Ninja Scroll (1993)

Ninja Scroll (1993) is a relentless, stylish samurai action-thriller in animated form. You follow Jubei, a lone vagabond swordsman who becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy when he rescues Kagero, a beautiful kunoichi who survives a plague-ravaged town. Together — with a crafty government spy pulling strings from the shadows — they confront a secret, demonic clan bent on toppling the Tokugawa Shogunate, led by a terrifying figure from Jubei’s past. Watching Ninja Scroll is an intense, visceral experience: lightning-fast sword fights, inventive supernatural enemies, and highly kinetic animation combine with adult themes, blunt violence, and erotic undertones. The film delivers breathless action, dark political intrigue, and a brooding atmosphere, all wrapped in striking 1990s anime visuals and pulsing score. Expect suspense, memorable set pieces, and an uncompromising, mature tone that prioritizes mood and momentum over sentimentality.

Actors: Kôichi Yamadera, Emi Shinohara, Takeshi Aono

Director: Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Runtime: 94 min

Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation

7.3 /10 7.8 /10 7.5 /10