W2TCH

155 Japanese Films in World Cinema

154 titles

Default order ↑PopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox office
  1. 101KagemushaMovie · 1980 · 180m · Action, Drama, HistoryThis acclaimed samurai film tells the story of a thief who is forced to impersonate a powerful, elderly warlord to shield him from enemies. When the warlord dies unexpectedly, the generals must accept the thief as their new leader. He finds himself drawn to the power and influence of his assumed identity as Shingen. But when he's faced with leading his troops into battle against a formidable foe, his commitment to the deception will be put to the ultimate test. The film explores themes of trickery, authority, and personal change set against the backdrop of a turbulent feudal Japan.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8
  2. 102A Man VanishesMovie · 1967 · 130mA Man Vanishes explores the Japanese phenomenon of missing persons, known as Johatsu. The film focuses on one such case: a man who seemingly vanished after embezzling funds from his company. The filmmakers launch an investigative documentary to uncover the reasons behind his disappearance and attempt to locate him.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7
  3. 103Red BeardMovie · 1965 · 185mNoboru Yasumoto hopes for a comfortable life as a personal doctor to a rich family, but his first job after medical school is at a rural clinic with the stern Dr. Red Beard. Yasumoto chafes under Red Beard's methods, yet the doctor patiently guides him, revealing the realities of medicine. Eventually, Red Beard tasks Yasumoto with caring for a woman rescued from a brothel.Stream onIMDb 8.3TMDB 8.1
  4. 104One Missed Call 2Movie · 2005 · 105m · Horror, MysteryA Japanese restaurant cook and owner dies after answering his daughter’s phone. Soon, others begin receiving the same unsettling ringtone and dying in agonizing ways. The incidents are spreading, even to Taiwan. Can the police uncover the cause of these deaths and stop a possible supernatural force?Stream onIMDb 5.4TMDB 6.1
  5. 105Linda Linda LindaMovie · 2005 · 114m · Comedy, Music, DramaThree days before their school festival, guitarist Kei, drummer Kyoko, and bassist Nozomi must find a new lead singer for their band. They choose Son, a Korean exchange student whose Japanese isn't strong. With the festival's rock concert just around the corner, the group races to learn three songs – including a classic '80s track by The Blue Hearts called "Linda Linda."Stream onIMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5
  6. 106Glory to the Filmmaker!Movie · 2007 · 108m · Drama, ComedyTakeshi Kitano stars as a director facing creative struggles while working on a new film. He explores various genres in his pursuit to finish the project.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4
  7. 107Dear DoctorMovie · 2009 · 127mDr. Osamu Ino is a highly respected physician in his rural community. His skill and commitment deeply affect Keisuke Soma, a new medical intern who initially resists him. However, Soma and the villagers' respect for Ino is shaken when they discover a troubling event from his past. Now, Dr. Ino must confront the consequences of his former actions.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.4
  8. 108The PornographersMovie · 1966 · 128m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceShohei Imamura's 1966 film "The Pornographers" centers on Subu, a man who makes adult films to support his landlady Haru and her family. Their unusual relationship becomes complicated when Haru's husband is thought to have been reborn as a carp and objects to their connection. Imamura skillfully blends humor with controversial themes, examining the complex dynamics within Haru's family, including her son and daughter. The film fearlessly explores voyeurism and incest, tackling subjects previously considered taboo. This bold approach made "The Pornographers" both controversial and a landmark film.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2
  9. 109Warm Water Under a Red BridgeMovie · 2001 · 119m · Fantasy, Drama, ComedyA struggling businessman goes to a coastal town and encounters a woman with extraordinary sexual abilities.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5
  10. 110SwayMovie · 2006 · 120mThis is a psychologically intense story about a family desperately trying to maintain appearances, but hiding deep-seated problems.IMDb 7.1TMDB 5.8
  11. 111Only YesterdayMovie · 1991 · 119m · Animation, Drama, RomanceThe film follows Taeko as she reflects on her life, moving between the present and memories of her youth. It explores the difference between her youthful dreams and the reality of her adult life. As we experience these personal moments with Taeko, we consider whether our dreams can survive time or if they change with life. This moving story suggests that our choices and experiences shape who we become, connecting our past, present, and future.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4
  12. 112Shogun's SamuraiMovie · 1978 · 130m · Action, Drama, AdventureFollowing the death of the second Tokugawa Shogun, rumors of poisoning spread as powerful retainers plot to install his son, Iemitsu, as the new ruler. But Iemitsu's speech impediment and a birthmark damage his image, sparking a fierce competition with his brother Tadanaga for the powerful position of Shogun. As the country fractures into warring factions, tensions escalate. Amidst the turmoil, Iemitsu’s fencing master, Yagyu, is determined to secure the Shogunate for his student, no matter the cost. Motivated by ambition and loyalty, he betrays rivals and even his own family, revealing a ruthless side within the struggle for political control. This historical drama explores a complex network of betrayal and rivalry, highlighting the lengths people will go to achieve power.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0
  13. 113The Girl Who Leapt Through TimeMovie · 2006 · 98m · Fantasy, Animation, DramaSeventeen-year-old Makoto Konno discovers she can jump back in time. At first, she uses this ability to fix her grades and avoid embarrassing moments. But she quickly learns that altering the past has unexpected consequences, and she must ultimately use her powers to determine the future for herself and her friends.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8
  14. 114Nobody To Watch Over MeMovie · 2009 · 118mFifteen-year-old girl goes into police protection to evade relentless journalists after her brother is arrested for murder.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.1
  15. 115BandageMovie · 2010 · 119mDuring the 1990s Japanese "band boom," high school student Asako attends a concert and connects with Natsu, the vocalist of the up-and-coming band LANDS. Asako becomes the band's manager, but as LANDS gains popularity, tensions within the group threaten their friendship.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 5.9
  16. 116Love ExposureMovie · 2008 · 237m · Action, Comedy, DramaYu, a teenage boy, develops feelings for Yoko, a girl he meets while working as an "up-skirt" photographer. His efforts to win her affection are complicated by cross-dressing, a fascination with kung fu and crime, and ongoing guilt stemming from his Catholic faith.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0
  17. 117Barefoot GenMovie · 1983 · 83m · Animation, Drama, WarThe film follows a young boy's experience of the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It shows how this historical disaster deeply affected the Japanese people, changing their lives and minds as they faced a world transformed by immense destruction. The story explores resilience, survival, and hope in the face of ruin and despair, highlighting a pivotal moment in history and reminding us of humanity's capacity for both destruction and perseverance.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6
  18. 118End CallMovie · 2008 · 94mA phone number exists that connects you directly to the Devil. Dialing it at midnight allows you to make a wish, but the price is complete control over your life for the length of the call.Stream onIMDb 4.3TMDB 3.5
  19. 119FireworksMovie · 1997 · 103m · Crime, DramaDetective Nishi's world is shaken when he's pulled from an important stakeout to be with his wife, who is seriously ill in the hospital. Doctors say there's no hope for her recovery, and Nishi decides to bring her home to spend her final days. But as he cares for her, a brutal attack leaves a fellow officer dead and another paralyzed. Facing mounting medical bills and debts to the yakuza, Nishi must balance his duty to the force with his loyalty to his wife and the need for redemption. This story explores sacrifice, courage, and the powerful connections between people, as Nishi confronts his past and uncertain future.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.7
  20. 120Memories of MatsukoMovie · 2006 · 130m · Comedy, DramaSho, his aunt Matsuko's nephew, goes through her things after she dies and gradually uncovers the key events that led to her devastating unhappiness.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8
  21. 121Jin-Roh: The Wolf BrigadeMovie · 1999 · 102m · Animation, Drama, RomanceThis intense drama follows a counter-terrorism operative grappling with the emotional fallout of a young girl's suicide bombing. While undergoing retraining, he becomes entangled in the intricate dynamics and rivalries within the police department. The girl's sister emerges as a significant presence in his life, and their mutual grief forges an unforeseen connection. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and strength as the protagonist confronts his emotional wounds and seeks a path toward healing and a fresh start.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4
  22. 12220th Century Boys: Beginning of the EndMovie · 2008 · 142m · Science Fiction, Adventure, MysteryIn 1969, young Kenji and his friends construct a secret base, imagining themselves battling world-conquering villains they detail in the Book of Prophecies. Years later, in 1997, Kenji is a convenience store manager, having abandoned his rock star aspirations for an ordinary life. This normalcy shatters when a childhood friend dies mysteriously and an entire family vanishes from their neighborhood. Simultaneously, a religious cult and its enigmatic leader, Friend, appear, triggering a series of events mirroring the Book of Prophecies. Could this signal the world's end? And who is Friend?IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7
  23. 123AgitatorMovie · 2001 · 150m · Crime, Drama, ActionA young Yakuza member terrorizes customers at a nightclub owned by a rival crime family, and he soon turns up dead. This sparks retaliation between the families, leading to the death of a powerful crime boss. Driven by grief and rage, the volatile Kenzaki vows revenge. The resulting violence escalates, and the death toll rises dramatically.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4
  24. 124Pistol OperaMovie · 2001 · 112mA deadly assassin finds herself targeted by her own colleagues, who are eliminating rivals to climb the ranks. She must fight for survival as they try to eliminate her.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.0
  25. 125Summer Days with CooMovie · 2007 · 138m · Animation, Fantasy, ComedyOver 200 years after his time, a solitary Kappa survives in modern Japan and is discovered by a young boy named Koichi. Koichi secretly adopts the Kappa, whom he names Coo. Together, the unlikely friends search for remote locations, hoping to find other members of Coo's species.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.8
  26. 126K-20: The Fiend with Twenty FacesMovie · 2008 · 137m · Action, Adventure, CrimeIn 1949 Japan, where World War II never occurred, the capital of Teito is a city of stark contrasts: extreme wealth and extreme poverty. Panic erupts when a mysterious phantom thief known as "The Kaijin (Fiend) with 20 Faces" (K-20) begins stealing from the wealthy to give to the poor. When circus acrobat Heikichi Endo (Takeshi Kaneshiro) is wrongly accused of K-20's crimes, he sets out to clear his name. He joins forces with Yoko Hashiba (Takako Matsu), a wealthy duchess who is K-20’s next target, and her detective fiancé (Toru Nakamura) to bring the elusive thief to justice.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.0
  27. 127DororoMovie · 2007 · 139m · Action, Fantasy, HorrorHyakkimaru, a warrior seeking to recover 48 body parts stolen by demons, crosses paths with Dororo, a thief driven by revenge for her parents' deaths.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0
  28. 128DollsMovie · 2002 · 114m · Drama, RomancePuppetry is a central element of Dolls, mirroring the lives of the people in the film. The story focuses on Matsumoto and Sawako, a young couple whose relationship faces a crisis. Matsumoto's parents are forcing him into an arranged marriage with his boss's daughter.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6
  29. 129The Street FighterMovie · 1974 · 90m · Action, Crime, ThrillerTakuma Tsurugi, a determined investigator, undertakes a dangerous mission to safeguard a young heiress from a powerful criminal organization. The government, police, mafia, and an international kidnapping ring all work to undermine her safety, escalating the danger. Tsurugi's relentless pursuit of justice leads him through a complex world of corruption and lies, as he fights to uncover the truth and stop those who aim to steal the heiress’s wealth and freedom. The film explores themes of justice and courage amidst a backdrop of widespread crime.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 6.8
  30. 130Tange Sazen and the Pot Worth a Million RyoMovie · 1935 · 92m · Drama, ComedyA man's careless disposal of a simple clay pot unexpectedly unlocks a hidden treasure map, sparking a rush for untold riches. News of the potential fortune draws people from all backgrounds, transforming a quiet community into a frenzy of treasure hunters, each driven by their own desires. Friendships fray and loyalties are tested as they compete in a race against time and each other to find the buried treasure. Navigating challenging terrain, the seekers confront not only rivals but also their own ambitions, questioning what truly matters in the pursuit of wealth.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  31. 131Takeshis'Movie · 2005 · 108m · Comedy, Drama, FantasyBeat Takeshi navigates the hectic and occasionally bizarre world of fame. He encounters Kitano, a quiet convenience store worker who bears a striking resemblance to him. Kitano, an aspiring actor still seeking his opportunity, starts experiencing vivid dreams of living as Beat after their meeting.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1
  32. 132ConflagrationMovie · 1958 · 99mWhen Goichi learns his family has fallen apart, he is sent to the Temple of the Golden Pavilion for solitary study. There, he struggles with intense emotional turmoil.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1
  33. 133VibratorMovie · 2003 · 94mRei, a writer struggling with inner turmoil, battles insomnia, eating disorders, and a constant barrage of voices in her head. On Valentine's Day, she encounters truck driver Takatoshi and impulsively joins him on a trip in his rickety truck. The vehicle’s jarring movements seem to mirror Rei’s own emotional instability.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.9
  34. 134ReincarnationMovie · 2005 · 96m · Horror, MysteryAfter taking on a role in a horror movie based on a decades-old murder case, a Japanese actress starts experiencing unsettling visions and strange events.Stream onIMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1
  35. 135Honey and CloverMovie · 2006 · 117mBased on the popular manga, director Masahiro Takada's coming-of-age drama centers on five students at Hama Art College. They are preparing to leave school and embark on a journey of self-discovery in the wider world.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3
  36. 136The Man Who Left His Will on FilmMovie · 1970 · 94mA man pursues the thief who stole his movie camera, leading to a suicide jump from a building. Following the incident, police seize the camera as evidence, raising doubts about whether a theft actually occurred.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 5.7
  37. 137Tokyo TwilightMovie · 1957 · 141m · DramaThis story follows two sisters who unexpectedly travel together, trying to reconnect with their shared history and each other. They discover they have a mother they never knew existed, and the younger sister must confront the pain of being abandoned. As the sisters try to connect with their mother, they uncover a complicated family past filled with hidden secrets. The film examines forgiveness, acceptance, and the strength of sisterhood as they work through their history together to find peace. The story balances emotional moments with humor and warmth, creating a moving and accessible tale for viewers of all ages.Stream onIMDb 8.0TMDB 7.7
  38. 138The Munekata SistersMovie · 1950 · 112mSetsuko is trapped in a loveless marriage to Mimura, a jobless engineer with a drinking problem. She has long cherished feelings for Hiroshi, but they never confessed their love before he moved to France years ago. Now back in the country, Hiroshi's return prompts Mariko to try and bring them together, though she harbors a secret love for him of her own.Stream onIMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  39. 139Ninja ScrollMovie · 1993 · 94m · Fantasy, Adventure, AnimationSet in feudal Japan, this action film follows Jubei, a masterless ninja who works as a mercenary. His freedom leads him on many adventures, but his life is threatened when a plot to control the country unfolds. The story shows the complex power struggles of the time, as Jubei's loyalty is challenged by political intrigue. He must use his skills to survive and uphold his reputation as the best ninja.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8
  40. 140Wicked CityMovie · 1987 · 82m · Animation, Action, FantasyWhen parallel universes exist alongside each other, a delicate peace between Earth and the demon-filled Black World is ending. Human detective Taki and demonic investigator Maki are tasked with protecting a diplomat vital to securing a new treaty. But a radical group of demons plans to assassinate the diplomat, risking war that could destroy Earth. Taki and Maki, despite their differences, must rely on each other to prevent disaster and ensure humanity's survival in this action-packed story about trust, bravery, and working together.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7
  41. 141SakuranMovie · 2006 · 111m · History, DramaAnna Tsuchiya stars as an oiran, a highly respected geisha in the pleasure district of Yoshiwara during the Edo period. She must skillfully maneuver through the complex social dynamics of the brothel while desperately trying to maintain her relationship with the man she loves.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5
  42. 142The Mourning ForestMovie · 2007 · 98m · DramaA young woman working at a retirement home takes an elderly resident on a trip to the countryside. Their outing takes an unexpected turn when they become stranded in the forest.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8
  43. 143Three Resurrected DrunkardsMovie · 1968 · 80mDuring their summer break at the coast, three students are wrongly identified as Korean, a group facing prejudice in Japan. Their holiday takes a turn when they become involved in a criminal situation.Stream onIMDb 6.4TMDB 5.4
  44. 14469Movie · 2004 · 114mTo impress a girl, high school students Ken and Adama create a large-scale project: a festival featuring film, theater, and rock music. Their ambitious undertaking quickly gains attention, drawing the interest of television news, newspapers, and eventually, the police, turning their teenage endeavor into a full-blown adventure.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2
  45. 145Summer CloudsMovie · 1958 · 128mAfter her husband's death in the war, a widow struggles to run a farm with the help of her demanding mother-in-law and her young son. A visiting reporter sparks an affair with her, but he is married and unwilling to leave his wife. Meanwhile, her brother attempts to secure the farm's future through strategic marriages for his children, as the land faces confiscation and his children yearn for city life rather than continuing the hard labor in the fields.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5
  46. 146Yuriko's AromaMovie · 2010 · 74mYuriko (Noriko Eguchi), a 30-something aromatherapist, uses essential oils and touch to help clients relax. She harbors a secret attraction to Tetsuya (Shota Someya), a 17-year-old high school student and the salon owner's nephew, drawn to his scent. Simultaneously, a client named Ayama (Saori Hara) requests an aromatherapy session with ulterior motives, intending to make physical advances towards Yuriko.IMDb 5.2TMDB 5.8
  47. 147The Insect WomanMovie · 1963 · 123m · DramaIn 1918, Tome is born into a poor family in rural Japan. The film, "The Insect Woman," suggests her life is repetitive and cyclical, like an insect doomed to repeat its actions. Directed by Shohei Imamura, the story follows Tome's tireless attempts to escape her difficult life. She faces new obstacles and possibilities daily, navigating a world that often ignores her hardships. Imamura’s film presents a stark depiction of a woman’s strength in the face of hardship, highlighting the complicated relationship between personal will and societal limitations.Stream onIMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2
  48. 148Our Brief EternityMovie · 2009 · 105mA new virus, Emanon, sweeps through Tokyo, causing infected individuals to lose the memory of their most important person. Teru, a man who lives a carefree life, reconnects with his ex-girlfriend, Mio, only to discover she has been infected and doesn't remember him. As the virus spreads globally, chaos erupts. Teru and Mio attempt to rekindle their relationship, but he too becomes infected, losing his memories of her. With Tokyo in ruins, they seek refuge in the countryside where they once lived.IMDb 6.3
  49. 149TorsoMovie · 2009 · 104mHiroko, a young woman feeling isolated from the world, develops a deep attachment to a life-sized inflatable male figure. Her carefully guarded secret is threatened when her sister uncovers her unusual affection.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.4
  50. 150The Suicide ManualMovie · 2003 · 86mFollowing a mass suicide, two journalists begin investigating a disturbing pattern: people are taking their own lives as a result of spirits controlled by a mysterious manual.IMDb 4.7TMDB 3.3
  51. 151Copycat KillerMovie · 2002 · 124mA criminal stalks the country, abducting and killing women. The story follows those who hunt him. The antagonist, Nakai, is portrayed as a calculating and cruel individual who broadcasts his murders to the public through the media.IMDb 4.9TMDB 7.2
  52. 152Nanami: The Inferno of First LoveMovie · 1968 · 108mA teenage goldsmith haunted by a difficult past develops a deep affection for a young woman who works as a nude model.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9
  53. 153The WolvesMovie · 1971 · 131mSeji Iwahashi is released from prison after serving time for killing the Kanno gang boss. He discovers his old gang has merged with the Kannos. With deep-seated animosity between the two groups, it seems only a matter of time before violence erupts again.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.4
  54. 154The HeartMovie · 1955 · 120mDuring the final years of the Meiji era, a compassionate student forms a friendship with a married couple. He gradually discovers that their relationship is marked by a palpable tension, rooted in a mysterious event from their shared history.IMDb 7.4TMDB 6.8