Best movies like The Swordsman
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
After being blinded in a coup against the king, Joseon’s greatest swordsman (Jang Hyuk) goes into hiding, far removed from his city’s anguish. But when traffickers kidnap his daughter, he has no choice but to unsheathe his sword once more.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, captivating, suspense, suspenseful, period drama
Best tv shows and movies like The Swordsman (2020):
Similar in 81%
Jackpot (2016)
Plot Summary:
Dae-Gil and King Yeongjo enter a match. Dae-Gil bets his life and King Yeongjo bets the entire Kingdom of Joseon on the outcome. Dae-Gil is the best gambler in the Joseon era. He holds deep resentment inside, but is also cool on the exterior. King Yeongjo is a man who never lower his head without a convincing reason. Meanwhile, Dam-Seo exists solely to take revenge upon king.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 297
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 75 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 88%
Lady Ninja Kasumi (2005)
Plot Summary:
A girl from a peaceful, Edo-era Japanese village seeks revenge for the death of a disgraced elder with the help of her sister and a lethal lady ninja nun. It's the time of the samurai and ninja, and Shogun Yoshimune rules Japan. Beneath the idyllic façade of the quant villages populating the countryside dwells a twisted sexual underbelly that affects the wealthy and impoverished alike. When one of the village elders commits seppuku after being raped, Kaede and her sister decide to take justice into their own hands and track down the perpetrator. Aided by a nun who believes in Old Testament-style retribution, the two sisters embark on a bloody mission of vengeance. Along the way, the three women slice and dice their way through lies and secrets while discovering that the story behind the rape is much more complex than any of them suspected.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 81
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Japan
Duration: 72 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense, disturbing, erotic
Similar in 78%
Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai (2021)
Plot Summary:
Set in the 19th century, "Moeyo Ken" follows the life of Toshizo Hijikata. He was the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi and fought against the Meiji Restoration.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 257
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan
Duration: 148 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, disturbing, period drama
Similar in 82%
Warrior Baek Dong Soo (2011)
Plot Summary:
Warrior Baek Dong-soo is a 2011 South Korean fusion historical/action television series starring Ji Chang-wook, Yoo Seung-ho, Yoon So-yi, Shin Hyun-bin, Choi Min-soo and Jun Kwang-ryul. It aired on SBS from July 4 to October 10, 2011 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 29 episodes. Based on the 2010 comic Honorable Baek Dong-soo by Lee Jae-heon, the series is about how Joseon historical figure Baek Dong-soo grew to become a swordsman and folk hero. Baek was one of the three authors of Muyedobotongji, a pivotal martial arts work commissioned by King Jeongjo. Set against the backdrop of political maneuverings in Joseon between different factions, namely those led by King Jeongjo, by the Qing ambassador, by the Japanese swordsman Kenzo, and the assassin's guild Heuksa Chorong, at its core the series is a coming-of-age drama about brotherhood, friendship, loyalty and honor.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 633
Genere: Action
Country: South Korea
Duration: 65 min
Plot tags: dorama, sageuk, tense, captivating, suspense, disturbing, scenic
Similar in 82%
Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter Part I - The Final (2021)
Plot Summary:
In 1879, Kenshin and his allies face their strongest enemy yet: his former brother-in-law Enishi Yukishiro and his minions, who've vowed their revenge.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, History
Country: Japan
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, captivating, epic, manga, anime, perverse, historical drama
Similar in 75%
Memories Of The Sword (2015)
Plot Summary:
While in medieval Korea, a young girl sets out to revenge the betrayal and the death of her mother. But therefore she must face one of the most powerful men and warriors of the Goryo Dynasty.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, captivating, emotional, stylized, colorful, colourful
Similar in 90%
Once Upon a Time in China V (1994)
Plot Summary:
Epic adventure set during a tumultuous time in China, when left without a leader, the cavalry is attacked by the powerful allies and pirate bands. A martial arts master, Wong Fei-Hong and Aunt Yee return to do battle against these evil forces.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: brutal, suspense, intense, cult film
Similar in 81%
The Dry Blade (2012)
Plot Summary:
In 1873, Emperor Meiji abolished the rights of the samurai in favor of a modern, westernized military. With intentions to launch a bloody crusade against the government, warrior Endo Tadaoki (Henry Lee) gathers his remaining men to prepare for one last honorable battle against the emperor and regain the supremacy of the samurai. As fellow warrior Kido Masahide (Vint Carmona) refuses to join the war, he and his wife are brutally murdered at the hands of Endo's blade before being robbed of their family swords. When Kido's only son (Michael Nosé) is also pressured to join Endo's forces, he instead chooses a fatal confrontation with his parents' assailant. Suffering from a rare medical condition that renders his skin allergic to water, Ken embarks on his quest to find a sword and avenge his family's death.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 20
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: captivating
Similar in 83%
Rampant (2018)
Plot Summary:
Ancient Korea, 17th century. While the paranoid King Lee Jo of Joseon, vassal of the Qing dynasty, feels surrounded by conspirators and rebels, a dark evil emerges from the bowels of a merchant ship and the exiled Prince Lee Cheung returns to the royal court, ignoring that he will have to lead the few capable of defeating the ambitious humans and the bloody monsters who threaten to destroy the kingdom.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, Horror, Thriller
Country: South Korea
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, captivating, suspense
Similar in 80%
Empire of Lust (2015)
Plot Summary:
Set in 1398. Kim Min-Jae (Shin Ha-Kyun) is the supreme commander of the Joseon Dynasty. He falls in love for the first time and for that woman he takes risks. Yi Bang-Won (Jang Hyuk) is the King’s son. He helped his father setup the Joseon Dynasty era, but he was not picked as the Crown Prince. He still holds ambitions of becoming the King one day. Jin (Kang Ha-Neul) is Kim Min-Jae’s son and the King’s son-in-law. Due to his position as the King's son-in-law, he is unable to take part in politics and only seeks out pleasure.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 823
Genere: Action, Drama, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: erotic, captivating, suspense, exciting, tense, disturbing, romantic, sexy, costume drama
Similar in 76%
Executioners from Shaolin (1977)
Plot Summary:
A couple unite - she is fluent in the crane style of kung fu, he in tiger style. They have a son, but the boy's father is killed by the evil eunuch Pai Mei. Disguised as a girl, his mom trains him in crane style while he secretly learns tiger style from his father's training manual.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: Hong Kong
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, rough, serious, realistic, grindhouse
Similar in 81%
Blades of Blood (2010)
Plot Summary:
In the 16th century in Chosun dynasty, HWANG Jung-hak and LEE Mong-hak create the “Grand Alliance” with the united dream of a better world. While the new leader LEE dreams of eradicating this world of all its corruption and becoming king himself, the legendary blind swordsman HWANG who had once been his comrade goes after him with the loss of his good friend at the hands of LEE. Just as the king abandoned his kingdom from Japanese invasion, the two come face-to-face inside the empty palace and begin their last battle they were destined to fight.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 834
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: South Korea
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: exciting, captivating, serious, tense, epic, realistic, stylized
Similar in 78%
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
Plot Summary:
When Aurangzeb recruits his trusted soldier Udaybhan to control the Kondhana fort, Shivaji's military leader Tanhaji Malusare and his army of Maratha warriors set out to recapture the fortress.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 36000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, History
Country: India
Duration: 135 min
Plot tags: epic, exciting, serious, captivating, patriotic, cult classic, fast
Similar in 83%
The Fortress (2017)
Plot Summary:
Ancient Korea, 17th century. The powerful Khan of the Jurchen tribe of Manchuria, who fights the Ming dinasty to gain China, becomes the first ruler of the Qing dinasty and demands from King In-jo of Joseon to bow before him; but he refuses, being loyal to the Mings. On December 14th, 1636, the Qing horde invades Joseon, so King In-jo and his court shelter in the mountain fortress of Namhan and prepare to defend the kingdom.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: South Korea
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense, interesting, period drama
Similar in 76%
Kingdom of Conquerors (2013)
Plot Summary:
In the 1200s, a man arose whose ruthlessness was so feared, he emerged as the greatest empire builder ever known to mankind. Inspired by true historical events.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 225
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: China, Japan, South Korea
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, suspenseful, captivating
Similar in 87%
Goemon (2009)
Plot Summary:
Follow the infamous ninja bandit named Ishikawa Goemon (Yosuke Eguchi) in an epic story. One night while looting treasure from Nanban (Southern Barbarians), Goemon finds a mysterious box hidden inside a secret grave. A forgotten relic from the past containing untold powers.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: Japan
Duration: 128 min
Plot tags: exciting, epic, captivating, anime, tense, suspense, action thriller, visually stunning, serious, stylized
Similar in 84%
My Country: The New Age (2019)
Plot Summary:
Set during the turbulent time of the fall of Goryeo and the founding of Joseon, two former friends face-off against one another over a woman and the future shape of the nation.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, Romance
Country: South Korea
Duration: 80 min
Plot tags: exciting, tense, sincere, disturbing, sad, sageuk, historical drama
Similar in 89%
White Vengeance (2011)
Plot Summary:
White Vengeance tells the story of two brothers contending for supremacy during the fall of the Qin Dynasty, which ruled Imperial China from 221 to 206 BC. As rebels rose, the nation fell into chaos. Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, became leaders of the rebellious army, and also became sworn brothers in battle.Xiang Yu and Liu Bang are close friends who both serve King Huai of Chu. King Huai uses a plot, saying that whoever can subvert the Qin kingdom in Guanzhong would be the Lord Qin, in order to benefit from the competition between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. Xiang Yu is over-confident. He fights against the main force of Qin army, and entrusts Liu Bang with Yu Ji, the woman he loves.Liu Bang expresses his love to Yu Ji and takes the chance to invade Guanzhong first when most of Qin army is outside fighting against Xiang Yu’s army.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: China
Duration: 135 min
Plot tags: exciting, suspenseful, rough, serious, realistic, epic
Similar in 80%
Bodyguards and Assassins (2009)
Plot Summary:
In 1905, revolutionist Sun Yat-Sen visits Hong Kong to discuss plans with Tongmenghui members to overthrow the Qing dynasty. But when they find out that assassins have been sent to kill him, they assemble a group of protectors to prevent any attacks.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 139 min
Plot tags: captivating, exciting, serious, emotional, realistic, suspenseful, stylized, epic, crime drama, cult classic
Similar in 81%
The Slave Hunters (2010)
Plot Summary:
The Slave Hunters is a 2010 South Korean action historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty about a slave hunter who is tracking down a general-turned-runaway slave as well as searching for the woman he loves. It aired on KBS2 from January 6 to March 25, 2010 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 24 episodes. An adequate display of muscular brawn, intricate yet gritty fight scenes, bawdy humor and eloquent moments of pathos and humanity made the series both visually and intellectually appealing to audiences. Critics gave special mention to director Kwak Jung-hwan's lush cinematography, the use of a Red One camera giving each shot its theater-worthy luster. The hit series topped the ratings chart for 7 consecutive weeks, averaging 31.7% and reaching a peak of 35.9%. The series was honored at the Seoul International Drama Awards, and the KBS Drama Awards. Jang also received a best actor nomination from the 2011 International Emmy Awards for his performance.
IMDB Rating: 8.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration:
Plot tags: sageuk, tense, captivating, psychological, exciting
Similar in 89%
Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022)
Plot Summary:
In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might of the invading Japanese navy and its formidable warships. As the Korean forces fall into crisis, the admiral resorts to using his secret weapon, the dragon head ships known as geobukseon, in order to change the tide of this epic battle at sea.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: South Korea
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: tense, captivating, suspense, disturbing, period drama
Similar in 78%
Feng Shui (2018)
Plot Summary:
Park Jae-sang was a royal geomancer, who helps people designate propitious site for houses, store and even graves under the belief that a grave in a good site will bring future fortune for descendants. But he loses his family because he exposed a conspiracy about crown Prince's grave site. Park Jae-sang plans to make a revenge of his family and learns that there is a much bigger conspiracy about propitious grave site; the place that would make grave owner's son the King of Joseon.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 358
Genere: Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 133 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, suspense, disturbing
Similar in 86%
Iron Lord (2010)
Plot Summary:
Young Russian Prince Yaroslav fights the robbers, tribes and the invaders. He is the first to unite Russian lands and to create the original Russian state.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 609
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, History
Country: Russia
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: captivating, suspenseful, exciting, serious, bleak, realistic
Similar in 83%
The Warrior (2001)
Plot Summary:
In 1375, China was in chaos between Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. Coryo (an ancient kingdom of Korea then) sent a delegation of many diplomats, soldiers and a silent slave to make peace with the new Chinese government. However, this delegation got charged as spies and sent in exile to a remote desert.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: South Korea, China
Duration: 158 min
Plot tags: exciting, rough, suspenseful, stylized, epic, captivating, intense, serious, tense, sentimental
Similar in 82%
Kingdom (2019)
Plot Summary:
Set in Qin Dynasty during the warring states period in ancient China. Shin was a war orphan. He has a dream of becoming a great general Shin has a fateful encounter with young King Eisei. King Eisei aims to unify all of China.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Action, History, War
Country: Japan
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: captivating, entertaining, exciting, anime
Similar in 88%
Rurouni Kenshin Part II: Kyoto Inferno (2014)
Plot Summary:
Kenshin has settled into his new life with Kaoru and his other friends when he is approached with a request from the Meiji government. Makoto Shishio, a former assassin like Kenshin, was betrayed, set on fire and left for dead. He survived, and is now in Kyoto, plotting with his gathered warriors to overthrow the new government. Against Kaoru's wishes, Kenshin reluctantly agrees to go to Kyoto and help keep his country from falling back into civil war.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 18000
Genere: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Country: Japan
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: stylized, suspense, intense, anime, exciting, suspenseful, manga, dorama, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 80%
The Showdown (2011)
Plot Summary:
In the 11th year of Kwang Hae-gun, Jo-seon soldiers go to war with China after an invasion. In the middle of Manchu, three people who have barely survived are being cornered by the Chinese forces, and begin a bloody battle not with their enemies but with their friends.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 364
Genere: Action, Drama, History
Country: South Korea
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: psychological, suspenseful, exciting, tense, rough, captivating, realistic, serious, stylized
Similar in 82%
The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
Plot Summary:
The film mainly follows the famous 1597 Battle of Myeongryang during the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598), where the iconic Joseon admiral Yi Sun-sin managed to destroy a total of 133 Japanese warships with only 13 ships remaining in his command. The battle, which took place in the Myeongryang Strait off the southwest coast of the Korean Peninsula, is considered one of the greatest victories of Yi.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 13000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: South Korea
Duration: 128 min
Plot tags: epic, tense, exciting, suspenseful, captivating, suspense, serious, realistic, period piece, period drama
Similar in 76%
Medieval (2022)
Plot Summary:
The story of 14th century Czech icon and warlord Jan Zizka who defeated armies of the Teutonic Order and the Holy Roman Empire.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Action, Drama, History, War
Country: Czech Republic
Duration: 125 min
Plot tags: disturbing, tense, suspenseful, suspense, costume drama, heroic, exciting, captivating, contemplative
Similar in 81%
Forbidden Dream (2019)
Plot Summary:
A true historical drama about King Sejong, the greatest ruler in Joseon history who sought to enhance national prosperity and military power through astronomy, and Jang Yeong-sil, the most remarkable scientist.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 410
Genere: History, Drama
Country: South Korea
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, captivating, disturbing, period drama