Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning (2021)
Audiences love it.
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Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning is streaming in Japan on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT.
What the audience says
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning has pulled the kind of numbers most Japanese films never see. It's sitting at 7.7/10 on TMDB across 571 ratings, which puts it comfortably above average. The 138-minute runtime sits in the comfortable middle. In Japan you can stream it on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT.
Should you spend 2h 18m on it?
2h 18m of Japanese action with adventure threaded through, fine for the whole family. A little over the usual, so start it earlier than you think.
- Why
- Currently 7.7/10 from 571 ratings, which is a good sign this early.
- Skip if
- you'd rather a story driven by people than by set pieces
- Best for
- An evening with the household together
Story
Before he was a protector, Kenshin was a fearsome assassin known as Battosai. But when he meets gentle Tomoe Yukishiro, a beautiful young woman who carries a huge burden in her heart, his life will change forever.
Good to know
| Runtime | 2h 18m |
| Watch with family? | G · Yes — family friendly |
| Genre | Action / Adventure |
| Language | Japanese |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Keishi Otomo
Cast
Where to watch in Japan
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 2 Oct 2026 — platforms may change over time.
More: Everything new on Netflix · All Netflix titles in Japan
Trailer
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