Movie · 1993 · Fantasy, Animation, Action · 1h 34m · NR · Japanese
Curator score: 7.8/10 (38.4K ratings)
Feudal Japan—a time of danger, intrigue and deception . . .
Overview
Jubei is a masterless ninja who travels the land alone, lending his services to those with gold—or a worthy cause. His fearsome abilities have served him well, but a plot to overthrow the government threatens to end his wandering ways—and possibly his life.
A stylish, vicious, and hugely influential adult anime action film with standout creature design, fluid combat, and a pulpy supernatural edge. It’s not subtle, and its sexual violence and gore can be off-putting, but for viewers who want a grimy sword-and-sorcery spectacle, it delivers hard.
Best for
fans of bloody martial-arts fantasy
viewers interested in landmark 1990s anime
people who like monster-of-the-week villain designs
fans of dark, pulpy action with horror elements
Skip if
you’re sensitive to sexual violence or exploitative content
you want a nuanced character drama
you prefer clean, family-friendly animation
you dislike relentless gore and grotesque imagery
Overview
Ninja Scroll is one of the defining adult action anime of the 1990s: fast, lurid, and built around unforgettable set pieces. Its appeal is immediate and physical, with Yoshiaki Kawajiri staging every fight like a nightmare duel, full of sharp silhouettes, brutal impacts, and outlandish supernatural powers.
Worth noting
What lingers most is the villain gallery. The Eight Devils of Kimon are grotesque, inventive, and visually distinct, giving the film a parade of mini-showdowns that feel like a violent folklore anthology. The animation still has real bite, especially in the action choreography and character design.
Bottom line
It’s also a film of its era, for better and worse. The sex and violence are inseparable from its identity, and some viewers will find that excess tiresome or repellent. But if you’re in the mood for a hard-R, high-style ninja fantasy with genuine influence, this remains an essential watch.
Top Letterboxd reviews
Alex Brown (3.5★) · 855 likes
Dude in my office who got fired for sexual harassment told me this was his favorite movie and I should’ve seen it coming a mile away smh.
Liz (3.5★) · 427 likes
I think this is the second anime screening in a row where some dork has cheered when a character was about to have sex?
Rafael "Mister Movie" Jovine (3.5★) · 201 likes
Another great film by Kawajiri that leaves it very clear why he has gotten such a great reputation not only in animation but cinema in general, with this film apparently being up there with Akira and Ghost in the Shell as the movies that put anime on the map for many people outside Japan.
Once again, the animation is breathtaking, particularly in regards to certain character designs (most notably the villains, who looked particularly awesome) and certain gore and horror… more
Justin Peterson (4★) · 142 likes
One action-packed, bloody, and sexualized animated affair!
"To understand people's minds and control them is the secret of the ninja strategy. But only true sympathy can move the human heart. A pompous old ninja like me can't hope to do it."
I am not sure where the scroll part came into play, but this story follows a ninja who gets forced into taking on the Eight Devils which is a ninja team with supernatural abilities. For instance one of them… more
Aus (5★) · 137 likes
Found at the local Salvation Army. Loved every bloody moment.
*edit* I forgot to mention that when I pulled the tape out of the box a bunch of weed came flying out. Someone was using the tape as a stash box 😂😂
1995 · Action, Animation, Science Fiction · 1h 23m · NR · Curator 8.7/10 (568.8K ratings) · Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
A landmark 1990s anime feature with similarly influential craft, mature tone, and a cool, lethal sense of style.