Known for his "broad range and innovative filmmaking",[1] Fukasaku worked in many different genres and styles, but was best known for his gritty yakuza films, typified by the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series (1973–1976).

According to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, "his turbulent energy and at times extreme violence express a cynical critique of social conditions and genuine sympathy for those left out of Japan's postwar prosperity.

After graduating in 1953, Fukasaku became an assistant director at Toei in June 1954, where he worked under people such as Masahiro Makino and Yasushi Sasaki.

[11] From 1966 to 1971, he created several modern gang films for Toei usually starring Tsuruta, such as Ceremony of Disbanding (1967), Gambler's Farewell (1968), and Japan Organized Crime Boss (1969).

The movie was critically acclaimed, even being selected as Japan's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 45th Academy Awards in 1972, although it was not accepted as a nominee.

That year also saw the release of Street Mobster starring Bunta Sugawara, which resulted in Toei producer Koji Shundo selecting Fukasaku to direct a groundbreaking yakuza film.

A commercial and critical success, it gave rise to seven sequels by Fukasaku and three movies that are based on the series but directed by others.

Fukasaku was chosen to direct Violent Cop (1989), but a scheduling conflict caused him to pull out and Takeshi Kitano took over in his first directorial role.

The film received positive critical praise and became a major financial success, grossing ¥3.11 billion domestically.

[7] In late December 2002, shortly after filming began on Battle Royale II: Requiem, he was hospitalized when his condition worsened.