Shogun (1981): cast, story & where to watch

1981 · Film · ★ 6.2

Shogun poster

Released in 1981, Shogun is a drama, adventure and history film directed by Jerry London, running about 125 minutes.

What it’s about. An English navigator becomes both pawn and player in the deadly political games in feudal Japan.

Who’s in it. Shogun stars Orson Welles as Narrator, Richard Chamberlain as Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, Toshirō Mifune as Lord Yoshi Toranaga and Yoko Shimada as Lady Toda Buntaro - Mariko, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, Shogun has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

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

If you liked it. Fans of Shogun tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Shogun (1981)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Shogun change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Shogun worth watching?
Shogun holds an audience score of 6.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, adventure and history. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Shogun?
Shogun stars Orson Welles, Richard Chamberlain, Toshirō Mifune, Yoko Shimada and Frankie Sakai.
When was Shogun released?
Shogun was released in 1981, with a runtime of about 125 minutes.