Tokyo Drifter
After yakuza boss Kurata dissolves his own criminal empire, a rival kingpin offers a position to Kurata's top operative, Tetsuya "Phoenix Tetsu" Hondo. When the fiercely loyal Tetsu declines, Otsuka taps unstoppable Tatsuzo the "Viper", a ruthless gun-for-hire, to assassinate him. As the Viper trails his target through the countryside, the agile Phoenix Tetsu grows concerned that one of his former associates has betrayed him.
Where to watch Tokyo Drifter in United States
Criterion Channel
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Tokyo Drifter there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Tokyo Drifter streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Japan | Hulu, FOD | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About Tokyo Drifter
Tokyo Drifter is a 1966 Japanese-language thriller, crime and action film directed by Seijun Suzuki. The cast is led by Tetsuya Watari, Chieko Matsubara, Hideaki Nitani. It has a runtime of 1h 23m. Viewers rate it 7.1/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.
Tokyo Drifter was produced by Nikkatsu Corporation and made in Japan. It was released on April 10, 1966.
- Director
- Seijun Suzuki
- Writers
- Kōhan Kawauchi
- Release date
- April 10, 1966
- Original language
- Japanese
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Japan
- Production
- Nikkatsu Corporation
Tokyo Drifter cast & crew
Tokyo Drifter was directed by Seijun Suzuki and written by Kōhan Kawauchi.
The cast features Tetsuya Watari as Tetsuya "Phoenix Tetsu" Hondo, Chieko Matsubara as Chiharu, Hideaki Nitani as Kenji Aizawa, Tamio Kawachi as Tatsuzo the Viper, Eiji Gō as Tanaka, and Tomoko Hamakawa as Mutsuko.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Hajime Kaburagi, cinematography is by Shigeyoshi Mine, and it was produced by Tetsuro Nakagawa.
Is Tokyo Drifter worth watching?
Tokyo Drifter holds an audience score of 7.1/10 from 208 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed thriller films.
At 1h 23m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy thriller, crime, and action, Tokyo Drifter is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Tokyo Drifter
In United States, you can stream Tokyo Drifter on Criterion Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Tokyo Drifter
Tetsuya Watari
Tetsuya "Phoenix Tetsu" Hondo
Chieko Matsubara
Chiharu
Hideaki Nitani
Kenji Aizawa
Tamio Kawachi
Tatsuzo the Viper
Eiji Gō
Tanaka
Tomoko Hamakawa
Mutsuko
Takeshi Yoshida
Keiichi
Isao Tamagawa
Umetani
Eimei Esumi
Otsuka
Ryuji Kita
Kurata
Yuzo Kiura
Fujimura
Hiroshi Chō
Kumamoto
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Tokyo Drifter — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Tokyo Drifter in United States?
Tokyo Drifter is streaming on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸Is Tokyo Drifter on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Tokyo Drifter is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Tokyo Drifter in?
Tokyo Drifter is originally in Japanese, with audio tracks including English, Japanese. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Tokyo Drifter?
Tokyo Drifter runs 1 hours 23 minutes (83 minutes).
▸What is Tokyo Drifter rated?
It holds a 7.1/10 audience score from 208 ratings.
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