Is Le Samouraï Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Le Samouraï is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

Verdict:Le Samouraï is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.8/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Crime, Thriller, Drama genre.
Answer: Yes, Le Samouraï is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1967, Le Samouraï enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on After carrying out a flawlessly planned hit, Jef Costello, a contract killer with samurai instincts, finds himself caught between a persistent police investigator and a ruthless employer, and not even his armor of fedora and trench coat can protect him. Under the direction of Jean-Pierre Melville, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, Le Samouraï offers a visually stunning 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, Le Samouraï resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of January 2026, Le Samouraï is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of Le Samouraï centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. After carrying out a flawlessly planned hit, Jef Costello, a contract killer with samurai instincts, finds himself caught between a persistent police investigator and a ruthless employer, and not even his armor of fedora and trench coat can protect him. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1967 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of Le Samouraï 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 Le Samouraï sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Le Samouraï (1967): with an audience rating of 7.8/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Crime, Thriller, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $215,245 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.8/10, and global collection metrics, Le Samouraï stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1967 cinematic year.
Le Samouraï is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.8/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Thriller, Drama movies.
Yes, Le Samouraï is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Thriller, Drama cinema.
Le Samouraï is a Crime, Thriller, Drama movie that After carrying out a flawlessly planned hit, Jef Costello, a contract killer with samurai instincts, finds himself caught between a persistent police ...



Le Samouraï is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.8/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Crime, Thriller, Drama movies.
Yes, Le Samouraï is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Crime, Thriller, Drama cinema.
Le Samouraï is a Crime, Thriller, Drama movie that After carrying out a flawlessly planned hit, Jef Costello, a contract killer with samurai instincts, finds himself caught between a persistent police ...
Le Samouraï may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Crime, Thriller, Drama elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
You can find streaming options and availability for Le Samouraï on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Le Samouraï features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of Le Samouraï are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Magnifique. Le Samouraï, one of the most highly praised French films of the 1960s, and justifiably so. Having only just caught it for the first time, I'm not sure what more I can say about a film that has been discussed, dissected, praised and pored over for nearly five decades now. Plot is simplicity, hit-man Jef Costello (Alain Delon) enacts a hit but he is witnessed fleeing the scene and spends the rest of the film trying to make sure his alibi holds up. His employers want him erased so as to avoid detection themselves, the head detective on the case knows Jef did it but can't quite close the noose around his neck, and Jef is mysteriously drawn to a sultry piano player who happens to be the chief witness against him! Sparse of dialogue, this is a masterstroke decision by director Jean-Pierre Melville, because what chat there is makes us hang on every word being spoken. It also re-enforces the loneliness essence of the hit-man's life. Jef's apartment is so bland and devoid of personality, the only thing of beauty there is a bird in a cage, the metaphor of such is hard to ignore. Jef himself is beautiful, he also is perpetually in an emotionally frozen cage. Attired in trenchcoat and fedora hat (or is it a trilby?), it's obvious that Delon and Melville are homaging with great respect the American film noir classic cycle. It's also quite amazing that although the film is technically filmed in colour, it still feels like one of those black and white noirs of the 40s and 50s. There's a coldness to Henri Decaë's (Ascenseur pour l'échafaud/Elevator to the Gallows) photography that so befits the story, the interiors are stripped of life, the exteriors almost always gloomy. And with the brilliant Delon as cool as an Eskimo's wedding tackle, icy veneers are all the rage here. Hugely influential, Le Samouraï deserves every plaudit that has come its way. Best thing about it is that it actually gets better on a repeat viewing, because the surreal edge disappears the next time and in its place is an awareness of what the director is doing, and with that comes an appreciation of great film noir film making. Hell! Even the finale is pure noir of heart. 9/10
Jean-Pierre Melville's 1967 film Le Samouraï is the story of a hired assassin who slips up on a hit and his race against time to set things right. Jef Costello (Alain Delon) is given a contract to kill a nightclub owner, but on the way out he is seen by the club's pianist (Cathy Rosier) and then gets himself picked up in a police sweep. He finds himself pursued by both a cunning detective (François Périer) and by his disappointed employers. As the film progresses, Costello manages to elude both threats while remaining true to his bushido-like code of honour. The strongest aspect of Le Samouraï, I feel, is Alain Delon's performance. Beginning with an utterly stoic mien and confidence, Costello gradually loses his cool over the course of the film, and Delon skillfully depicts this subtle collapse. Melville's direction is remarkable for its ability to sustain suspense (even across multiple viewings, when one already knows how it will go down), and it's curious how the audience is led to sympathy for this man who is basically a cold-blooded murderer. We are even denied a back story that might serve as an apology for his profession. Instead, Costello is just a robotic killing machine, but the film makes us feel concern for him nonetheless. There is also memorable soundtrack by François de Roubaix, an early example of electronic music. Some aspects of the policework are presented in a clunky or unbelievable fashion (the detective has memorized every building in Paris, seriously?), so I cannot rate this as a flawless masterpiece. But still, it's a good film, and part of the basic education of a cinephile: Le Samouraï has proved vastly influential in the decades since its release, and those who have seen more recent films like Jim Jarmusch's Ghost Dog or Michael Mann's Collateral will recognize various aspects of those to be hommages to Melville's classic. Le Samouraï, in turn, looks back like many French films of this time to American film noir, as well as to the then-recent French New Wave.
Amazing movie! Withstood the test of times. Was watching it with a great interest unlike many movies of this era. Delon is magnifique! Unexpected plot and ending, but the title should have prepared me for it.