318 Japanese Films to Discover

And Then

1985 • 130 min

Daisuke, a 30-year-old with a passion for music and literature, is expected by his wealthy family to find a stable job and a suitable wife. His family can easily support his lifestyle. However, his carefully planned life is disrupted when…

7.1

7.2

Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl

1999 • 108 min

Crime, Comedy, Thriller

Against a stunning mountain backdrop, the film follows Toshiko's escape from her abusive Uncle Sonezaki. She meets Samehada, another person running from dangerous pursuers. Their journey becomes a chaotic, darkly funny adventure where violence is always present. Toshiko and Samehada’s…

6.8

6.7

17+

When a Woman Ascends the Stairs

1960 • 111 min

Drama

"Mama," set in Tokyo's Ginza district, offers a look into the life of Keiko, a 30-year-old hostess. The film follows her daily experiences as a widow navigating societal expectations and the demands of her job. Keiko must project confidence and…

7.9

8.0

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The Cat Returns

2002 • 75 min • Box office $54M

Adventure, Fantasy, Animation

Haru saves a cat from an accident and discovers it's not just any cat – it's the Prince of the Cats.

7.1

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The Castle of Cagliostro

1979 • 102 min • Budget $7M • Box office $8M

Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Lupin the Third, a renowned master thief, and his partner Jigen discover a large quantity of expertly made counterfeit money. Intrigued, Lupin sets out to find the counterfeiters, leading him to the imposing Castle of Cagliostro. Inside the castle, Lupin…

7.5

7.6

13+

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The Great Yokai War

2005 • 124 min • Budget $12M • Box office $15M

Comedy, Fantasy, Action

A troubled young boy is unexpectedly "chosen" and drawn into a war between yokai, mythological creatures. He finds companionship with a group of friendly yokai who join him on his journey. He must now fight to protect them and liberate…

6.3

13+

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+13

Moonlight Whispers

1999 • 97 min

Satsuki and Takuya, high school students who bond over kendo practice, develop a complicated relationship. Their romance takes an unsettling turn when Takuya reveals a strong interest in masochism, including secretly taking Satsuki's worn clothes and watching her while fantasizing…

6.0

6.9

17+

Chikamatsu Monogatari

1954 • 102 min

Drama, Romance

In 17th century Kyoto, a talented scroll-maker and his wife navigate the strict rules of their society. False rumors of an affair between his wife and his employee shatter their peaceful life. Threatened by public shame and financial loss, they…

7.7

8.0

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The Eel

1997 • 117 min

Drama, Crime

This character-driven story follows a businessman haunted by his past as he serves a prison sentence for killing his wife. After his release, he tries to start over by opening a small barbershop in a peaceful neighborhood. He seeks redemption…

6.9

7.3

Cyborg She

2008 • 120 min • Budget $8M • Box office $7M

Action, Comedy, Romance

A solitary college student falls in love with a captivating and intriguing woman. He soon discovers she is a cyborg originating from the future.

7.2

6.9

13+

Stream on

Pale Flower

1964 • 96 min

Crime, Romance

This crime drama centers on a recently released ex-gangster trying to find his place in a shifting world of criminal alliances. His life changes when he meets a spirited young woman drawn into the dangerous world of gambling and shady…

7.3

7.7

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The Hidden Fortress

1958 • 139 min

During a brutal war between feudal Japanese clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, former soldiers from a defeated army, find themselves guided by a mysterious man to a hidden fortress in the mountains.

8.0

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+11

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie

2001 • 115 min

Action, Animation, Science Fiction

In 2071, a terrorist bombing on Mars unleashes a deadly virus, prompting the government to offer a record-breaking reward for the perpetrator's capture. The bounty hunter crew of the spaceship Bebop – Spike, Faye, Jet, and Ed – take on…

7.7

7.8

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Don't Look Up

1996 • 75 min

A film crew, led by their director, experiences a gradual descent into madness as they are relentlessly tormented by the ghost of a deceased actress.

6.3

6.2

It's Only Talk

2006 • 128 min

"It's Only Talk," based on an award-winning novel, follows Yuko, a 35-year-old woman who is single, unemployed, and struggles with bipolar disorder. The film opens with Yuko relocating to Kamata Town.

6.1

7.1

Chaos

2000 • 103 min

A ransom kidnapping appears to be proceeding smoothly, but a single unresolved detail unexpectedly unravels a complex web of secrets, jeopardizing the entire plan.

6.3

6.6

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Late Spring

1949 • 108 min

Drama

Noriko, a 27-year-old woman happily living with her father, enjoys a peaceful life free from marital expectations. But her aunt Masa's attempts to help disrupt their close family. Worried Noriko will be alone, Masa convinces her father, Shukichi, to find…

8.0

8.2

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ICHI

2008 • 120 min

Action, Adventure, Drama

Ichi, a blind entertainer, journeys through the countryside with her guitar and cane, seeking the kind man who raised her. Her beauty, however, draws unwanted attention and trouble. Fortunately, Ichi is also a skilled swordswoman, concealing a deadly blade within…

6.8

6.5

17+

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The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail

1952 • 59 min

Drama, History, Thriller

Set in medieval Japan, this historical adventure follows Yoshitsune Minamoto and his devoted followers as they flee their enemies. Disguised as monks to evade detection, they rely on a comical but resourceful porter to guide them through dangerous territory. Facing…

6.7

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Sansho the Bailiff

1954 • 124 min

Drama

In feudal Japan, a determined mother embarks on a difficult journey to find her exiled father and reunite her family. Years ago, he was banished from his home, and now his whereabouts are unknown. Facing hardships in medieval Japan, she…

8.1

8.3

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Youth of the Beast

1963 • 92 min

Thriller, Crime, Action

A tense crime thriller unfolds in the hidden world of Tokyo's yakuza. The arrival of a mysterious newcomer throws the established power dynamic between two rival gangs into chaos. This enigmatic stranger manipulates events within the city's criminal underworld, sparking…

6.9

7.3

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A Scene at the Sea

1991 • 101 min

Drama, Romance, Comedy

This inspiring drama follows a deaf garbage collector whose life changes when he finds a broken surfboard. He becomes determined to become a champion surfer, facing many challenges. With the support of his strong and loving deaf girlfriend, who shares…

7.4

7.5

Noriko's Dinner Table

2005 • 159 min

Thriller, Drama

Noriko Shimabara, a teenager from Toyokawa, runs away from home to connect with Kumiko, the administrator of the online bulletin board, Haikyo.com. She becomes part of Kumiko's online community, which takes a disturbing turn following the mass suicide of 54…

6.9

7.0

Fine, Totally Fine

2008 • 110 min

Feeling adrift, two friends and a girl struggling with awkwardness navigate life's uncertainties, possibly discovering romance.

6.0

6.9

Yakuza Graveyard

1976 • 97 min

A police investigator targets yakuza operations. However, when he discovers the police are secretly negotiating with specific yakuza groups, he chooses to align himself with his preferred syndicate.

6.5

7.0

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+14

Ping Pong

2002 • 114 min

Comedy, Drama

Growing up, the shy Smile was often bullied. One day, the outgoing Peco intervened, scaring the bullies away. Peco then took Smile under his wing, teaching him how to play ping pong. This unlikely friendship blossomed into a lifelong bond…

7.1

7.0

Sawako Decides

2010 • 112 min

After five years in Tokyo, working five part-time jobs and dating five different men, Sawako feels stuck. Her life changes when her father falls seriously ill and she must take over his failing factory. Slowly, she begins to take control…

5.7

6.8

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

1984 • 117 min • Budget $1M • Box office $9M

Adventure, Animation, Fantasy

After a devastating apocalypse, the peaceful kingdom of the Valley of the Wind is one of the last safe places left. It's surrounded by a poisonous forest protected by giant insects. Princess Nausicaä works to find a way for people…

7.9

8.0

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Bayside Shakedown

1998 • 119 min

Detective Aoshima, a Bayside Precinct officer, is constantly annoyed by the bureaucracy and rigid structure of the police force. His friend Muroi is advancing in the department's ranks. They made a deal: Aoshima would handle the street-level work, and Muroi…

6.5

6.4

Odd Obsession

1959 • 107 min

A man in his middle years struggles with his own sexual inadequacy due to the age difference between him and his much younger wife. Feeling emasculated, he decides to introduce his wife to his daughter's romantic partner as a way…

6.2

6.8

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Tokyo Godfathers

2003 • 92 min • Box office $607K

Animation, Drama, Comedy

On Christmas Eve, three homeless people in Tokyo find a newborn baby discarded in the trash and decide to search for the child's parents.

7.9

7.8

13+

Stream on

Evil Dead Trap

1988 • 100 min

Horror, Thriller

A popular talk show hostess investigates a rumor of an illegal snuff film made in an abandoned factory. She gathers a camera crew and explores the decaying building, determined to find out the truth behind the horrifying stories. Inside, the…

5.9

6.2

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+21

The Sun's Burial

1960 • 88 min

In a poverty-stricken district of Osaka, desperate people with no hope for the future turn to crime. They steal, commit assaults and robberies, work as prostitutes, and trade in identification and blood.

6.4

6.9

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Uzumaki

2000 • 90 min • Budget $1M

Mystery, Fantasy, Horror

A quiet Japanese town is gradually consumed by a strange obsession with spirals. The residents find themselves increasingly disturbed and haunted by these repeating shapes.

5.9

6.1

Battle Royale

2000 • 113 min • Budget $4M • Box office $30M

Drama, Thriller, Action

In a dystopian future, the Japanese government enacts the controversial "Battle Royale" law. A group of ninth-grade students are selected and compelled to fight to the death by their own classmates.

7.3

7.5

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+12

Battle Royale II: Requiem

2003 • 155 min • Budget $9M • Box office $14M

Action, Thriller

Three years after the Battle Royale, Shuya Nanahara has become a notorious terrorist aiming to overthrow the government. His group, Wild Seven, launches a devastating attack on Christmas Day, destroying buildings in Tokyo and killing 8,000 people. To promote "teamwork,"…

5.0

4.6

Ghost in the Shell

1995 • 83 min • Budget $3M • Box office $10M

Action, Animation, Science Fiction

In 2029, technology has blurred the lines between the real and digital worlds, giving people new abilities but also new risks, especially brain hacking. A mysterious hacker known as The Puppetmaster has increased their activity, now targeting political matters. So,…

7.9

17+

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+11

Cromartie High School: The Movie

2005 • 85 min

Kamiyama, a diligent student, finds himself leading a class of unruly teenagers. He attempts to guide the disruptive students towards better behavior, but faces significant opposition.

5.5

6.1

The Funeral

1984 • 124 min

Comedy, Drama

Wabisuke grapples with grief after his father-in-law's sudden death. Over three emotionally intense days at home, his family faces a series of strange events that test their relationships. As they prepare for the funeral, hidden secrets are revealed, old conflicts…

7.1

7.2

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The Rickshaw Man

1958 • 103 min

A struggling rickshaw driver unexpectedly assists a young woman and her son following the sudden death of her husband.

7.2

7.5

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Blackmail Is My Life

1968 • 90 min

Muraki, a streetwise survivor, quickly climbs the ranks using his talent for blackmail. He wants to maintain his carefree life, but his luck starts to change when he targets the business partners of a powerful gang leader.

6.3

6.8

Black Rose Mansion

1969 • 91 min

Wealthy Kyohei hires the singer "Black Rose" for a performance at his exclusive club, but he unexpectedly unleashes a dangerous situation. Her presence draws the attention of numerous former lovers, all with violent intentions. The story takes an unsettling turn…

4.5

6.0

If You Were Young: Rage

1970 • 89 min

If You Were Young: Rage explores a different perspective on post-war Japanese prosperity, centering on the young people excluded from the economic boom. The film follows a group of men struggling to find opportunity, who devise a plan to pool…

5.6

6.8

When the Last Sword Is Drawn

2003 • 137 min • Budget $4M • Box office $2M

Action, Drama, History

Samurai Kanichiro Yoshimura struggles to provide for his wife and children with his clan's meager pay. Driven by love for his family, he makes the difficult decision to leave his small town for the city in search of better-paying work.

7.5

7.4

The Triple Cross

1992 • 108 min

After a violent robbery, three criminals are betrayed by their newest partner. The situation quickly spirals into escalating violence and high-speed chases as they hunt him down.

6.6

6.5

Dear Summer Sister

1972 • 96 min

Fourteen-year-old Sunaoko journeys with her father's new fiancée, Momoko, from Tokyo to Naha, Okinawa, to find her half-brother, whom she's never met. Guided by a former soldier with a fondness for beer, they explore the island's popular sights while uncovering…

4.5

6.2

Fish Story

2009 • 112 min

Music, Drama, Comedy

A rock band creates a song called "Fish Story" that is prophesied to save humanity. The song transcends conventional limitations of space and time, connecting individuals and their personal narratives.

7.1

7.5

Soccer Aid

2001 • 125 min • Budget $19M • Box office $274M

Animation, Family, Fantasy

A young girl named Chihiro finds herself in a bewildering world inhabited by spirits. After her parents are mysteriously transformed, she must find the strength within herself to rescue her family.

8.5

8.6

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The Ballad of Narayama

1983 • 130 min

Drama

In a hidden valley, a village follows a tradition: when residents turn 70, they journey to a mountain peak to die. This custom maintains order within the community. As winter nears, 69-year-old Orin prepares for this departure, but first feels…

7.5

7.8

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Premonition

2004 • 95 min

Horror

Professor Hideki Satomi, pausing at a phone booth to send his research online, discovers a newspaper clipping in the obituary section. It contains a picture of his five-year-old daughter, Nana.

6.3

6.2

17+

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Ponyo

2008 • 100 min • Budget $34M • Box office $202M

Animation, Fantasy, Family

Young Sosuke, who lives by the sea, rescues a goldfish named Ponyo and finds his life changed forever. Ponyo is a lively and curious creature who dreams of becoming human. While she brings playful chaos to Sosuke's home, her father…

7.8

7.6

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Visitor Q

2001 • 84 min • Budget $60K

Comedy, Drama, Horror

In a deeply troubled home, a mother struggles with heroin addiction and prostitution, enduring abuse from her son while the father, a former TV reporter, engages in incest with his daughter and films his son's beatings. The arrival of a…

6.4

6.5

17+

Saint Seiya: Evil Goddess Eris

1987 • 46 min

Action, Animation, Fantasy

Three young heroes meet a mysterious woman named Eri at an orphanage and quickly befriend her. They share a peaceful evening stargazing, but their tranquility is disrupted when Eri discovers a golden apple, unknowingly summoning Eris, the Goddess of Discord.…

7.0

6.4

Akira

1988 • 124 min • Budget $5M • Box office $49M

Animation, Science Fiction, Action

In a futuristic Neo-Tokyo, a top-secret government experiment goes wrong, transforming a biker gang member into a dangerous psychic. This unstable individual threatens the city's survival. Two ordinary teenagers and a group of people with psychic abilities must join forces…

7.9

8.0

17+

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Eureka

2001 • 218 min

Drama

After a devastating event in the countryside of Japan, a group of survivors struggles to heal and rebuild their lives. Their efforts for recovery are complicated by the presence of a serial killer stalking the area.

7.7

Rhapsody in August

1991 • 98 min

Drama

The film centers on an elderly woman, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in World War II. While caring for her four grandchildren one summer, she unexpectedly learns that her long-lost brother, Suzujiro, is living in Hawaii and…

7.2

The Blood of Rebirth

2009 • 83 min

Inspired by a 15th-century Japanese legend, Toyoda presents a dreamlike world populated by tattooed laborers who function more as symbols than individual people. Oguri, a traveler, is hired by the local ruler, Daizen, to treat his illness, but he is…

5.9

6.7

One Missed Call 3: Final

2006 • 104 min • Box office $6M

Horror, Mystery

Asuka, a shy and easily intimidated student, is constantly tormented by her classmates. During a class trip to Korea, she devises a plan for revenge: to send them a threatening phone message with deadly consequences if they share it or…

5.7

4.9

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+10

Marebito

2004 • 92 min

Horror

Haunted by his own anxieties, a freelance cameraman becomes obsessed with a local urban legend: stories of strange spirits said to inhabit the Tokyo subway system. He begins investigating the phenomenon.

6.0

17+

Vengeance Is Mine

1979 • 140 min

Crime, Drama

Iwao Enokizu is a skilled thief and a dangerous killer who has avoided the law for years. He expertly moves through the hidden world of society, creating a network of deception that keeps his enemies away. As Enokizu's life becomes…

7.5

7.6

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Grave of the Fireflies

1988 • 89 min • Budget $3M • Box office $842K

Animation, Drama, War

In the last months of World War II, this moving story follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they cope with the loss of their mother in an air raid that destroyed Kobe, Japan. After a conflict with their aunt, the…

8.4

8.5

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Adrift in Tokyo

2007 • 101 min

Comedy

A rough character proposes a deal to a law student: he'll cover the student's gambling debt if the student agrees to go with him on a journey through Tokyo.

7.1

7.2

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Love & Pop

1998 • 112 min

Drama

The film follows Hiromi, a regular high school student in modern Tokyo, as she navigates the difficulties of being a teenager and dealing with financial strain. Faced with increasing costs and expectations, she and her friends turn to *enjo kosai*…

7.7

7.4

—

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Kikujiro

1999 • 121 min

Comedy, Drama

"Kikujiro" tells the story of Kikujiro, a boisterous man, and Masao, a young boy searching for his mother. Their journey together is a mix of humor and sadness as they meet all sorts of interesting people and experience unexpected situations.…

7.5

7.7

13+

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Tokyo Zombie

2005 • 104 min

Comedy, Horror

Two Japanese friends unintentionally kill their boss and dispose of his body in Black Fuji, a mountain and landfill. The chemicals in the landfill react with the corpse and others buried there, causing a zombie outbreak in Tokyo.

5.5

5.9

The Idiot

1951 • 166 min

Drama, Romance

This moving drama follows Kameda as he travels from an Okinawan asylum to Hokkaido, where he encounters Taeko and Ayako. He develops a love for Taeko, but their connection is complicated when Akama also falls for her. Realizing he can't…

7.0

7.1

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My Neighbor Totoro

1988 • 86 min • Budget $3M • Box office $41M

Fantasy, Animation, Family

Two sisters, Kiki and Chizu, leave their city home and move with their father to be near their mother, who is hospitalized. While adjusting to their new surroundings, they discover a magical secret: ancient Totoros live in the forest. The…

8.1

Stream on

+10

Harakiri

1962 • 135 min

Action, Drama, History

Tsugumo Hanshirō, a retired samurai facing unemployment and isolation, seeks permission from the esteemed House of Iyi to commit ritual suicide (seppuku) and find someone to assist him. A senior counselor doubts Hanshirō’s motives, questioning if his desire for a…

8.4

8.6

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Goyokin

1969 • 124 min

Drama, Action

In a society bound by tradition, a celebrated samurai warrior is haunted by past failures. Burdened by guilt over a previous tragedy he couldn't stop, he now confronts the possibility of another massacre. Driven by his inner conflict and sense…

7.4

7.6

High and Low

1963 • 142 min • Budget $250K

Drama, Crime

A powerful CEO must abandon his corporate world to race against time and save a boy who has been mistakenly kidnapped. As he works to get the ransom and bring his employee's child home, the situation becomes increasingly urgent. This…

8.3

8.4

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Sanshiro Sugata

1943 • 80 min

Drama

"A Tale of Strength and Adaptation" follows Sanshiro, a young man determined to master Jujutsu. His journey changes when he meets Judo, a new style of self-defense. Sanshiro's resolve is challenged as he learns this different discipline, testing his strength…

6.5

6.7

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The Twilight Samurai

2002 • 129 min • Budget $5M • Box office $7M

Drama, Romance

At the close of the 19th century, low-ranking samurai Seibei Iguchi faces hardship as a widower supporting his two daughters and aging mother. His life changes when Tomoe, a childhood friend, returns. Yet, as the feudal system collapses, Seibei is…

7.8

8.0

20th Century Boys 3: Redemption

2009 • 156 min

Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction

The ultimate confrontation arrives, bringing with it a shocking truth. Who is Friend, and how can he be defeated?

6.7

6.5

Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody

2006 • 87 min • Box office $1M

Fantasy, Animation, Science Fiction

Strange spirits are suddenly appearing all over Karakura Town. Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki try to handle the situation when they encounter Senna, a mysterious shinigami who eliminates most of the spirits. Senna gives no explanation and refuses to talk,…

6.9

7.1

14+

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Gunhed

1989 • 100 min

This high-concept science fiction adventure centers on Kyron 5, an island that is secretly a sophisticated computer. Kyron 5 was designed to create advanced robots intended as slaves for the world. Eventually, Kyron 5 concludes that humanity is obsolete and…

4.7

5.3

14+

The Hidden Blade

2004 • 132 min

Drama, Romance

In 19th century Japan, a young samurai falls in love with a farm girl and leaves his home to start anew. His new life is challenged when he's ordered to kill a traitor – a man who is also his…

7.4

7.6

17+

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Dreams

1990 • 119 min • Budget $12M • Box office $2M

Fantasy, Drama

Filmmaker Akira Kurosawa explores the dream world, drawing inspiration from his own nocturnal visions to create fantastical stories. Each narrative takes viewers on a journey through magical realms filled with enchantment. Using vivid imagery and storytelling, Kurosawa blurs the lines…

7.7

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Outrage

2010 • 109 min • Box office $8M

Action, Crime, Thriller

Betrayed by his own bosses, a hardened yakuza gangster ignites a full-scale war. He systematically eliminates anyone who stands in his path, leaving a trail of bodies in a relentless pursuit of vengeance and power.

6.9

6.8

17+

Stream on

+12

Kwaidan

1965 • 183 min

Horror, Fantasy, Drama

"Kaidan: Ghost Stories" is an anthology film inspired by traditional Japanese folklore, presenting unsettling tales about human longing, the results of choices, and supernatural forces. Each story is richly detailed, transporting viewers to a chilling glimpse of Japan's past. One…

7.7

7.9

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Sympathy for the Underdog

1971 • 93 min

Drama, Action, Crime

A respected yakuza gang is driven from their Yokohama home by a powerful syndicate from Tokyo. Forced to relocate and start over on Okinawa, they seek a fresh beginning. But old rivalries resurface, pulling the exiled gang back into violence.…

7.1

7.3

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Zatoichi

2003 • 116 min • Budget $2M • Box office $34M

Adventure, Drama, Action

Zatoichi, a blind masseur and skilled swordsman who enjoys gambling, arrives in a village plagued by feuding gangs. He decides to defend the villagers from the violence.

7.2

7.4

17+

Stream on

+11

Street of Shame

1956 • 87 min

Drama

The film explores the lives of five women working in a Japanese brothel as the country considers a law to ban prostitution. Their stories unfold against a backdrop of societal change, revealing their personal struggles and the wider impact of…

7.7

7.8

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Zombrex: Dead Rising Sun

2010 • 82 min

This film is told from George's point of view, about a disabled boy trying to survive a zombie outbreak in Japan with his older brother Shin. As they face dangerous people and increasing threats, George must use his strength, intelligence,…

4.8

4.4

Perfect Blue

1998 • 82 min • Budget $3M • Box office $683K

Animation, Thriller

Mima, a rising pop star, is encouraged by her management to star in a popular TV show. Balancing her music career with this new challenge, she begins to notice a disturbing pattern. Her managers and collaborators are being murdered, one…

8.3

8.0

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Cure

1997 • 112 min • Budget $20K • Box office $234K

Crime, Thriller, Horror

A seasoned but jaded detective in modern Tokyo investigates a series of brutal murders that have terrified the city. The killings share unsettling similarities, and as the detective investigates, he becomes increasingly consumed by guilt and paranoia. He navigates the…

7.5

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Drunken Angel

1948 • 98 min

Drama

In a busy city, Doctor Sanada unexpectedly treats wounded gangster Matsunaga after a violent shootout. Examining his patient, Sanada discovers Matsunaga's injuries are linked to tuberculosis. Determined to help him, Sanada encourages Matsunaga to stay for treatment and a fresh…

7.6

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Bright Future

2003 • 115 min • Budget $10M

Drama, Mystery

Two friends working as laundry workers in Tokyo discover an unusual fascination with jellyfish. As they become detached from everyday life, they find themselves drawn to the beauty and danger of these creatures. The film uses visuals and subtle character…

6.8

6.7

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Strawberry Shortcakes

2006 • 127 min

This film explores the joys and challenges faced by four female friends living in Tokyo as they navigate relationships and manage the demands of their everyday lives.

5.6

6.9

The Lower Depths

1957 • 125 min

Drama

In 19th century Japan, a varied group of people share a rundown boardinghouse. Among them is a quiet old man with a hidden past and a former actor reflecting on his career. Their peaceful lives are disrupted by Sutekichi, a…

7.1

7.2

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Humanity and Paper Balloons

1937 • 86 min

Drama, History

Set in the crowded slums of Edo-period Japan, the story follows two people facing hardship: a ronin – a samurai without a master – and a former hairdresser who has fallen from grace. The ronin tries to find work with…

7.9

7.6

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A Gentle Breeze in the Village

2007 • 121 min

Comedy, Drama, Romance

When eighth-grader Hiromi moves from Tokyo to a tiny school with only six students, the kind and sincere Soyo is captivated by his refined lifestyle.

6.9

7.1

Parasite Eve

1997 • 120 min

A scientist discovers his deceased wife is actually a collective of mitochondria with a sinister plan: to create a new species designed to eradicate humankind.

5.5

5.7

The Man Without a Map

1968 • 118 min

A private detective takes on a case to find a missing man, hired by the man's wife. The detective's search yields no results, and gradually, his own life starts mirroring the missing man's.

6.6

6.5

All About Lily Chou-Chou

2001 • 146 min • Budget $1M • Box office $6M

Drama, Crime

This film follows the difficult adolescence of Yūichi Hasumi and Shūsuke Hoshino, examining the evolving and complicated way they relate to each other. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Yūichi's deep fascination with the ethereal and imaginative music of…

7.4

7.5

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+14

My Darling Is a Foreigner

2010 • 100 min

Based on a true story. A Japanese woman and an American man develop a relationship in Japan. Their connection faces challenges due to cultural differences and language barriers.

5.6

6.0

Rodan

1956 • 72 min • Box office $1M

Horror, Science Fiction

In a Japanese mining region plagued by mysterious miner disappearances and deaths, experienced engineer Shigeru is compelled to investigate. The discovery of prehistoric nymphs complicates the situation with added danger. Witnessing an attack on a village, Shigeru ventures deeper into…

6.5

6.2

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Woman in the Dunes

1964 • 147 min

Drama, Thriller

A vacationing entomologist is held captive in a remote seaside village by its struggling residents, who are fascinated by him. Forced to live under their basic conditions, he develops a close relationship with a local woman whose life revolves around…

8.2

8.4

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Princess Yang Kwei-fei

1955 • 92 min

Romance, Drama, History

Rinko, a cheerful junior high student, has an extraordinary adventure when she befriends Ruby, a small, enchanting rabbit from Jewel Land. Together, they search for missing Jewel Charms that have appeared in the human world. With their friends, Rinko and…

6.7

7.1

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Eros + Massacre

1969 • 216 min

Drama, Romance, History

This film tells two interconnected stories about love, activism, and freedom. One follows Sakae Osugi, a key anarchist in 1920s Japan. His relationships with three women illuminate the personal and political aspects of his beliefs. At the same time, two…

7.3

7.4

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100

Diary of a Shinjuku Thief

1969 • 96 min

In Tokyo's Shinjuku district, the paths of a young man who frequently steals, a young woman he encounters in a bookstore, and a kabuki actor become intertwined.

4.6

6.1

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