Leslie Felperin Guardian Mar 31, 2026 3/5

Takaishi has charisma to burn and an impressive range; she’s equally convincing as a hapless student screaming in shock at the destruction being wrought around her as she is as a dead-eyed killer when Kudo inhabits her body.

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James Perkins Starburst Mar 9, 2026 4/5

What really elevates Ghost Killer, though, is the unexpected humanity underneath the chaos.

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Pieter-Jan Van Haecke Psychocinematography Oct 15, 2025

Ghost Killer does little to re-invent the genre, but delivers everything one’s desires in such narratives in spades – a crowd-pleaser, indeed.

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Carla Hay Culture Mix Sep 5, 2025

Ghost Killer is an offbeat action film about a female college student possessed by the ghost of a vengeful assassin who was murdered. The movie's story gets very one-note, but it's mostly entertaining for anyone looking for unconventional ghost stories.

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Frank Swietek One Guy's Opinion Sep 4, 2025 C+

Hardly a movie with wide appeal, but devotees of Japanese action comedy will probably enjoy it–especially the fight sequences–provided they can swallow the supernatural goofiness.

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Daniel Eagan ScreenAnarchy Aug 1, 2025

Delivers exactly what action fans want.

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Josh Bell Crooked Marquee Jul 23, 2025 B

Both stars show off their fighting skills, but Ghost Killer is just as entertaining when they're bickering or strategizing.

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Maxance Vincent InSession Film Jul 16, 2025 A

Lau Kar-leung probably dreamt of directing something as bracingly kinetic and emotionally exciting as Ghost Killer, but it’s [Kensuke] Sonomura who will be long remembered for it on the same level as the greatest martial arts masters.

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Christopher Cross Asynchronous Media Jul 16, 2025 3/5

It’s arguably Sonomura’s best film as a director and by far the most entertaining, but the potential left on the table remains a disappointing constant in his directorial career.

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Sebastian Zavala Kahn Loud and Clear Reviews Jul 15, 2025 3.5/5

As a martial arts film, Ghost Killer definitely works. But as a supernatural story, it does leave a little to be desired [...]. Nevertheless, I can’t say I didn’t have fun with the movie. [...] An action romp that never takes itself too seriously.

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Mark Schilling Japan Times Apr 10, 2025 3/5

“Ghost Killer” is the latest proof that Sakamoto and Sonomura produce superior action entertainment, no matter who is in the director’s chair.

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Andrew Murray The Upcoming Mar 6, 2025 4/5

Its combination of genres doesn’t always hit the mark, and its plot is a little messy. What Sonomura’s latest feature is, though, is a whole lot of guilt-free fun that’s filled with excellent action and a superb performance from Takaishi.

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Louisa Moore Screen Zealots Oct 10, 2024

A quirky mix of supernatural vengeance and action that offers a unique blend of comedy, revenge, and fast-paced fight choreography. This one is a fun, inventive, and offbeat remedy if you need a late-night action fix.

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Matt Donato Collider Oct 4, 2024 6/10

Ghost Killer is an outrageous concept that doesn’t feel fully explored, but director Kensuke Sonomura doesn’t waste his chance to put together some gracefully gratifying action sequences.

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Steven Prokopy Third Coast Review Oct 3, 2024 3/4

When the action is at full tilt, Ghost Killer is one of the best action works you’ll see all year.

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Harris Dang In Their Own League Sep 29, 2024 4/5

Ghost Killer is a fun, action-packed, crowd-pleasing and genre-bending achievement that showcases action filmmaker Kensuke Sonomura and lead actress Akari Takaishi as cinematic forces to be reckoned with. Highly recommended.

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Dan Scully ScullyVision Sep 26, 2024

It’s a high concept, but the film wastes no time trying to make excuses. Instead, we must accept the quickly stated rules and just enjoy the ensuing action. It’s easy to do since the choreography is strong and its direction is tight.

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Brent McKnight The Last Thing I See Sep 26, 2024 A-

There’s top-notch action from all players, fun comedy beats to lighten up the mood, and an undercurrent of earnest sweetness you don’t often find in movies about murder and vengeance.

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Charles Barfield The Playlist Sep 25, 2024 B

“Ghost Killer” is still a hell of a ride, and a good time for anyone who is looking for a unique and capital-f-Fun time.

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Ricardo Gallegos But Why Tho? Sep 22, 2024

With Ghost Killer, Kensuke Sonomura continues to establish himself as an action film ace, and Akari Takaishi as a rising acting powerhouse.

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