Verdict:City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.2/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Action, Animation, Comedy, Crime genre.
Answer: Yes, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1996, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on City Hunter, the globally adored hero, becomes embroiled in an adventure that takes him deep into the political intrigue of a Third World country and into the pain and anguish of one man's tortured past. Under the direction of Kenji Kodama, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Akira Kamiya. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service resonates with current cultural themes in the Action space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of early 2026, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. It is also featured on platforms like Crunchyroll Amazon Channel and RetroCrush Amazon Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of City Hunter Special: The Secret Service centers on a unique premise within the Action landscape. City Hunter, the globally adored hero, becomes embroiled in an adventure that takes him deep into the political intrigue of a Third World country and into the pain and anguish of one man's tortured past. James McGuire's life is so dangerous he has to hire bodyguards for his Secret Service agents. It doesn't help that his chief agent is actually his long-lost daughter. Luckily for him, City Hunter and Kaori are behind on the rent and need the work. But a dark secret from McGuire's past threatens to destroy him and his lonely daughter Anna. Will he live to rescue his country? Will his resentful daughter learn to love him again? Will City Hunter finally get some action? The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1996 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of City Hunter Special: The Secret Service has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a City Hunter Special: The Secret Service sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for City Hunter Special: The Secret Service (1996): with an audience rating of 7.2/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Action, Animation, Comedy, Crime cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
RetroCrush Amazon ChannelAnalyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Action, Animation, Comedy movies.
Yes, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Action, Animation, Comedy cinema.
City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll. You can also check for it on platforms like Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, RetroCrush Amazon Channel depending on your region.
City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Action, Animation, Comedy movies.
Yes, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Action, Animation, Comedy cinema.
City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll. You can also check for it on platforms like Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, RetroCrush Amazon Channel depending on your region.
City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is a Action, Animation, Comedy movie that follows: City Hunter, the globally adored hero, becomes embroiled in an adventure that takes him deep into the political intrigue of a Third World country and into the pain and anguish of one man's tortured pa...
Yes, City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Action, Animation, Comedy movie.
City Hunter Special: The Secret Service is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full FranchiseCity Hunter, the globally adored hero, becomes embroiled in an adventure that takes him deep into the political intrigue of a Third World country and into the pain and anguish of one man's tortured past. James McGuire's life is so dangerous he has to hire bodyguards for his Secret Service agents. It doesn't help that his chief agent is actually his long-lost daughter. Luckily for him, City Hunter and Kaori are behind on the rent and need the work. But a dark secret from McGuire's past threatens to destroy him and his lonely daughter Anna. Will he live to rescue his country? Will his resentful daughter learn to love him again? Will City Hunter finally get some action?
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