Gambler Collection
Gambler (Bakuto) is a series of 10 ninkyo films starring Koji Tsuruta produced by Toei between 1964 and 1971. Not to be confused with Tsuruta and Toei's Gamblers (Bakuchi-uchi) series.
Gambler Collection Movies: Timeline & Franchise Overview
The Gambler Collection franchise spans roughly 7 years, featuring 10 interconnected films that build a shared narrative universe.
From its earliest installment to the most recent release, the series has expanded its world-building while introducing new characters and story arcs. Notable entries such as Prison Gambler demonstrate the franchise’s ability to maintain audience interest over time.
Franchise Quality Benchmark
Across all entries, the series holds an average audience rating of 8.0. While many long-running franchises experience declining reception, this series continues to deliver memorable cinematic moments.
Viewing Order Strategy
Most viewers prefer watching the films in release order, which reflects how audiences originally experienced the evolving story.
However, a chronological viewing order can provide deeper insight into the timeline of events within the Gambler Collection universe.
Timeline & Watch Order
We recommend watching the Gambler Collection franchise in the following order to fully experience the narrative expansion.
Gambler
The main character Tachibana Isaburo is released from prison and discovers that his boss is dead. He is offered to become the leader of the group, but refuses. ...
Prison Gambler
A film about the confrontation between two yakuza groups in the brutal Miike prison, which contained 1,500 inmates. The second film in the series Gambler / Bak...
Gamblers and Racketeers
Komatsu Takioka is boss of a Yakuza group rival to Masakichi Kijima boss of the Kikuya group which supports the town vendors unlike Takioka, who will stop at no...
Seven Gamblers
Hanjiro, a one eyed vagrant arrives in Okinoshima to save the town from a violent Yakuza group with the help of six handicapped guys....
Three Gamblers
Three closely associated gamblers have adventures in Yokohama, Hokkaido, and Macao. Gambling trio endure hardships to rescue Naojiro’s family....
Gambler's Farewell
The story of men devoted to the yakuza lifestyle and their struggles during a time of fading yakuza power....
Gambler Biography
Historical Yakuza gangster film set the early years of the Showa era....
A Wad of Notes
A lone gambler tries to keep a yakuza family from taking over a festival in Kitakyushu. After away from his hometown for 13 years, Ryuji comes back and saves th...
Sympathy for the Underdog
A yakuza gang gets driven out of Yokohama by a big gang from Tokyo. They relocate to Okinawa to violently start over....
The Gambler's Counterattack
Aiba is a gang boss who has just got out of jail, and finds everything has changed. His old gang has broken up, and only a few people still respect him. So he b...
Common Questions about Gambler Collection
How many movies are in the Gambler Collection?
There are currently 10 movies in the Gambler Collection, starting from Prison Gambler to the latest release, A Wad of Notes.
What is the best order to watch the Gambler Collection?
The best way to watch the Gambler Collection is usually in release order: starting with Prison Gambler and ending with A Wad of Notes. Check our timeline for the full chronological breakdown.
Which is the highest-rated movie in the Gambler Collection?
According to movieMx ratings, the fans have a strong preference for Gamblers and Racketeers in this franchise.