fare.

In "Deadly Outlaw: Rekka", a young woman named Rekka seeks revenge against the yakuza who killed her father. With the help of her uncle, she sets out to take down the yakuza one by one. Along the way, she meets a young man named Tetsu, who joins her on her quest. Together, they take on the yakuza, using whatever means necessary to get the job done. "Deadly Outlaw: Rekka" is a gritty, action-packed film that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The Wolves is a 1971 Japanese movie that follows the lives of a group of young delinquents. The movie is set in Tokyo and follows the group as they get involved in various crimes. The Wolves is a great movie for anyone who enjoys watching films that are set in Japan. The movie is also a great example of how young people can get involved in crime.

If you're in the mood for a good old fashioned Japanese movie, then you should definitely check out The Tale of Zatoichi. It's a great film that tells the story of a blind swordsman who is trying to make his way in the world.

The film is full of great action sequences and is definitely worth a watch if you're a fan of Japanese cinema.

A Colt Is My Passport is a 1967 Japanese yakuza film directed by Toshio Masuda. The film stars Jo Shishido and is based on the novel of the same name by Junichiro Tanizaki.

The film follows the story of a yakuza member named Shishido who is betrayed by his boss and left for dead. He then sets out for revenge with the help of his friend, a former yakuza member.

A Colt Is My Passport is a great film for those who enjoy revenge stories. The film is also a great example of the yakuza genre.

Kanto Wanderer is a 1963 Japanese film directed by Seijun Suzuki. The film follows the story of a young man named Tetsuya, who is released from prison and returns to his hometown in the Kanto region. Tetsuya quickly becomes involved in a life of crime, and he soon finds himself on the run from the police.

While Kanto Wanderer may not be the most mainstream of Japanese films, it is definitely an engaging and interesting watch. The film's story is compelling, and the characters are fascinating. Seijun Suzuki's direction is top-notch, and the film's black-and-white cinematography is beautiful.

If you're looking for a Japanese film that is a little bit different from the norm, I highly recommend checking out Kanto Wanderer. It's a great film that is well worth your time.

A gangster gets released from prison and has to cope with the recent shifts of power between the gangs, while taking care of a thrill-seeking young woman, who got in bad company while gambling.

The Outsider is a 2018 Japanese movie that tells the story of an ordinary man who is thrust into the world of the Yakuza. The movie is a thrilling ride that is full of action, suspense, and drama.

The Outsider is a great movie for those who enjoy action-packed thrillers. The story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. The acting is top-notch, and the action scenes are well-choreographed. The Outsider is a must-watch for fans of Japanese cinema.

In 1971, Kinji Fukasaku directed the Japanese movie Sympathy for the Underdog. The movie is about an underdog named Shinsuke, who is constantly bullied and beaten up by others. However, one day he meets a girl named Akemi, who helps him stand up for himself and become a stronger person.

The movie is important because it shows how even the weakest person can become strong if they have someone to believe in them. It also teaches the importance of standing up for yourself and not letting others bully you.

If you are looking for a movie that will inspire you and make you laugh, then you should definitely watch Sympathy for the Underdog.

Tokyo Drifter is a 1966 Japanese yakuza film directed by Seijun Suzuki, starring Tetsuya Watari and Chieko Matsubara. The film follows the story of a former yakuza member, Tetsuya "Phoenix Tetsu" Hondo, who is forced to go on the run from his former yakuza boss after he is betrayed.

Despite its low budget and limited release, Tokyo Drifter has gained a cult following and is considered one of Suzuki's best films. It is known for its stylish visuals, catchy soundtrack, and its use of color to set the mood and atmosphere of the film.

If you're a fan of Japanese cinema, or just looking for a stylish and cool movie to watch, then Tokyo Drifter is a must-see.

If you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding, action-packed movie, then you need to watch Youth of the Beast! This 1963 Japanese movie is full of non-stop action, and will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The story follows Detective Jo Shishido, who is investigating a series of murders in Tokyo. The murders are all connected to a powerful yakuza boss, and Shishido is determined to bring him to justice.

But the yakuza boss is a dangerous man, and he won't go down without a fight. Shishido will have to use all of his detective skills to solve this case, and bring the killer to justice.

If you love action movies, then you need to watch Youth of the Beast. It's a classic Japanese movie that is sure to keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Sonatine is a 1993 Japanese crime drama film directed by Takeshi Kitano, who also stars in the film. The film follows a group of yakuza gangsters who are sent to Okinawa to resolve a dispute, but end up getting caught up in a much more dangerous situation.

Sonatine is a stylish and action-packed film that features some of the best gunfights and fight scenes ever put to film. The acting is top-notch, and the film's unique blend of humor and violence is sure to appeal to fans of both genres.

If you're looking for a fun and thrilling Japanese movie to watch, then be sure to check out Sonatine. You won't be disappointed.

Outrage Beyond is a great movie for anyone who loves a good crime drama. The movie is set in the world of the Japanese mafia, and follows the story of a young man who gets caught up in the world of crime. The movie is full of action, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Kikoku is a 2010 Japanese movie directed by Masahiro Kobayashi. The movie is about a young woman named Suzu, who is sent to live with her aunt in the countryside after her parents die. Suzu is a city girl and is not used to the rural lifestyle, but she soon grows to love it. The movie is a heartwarming story about Suzu's adjustment to her new life and the people she meets along the way.

The movie is a great example of Japanese culture and the countryside. It is a beautiful movie with great cinematography. The acting is also very good. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in Japanese culture or wants to see a heartwarming story.

The Yakuza Papers: Battles Without Honor and Humanity is a 1973 Japanese film directed by Kinji Fukasaku. The film is a documentary-style portrayal of the Japanese mafia, or yakuza, and chronicles their activities in post-World War II Hiroshima.

The Yakuza Papers is an incredibly engaging and eye-opening film that provides a rare glimpse into the world of the Japanese mafia. The film is incredibly well-made, and Fukasaku's direction is top-notch. If you're interested in learning more about the yakuza or in seeing a great film, then The Yakuza Papers is definitely worth watching.

The film Brother was released in 2001 and directed by Takeshi Kitano. The movie is about two yakuza brothers, Densuke and Ken, who are forced to take refuge in Okinawa after a gangland dispute in Tokyo. The movie is a fascinating look at the world of the yakuza and their code of honor. The film is also a great example of the work of Takeshi Kitano, who is one of Japan's most respected directors.