The Tale of Zatoichi
座頭市物語
The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur and master swordsman. Zatoichi targets a yakuza-controlled village, because war with a neighbouring town's smaller gang is brewing.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream The Tale of Zatoichi
Streaming now in the United States on Criterion Channel.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
Trailers and promos
Black Belt Cinema: THE TALE OF ZATOICHI (1962) Trailer
Black Belt Cinema: THE TALE OF ZATOICHI (1962) Trailer
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Frequently asked questions about The Tale of Zatoichi
Where can I watch The Tale of Zatoichi in the United States?
The Tale of Zatoichi is available to stream on Criterion Channel in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.
Can I watch The Tale of Zatoichi for free?
Not free in the United States right now. The Tale of Zatoichi needs a subscription to Criterion Channel, or you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
What are the ratings for The Tale of Zatoichi?
The Tale of Zatoichi scores 7.3 on The Movie Database, 7.6 on IMDb, and 87% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Who stars in The Tale of Zatoichi?
The Tale of Zatoichi stars Shintarō Katsu, Masayo Banri, Ryūzō Shimada, Hajime Mitamura, and Shigeru Amachi. Kenji Misumi is the director.
How long is The Tale of Zatoichi?
The Tale of Zatoichi runs 1h 36m (96 minutes).
When did The Tale of Zatoichi come out?
The Tale of Zatoichi was released on April 18, 1962.
Which studio made The Tale of Zatoichi?
The Tale of Zatoichi was produced by Daiei Film in Japan.
What language is The Tale of Zatoichi in?
The Tale of Zatoichi is in Japanese, and its original title is 座頭市物語.
Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.