Is Onibaba Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Onibaba is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Onibaba Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1964, Onibaba emerges as a significant entry in the Horror domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of While her son, Kichi, is away at war, a woman and her daughter-in-law survive by killing samurai who stray into their swamp, then selling whatever valuables they find. Unlike standard genre fare, Onibaba attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Onibaba features a noteworthy lineup led by Nobuko Otowa . Supported by the likes of Jitsuko Yoshimura and Kei Satō , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Onibaba (1964) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.7/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Onibaba Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Onibaba is a Horror film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Onibaba Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Onibaba resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to horror resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Onibaba demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Onibaba?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Horror cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate atmospheric dread and effective scares
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
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Full Cast & Crew of Onibaba
- Nobuko Otowa – Woman
- Jitsuko Yoshimura – Young Woman
- Kei Satō – Hachi
- Jūkichi Uno – The Samurai
- Taiji Tonoyama – Ushi
Top Highlights
Nobuko OtowaWoman
Jitsuko YoshimuraYoung Woman
Kei SatōHachi
Jūkichi UnoThe Samurai
Taiji TonoyamaUshi
Someshō MatsumotoRunaway Warrior
Kentarô KajiRunaway Warrior
Fudeko TanakaOld Woman
Hiroyoshi YamaguchiHorse Riding Samurai
Hiroshi TanakaHorse Riding Samurai
Where to Watch Onibaba Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
HBO Max
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Onibaba has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Horror), it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.7/10, and global collection metrics, Onibaba stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1964 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Onibaba movie hit or flop?
Onibaba is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Horror movies.
Is Onibaba worth watching?
Yes, Onibaba is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Horror cinema.
Where can I watch Onibaba online?
Onibaba is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. You can also check for it on platforms like HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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How Onibaba Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Onibaba
In the grip of war and famine, a makeshift hut amid the reeds, and two women—one waiting for her son, the other for her husband. So far, everything is as it is in other ordinary drama films. However, when the man of the house's friend returns from the war and tells them he died in battle, and especially when the young widow begins to meet with the person who returned from the war alive, things change.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
