Takeshi Kitano
DirectingAbout Takeshi Kitano
Takeshi Kitano (北野 武, Kitano Takeshi, born January 18, 1947), also known in Japan as Beat Takeshi (ビートたけし, Bīto Takeshi), is a Japanese comedian, actor, and filmmaker. While he is known primarily as a comedian and TV host in his native Japan, he is better known abroad for his work as a filmmaker and actor as well as TV host. Kitano rose to prominence in the 1970s as one half of the comedy duo Two Beat, before going solo and becoming one of the three biggest comedians in the country. After several small acting roles, he made his directorial debut with 1989's Violent Cop and garnered international acclaim for Sonatine (1993). He was not widely accepted as an accomplished director in Japan until Hana-bi won the Golden Lion in 1997. In October 2017, Kitano completed his Outrage crime trilogy with the release of Outrage Coda. He is also known internationally for hosting the game show Takeshi's Castle (1986–1990) and starring in the film Battle Royale (2000).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Takeshi Kitano reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Takeshi Kitano's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 76% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Takeshi Kitano remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Yayoi Kusama: I Love Me, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Takeshi Kitano Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Takeshi Kitano's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Takeshi Kitano.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Broken Rage | Nezumi | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | Kubi | Hashiba Hideyoshi | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Citizen Kitano | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Why Are We Creative? | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Outrage Coda | Otomo | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Ghost in the Shell | Aramaki | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Doctor X: Gekai Daimon Michiko Special | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Aka Medaka | Tatekawa Danshi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Mozu The Movie | Daruma | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen | Detective Murakami | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Morning | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Miwa: A Japanese Icon | Himself | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Trespassing Bergman | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Beyond Outrage | Otomo | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Dearest | Teruo Sugino | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | A Special Day | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Outrage | Otomo | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Achilles and the Tortoise | Machisu | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Yayoi Kusama: I Love Me | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | To Each His Own Cinema | The projectionist (segment "Rencontre unique") | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Glory to the Filmmaker! | Takeshi / Yakuza / Father / Ninja / Detective / Astronomer | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Takeshis' | Beat Takeshi / Mr. Kitano | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Blood and Bones | Joon-pyong Kim | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Izo | Chancellor | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Electric Yakuza, Go to Hell! | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Arakimentari | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Zatoichi | Zatoichi / Ichi | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Battle Royale | Kitano | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Brother | Aniki Yamamoto | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Taboo | Toshizo Hijikata | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Kikujiro | Kikujiro | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Unpredictable Takeshi Kitano | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Jam Session (The Official Bootleg of Kikujiro) | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Tokyo Eyes | Yakusa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Fireworks | Yoshitaka Nishi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Making-of Kids Return | Himself | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Gonin | Ichiro Kyoya | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Johnny Mnemonic | Takahashi | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Many Happy Returns | Daisuke Shiba | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Sonatine | Aniki Murakawa | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | A Legend of Turmoil | Kiichirou Yashiro | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Boiling Point | Uehara | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Violent Cop | Azuma Ryosuke | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | No More Comics! | Police | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Demon | Yajima | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Tokyo Melody: A Film About Ryuichi Sakamoto | Hara (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | The Mosquito on the Tenth Floor | Man at Racetrack | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence | Hara | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Makoto-chan | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Go, Go Second Time Virgin | Gang Member | Hit | Similar → |
Takeshi Kitano - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Takeshi Kitano?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Takeshi Kitano is "Yayoi Kusama: I Love Me" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Takeshi Kitano acted in?
Takeshi Kitano has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Takeshi Kitano?
Other notable films include "Morning", "Makoto-chan", and "Electric Yakuza, Go to Hell!".