Rurouni Kenshin Movies: Release Order
The Rurouni Kenshin live-action films are a critically acclaimed adaptation of the popular manga series, following former assassin Himura Kenshin as he wanders Meiji-era Japan with a vow never to kill again. All five films share the same cast, led by Takeru Satoh, and director Keishi Ōtomo, creating a cohesive cinematic saga praised for its breathtaking sword-fighting choreography and faithfulness to the source material.
While The Beginning is a prequel set during Kenshin's days as the deadly assassin Battōsai, watching it last provides powerful emotional closure and context for his journey. The 2021 films made Japanese box office history by simultaneously occupying the top two positions.
There is 1 other watch order available - see the link up above.
Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins
In 1868, after the Bakumatsu war ends, the ex-assassin Kenshin Himura traverses Japan with an inverted sword, to defend the needy without killing.
Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno
Kenshin has settled into his new life with Kaoru and his other friends when he is approached with a request from the Meiji government. Makoto Shishio, a former assassin like Kenshin, was betrayed, set on fire and left for dead. He survived, and is now in Kyoto, plotting with his gathered warriors to overthrow the new government. Against Kaoru's wishes, Kenshin reluctantly agrees to go to Kyoto and help keep his country from falling back into civil war.
Rurouni Kenshin Part III: The Legend Ends
Shishio sets sail in his ironclad ship to bring down the government. In order to stop him, Kenshin trains with his old master to learn his final technique.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final
In 1879, Kenshin and his allies face their strongest enemy yet: his former brother-in-law Enishi Yukishiro and his minions, who've vowed their revenge.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning
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.
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