Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Jan 19, 2026

10 Best Movies Like Ikiru

If you loved Ikiru, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Ikiru.

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#1
High and Low

High and Low

1963★ 8.3

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Ikiru for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A Yokohama shoe executive faces a wrenching choice when kidnappers mistakenly seize his chauffeur’s son but demand the ransom anyway....

#2
Throne of Blood

Throne of Blood

1957★ 7.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Ikiru for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Returning to their lord's castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit's prophecy comes true, Was...

#3
No Regrets for Our Youth

No Regrets for Our Youth

1946★ 6.9

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Ikiru for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

After her anti-fascist professor father is dismissed, Yukie navigates love, political repression, and wartime upheaval—ultimately forging her own path in pre- and post-WWII Japan....

#4
Rashomon

Rashomon

1950★ 8.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Ikiru for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife....

#5
The Bad Sleep Well

The Bad Sleep Well

1960★ 7.7

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Ikiru for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

In this loose adaptation of "Hamlet," illegitimate son Kôichi Nishi climbs to a high position within a Japanese corporation and marries the crippled daughter of company vice presid...

#6
Yojimbo

Yojimbo

1961★ 8.1

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to Ikiru for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the n...