Top Japanese Movies

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film tells the story of Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who, while moving to a new neighborhood with her parents, enters the spirit world. After her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro takes a job in a bathhouse for the gods to find a way to free her parents and return to the human world. Along the way, she encounters strange and wonderful creatures, makes friends with the other workers at the bathhouse, and discovers the truth about her identity. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and has become one of the highest grossing films of all time in Japan.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Yukiko Shimazaki
Rated Not Rated

Seven Samurai is Akira Kurosawa's classic 1954 Japanese samurai drama film. It tells the story of a village of farmers that hire seven masterless samurai to help defend them from bandits. The samurai, led by the experienced Kambei (Takashi Shimura), set out to train the farmers and prepare them for the upcoming raid. Through their dedication, the samurai and farmers form a bond of mutual respect and camaraderie. However, when the bandits eventually arrive, the farmers are put to the test as they battle for the future of their village. The ensuing action-packed battle scenes are some of the most iconic and influential in the history of cinema. Seven Samurai is a timeless classic that still holds up today, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

From Masaki Kobayashi, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Ishihama, Shima Iwashita, Tetsurô Tanba
Rated Not Rated

Harakiri (1962) is a Japanese drama film directed by Masaki Kobayashi. It is set in feudal Japan and follows the story of a ronin (masterless samurai) named Hanshiro Tsugumo, who seeks vengeance against the corrupt and oppressive upper classes. Hanshiro arrives at the estate of a powerful lord and requests to commit ritual suicide on the property. However, the lord refuses, believing it to be a ploy for money. The lord orders Hanshiro to tell his story, and he reveals that he had once been a samurai of a different lord and was forced to commit harakiri by the current lord's father. Despite his pleas to spare his life, he was still forced to complete the task. Hanshiro then begins a quest for revenge, challenging the lord and his samurai to a duel. In the end, Hanshiro manages to defeat the samurai and the lord's son, proving that one man can stand up against injustice and prevail. The film is a powerful and affecting exploration of the plight of the lower classes in feudal Japan.

From Isao Takahata, starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Rated Not Rated

Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese anime film based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. It was written and directed by Isao Takahata and animated by Studio Ghibli. The story follows Seita and his younger sister Setsuko as they struggle to survive during the final months of the Second World War. Without their mother to care for them, Seita and Setsuko must fend for themselves and eventually resort to living in an abandoned bomb shelter. Despite their desperate situation, the two find solace in each other. Through the lens of their heartbreaking journey, the film poignantly explores the tragedies of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of family.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka, Billy Crudup
Rated PG-13

Princess Mononoke is a 1997 Japanese animated historical fantasy adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Set in the late Muromachi period of Japan, it follows the protagonist Ashitaka as he attempts to bring balance to a conflict between the gods of a forest and the humans who consume its resources. The film stars the voices of Yōji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yūko Tanaka, Kaoru Kobayashi, Masahiko Nishimura, Tsunehiko Kamijō, Akihiro Miwa, Mitsuko Mori, Hisaya Morishige, Sumi Shimamoto, and Ōki Miyazaki. The film tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince from a small village, as he embarks on a journey to find the source of a curse that has been placed on him. Along the way, he meets San, an orphan who has been raised by the Wolf God Moro, and Lady Eboshi, the leader of a nearby settlement. Both San and Lady Eboshi are fighting for dominance in the surrounding forests, and Ashitaka is determined to find a peaceful solution to their battle. The film is both a coming-of-age story and a commentary on the

From Makoto Shinkai, starring Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryô Narita, Aoi Yûki
Rated PG

Your Name is a 2016 Japanese anime romantic fantasy film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. The film tells the story of two high schoolers, Mitsuha and Taki, who end up switching bodies and living each other's lives. After the initial shock, they find themselves growing closer as they learn to live each other's lives. However, their connection is suddenly cut off and they must find a way to reunite and save their city from destruction. Along the way, they must unlock the secrets of their connection and find true love. Your Name is an emotionally charged film that is full of heartfelt moments between the two characters and is a beautiful exploration of fate, family and friendship.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Yutaka Sada, Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyôko Kagawa
Rated Not Rated

High and Low is a classic crime drama from the legendary Akira Kurosawa. The story follows Kingo Gondo (Toshiro Mifune), a wealthy industrialist, who is approached by a kidnapper demanding a ransom for his son. Gondo must decide how far he is willing to go to save his son and protect his family. Meanwhile, the police are on the case and determined to track down the kidnapper. The film is a powerful exploration of morality and corruption, as Gondo is forced to confront the difficult choices he must make in order to protect his son and his family. High and Low is a thrilling and thought-provoking film that has stood the test of time as one of Kurosawa's greatest works.

From Kenji Mizoguchi, starring Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiaki Hanayagi, Kyôko Kagawa, Eitarô Shindô
Rated Not Rated

Sansho the Bailiff is a 1954 Japanese film directed by Kenji Mizoguchi and based on a story by Mori Ōgai. It follows the story of a family—an imperial governor and his wife and two children—who are separated after the governor is exiled. The mother and children are sold as slaves, while the father dies in exile. The film follows the children as they are sold to separate households and the mother’s quest to reunite with them. It is a powerful story about the suffering of those who lack protection and is often seen as one of Mizoguchi’s greatest works. The film is noted for its long takes and its use of symbolism to reinforce its themes of freedom, justice, and compassion.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Takashi Shimura, Nobuo Kaneko, Shin'ichi Himori, Haruo Tanaka
Rated Not Rated

Ikiru (English title: To Live) is a 1952 Japanese drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It tells the story of Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura), a middle-aged man who has worked in the same monotonous bureaucratic position for thirty years. When he discovers he is terminally ill, he founds an unusual quest for meaning in his life. He tries different methods of enjoying life and finally finds a purpose in helping to build a children’s playground in a poor area of Tokyo. Watanabe’s journey is a reflection of the human condition and a meditation on mortality, as well as a celebration of life’s beauty. The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1997 and is widely regarded as one of Kurosawa’s greatest films.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Yûzô Kayama, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Reiko Dan
Rated Not Rated

Red Beard is a 1965 Japanese drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The film follows the story of an arrogant young doctor, Noboru Yasumoto, who is sent to a small rural clinic to serve under its director, the kind-hearted Dr. Niide, known as "Red Beard". As Noboru resists Dr. Niide's traditional, patient-centered approach to medicine, he gradually comes to appreciate and understand his mentor's wisdom and compassion. Through his experiences, Noboru learns to become a better doctor and a better person. The film is a powerful exploration of human suffering, empathy, and the healing power of compassion.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa
Rated PG

Howl's Moving Castle is a 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of Sophie, a young woman who is transformed into an old woman by a witch's curse. To break the spell, Sophie must seek out the wizard Howl, who lives in a magical castle that moves on its own. Along the way, Sophie meets a multitude of strange characters, including Howl's fire demon Calcifer and a talking scarecrow. Along with a host of magical adventures, Sophie and Howl must work together to save their kingdom from the evil witch. With a strong message of self-empowerment and the power of friendship, Howl's Moving Castle is both a classic and a timeless story.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura
Rated Not Rated

Rashomon is a 1950 Japanese period drama directed by Akira Kurosawa. It tells the story of a rape and murder that is told from four different perspectives. The four accounts of the crime, which all contradict each other, are presented in a court of law by a woodcutter, a priest, the bandit, and the murdered man’s wife. Ultimately, the truth of the crime is left up to the viewer to decide. Through this innovative storytelling technique, Kurosawa reveals the truth that no single point of view is absolute, and all our perspectives are shaped by our own individual experiences. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, and it launched the international success of Kurosawa’s career.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû
Rated R

Ran is a 1985 Japanese epic drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear and follows an aging warlord who abdicates his throne in favor of his three sons. However, his sons prove to be corrupt and unfilial, and the warlord soon realizes the error of his ways. As a result, the warlord is forced to confront the consequences of his decisions and find redemption in the chaos. Featuring large-scale battle scenes and stunning cinematography, Ran is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Eijirô Tôno, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yôko Tsukasa
Rated Not Rated

Yojimbo is a 1961 Japanese samurai adventure film directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshiro Mifune as a nameless rōnin, or wandering samurai. The film follows the rōnin as he arrives in a small town where competing crime lords vie for supremacy. After playing the two factions against each other, the rōnin is rewarded with wealth and a new life. Yojimbo is an influential masterpiece of the jidaigeki genre, and is one of Kurosawa's most celebrated films. It has inspired numerous films, including Sergio Leone's 1964 spaghetti western, A Fistful of Dollars.

From Haruo Sotozaki, starring Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitô, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Hiro Shimono
Rated R

Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train is a 2020 Japanese anime action-adventure film directed by Haruo Sotozaki, based on the popular manga series Demon Slayer. It follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who after the death of his family, trains to become a demon slayer in order to avenge them. In this movie, Tanjiro and his companions join a mysterious train journey to investigate a series of disappearances that may be connected to the demon they have been hunting. Along the way, they discover a powerful entity that could change the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and a gripping story, Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train is a thrilling anime adventure that immerses viewers in a world of excitement and danger.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Rated G

My Neighbor Totoro is a classic Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows the story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother, who is hospitalized in a nearby hospital. One day, while out exploring, the sisters discover a magical forest inhabited by Totoros, playful spirits who take them on magical adventures. The sisters befriend the Totoros, and even help them to save the forest from destruction. In the end, the forest is saved, and the family is reunited. My Neighbor Totoro is a charming and whimsical exploration into the power of storytelling, friendship and the importance of cherishing nature.

From Naoko Yamada, starring Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yûki, Kenshô Ono
Rated Not Rated

A Silent Voice: The Movie is a 2016 Japanese animated drama film directed by Naoko Yamada and written by Reiko Yoshida. It is based on the manga series of the same name by Yoshitoki Ōima. The story follows Shoya Ishida, a school bully, and Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl whom he once bullied. Years later, Shoya is regretful of his past and decides to take responsibility for his actions by trying to reconcile with Shoko. However, his journey to redemption is not an easy one as he has to face the consequences of his actions in order to move forward. The film dives deep into the complexities and nuances of bullying, regret, and redemption, offering an emotionally charged story of redemption that ultimately comes down to the power of forgiveness and understanding.

From Mamoru Hosoda, starring Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa, Haru Kuroki, Yukito Nishii
Rated PG

Wolf Children is an animated Japanese movie directed by Mamoru Hosoda. It tells the story of a teenage mother, Hana, who falls in love with a Wolf Man and has two children, Yuki and Ame. When the Wolf Man dies, Hana is left alone to raise their two wolf children. She moves to the countryside, where the children can be free to be themselves and explore their true nature. As they grow up, Yuki and Ame must learn how to balance their wolf and human sides and navigate the path from childhood to adulthood. Along the way, they gain insight into the strength of family and the importance of understanding and accepting one another, no matter what form they take.

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Misa Uehara, Minoru Chiaki, Kamatari Fujiwara
Rated Not Rated

The Hidden Fortress is a classic Japanese adventure-drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa in 1958. Set in feudal Japan, the story follows a pair of poor peasants, Tahei and Matashichi, who come across a mysterious and secretive princess, Rokurōta, on the run from enemy forces. In order to protect her, they must venture through a hidden fortress, facing numerous dangers along the way. Despite their bumbling and clumsy attempts, the two peasants help the princess reclaim her rightful place in the kingdom. As they battle through the fortress, they must rely on their wits and courage to survive, and ultimately succeed in their mission. Along the way, they also encounter a brave warrior, General Rokurōta, who is determined to protect the princess and help the two peasants. In the end, the princess is restored to her rightful place in the kingdom and the two peasants are rewarded for their bravery.

From Katsuhiro Ôtomo, starring Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Tesshô Genda
Rated R

Akira is a 1988 Japanese animated post-apocalyptic cyberpunk film directed by Katsuhiro Ôtomo. The film follows a biker gang member, Shotaro Kaneda, and his friend Tetsuo Shima, as they face a series of supernatural events caused by the release of a mysterious entity called "Akira". As Tokyo is rebuilt and modernized following a devastating explosion that destroyed much of the city 31 years prior, Kaneda and Tetsuo get caught up in a government conspiracy that involves the supernatural power of Akira. As the government attempts to stop Akira, Tetsuo's power begins to grow, threatening the safety of the entire city and all of humanity. In the end, Kaneda must make a difficult choice between helping his friend or stopping the possible destruction of Tokyo.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda, Gorô Naya
Rated PG

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an animated post-apocalyptic fantasy adventure film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Set 1,000 years after a global war, the Valley of the Wind is one of the few places left unharmed. Nausicaä, the princess of the Valley, strives to bring peace and harmony to the warring lands while attempting to understand the toxic jungle that is slowly taking over the world. She must face powerful enemies who believe the solution to restoring civilization lies in destroying the jungle. With the help of her allies, Nausicaä must save the Valley and the world from destruction.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui, Minori Terada
Rated PG

Castle in the Sky (1986) is a Japanese animated fantasy adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Set in a fictional world, the story follows an orphan girl named Sheeta, who is trying to find her identity while protecting a mysterious amulet, and a young boy named Pazu, who is trying to prove the existence of a legendary floating castle. Together, they attempt to unravel the secrets of the castle while being pursued by a gang of air pirates and the military. In the process, they discover a powerful force that could save or destroy the world. The film also features themes of courage, friendship, and environmentalism.

From Satoshi Kon, starring Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji, Masaaki Ôkura
Rated R

Perfect Blue is a 1997 Japanese psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon. Set in Tokyo, the film follows the story of Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol who decides to leave her band in order to pursue an acting career. As Mima struggles to adjust to the change in her life, she begins to experience paranoia and hallucinations as she is stalked by an obsessed fan. The film's narrative is presented from both Mima's and her stalker's perspectives, exploring the idea of identity, mental stability and the effects of fame on one's life.

From Yôjirô Takita, starring Masahiro Motoki, Ryôko Hirosue, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kazuko Yoshiyuki
Rated PG-13

Departures is a 2008 Japanese drama film directed by Yôjirô Takita and based on a manga series of the same name. It tells the story of Daigo Kobayashi, a struggling cellist who moves back to his hometown and takes a job as an "encoffineer," a person who prepares deceased bodies for funerals. Through his work, he learns to face death with dignity and appreciation. Through his intimate encounters with the deceased and their families, Daigo discovers the beauty and meaning in life, and ultimately finds himself and a new perspective on life and death.

From Isao Takahata, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, James Marsden
Rated PG

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya tells the classic ancient Japanese folktale about a mysterious princess born from a bamboo shoot. After finding the princess in the bamboo, an old bamboo cutter and his wife take her in as their own. As she grows up, she develops superhuman abilities and is seen as a blessing by her adoptive parents. She soon attracts the attention of five noble suitors, but the Princess Kaguya refuses them all, preferring instead to return to her magical origins. Despite her family’s best efforts to keep her safe, she is eventually forced to make a heartbreaking decision to leave them behind and return to her true home. Along the way, she experiences both joy and sorrow as she navigates life on her own.