224 Japanese Films Exploring LGBTQ+ Themes
223 titles
- 201
Grand GuignolMovie · 2022 · 84mAt a secluded reform school, new student Itsuki joins the drama club. But as the group stages increasingly dark plays, real-life murders begin to mirror the storylines, unleashing a dangerous mix of fear, love, and hidden truths.TMDB 6.3 - 202
A Pale Rainbow Over the BrookMovie · 2013Kou, a cook living alone in Tokyo, receives news of his father's death and rushes back to his hometown. Pressured by his family to marry, he escapes to a childhood spot and unexpectedly encounters Eiji, his high school teacher – someone he had a crush on. Seeing Eiji again awakens old feelings; could a relationship between them be possible?TMDB 2.0 - 203
One night tune: Oretachi no dengonMovie · 2012 · 60mA popular live music house, frequented by fans of all genres, is about to close. The owner, Kohei, claims he's quitting out of boredom and plans a trip around the world. The truth is, Kohei is terminally ill and doesn't have much time left. One night, he encounters a young man named Hiroto who appears injured. Kohei takes Hiroto in and urges him to seek medical attention, but Hiroto refuses and collapses in pain. Instead of pressing him, Kohei allows Hiroto to stay. He intends to perform an unfinished song by his former lover, Makoto, as the final event for the music venue, Pink Triangle.TMDB 2.0 - 204
Aniki and MeMovie · 2003 · 60mNoboru and Takashi forge an unexpected connection while incarcerated. Devastated by a lover's betrayal, Akira spirals into a dangerous obsession with men in Hattenba, ultimately leading to a drug-related imprisonment. Noboru, once a target for other prisoners, finds guidance from Takashi, a member of the Ogasawara gang. Through Takashi’s support, Noboru begins to rebuild his life and develops a deep respect for him. However, their newfound stability is shaken when Takashi's older brother, Kanzaki, arrives with news that he has been expelled from the gang.IMDb 6.2TMDB 2.0 - 205
New Aniki and Me: Hot Blood, One BallMovie · 2008 · 60mFollowing his father's death, Takuma embarks on a journey to find his half-brother. His father, who owned a construction company, had previously searched for his brother, the son of an old flame, without success. To inherit the company and estate, Takuma must locate him. The only clues are a bell and a katakin, gifts from their father's former lover, and a childhood injury his brother sustained. Takuma discovers the bell is for sale at a shrine in Aniki Town. He then begins searching for his brother at the public bathhouse, Ani Oniyu, but...IMDb 5.1TMDB 2.0 - 206
The Night Beyond the Tricornered WindowMovie · 2021 · 102mMikado, a bookstore clerk who can see ghosts, is drawn into a dangerous murder investigation by exorcist Hiyakawa. Together, they delve into a case filled with unsettling secrets, where the killer's voice continues to echo.IMDb 5.0TMDB 6.6 - 207
A Story of YonosukeMovie · 2013 · 160m · Drama, Romance, ComedyIn 1987, Japan is at the height of its economic power. Eighteen-year-old Yonosuke Yokomichi moves to Tokyo from Nagasaki. He's an unremarkable young man who lives in a quiet suburb and travels to a university in the city center each day.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 208
JINROH Shokei GameMovie · 2015 · 83mTaiga awakens in an unfamiliar location beside Niina, who he'd become separated from. They discover they are confined to a school with former classmates and their teacher. The group is compelled to play a cruel game called "The Werewolf's Game."IMDb 5.1 - 209
Piece of CakeMovie · 2015 · 121mShino Umemiya dates men who show interest, feeling it's preferable to being single. She ends a relationship with a violent boyfriend after he discovers she was unfaithful. Seeking a fresh start, Shino moves to a new town. There, she meets her neighbor Kyoshiro Sugahara, who is also her manager at her new job. Shino becomes drawn to him, but he lives with a mysterious woman named Akari.IMDb 6.0TMDB 4.9 - 210
Obscene Songs of Lost PeopleMovie · 2001 · 62mRyohei, a gay man striving for power within a criminal organization, is constantly overshadowed by his older brother, Yamabe. When Yamabe unintentionally kills Morishima, a key figure in the gang, he fears retribution. To avoid being implicated, Yamabe takes Ryohei to a remote, abandoned house in the mountains to hide Morishima's body.TMDB 2.0 - 211
Burning in the Twilight: A Hattenba MythMovie · 1994 · 57mA group of elderly people frequent a sauna specifically for dandruff treatment. Now living lives devoid of purpose, they recall a vibrant past filled with passionate love. One of them encounters a strikingly handsome young man in Hatten Park who bears an uncanny resemblance to a former lover. The encounter evokes a ghostly echo of "Death in Venice."TMDB 2.0 - 212
KubiMovie · 2023 · 131mLord Oda Nobunaga aims to unify Japan, but faces opposition from warring warlords and clans. His loyal retainer, Araki Murashige, launches a rebellion and then vanishes.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.0 - 213
That's When Things ChangedMovie · 1993 · 60mMoriyama leads an organization dedicated to fostering coexistence between humans and forest slime molds. During a park outing, two members, Nagayama and Itagaki, are discovered engaging in a sexual relationship. Kijima, a dissenting member, is deeply disturbed by this, but Moriyama responds by telling Nagayama that the two activities are equivalent and that he is involved with other members. Moriyama suggests they continue their relationship. Subsequently, Kijima's body is found...TMDB 2.0 - 214
Youthful Hand-to-Hand BattleMovie · 1990 · 60mThis film explores the lives of three young men living in the vibrant "2 Chome" gay district of Shinjuku, Japan, focusing on their interactions and relationships. One of the men manages the local gay bar.TMDB 2.0 - 215
The Secret to My Silky SkinMovie · 2014 · 81mA young man from Kyoto travels to Tokyo for a business trip and stays with his close friend. They have a simple plan for the five days: work during the day, spend the evenings together, and sleep. On the first night, after they begin their usual intimacy, he finds himself strangely detached, preoccupied with something that has been weighing on his mind since before the trip.IMDb 5.5TMDB 4.5 - 216
I Thought About YouMovie · 1997 · 61mTwo private detectives investigate a series of cases where wealthy young men are abducted, raped, and then released after a ransom is paid.IMDb 5.3TMDB 4.0 - 217
TwinkleMovie · 1992 · 103mTo appease their families, Shoko and Mutsuki enter a marriage. Shoko is significantly older than the traditional age for marriage in Japan, while Mutsuki is secretly in love with a young male college student.IMDb 6.3TMDB 3.9 - 218
Inu-OhMovie · 2022 · 98m · Animation, Drama, MusicIn 14th century Japan, a dancer burdened by a curse and a musician who is blind find themselves outsiders. They form a partnership and a close friendship, and together, their spectacular concerts lead them to fame.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 219
Dangerous Drugs of SexMovie · 2020 · 89mA high-powered businessman attempts suicide while intoxicated but is rescued by an enigmatic stranger. The stranger then imprisons him, subjecting him to sexual abuse.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4 - 220
The Family CompleteMovie · 2010 · 106mA devastatingly contagious virus forces several generations of a Japanese family into a series of complex sexual relationships, blurring gender lines and exploring every possible combination. This unfolds with the unexpected arrival of a man dressed as a bear. A uniquely Japanese story.IMDb 4.5TMDB 4.6 - 221
Words of DevotionMovie · 2007 · 72mOotani and Tachibana's relationship seems strong, but their feelings are tested when an old friend from Tachibana's past returns. This makes Ootani question whether he is truly the person Tachibana desires.IMDb 6.2TMDB 4.9 - 222
Wait for Me at UdagawachouMovie · 2015 · 65mIn the vibrant Shibuya district, Momose unexpectedly encounters his former high school classmate, Yashiro, who is dressed as a woman. Momose watches Yashiro, developing feelings for him. At the same time, Yashiro is mortified that Momose is aware of his cross-dressing.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.8 - 223
Call BoyMovie · 2018 · 119m · DramaRyo Morinaka, a university student working part-time at a bar, is deeply uninspired by his routine. His friend Shinya Tajima introduces him to Shizuka Mido, the owner of a host bar, at his workplace. Ryo soon begins working for Mido at her exclusive establishment. He's initially uncomfortable, but as he fulfills the requests of female clients, he begins to find meaning in his work.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.5
