The Killer (1971): cast, story & where to watch

1971 · Film · ★ 9

The Killer poster

Released in 1971, The Killer is an action and crime film directed by Mio Ezaki, running about 85 minutes.

What it’s about. A former gang leader and lone wolf who has left the organization works behind the scenes in a new city to take revenge on a giant alliance of organizations. This film is amongst the last "straight" yakuza films made at Nikkatsu before the studio's switch-over to pinku eiga.

Who’s in it. The Killer stars Akira Kobayashi, Meiko Kaji, Shōki Fukae and Rinichi Yamamoto, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 9.0/10, The Killer sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Killer page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Killer tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Killer (1971)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Killer change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Killer worth watching?
The Killer holds an audience score of 9.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action and crime. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Killer?
The Killer stars Akira Kobayashi, Meiko Kaji, Shōki Fukae, Rinichi Yamamoto and Eiji Gō.
When was The Killer released?
The Killer was released in 1971, with a runtime of about 85 minutes.