The Yakuza Papers Collection backdrop
The Yakuza Papers Collection poster
Official Collection
Series Freshness: Feb 02, 2026

The Yakuza Papers Collection

While The Godfather romanticized the American Mafia in the early 1970s, Kinji Fukasaku's five-film series known as The Yakuza Papers: Battles Without Honor & Humanity revolutionized the Japanese yakuza film with unprecedented intensity. A post-World War II epic that broke Japanese box-office records, this complex, utterly authentic cycle of gangster films replaced the popular ninkyo or "chivalry" films of the '60s with jitsuroku, an entirely new breed of gangster film that rose from the ashes of Hiroshima and post-war reconstruction, depicting a meticulously detailed "alternate history" that had been ignored by the "official" factual record.

5Movies
★ 7.3 Avg Rating

Franchise Evolution & Timeline Analysis

The The Yakuza Papers Collection has evolved significantly over a span of 1 years, growing from a singular narrative into a complex cinematic universe. With 5 interconnected entries, tracking the consistency of the franchise reveals fascinating trends in audience sentiment.

The "Series" Benchmark: 7.2/10

The franchise maintains a steady average rating of 7.2. While most series experience "Sequel Fatigue," The Yakuza Papers Collection has managed to keep its narrative quality relatively stable, with Battles Without Honor and Humanity standing out as the peak cinematic achievement.

Continuity vs. Commercial Appeal

Our data indicates that while the "Release Order" is preferred for first-time viewers, the "Chronological Order" provides a much deeper understanding of the world-building within the The Yakuza Papers Collection. The timeline highlights a clear three-act structure across all chapters.

Timeline & Watch Order

We recommend watching the The Yakuza Papers Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.

1
Battles Without Honor and Humanity

Battles Without Honor and Humanity

1973★ 7.3HIT

In the teeming black markets of postwar Japan, Shozo Hirono and his buddies find themselves in a new war between factious and ambitious yakuza....

2
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima

Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima

1973★ 7.3HIT

Repeatedly beat to a pulp by gamblers, cops, and gangsters, lone wolf Shoji Yamanaka finally finds a home as a Muraoka family hitman and falls in love with boss...

3
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War

Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Proxy War

1973★ 7.0HIT

Shozo Hirono has managed to separate from the Yamamori family and create his own small family, and extend his circle of acquaintances. These new friendships inc...

4
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics

Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Police Tactics

1974★ 7.0HIT

As Japan gears up for the 1964 Olympic games, the cops start to crack down on the gangs, under pressure from the public and the press, adding a new dimension in...

5
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode

Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode

1974★ 7.2HIT

While Hirono is in prison, his rival Takeda turns his own crime organization into a political party, whose two executives stir up new tensions in their thirst f...

Common Questions about The Yakuza Papers Collection

How many movies are in the The Yakuza Papers Collection?

There are currently 5 movies in the The Yakuza Papers Collection, starting from Battles Without Honor and Humanity to the latest release, Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode.

What is the best order to watch the The Yakuza Papers Collection?

The best way to watch the The Yakuza Papers Collection is usually in release order: starting with Battles Without Honor and Humanity and ending with Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Final Episode. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.

Which is the highest-rated movie in the The Yakuza Papers Collection?

According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Battles Without Honor and Humanity in this franchise.