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Samurai Jack

Samurai Jack

Death is failure.

2001–2017Ended5 seasons62 episodes~23 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

A great warrior is displaced to the distant future by the evil shape-shifting wizard Aku. The world has become a bleak place under the rule of Aku, segregated into fantastic tribes and ruled by Aku's evil robot warlords. Jack travels this foreign landscape in search of a time portal that can return him to his home time so he can "undo the future that is Aku!".

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Samurai Jack?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Samurai Jack to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Rent / Buy

Buy

Highlights

What stands out about Samurai Jack?

Samurai Jack earns 9 badges, led by Stood the test of time and Top 5% of shows.

Show 1 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is Samurai Jack worth watching?

Samurai Jack's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all shows, from 69K ratings across 2 sources. 91% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of shows

98th percentile among Animation96th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)95th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

85 /100

96th percentile of all shows

97th percentile among Animation96th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

91% liked it

95th percentile of all shows

97th percentile among Animation94th percentile among 2000s
91% rated it 7–109% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

97th percentile

68K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Animation94th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 11% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the series has a simple premise and distinctive visual style, but diverge on whether its minimalist storytelling and episodic structure are strengths or weaknesses.

Fans praised

  • groundbreaking minimalist art style with striking color design
  • cinematic visual storytelling with long dialogue-free sequences
  • fluid, well-choreographed action sequences blending samurai cinema and sci-fi

Detractors panned

  • overly simplistic, choppy animation in early seasons
  • episodic structure with little narrative progression or character development
  • silent stretches and slow pacing that become boring

What stands out

CinematographyDivisive92

Striking use of widescreen, split-screen, and composition; almost universally praised

Atmosphere88

Rich, immersive world-building mixing feudal and futuristic elements

OriginalityDivisive85

Unique fusion of samurai epic, sci-fi dystopia, and abstract art style

Sound and music85

Blend of traditional Japanese and electronic score highly praised

Acting82

Phil LaMarr's stoic Jack and Mako's theatrical Aku widely praised

Effects and spectacleDivisive80

Creative robot enemies and stylized action, but repetitive designs noted

CharactersDivisive75

Jack is honorable but flat; Aku charismatic; supporting cast functional but thin

Plot and storyDivisive50

Simple premise praised for clarity but criticized for lack of ongoing progression

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 28 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Episodes

5 seasons

Season 5 · 2017 · 10 episodes · 8.0 average across 8 rated episodes

  • S5E1

    XCII

    Mar 11, 201723 minTMDB rating 8.1
  • S5E2

    XCIII

    Mar 18, 201723 minTMDB rating 8.3
  • S5E3

    XCIV

    Mar 25, 201723 minTMDB rating 8.3
  • S5E4

    XCV

    Apr 8, 201723 minTMDB rating 7.8
  • S5E5

    XCVI

    Apr 15, 201723 min
  • S5E6

    XCVII

    Apr 22, 201723 minTMDB rating 7.2

Watch experience

What is Samurai Jack like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you fired up.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
ContemplativeTenseBittersweet
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Adventurous · 15% of showsEpic · 3% of shows: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneSamurai Jack holds its samurai hero's quest with mythic seriousness while embracing a playful, often absurdist sense of humor through its villain and settings.
The rideThe series mixes meditative, atmospheric moments with action tension, building to an emotionally weighty climax in the final season.
StructureEach episode follows a conventional beginning, middle, and end, with a setup, conflict, and resolution. The series does not employ nonlinear or frame-story devices.
Episode formatEarly seasons feature episodic adventures (cases) with a light overarching arc of Jack's quest, while season 5 shifts to a serialized structure.
Season formatSeasons 1-4 follow a similar pattern of episodic journeys with minor arc progression, while season 5 is a distinct self-contained arc focusing on Jack's psychological state and the final confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Rousing · 9% of showsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this waySamurai Jack leaves viewers inspired by its hero's unwavering quest, yet aware of the emotional cost of his journey.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% (this title) · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

18% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeTypical episodes center on Jack confronting a monster or minion sent by Aku, fitting the predator subtype of overcoming the monster. The overarching quest to return home is more a series arc than the typical episode's shape.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% (this title) · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

PurposeSurvival · 12% of showsRedemption · 3% of shows: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe series centers on Jack's unwavering purpose to return home and undo Aku's tyranny, while also exploring his survival in a hostile world and the moral weight of his quest.
StanceThe series celebrates Jack's unwavering hope and determination to restore goodness to a corrupted world.

The world

Far futureWildernessUrbanAlternate dimensionScience fiction
Orchestral classicalExperimentalForeground music · original score · James L. Venable
SettingA dystopian future ruled by the demon Aku, blending feudal Japanese, sci-fi, and fantasy elements.
MusicThe score blends sweeping orchestral themes with electronic elements and period-inspired motifs, notably the iconic main theme.

Content guide

Is Samurai Jack okay for kids?

TV-MA

Samurai Jack is rated TV-MA. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (73/100), sexual content at mild (30/100), language at mild (32/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (12/100) and frightening material at intense (72/100). Overall it is heavier than 28% of TV-MA shows.

Ratings in 18 other countries
  • UKPG
  • CanadaC8
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • BrazilL
  • Austria16
  • Czechia18+
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaU
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoA
  • Poland16
  • ROAP
  • Russia12+
  • Spain12
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 56% of all showsHeavier than 28% of TV-MA shows
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 62%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 16%
Profanity
Mild
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 4%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a TV-MA show
heavier than 2%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for a TV-MA show
heavier than 73%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what TV-MA shows usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Samurai Jack have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Samurai Jack?

Cast

Phil LaMarr
as Samurai Jack
Rising: A short career with a standing when this show came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mako
as Aku
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kevin Michael Richardson
as Alien #1
Jeff Bennett
as Alien
Grey DeLisle
as High Priestess
newcomer then · star now
Tara Strong
as Ashi
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Tom Kenny
as Scaramouche
Daran Norris
as Additional Voices
Greg Baldwin
as Aku
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John DiMaggio
as The Scotsman

Crew

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What other shows share a tag with Samurai Jack?

191 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: dystopian. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.