How to watch

Lone Wolf and Cub Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Lone Wolf and Cub movies in order

Last updated: November 8 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

A disgraced executioner wanders feudal Japan pushing his young son in a weapon-packed baby cart. Here's how to watch the classic Lone Wolf and Cub films in order.

Adapted from Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima's legendary manga, the Lone Wolf and Cub films star Tomisaburo Wakayama as Ogami Itto, the shogun's former executioner, who is framed by the scheming Yagyu clan. Together with his toddler son Daigoro, he becomes an assassin for hire on a path of vengeance. The six films are celebrated for their stunning swordplay and influenced everything from Kill Bill to The Mandalorian.

πŸ• Release Order

All six original films were released in just three years.

  1. Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972)
  2. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx (1972)
  3. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades (1972)
  4. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril (1972)
  5. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons (1973)
  6. Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell (1974)
  7. Lone Wolf and Cub TV series (1973–1976)
  8. Shogun Assassin (1980)

The film series is linear, but a couple of extras complicate the picture.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Shogun Assassin is an English-language re-edit combining footage from the first two films, so it covers the same events. The 1970s TV series, starring Kinnosuke Yorozuya, retells the story separately rather than continuing the films.

  1. Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972)
  2. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx (1972)
  3. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades (1972)
  4. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril (1972)
  5. Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons (1973)
  6. Lone Wolf and Cub: White Heaven in Hell (1974)
  7. Shogun Assassin (1980) β€” alternate edit of films 1–2
  8. Lone Wolf and Cub TV series (1973–1976) β€” separate retelling

Which Order Should You Choose?

Watch the six films in release order; they form one continuous saga of revenge. Shogun Assassin is a fascinating cult piece with a famous synth score, but it's best viewed after you've seen the originals. The TV series is a great option if you want a longer, more episodic version of the story.

πŸ”— Related Guides

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  • Kill Bill Watch OrderGuide
  • The Dollars Trilogy Watch OrderGuide

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