Netflix has delivered one of the best action TV shows of the year, according to critics. The series, which is very much in the vein of Squid Game but with added expert swordplay (it already sounds perfect), has now achieved 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the first reviews heaping praise on the fight sequences and human drama, while hailing it as “one of the easiest binge-watches ever.”
The series in question is Last Samurai Standing, and it’s now debuted with a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on the manga series of the same name, the martial arts action series is led by Junichi Okada (From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea) as our hero, Shujiro Saga, who enters a deadly game in which it’s “one point per life” with the winner claiming a huge cash prize. The first reactions to Last Samurai Standing have been stellar, with Collider’s Jeff Ewing awarding the series a near-perfect 9/10 and, while a little critical of some unexplored elements, concluded…
“…it nonetheless excels as an adrenaline-pumping show that can’t be missed — and the best live-action action television of the year.”
The praise continues courtesy of Rendy Jones of RogerEbert.com, who applauded the “intricate” action sequences and the balance between genre thrills and genuine human drama.
“It is a fully realized and epic action series that seamlessly integrates some of the most intricate action filmmaking to be seen on television in years with a beating human heart that makes us care.”
‘Last Samurai Standing’ Smashes Together ‘Shōgun’ & ‘Squid Game’ in the Best Way Possible
Jonathon Wilson of Ready Steady Cut, meanwhile, gave Last Samurai Standing another impressive rating of 4/5, calling the series “Shogun meets Squid Game, to enough of an extent that it’d almost be professionally irresponsible to describe it in any other way.” Another 4/5 was given by James Marsh of South China Morning Post, who declares the series “A wildly exhilarating roller coaster that deftly balances historical intrigue with personal heroism and an escalating body count”
Finally, Alix Blackburn of Tom’s Guide praised Last Samurai Standing as “one of the best shows of 2025” and “perfect for fans of ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Shogun’”
“After watching the new series, I’m confident in calling it one of the best streaming originals of 2025, partly because it’s very reminiscent of “Squid Game” and “Shogun,” but also because it’s a genuinely thrilling story that packs in brutal action and emotion. It’s one of the easiest binge-watches ever.”
Directed by Michihito Fujii (Shoutai, 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days), the rest of the cast includes Yumia Fujisaki, Kaya Kiyohara, Masahiro Higashide, Shota Sometani, Taichi Saotome, Yuya Endo, Taiiku Okazaki, and Kairi Jo. Last Samurai Standing is now streaming on Netflix, and you can check out the show’s official synopsis below…
“The curtain rises on an epic battle royale between brave warriors who lived through an uncertain era. In the late 19th century during the Meiji period, 292 warriors, including Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada), gather at Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto at nightfall, lured by the promise of a huge cash prize. Each given a wooden tag, they join a vicious game in which they must steal the tags of their fellow participants and reach Tokyo to win the prize money. Under the veil of night, the temple grounds are filled with unease and the presence of bloodthirsty warriors. When the signal is given to begin the game, the combatants launch into their relentless battle for survival.”
- Release Date
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November 13, 2025
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Michihito Fujii
- Writers
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Shogo Imamura
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Junichi Okada
Shujiro Saga
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Yumia Fujisaki
Futaba Katsuki
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Kaya Kiyohara
Iroha Kinugasa
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Masahiro Higashide
Kyojin Tsuge