Ikiru poster
Where to stream

Ikiru

8.319522h 23mNRMovieDrama

Kanji Watanabe is a middle-aged man who has worked in the same monotonous bureaucratic position for decades. Learning he has cancer, he starts to look for the meaning of his life.

DirectorAkira Kurosawa
WritersShinobu Hashimoto·Akira Kurosawa
ProducerSōjirō Motoki

Where to watch

HBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO Max Amazon ChannelCriterion ChannelCriterion ChannelHBO MaxHBO MaxKanopyKanopy
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Akira Kurosawa

TSTakashi Shimura
Takashi Shimura
Kanji Watanabe
HTHaruo Tanaka
Haruo Tanaka
Sakai
NKNobuo Kaneko
Nobuo Kaneko
Mitsuo, son of Kanji
BHBokuzen Hidari
Bokuzen Hidari
Ohara
MOMiki Odagiri
Miki Odagiri
Toyo
SHShinichi Himori
Shinichi Himori
Kimura
MCMinoru Chiaki
Minoru Chiaki
Noguchi
MYMinosuke Yamada
Minosuke Yamada
Subordinate Clerk Saito
KFKamatari Fujiwara
Kamatari Fujiwara
Sub-Section Chief Ono
MKMakoto Kobori
Makoto Kobori
Kiichi Watanabe, Kanji's Brother
NNNobuo Nakamura
Nobuo Nakamura
Deputy Mayor
AWAtsushi Watanabe
Atsushi Watanabe
Patient

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More from Haruo Tanaka · Co-star actor

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More from Akira Kurosawa · Director

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Ikiru — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Ikiru?

Ikiru is streaming on HBO Max, Criterion Channel and Kanopy in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Ikiru on Netflix?

No, Ikiru is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on HBO Max and Criterion Channel.

Is Ikiru on Amazon Prime Video?

Ikiru isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch Ikiru for free?

Ikiru is available to stream free (with ads) on Kanopy in United States.