102 Japanese Films to Watch
101 titles
- 1
Control TowerMovie · 2011 · 68mIn a secluded part of Hokkaido, two isolated high school students find a connection through their mutual passion for music.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 2
Kabukicho Love HotelMovie · 2014 · 135m · Comedy, DramaThis drama explores the intertwined lives of employees and guests at a well-known love hotel in Tokyo's red-light district, where intense romantic encounters unfold.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3 - 3
Sky of LoveMovie · 2007 · 129m · Romance, DramaMika, a new high school student, begins texting a mysterious boy. She's surprised when he reveals himself to be Hiro, a delinquent at her school. But Mika is unaware that Hiro isn't the person he appears to be.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.7 - 4
The Snow White Murder CaseMovie · 2014 · 126m · Drama, Mystery, ThrillerNoriko Miki, a successful employee at a cosmetics company, is found murdered. Suspicion immediately falls on her colleague, Miki Shirono. The case becomes a national sensation, with television news extensively covering the story. A TV program interviews Miki Shirono's coworkers, family, and people from her hometown, fueling growing rumors and fear. Is she truly capable of such a crime?IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.4 - 5
Like Grains of SandMovie · 1995 · 129mThis is a coming-of-age story about Shuji, a Japanese teenager who develops feelings for his close friend Hiroyuki. However, Hiroyuki is drawn to Kasane, a new student in their class.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.7 - 6
If Cats Disappeared from the WorldMovie · 2016 · 103m · Drama, FantasyWhen a postman is told he has a terminal illness and little time left, a devil appears with an offer: extend his life in exchange for something vanishing from the world. The man contemplates the people whose genuine sadness at his death would sting the most – his former friends, lovers, family, and coworkers.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 7
I WishMovie · 2011 · 127m · DramaAfter his parents' divorce separates him from his brother Ryunosuke, twelve-year-old Koichi hears a rumor: when two new bullet trains pass each other at high speed, a wish will come true.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 8
All About Lily Chou-ChouMovie · 2001 · 146m · Drama, CrimeThis 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 pop icon Lily Chou-Chou.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 9
Like Father, Like SonMovie · 2013 · 120m · DramaRyota Nonomiya is a driven businessman focused on wealth. He discovers that he was unknowingly raised with the wrong child after a hospital mix-up. Faced with this revelation, he is forced to choose between his biological son and the child he has always considered his own.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.7 - 10
Little Forest: Summer/AutumnMovie · 2014 · 111m · DramaAfter a painful breakup in the city, Ichiko returns to her quiet hometown of Komori. She spends her days working the land, enduring the summer rain and heat while baking bread, growing tomatoes, and tending the fields. As autumn arrives, she prepares for the harvest by pickling fish and sweet potatoes, and begins harvesting rice, prompting memories of leaving home five years earlier.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.7 - 11
Evil Does Not ExistMovie · 2023 · 106m · DramaIn the village of Mizubiki, near Tokyo, Takumi and his daughter Hana live a quiet life. Their peaceful existence is threatened when the villagers learn of a proposal to build a campsite nearby, designed to offer city dwellers an easy "escape" to nature.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 12
Cyborg SheMovie · 2008 · 120m · Action, Comedy, RomanceA solitary college student falls in love with a captivating and intriguing woman. He soon discovers she is a cyborg originating from the future.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.2 - 13
Liar Game: The Final StageMovie · 2010 · 133m · Thriller, Drama, TV MovieIn Liar Game: Final Stage, players must rely on each other to succeed in the tournament. But a mysterious player known as X is secretly working to ruin everyone's chances of winning the competition.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.5 - 14
RashomonMovie · 1950 · 88m · Crime, Drama, Mystery"Rashomon" blends action and philosophical questions to examine how truth and justice are shaped by individual perspectives. Director Akira Kurosawa uses innovative camera work and flashbacks to reveal conflicting accounts of a murder and its consequences. Four people give their versions of what happened, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the subjective nature of truth. The film challenges our understanding of justice and demonstrates storytelling's power to define reality.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.0 - 15
Rainbow SongMovie · 2006 · 117mTomoya Kishida, a television studio staffer, is deeply affected by the death of his close friend, Aoi Sato. He reflects on their shared history, from their first meeting at a record store and collaborating on a short film during university, to their final farewells. They harbored unspoken feelings for each other, but never found the courage to confess before it was too late.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.7 - 16
From Me to YouMovie · 2010 · 128m · Romance, DramaOn the surface, Sawako Kuronuma appears unhappy, but she's actually an optimistic girl who admires the popular and kind Shota Kazehaya. He secretly harbors feelings for her, noticing her good nature. When Sawako befriends Chizuru and Ayane, a new girl named Kurumi declares her love for Kazehaya. Will Sawako and Kazehaya ever discover their mutual feelings?IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.2 - 17
After LifeMovie · 2008 · 85mThree men engage in ruthless competition, where the thrill of hunting transforms into a relentless pursuit of wealth. Loyalty becomes betrayal, and friendship is tested through high-stakes gambling. One of the partners instructs the head of the bank, Daniel, to "order" something. However, the planned hit goes wrong when an explosion occurs. Trapped in the collapsing building are the killer, Daniel, and his daughter. As air runs out and rescue efforts cease, Daniel initiates a deadly game: discerning reality from illusion, choosing between saving his friends or being betrayed by them. He must solve a perilous puzzle involving three unknowns.IMDb 2.3TMDB 10.0 - 18
ParksMovie · 2017 · 118mJun, a university student, encounters Haru, a high schooler searching for Sachiko, her father's former girlfriend. Their paths cross with Tokio, Sachiko's grandson, and they discover that Sachiko has passed away. While exploring, they find an open-reel tape containing recordings of Sachiko's articles.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.9 - 19
Platinum DataMovie · 2013 · 133mIn 2017, the Japanese government secretly tries to control people's DNA. Ryuhei Kagura, a leading DNA analysis scientist working for the National Police Agency, is caught in the middle. After the inventor of the DNA analysis system is murdered, Ryuhei's DNA is discovered at the crime scene, making him the main suspect. He's forced to flee, and veteran detective Reiji Asama is assigned to track him down.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.4 - 20
I WeirDOMovie · 2020 · 97mPo-Ching suffers from severe OCD and extreme mysophobia, which has left him isolated and perceived as odd by others. He makes monthly grocery trips on the 15th of each month. During one of these trips, he encounters Chen Ching, another individual considered unusual.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.0 - 21
Late SpringMovie · 1949 · 108m · DramaNoriko, 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 her a husband. Despite Noriko's resistance, Shukichi begins matchmaking, even misleading her and putting his own desires aside for the sake of family obligation. This moving story examines family love, societal pressures, and personal freedom within a traditional cultural setting.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0 - 22
Pink and GrayMovie · 2016 · 119mThe sudden death of popular actor Rengo Shiraki thrusts his less-liked friend, Daiki Kawata, into the public eye. As the two were close, questions arise surrounding Shiraki's death: was it suicide, or something more sinister?IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 23
The Tale of IyaMovie · 2013 · 170mA tunnel construction project endangers the natural balance of a remote region in Japan. An elderly man and his granddaughter Haruna, living a simple life, gradually affect the perspective of a man from Tokyo.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 24
TampopoMovie · 1985 · 115m · ComedyTwo truck drivers discover a struggling ramen shop owned by a widow named Tampopo. Captivated by her dedication to making perfect noodle soup, they help her revitalize the business. The film playfully examines the importance of food and its effect on people's lives through humorous stories. This warm and funny tribute to cooking takes audiences on a delicious journey celebrating the pleasure of sharing good food and building connections over a meal.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 25
RamblersMovie · 2003 · 83mTsuboi and Kinoshita, two aspiring filmmakers, arrive at a remote, abandoned train station. They're traveling to meet a famous actor, hoping to persuade him to star in their upcoming film.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 26
Masquerade HotelMovie · 2019 · 133m · Crime, MysteryIn Tokyo, three murders occur, each marked by a number left at the scene, possibly indicating the killer's next target. Detective Kosuke Nitta is assigned to investigate the serial killer. He believes the killer's next victim will be at Hotel Koruteshia Tokyo. To infiltrate the hotel and catch the killer, Kosuke goes undercover as a front desk employee. Naomi Yamagishi, already working at the hotel front desk, is tasked with training him, but they clash immediately. While Kosuke is driven by the investigation, Naomi is dedicated to guest safety. As they navigate their differences, an unexpected trust develops. But who is the murderer?IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.6 - 27
A Page of MadnessMovie · 1926 · 71m · Horror, DramaA man enters the shadowy world of a mental asylum determined to free his wrongly accused spouse. Inside, he meets many mysterious patients, each with their own tragic past. As he explores the institution, the difference between sanity and insanity blurs, forcing him to confront not only the system's problems but also his own strength. This difficult journey explores themes of love, determination, and difficult choices, offering a compelling story and a reflection on how society handles mental health.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 28
The Scythian LambMovie · 2018 · 126mSet in the secluded former seaport town of Uobuka, the story follows six former criminals sent there by the government for rehabilitation. The townspeople are unaware of the convicts' pasts, except for a select few who know about the program. Tsukisue, a dedicated local official, manages the initiative and begins to uncover the men's hidden histories. The discovery of a body sets off a chain of events.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 29
BlueMovie · 2003 · 116mIn a quiet seaside town in Japan, a shy high school girl develops feelings for a classmate and they begin a relationship.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 30
My Tomorrow, Your YesterdayMovie · 2016 · 111m · Romance, DramaTakatoshi Minamiyama, an art student in Kyoto, is instantly smitten with Emi Fukuju on his way to university. He gathers his courage and approaches her, and they begin a happy relationship. However, Emi eventually reveals a secret to him.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 31
AuditionMovie · 2000 · 115m · Horror, DramaSeven years after his wife's death, widower Shigeharu asks a colleague for advice on finding a new spouse. They create an opportunity by staging an audition through their film company. While interviewing several women, Shigeharu is drawn to the reserved Asami. However, their connection takes a dark turn as Asami reveals a hidden side.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 32
Birds Without NamesMovie · 2017 · 123mA troubled young woman is obsessed with her former boyfriend, the man who once violently attacked her and then vanished without a trace.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3 - 33
Unlock Your HeartMovie · 2021 · 121m · Drama, RomanceAi has long harbored a secret affection for her classmate, Tatoe. Discovering that Tatoe is involved with another girl, Ai decides to disrupt their plans for the future.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.7 - 34
Moonless DawnMovie · 2019 · 60mKou writes songs and posts them online, and Yuka and Saki are devoted fans, always listening with great interest. It's the start of their last summer vacation together as junior high students.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.6 - 35
Drive My CarMovie · 2021 · 179m · DramaTwo years after the death of his wife, stage actor and director Yusuke Kafuku takes on a directing job for a play in Hiroshima. He's assigned a quiet young woman named Misaki to drive his car. During their journeys, buried secrets and emotional confessions begin to surface.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 36
The Travelling Cat ChroniclesMovie · 2018 · 118mSatoru is a kind young man who must give up his cat, Nana, due to unavoidable circumstances. He journeys with Nana to find a new home for her. Along the way, he reconnects with old friends and his first love, and his hidden past begins to unravel.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 37
Sisters of the GionMovie · 1936 · 69m · DramaIn Kyoto's historic Gion district, geisha Umekichi faces a difficult choice when her lover, Furusawa, arrives at her home broke and separated from his wife after a business failure. Though Umekichi is devoted to him, her sister Omocha disapproves, believing they should seek wealthy clients together. Omocha uses clever plans to get Furusawa out of their home and find more profitable opportunities. As the sisters navigate the complex world of geisha society, they grapple with loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of their bond.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 38
Romance DollMovie · 2020 · 123mSonoko and Tetsuo were meant to be, and married without hesitation. Initially, their life together seems perfect. However, each harbors a secret that threatens to unravel their marriage.IMDb 6.4TMDB 7.1 - 39
The Third MurderMovie · 2017 · 125m · Drama, Mystery, CrimeA lawyer hired to defend someone accused of robbery and murder starts to question the official story.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 40
Seven SamuraiMovie · 1954 · 207m · Action, DramaA samurai, struggling financially, accepts a village’s plea for protection. The village is threatened by bandits, so the samurai assembles six companions to train the villagers in self-defense. In return, the villagers supply the soldiers with food.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.5 - 41
A Touch of FeverMovie · 1993 · 114mThe easy friendship between Tatsuru and Shinichiro becomes more complicated as romantic feelings develop, making it difficult to separate their professional and personal lives.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.5 - 42
One Second Ahead, One Second BehindMovie · 2023 · 120mIn Kyoto, Japan, a love story unfolds between Hajime and Reika. Hajime is a handsome, direct postal worker known for his quick reflexes. Reika is a young woman who tends to be a bit slower on the uptake. Following Valentine's Day, Hajime awakens with no memory of the previous day's events.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 43
First LoveMovie · 2019 · 108m · Crime, Action, ComedyIn Tokyo, a young boxer named Leo falls for Monica, a sex worker who is in prison. Their lives become entangled when they get involved in a drug smuggling operation. Suddenly, they are being hunted by a corrupt police officer, a rival yakuza gang, their enemy, and a deadly female assassin.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 44
Until I Meet September's LoveMovie · 2019 · 105mShiori recently moved into a new apartment and one night hears a voice claiming to be from the future. The voice urges her to follow her new neighbor, Susumu Hirano. As Shiori investigates Hirano to solve the mystery of the voice, she finds herself increasingly drawn to him.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.8 - 45
Battle RoyaleMovie · 2000 · 113m · Drama, Thriller, ActionIn 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.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 46
ShopliftersMovie · 2018 · 120m · Drama, Crime, ThrillerOn the edge of Tokyo, a tight-knit but impoverished group scrapes by with petty theft and odd jobs. Their precarious lives are disrupted when Osamu and his son take in a neglected young girl. As the family bonds with her, long-hidden secrets emerge, challenging them to understand love, belonging, and the definition of family.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 47
Our Meal for TomorrowMovie · 2017 · 109mThis film chronicles the seven-year romance between Ryota Hayama and Koharu Uemura, from their first meeting to their marriage. The story follows Ryota and Koharu as high school students. Ryota is quiet and reserved, while Koharu is outgoing and expressive. Their relationship begins after a game of rice bag jump, leading to dates at fast-food restaurants, a realization of their feelings at a family restaurant, and a promise of lifelong love made over a meal of white rice.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.6 - 48
We Are Little ZombiesMovie · 2019 · 120m · Drama, MusicOrphaned and unable to express grief, four 13-year-olds find an outlet in music. They form a powerful band as they navigate the complexities of their emotions. It's a story about finding oneself.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 49
With Beauty and SorrowMovie · 1965 · 106mYears after a man captivated the young painter Otoko and later penned a popular novel based on their relationship, he returns to her life. Otoko, now his student and his partner, devises a plan to ruin him and his family.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.5 - 50
Key of LifeMovie · 2012 · 128m · Comedy, CrimeDesperate to escape a life of disappointment, a struggling actor makes a risky decision: he swaps identities with a stranger at a bathhouse, hoping for a fresh start. Instead, he unexpectedly inherits the life of a highly skilled assassin.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.6 - 51
Wood Job!Movie · 2014 · 116m · Drama, ComedyFollowing a disappointing result on his university entrance exam, Yuki Hirano chooses to become a forestry trainee. During his training, he frequently questions his choice. However, after successfully completing the course, he is assigned to Kamusari Village for a year. There, he finds himself drawn to the natural beauty and the welcoming community.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 52
Initiation LoveMovie · 2015 · 110m · Mystery, RomanceIn late 1980s Japan, the story follows Takkun, a university student in Shizuoka searching for employment, and Mayu, a dental hygienist. They meet on a blind date and start dating. However, Takkun finds a job in Tokyo and moves there, leading to a long-distance relationship that eventually ends.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.5 - 53
Forgiven ChildrenMovie · 2020 · 134mKira is playing with a homemade crossbow when he accidentally kills his classmate, Itsuki. Because there's no proof, Kira is acquitted. But the trial receives massive media attention, and the resulting public outcry deeply affects his family.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.5 - 54
Su-ki-daMovie · 2006 · 104mTwo young people meet as teenagers, then find their way back to each other as adults. Though they've both evolved significantly, their love for one another endures.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.3 - 55
Sweet BeanMovie · 2015 · 113m · DramaThe owner of a dorayaki shop hires a 76-year-old woman whose skills draw customers from far and wide. However, she carries a hidden sorrow. The film explores finding happiness in simple moments, and how a delicious treat can bring comfort to everyone.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 56
After the StormMovie · 2016 · 117m · DramaRyota, a writer who gained recognition with a literary award 15 years ago but remains largely unknown, now works as a private detective. Divorced from his ex-wife Kyoko and father to 11-year-old Shingo, he lives with his mother Yoshiko. One day, Ryota, Kyoko, and Shingo gather at Yoshiko's apartment. A typhoon forces them to spend the night together.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 57
0.5 mmMovie · 2014 · 198m · DramaSawa Yamagishi was a nursing-care helper who lost her job after refusing a request from a family to sleep with an elderly patient. Now homeless, she unexpectedly finds herself drawn into the lives of troubled seniors. Through these encounters, Sawa begins to confront her own past and find healing.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 58
A FamilyMovie · 2021 · 136m · Crime, DramaKenji was taken in by the yakuza as a child and remains fiercely loyal to his traditional boss. He commits to upholding the family's strict code of conduct, even as the world around them evolves.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3 - 59
Little Forest: Winter/SpringMovie · 2015 · 120m · DramaIchiko bakes a cake for an end-of-year gathering with her friends. During the cold winter months, making mochi and curry helps the community of Komori stay warm. As spring arrives, she reflects on her mother, who is gone, and anticipates rice planting season and cherry blossoms, prompting her to consider leaving Komori once more.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 60
Love LetterMovie · 1995 · 117m · Drama, RomanceGrieving the death of her fiancé, Itsuki Fujii, in a mountaineering accident, Hiroko attends his memorial. She learns their shared home has been demolished, but discovers an old address for Itsuki in his high school yearbook. Writing a letter to him, she's surprised to receive a reply. The unexpected sender is not Itsuki, but another girl with the same name and surname – also named Itsuki Fujii, a former classmate of her fiancé. This strange turn of events begins Hiroko's journey to uncover the mystery surrounding these two people who shared the same identity.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 61
The Last RecipeMovie · 2017 · 126mA renowned chef must locate a lost recipe, last known to be in the possession of a 70-year-old.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 62
The Liar and His LoverMovie · 2013 · 117m · Music, RomanceThis film tells the story of a relationship between Aki, a 25-year-old sound engineer, and Riko, a gifted 16-year-old high school student with a remarkable voice. Aki, a member of the popular band "Crude Play," leaves the group right before they are set to release their first major record. He continues to provide music for Crude Play under the pseudonym Soichiro. As Aki and Riko begin dating, she is unaware of his past. She enjoys listening to him hum, while also being part of a band with her childhood friends Yuichi and Sota. Eventually, Riko is discovered by producer Soichiro.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.6 - 63
DeparturesMovie · 2008 · 130m · DramaDaigo, a cellist, loses his job with the orchestra and moves back to his hometown with his wife to save money. He believes he's interviewing for a travel agency position, but instead finds himself applying to be an assistant at a funeral home.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 64
See You Tomorrow, EveryoneMovie · 2013 · 120mAfter graduating elementary school, Satoru Watarai drops out and chooses to live exclusively within his apartment complex, avoiding the outside world. He reconnects with his old friends as they return from middle school. Satoru finds work at a cake shop in the complex and eventually becomes engaged to one of his friends. While he remains confined to the apartment complex, his friends gradually begin to move away.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.9 - 65
ConfessionsMovie · 2010 · 107m · Drama, Thriller, MysteryFollowing the tragic death of her four-year-old daughter, a middle school teacher is deeply grieving. She becomes increasingly disturbed as she realizes her students are not the children she believed them to be.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 66
Wife of a SpyMovie · 2020 · 114m · Drama, War, ThrillerIn 1940, Japan is deeply divided about joining World War II. Satoko, whose husband is a fabric merchant, is devoted to him but starts to sense he's involved in something secretive. She gradually becomes involved in a veiled game, carefully hiding her true feelings.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7 - 67
Dark WaterMovie · 2002 · 101m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerDivorcing, a woman and her young daughter relocate to a strange apartment building. Their apartment features a persistent, ominous leak in the ceiling.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 68
The Water Flows to the SeaMovie · 2023 · 123mNaotatsu, a high school student, moves in with his uncle. On a rainy day, he's picked up from the train station by a mysterious woman named Sakaki, who leads him to a shared house where a new life together starts.IMDb 6.2TMDB 7.4 - 69
Godzilla Minus OneMovie · 2023 · 125m · Science Fiction, Horror, ActionPostwar Japan faces further destruction with the arrival of Godzilla. Abandoned by the military and government, the survivors band together to confront the relentless monster.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 70
Ride or DieMovie · 2021 · 142m · Drama, Romance, ThrillerRei assists the woman she's secretly loved for years in escaping her abusive husband. As they flee together, their feelings for one another intensify.IMDb 5.6TMDB 6.7 - 71
Ainu MosirMovie · 2020 · 84mKanto, a 14-year-old with roots in Japan's Ainu culture, journeys to a mysterious opening in the woods. It's a gateway to a realm where the deceased reside, and he seeks to find his lost father.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.2 - 72
The Black SwindlerMovie · 2008 · 127mThere are three types of con artists: the "White Swindler," who steals money; the "Red Swindler," who exploits people emotionally; and the "Black Swindler," who preys on the corrupting influence of wealth. A young man, once robbed of his family by a swindler, becomes the most dangerous of them all – a "Black Swindler" who targets other con artists. Now known as Kurosaki, he's hired by Reiko to track down Ishigaki, who defrauded her of money. But the case reveals a much larger scheme, one that threatens the stability of the Japanese economy.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.7 - 73
Theatre: A Love StoryMovie · 2020 · 136mA theatre company director is struggling, and his actors no longer trust his leadership. He unexpectedly encounters a woman who is wearing the exact same shoes as him, and an instant connection forms between them.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.8 - 74
Girl in the Sunny PlaceMovie · 2013 · 128mKosuke Okuda, a new salesman, reconnects with Mao Watarai, a former classmate who was often bullied in middle school but is now a beautiful woman. They fall in love and plan to marry, but Mao is hiding something.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 75
Lady SnowbloodMovie · 1973 · 97m · Action, Crime, DramaYuki's life is defined by a thirst for vengeance. Her family was nearly destroyed when she was born, as a brutal criminal group subjected her mother to horrific abuse. After surviving the kidnapping and a prison sentence, her mother spends her life planning revenge, even using her pregnancy to execute her scheme. Yuki grows up without love, surrounded by violence and the desire for retribution. The film examines loss, survival, and the complicated nature of revenge in a harsh world.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 76
MaborosiMovie · 1995 · 110m · DramaA young woman's life is shattered by a sudden tragedy, leaving her lost and alone. The film follows her as she navigates grief and isolation, confronting the sudden and lasting changes life can bring. She struggles to understand her new reality, battling loneliness and searching for meaning in a world that feels unfamiliar. This is a story about resilience and the enduring hope found even in despair.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 77
River's EdgeMovie · 2018 · 118mHaruna, a high school student, develops a friendship with the withdrawn Yamada and becomes entangled in his complicated relationship with a beautiful model and a girl who is deeply infatuated with him.IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.9 - 78
KikujiroMovie · 1999 · 121m · 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.
Kikujiro, who seems like a poor match for the gentle Masao, shows increasing kindness and vulnerability as they travel. Their friendship grows as they face life's challenges, exploring themes of companionship and personal development with sincerity.
Along the way, they encounter people who change how they see life, family, and love. Each meeting brings new challenges and funny moments that enrich the story while keeping it light. As Kikujiro and Masao continue their unusual adventure, they learn about themselves and the power of connection, leaving audiences feeling uplifted.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 79
Our Little SisterMovie · 2015 · 127m · DramaFollowing their father's passing, three adult sisters take in their teenage half-sister. They invite her to live with them.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 80
Happy HourMovie · 2015 · 317m · DramaFour women in their thirties reconsider their relationships – with partners and themselves – following a surprising discovery about one of their marriages. This revelation prompts each woman to confront a fundamental question: "Am I living the life I truly want?"IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 81
Linda 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."IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 82
My Broken MarikoMovie · 2022 · 85mShiino discovers that her close friend Mariko has died by suicide. She takes Mariko's urn from her abusive father and goes to Marigaoka Cape, a location Mariko had long desired to visit.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.9 - 83
Forget Me NotMovie · 2015 · 94mTakashi Hayama, a high school junior, instantly falls for Azusa Oribe, and they start dating. However, Azusa reveals that people often forget about her within hours of meeting. Initially skeptical, Takashi soon discovers he's forgotten Azusa. Determined to hold onto her memory, he begins leaving notes for himself and for Azusa.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 84
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 - 85
Before We VanishMovie · 2017 · 129m · Science Fiction, Drama, ThrillerNarumi and her husband, Shinji, are experiencing marital difficulties when Shinji suddenly disappears. He returns after a few days, but he's changed – now gentle and affectionate. He begins taking daily walks. At the same time, journalist Sakurai reports on a family's brutal murder, coinciding with a strange, inexplicable event.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.5 - 86
Eternally Younger Than Those IdiotsMovie · 2021 · 118m · Drama, RomanceHorigai drifts through her college days, anticipating graduation. While spending time with friends, she starts to see the hidden struggles and sadness beneath the surface of their everyday lives.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 87
Nobody KnowsMovie · 2004 · 141m · DramaIn a small Tokyo apartment, twelve-year-old Akira is left to care for his younger siblings after their mother departs with no word of return.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 88
A Bride for Rip Van WinkleMovie · 2016 · 179m · Drama, RomanceA woman arranges for hired actors and everyday people to pose as her friends and family at her wedding.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 89
Still WalkingMovie · 2008 · 114m · Drama, FamilyA family comes together for a traditional ceremony, the meaning of which is revealed slowly.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 90
The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God in a Coin LockerMovie · 2007 · 110mA college student becomes increasingly drawn into the strange life of his neighbor, uncovering the man's past and a significant connection to a woman who profoundly impacted him.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 91
Pieta in the ToiletMovie · 2015 · 120mHiroshi, who abandoned his aspirations as a painter for a part-time job cleaning office windows, receives a devastating diagnosis: he has only three months to live. In his final summer, he meets Mai, a high school student, and finds himself drawn to her.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7 - 92
Letters from Iwo JimaMovie · 2006 · 141m · Action, Drama, WarThis is the story of the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, as experienced by the Japanese soldiers who fought there against the United States.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 93
Tokyo StoryMovie · 1953 · 137m · DramaShukishi and Tomi, an elderly couple from a small coastal town, make a difficult trip to see their children in busy Tokyo. Their children, Koichi, a doctor, and Shige, a hairdresser, find it hard to make time for their parents. So, Noriko, a widow grieving the loss of Shukishi’s son in the war, takes on the task of accompanying them. She hopes to connect with her new family. This story looks at aging, grief, and family ties, following the emotional experiences of everyone as they navigate relationships across generations.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.2 - 94
April StoryMovie · 1998 · 67m · Romance, DramaA young woman travels from the natural landscapes of Hokkaido to the vibrant city of Tokyo for university. Adjusting to her new environment, she begins to question her reasons for leaving home. This coming-of-age story explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and adapting to a new culture as she experiences the challenges and successes of student life in Tokyo. The film contrasts beautiful scenery with the energy of the city, offering an immersive look at one person's journey to find themselves in an unfamiliar place.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 95
Tokyo SonataMovie · 2008 · 120m · DramaAs his family falls apart following his father's job loss, a young boy discovers a passion for the piano.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 96
MOTHERMovie · 2020 · 127m · DramaShuhei struggles with a difficult life. His mother, Akiko, is an alcoholic who associates with dangerous people and forces Shuhei to seek money from his disapproving grandparents instead of attending school. Aside from caring for his young half-sister, Shuhei's life appears relentlessly bleak.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 97
It All Began When I Met YouMovie · 2013 · 106mThe film explores the romantic lives of ten individuals, weaving together six distinct love stories.IMDb 6.1TMDB 7.1 - 98
A Boy and His SamuraiMovie · 2010 · 108mIn Edo-period Japan, a samurai unexpectedly journeys to modern-day Japan and encounters a divorced woman and her son. He quickly finds himself drawn to the art of baking pastries.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5 - 99
SEE HEAR LOVEMovie · 2023 · 132mManga artist Shinji Izumoto lands a movie deal, but his life is falling apart. He's losing his sight, his series has been canceled, and he can't care for his grandmother anymore. Feeling utterly alone, Shinji decides to end his life. However, Hibiki Aida, a deaf fan who saved him from jumping, changes everything. They begin an unconventional life together.IMDb 6.6TMDB 8.1 - 100
Perfect DaysMovie · 2023 · 124m · DramaHirayama leads a quiet life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo, finding satisfaction in his predictable routine. He enjoys listening to cassette tapes, reading, and photographing trees. Chance meetings lead him to contemplate the beauty around him.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8
