12. American Ninja 5 (1993)
Let’s start this list with a film that’s been panned, but is actually pretty good if you’re just in the mood for an easy, shut-your-brain-off watch: the American martial arts filmAmerican Ninja 5.
American Ninja 5stars David Bradley as Joe, the American Ninja. When Master Tetsu puts him in charge of his grand-nephew Hiro (played by Lee Reyes), he ends up babysitting this kid who has no interest in ninja stuff.
However, Hiro is the last of the true ninjas and must embrace his identity by learning the ways of the ninja. Several mishaps end up forcing Hiro to accept the truth, especially when the enemy sends ninjas after them.
Related:Funny Kung Fu Comedy Movies That’ll Have You Cracking Up
11. Azumi (2003)
The Japanese filmAzumiis a live-action adaptation of the manga of the same name. Set in feudal Japan, it follows the story of an orphan girl named Azumi (played by Aya Ueto), raised and trained to be a ninja.
To become full-fledged ninja assassins, this band of ninjas (including Azumi) are ordered to pair up with their closest friend and fight to the death. This not only makes the survivors prove their skills and abilities, but also prepares them to kill anyone no matter who they are.
In the wake of that, they get a mission to assassinate the three remaining allies of the enemies of the Tokugawa Shogunate. However, tensions arise as the young ninjas let their emotions get the best of them.
10. Ninja (2009)
Ninjais a martial arts film that follows the story of Casey Bowman (played by Scott Adkins), who’s tasked with guarding a valuable chest from the hands of a former dojo student Masazuka (played by Tsuyoshi Ihara), who’s now an assassin for an organized crime syndicate.
The chest in question—known as Yoroi Bitsu—contains the suit and weapons of an ancient ninja, which Casey dons as he prepares for his final bout with Masazuka to save Namiko (played by Mika Hijii).
While the film doesn’t totally lean into its ninja-themed story, it still features some well-choreographed fight scenes performed by Adkins and Ihara, who are both actual martial artists in real life!
Related:The Most Famous Martial Arts Styles Featured in Movies, Explained
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
For many, the originalTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtleswill always be the best, but the reboots are each good in their own ways. In the 2014 film, the Ninja Turtles were buffed up and made to look more grimy.
The story still follows the typicalTMNTstoryline: the Turtles are products of genetic mutation—along with their father Master Splinter—and now work as vigilantes who protect their beloved New York City from Shredder and his Foot Clan.
The film also stars Megan Fox as April O’Neil, a reporter who happens to have a deep connection with the anthropomorphic ninjas.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
Here we have another reboot ofTMNTthat features a different take on the origin story of the Turtles. This time, there are several other species that are affected by the mutagen like them. Those other mutants, however, want to dominate humanity.
Whereas the 2014 reboot made the Ninja Turtles more mature, theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhemanimated movie gives them a friendlier look that’s perfect for its coming-of-age theme.
7. Snake Eyes (2021)
Snake Eyes(also known asSnake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins) is the origin story for the titular character Snake Eyes, played by Henry Golding. Snake Eyes is one of the original members of the G.I. Joe team, which was based on Hasbro’s toy franchise of the same name.
The film centers on Snake Eyes before he becomes part of the band of elite soldiers. Here, he’s commissioned to acquire a sacred jewel from a ninja society in exchange for his father’s killer.
Snake Eyesveers away from the popular backstory of Snake Eyes as we know him, yet still retains several key pieces of information (like his relationship with Black Shadow and Scarlett, plus his connection to the ninjas of Arashikage Clan).
Related:The Best Origin Story Movies
6. Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012)
When it comes to ninjas, you can’t ignore the impact and influence of Masashi Kishimoto’sNarutomanga, which was adapted into an anime series and several spin-off anime movies.
Of those movies, we’re going withRoad to Ninja: Naruto the Movie, which follows the story of Naruto and Sakura as they’re caught in a genjutsu (an illusory technique) that seemingly sends them to an alternate timeline.
The film changes the canonical timeline in several ways, from the different personalities of the Konoha 11 to the fact that Kushina and Minato are alive. Plus, there’s the badass, epic entrance of the Akatsuki who are actually on the side of the heroes this time!
Related:The Best Naruto Movies That Are Actually Worth Watching
5. Ninja Assassin (2009)
Ninja Assassintakes place in the modern world, except there’s a shadowy underbelly with ninjas hired as assassins for huge sums of money. It revolves around the character of Raizo (played by South Korean actor Rain), a trained ninja who’s next to lead the Ozunu Clan.
But instead of becoming the clan head, he becomes a fugitive who’s hunted by his fellow ninjas, which floods the screen with all sorts of action-packed fights and deaths.
4. Ninja Scroll (1993)
Ninja Scrollis a classic anime film written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (creator ofVampire Hunter D: Bloodlust) in conjunction with Madhouse working on the animation.
Set in feudal Japan, the Toyotomi Shogun of the Dark is plotting to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Caught up in the political feud is Jubei Kibagami, a former ninja. Unfortunately, he has no way out except to defeat his enemies, including ninjas who possess supernatural powers.
Ninja Scrollis for adults with its dark and bloody atmosphere and mature themes. Despite the brutality and savagery in the film, it’s regarded as one of the best anime films of its time.
Related:The Best Horror Anime Movies
3. Blackfox (2019)
Don’t confuseBlackfoxwithBlack Fox: Age of the Ninja, which is a live-action adaptation that came out in the same year.Blackfoxis the anime version and delivers a significantly better experience.
Blackfoxis more than just a ninja story. It blends sci-fi and mecha with a revenge plot that’s packed with action, all set in the modern world. We follow Rikka Isurugi, a descendant of a family of ninjas, who was trained by her grandfather from a young age to become a ninja herself.
However, when one fateful night leaves her father and grandfather dead, she vows to avenge them and hunt down their murderers. Aiding her are the three robotic AI drones created by her roboticist father.
Related:The Best Movies About Robots and Artificial Intelligence
2. Last Ninja: Red Shadow (2019)
Last Ninja: Red Shadowis set during the latter years of the samurai era when the Japanese government was in political turmoil.
It follows the story of a wandering, low-ranking ninja named Ryu (played by Kanichirō Satō), who’s enlisted by the Satsuma Clan to bring their princess back home. However, this high-paying job gets him caught up in the problems brewing within the government.
Last Ninja: Red Shadowis the first half of a two-parter, concluding withLast Ninja: Blue Shadow. In the second film, the story shifts its focus to the character of Sho (played by Yuki Kosei), the fellow ninja Ryu encounters in the first film.
1. Shinobi: Heart Under Blade (2005)
Shinobi: Heart Under Bladeis a well-crafted ninja story with an interesting plot and characters fitted into aRomeo and Juliet-inspired story, and it’s packed with action, drama, and fantasy.
The film centers on two lovers, Kouga Gennosuke (played by Joe Odagiri) and Oboro (played by Yukie Nakama), who come from rival clans Koga and Iga, the two most-known ninja clans in Japanese history.
As in many romance tales, no one can come between their relationship, not even their respective clans who hate each other. Adding to the conflict is the Tokugawa Shogunate, led by Tokugawa Ieyasu who views both clans as a threat to his reign and wants the ninja clans destroyed.
Related:The Best Samurai Movies of All Time
