In "Ninja: Shadow of a Tear," the plot follows Casey Bowman (played by Scott Adkins), a skilled American ninja who has settled down in Japan with his pregnant wife Namiko (played by Mika Hijii). Their peaceful life is shattered when Namiko is brutally murdered by drug lords. Devastated and seeking vengeance, Casey embarks on a relentless mission to find and punish those responsible for his wife's death.

During his quest for justice, Casey travels to Thailand to dive deeper into the criminal underworld. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Nakabara (played by Kane Kosugi), a former rival and fellow ninja. Together, they navigate through treachery and danger, inching closer to uncovering the truth behind Namiko's murder.

"Ninja: Shadow of a Tear" is a fast-paced and action-packed film, whose exploration of martial arts as an art form and a way of life receives lots of anecdotes. It showcases the discipline, dedication, and spiritual aspects of the martial arts journey, emphasizing that true mastery lies not in the physical prowess alone, but in the ability to channel one's inner strength and emotions. It is indeed one of the best movies about ninjas.

Release: 2013

Stars: Scott Adkins, Kane Kosugi, Mika Hijii

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

"Five Elements Ninjas," lauded as one of the best movies about ninjas, is a classic martial arts film directed by Chang Cheh. The film starts with a rivalry between Chief Hong and his rival, Yuan Zeng, for the title of martial arts master. When their students face off in a showdown, the unexpected arrival of a skilled samurai adds a new twist to the conflict.

Liang Zhi Sheng, one of Zeng's students, manages to defeat the samurai, but this victory comes at a price. The samurai's ominous warning about an allied ninja clan seeking revenge sets the stage for a battle between the Five-Element Ninjas and Zeng's school.

While "Five Elements Ninjas" offers great action and martial arts prowess, it doesn't shy away from the emotional toll that violence can take. The deaths of beloved characters and the sacrifices made throughout the story to serve as a poignant reminder of life fragilitiy, aided by in-depth explorations of the clash between cultures.

Release: 1982

Stars: Tien-Chi Cheng, Tien-Hsiang Lung, Meng Lo

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

In "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade," two rival ninja clans, the Iga and the Kouga, are embroiled in a long-standing conflict. To bring peace to the land, the Tokugawa Shogun orders the clans to choose their five best warriors to engage in a final battle to the death. The surviving clan will be granted dominion over the other.

Amidst this backdrop, Gennosuke of the Kouga clan and Oboro of the Iga clan find themselves deeply in love with each other. However, their love is hindered by the animosity between their clans. Unaware of each other's true identities, they struggle to reconcile their feelings with their loyalties to their respective clans.

Gennosuke and Oboro's love story serves as the emotional center of "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade", representing hope for a better future despite the odds stacked against them. Their relationship transcends the clan warfare, challenging both the characters in the movie and the audience themselves to question the validity of hatred that separates them.

Release: 2005

Stars: Yukie Nakama, Joe Odagiri, Tomoka Kurotani

Rotten Tomatoes: 76%

"You Only Live Twice," the fifth installment of the James Bond film series, follows James Bond (portrayed by Sean Connery) on a mission to investigate the mysterious disappearances of American and Soviet spacecraft.

Bond's investigation takes him to Japan, where he teams up with Japanese secret service agent Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi) and the head of the Japanese Secret Service, Tiger Tanaka (Tetsuro Tamba). As Bond goes deeper into the case, he uncovers a plot orchestrated by the sinister organization SPECTRE, led by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Donald Pleasence).

"You only Live Twice" is not just a typical spy thriller; it is a layered film that digs into the complexities of the Cold War era. With its exploration of international politics and identity and a dash of cultural appreciation, the movie manages to transcend its action-packed exterior to become of the best cinematic experience.

Release: 1967

Stars: Sean Connery, Akiko Wakabayashi, Mie Hama

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

"Ninja Terminator" is a martial arts action film that combines elements of ninja mythology and futuristic science fiction. It follows a group of three deadly ninjas who are on a quest to obtain a sacred ninja artifact known as the Golden Ninja Warrior, whose powerful artifact grants its possessor almost limitless power and control over other ninjas.

"Ninja Terminator" can be regarded as a cult classic within the realm of martial arts cinema, holding a unique charm that appeals to fans of the genre. Its unapologetically over-the-top action sequences successfully showcase elaborate martial arts choreography and acrobatic ninja combat; aided by the film's bold, vivid visuals to highligh the sense of mystery surrouding the ninja world.

Each fight scene is shot with a dynamic and kinetic energy to let viewers feel the full impact of every punch, kick, and sword strike. The use of slow-motion also adds a dash of dramatic flair to the fights, heightening the ninjas' tension on screen.

Release: 1985

Stars: Richard Harrison, Jeong-lee Hwang, Jonathan Wattis

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%