Ran
In Medieval Japan, an elderly warlord retires, handing over his empire to his three sons. However, he vastly underestimates how the new-found power will corrupt them and cause them to turn on each other...and him.
Directed by Akira Kurosawa · Action · Drama · War · 160 min · 1985
Trailer
Director
Akira Kurosawa
Studio
N/A
Release
01 Jun 1985
Runtime
160 min
Genres
Action, Drama, War
Full Plot
Japanese warlord Hidetori Ichimonji decides the time has come to retire and divide his fiefdom among his three sons. His eldest and middle sons - Taro and Jiro - agree with his decision and promise to support him for his remaining days. The youngest son Saburo disagrees with all of them arguing that there is little likelihood the three brothers will remain united. Insulted by his son's brashness, the warlord banishes Saburo. As the warlord begins his retirement, he quickly realizes that his two eldest sons selfish and have no intention of keeping their promises. It leads to war and only banished Saburo can possibly save him.
Cast & Characters
Tatsuya Nakadai
Akira Terao
Jinpachi Nezu
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $12.0M, Ran has grossed $23.3M worldwide — about 1.9x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
Akira Kurosawa has directed 6 films in our catalog, including Seven Samurai, High and Low.
Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02
Tatsuya Nakadai appears in 4 films in our catalog, including High and Low, Yojimbo.
Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02
Ran was Kurosawa's last epic film and his most expensive.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
The film used 1,400 uniforms and suits of armor for the extras, which were handmade by master tailors over three years.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Most of Ran was shot amidst the mountains and plains of Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Kurosawa often shot scenes with three cameras simultaneously, each using different lenses and angles.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Critical Assessment
Ran holds 8.2/10 on IMDb (150,674 votes), 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 97/100 on Metacritic.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of July 30, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
India
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.2/10 on IMDb (150,674 votes), 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 97/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ran's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
Ran holds a 96% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is Ran's IMDb rating?+
Ran has a 8.2/10 rating on IMDb from 150,674 votes.
What is Ran's Metacritic score?+
Ran has a Metascore of 97/100 on Metacritic.
Is Ran good? What are critics saying?+
Ran holds 8.2/10 on IMDb (150,674 votes), 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, 97/100 on Metacritic.
How long is Ran?+
Ran has a runtime of 160 min.
Who directed Ran?+
Ran was directed by Akira Kurosawa.
Where can I watch Ran?+
Ran is available to stream, rent, or buy on BFI Player Amazon Channel, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, Studiocanal Presents Amazon Channel, Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, BFI Player, YouTube.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The public reaction to "Ran" was generally positive, with many reviewers praising its historical accuracy, detail, and visual style. The film's length was criticized for being overly long and unnecessary, but this was seen as a minor complaint compared to the film's overall quality. Those who have seen Akira Kurosawa's other films often praised "Ran" as one of his best works, with many noting its epic scope, haunting brilliance, and devastating impact.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
**A good film, full of detail and historical verisimilitude, but painfully long without needing to be.** I've already seen two of Akira Kurosawa's most renowned films and, quite frankly, I still can't understand why this Japanese director is so commonly considered a cinematic gen…
Filipe Manuel Neto · 7/10
From the trailer's comments
Rest Peacefully Nakadai-san 🙏🏾
@SpiritMan28 · 35 likesSuch a beautiful, tragic movie. A family torn apart by greed, and power. A great classic of cinema.
@maxter328 · 503 likesAn unforgettable masterpiece that is seared in your mind forever after you watch it
@Jai30000 · 643 likesMany Directors who aren't the victims of overinflated ego, live in awe of this film, it's scope, it's visuals, and it's story. There are movies, and there are films, and then there is RAN.
@Doc_-_Savage_1 · 22 likesThis has got to be one of the most impressive movies I have ever seen. It's almost haunting in its brilliance. If you have an appreciation for Kurosawa films, this might just be his magnum opus. 11/10
@burnedbridge · 271 likesafter rewatching this I am convinced it is one of the finest movies ever made. Utterly compelling and unforgettable and devastating
@Jai30000 · 267 likesRestored to 4k, trailer in 1080p
@ZeroAme · 551 likesjust finished it, here to pay tribute. best film of all time.
@joshdot9244 · 60 likes
