13 Best Japanese Movies Of All Time, Ranked

Over the years, Japan has nurtured a number of exceptional filmmakers, ranging from Akira Kurosawa to Hayao Miyazaki. Despite some common themes in their work, each director contributes a distinct flavor to cinema. This list encompasses stories spanning the era of shogun and samurai, as well as thought-provoking explorations on life’s purpose. There’s something captivating for every movie enthusiast here.

It’s worth noting that Japan has an impressive history of producing movies that leave a lasting impression, making it challenging to compile a comprehensive list. However, our aim was to select the finest gems and arrange them from very good to must-watch. The sequence is determined by critical acclaim, cultural influence, and the individual preferences of our writer. We believe these 13 films stand among the greatest ever produced, regardless of their origin.

13. The Sword of Doom

Kihachi Okamoto’s “The Sword of Doom” is a breathtakingly beautiful film that skillfully incorporates natural elements such as snow and mist. By highlighting the beauty in the weather, it creates a powerful, organic contrast against a movie centered around human folly. The story follows Ryunosuke Tsukue (played by Tatsuya Nakadai), a morally ambiguous samurai who rises through the ranks of the Shinsengumi, a band of rogue samurai maintaining order for the Tokugawa shogunate using questionable methods. His self-doubt arises when he encounters a warrior whose abilities outshine his own, and complications ensue as he learns that the younger brother of a man he killed some years ago is seeking revenge against him.

This classic jidaigeki film is packed with numerous murders and assassinations, a cinematic masterpiece of Japan that’s absolutely worth watching. The screenplay by Shinobu Hashimoto, meticulously written, ensures that the dialogue carries just as much weight as each punch or cut, and there are many impressive performances from its talented ensemble cast, featuring the late Toshiro Mifune, who was recognized as one of the 50 greatest actors ever by Empire magazine.

Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Yūzō Kayama, Toshiro Mifune
Director: Kihachi Okamoto
Year: 1966
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 122 minutes
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango

12. The Burmese Harp

The Burmese Harp,” directed by Kon Ichikawa, is one of the initial films to depict the influence World War II had on ordinary Japanese soldiers, specifically those participating in the Burma Campaign. The narrative revolves around Private Mizushima (played by Shoji Yasui), who used his harp and singing to boost morale among his fellow soldiers. Following an encounter with British troops who inform him that the war has ended, Mizushima embarks on a spiritual journey, attempting to persuade his battlefield companions to yield instead of fighting until death. Throughout this journey, Captain Inouye (portrayed by Rentarō Mikuni) is in search for Mizushima, maintaining hope that he’s still alive.

Mizushima’s introspective journey and the graphic portrayal of war’s harsh realities make “The Burmese Harp” stand out among all World War II films. The movie’s cinematography, whether showcasing vast wartime misery or tight, confined images symbolizing POW life, is both unique and deeply human. This powerful film leaves an impact, much like a beautiful melody played on a harp that lingers in your memory.

Cast: Rentarō Mikuni, Shôji Yasui, Jun Hamamura
Director: Kon Ichikawa
Year: 1956
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 117 minutes
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Darkroom, Amazon Prime Video

11. Tokyo Story

In simple terms, “Tokyo Story” by Yasujirō Ozu is a heartfelt movie centered around an elderly couple, Shūkichi (Chishū Ryū) and Tomi (Chieko Higashiyama), who journey to Tokyo to meet their children and grandchildren. Their visit is marked by family tension as they feel neglected by their adult children. The film also offers poignant reflections on life’s transience, such as when Tomi ponders mortality while watching her grandchild play. This profound emotion is effectively conveyed through the movie’s unique and prolonged single-take shots.

Ozu’s cinematic approach draws viewers into the heart of this family’s world, allowing us to share their ups and downs as if we were part of the family ourselves. The film “Tokyo Story” captivates from beginning to end, offering a poignant portrayal of everyday life made extraordinary by Setsuko Hara’s remarkable performance. This subtle yet powerful film was ranked third in a 2012 poll conducted by the British Film Institute, surpassed only by “Citizen Kane” and “Vertigo.

Cast: Chishū Ryū, Chieko Higashiyama, Setsuko Hara
Director: Yasujirō Ozu
Year: 1953
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 137 minutes
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Kanopy, Plex, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango

10. Kwaidan

In contrast to many anthology films that often contain subpar segments, Masaki Kobayashi’s “Kwaidan” stands out as a rare exception, featuring four captivating stories without any weak links. This Japanese horror anthology from the 1960s remains compelling, boasting no duds in its narrative. The film is filled with haunting atmospheres and enchanting visuals that are consistently present throughout these tales. However, it’s the stunning imagery found in “Kwaidan” that truly makes it a must-watch — it’s not an overstatement to say this movie offers some of the most visually tantalizing moments ever captured on film.

Through impressive set design and abundant use of vibrant hues, Kobayashi and his team consistently construct captivating landscapes that evoke a magical fairy tale atmosphere. It’s hard not to become enchanted by shots contrasting the pristine white snow with the fiery orange skies or images of a seemingly ordinary scene like a person standing in a field. The movie’s duration seems to fly by due to all the stunning cinematography found in “Kwaidan,” undoubtedly the peak of anthology filmmaking.

Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Rentarō Mikuni, Misako Watanabe
Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Year: 1964
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 183 minutes
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Max, TCM, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango

9. Millennium Actress

The late, brilliant Satoshi Kon left an indelible mark on anime cinema with iconic films such as “Perfect Blue” and “Paprika”. Among these, “Millennium Actress” stands out as not only one of the finest anime productions ever made, but also as one of the top Japanese films overall. This film, inspired by the lives of Hideko Takamine and Setsuko Hara, follows two documentarians interviewing retired actress Chiyoko Fujiwara about her career in the entertainment industry and the reasons behind her departure.

In typical Satoshi Kon style, the line between reality and imagination becomes blurred as Chiyoko recounts her life story in this film. The imaginative animation elevates “Millennium Actress” to artistic greatness, with the added bonus of its narrative intersecting with genuine emotions drawn from Japanese history. This movie skillfully combines the fantastical and the real-world, a feat that many other directors might find challenging. Kon pulls it off gracefully, all while highlighting the unique pleasures only animation can offer.

Cast: Mami Koyama, Fumiko Orikasa, Shōzō Iizuka
Director: Satoshi Kon
Year: 2001
Rating: PG
Runtime: 87 minutes
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Shout! Factory, Fandango, Apple TV+

8. Ran

Akira Kurosawa, who passed away, is known for being the most impactful Japanese filmmaker ever. It’s no wonder then that several of his films are included here, and among them is “Ran,” a 1985 interpretation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” This masterpiece stands out with its striking use of colors. The visual spectacle features red and yellow tones prevalent in flags, bloodstained walls, costumes, and more. Each item is saturated with intense hues, creating a breathtaking palette that complements the director’s masterful handling behind the camera. In “Ran,” Kurosawa skillfully orchestrates grand battle scenes as well as poignant portrayals of vulnerability, demonstrating his exceptional talent in both areas.

Ran” stands out as a supreme example of cinematic mastery, exploring themes such as family deceit and the destructive influence of power hunger. One unique aspect that distinguishes this adaptation of “King Lear” from others is Akira Kurosawa’s innovative use of striking visuals to portray character transformations, like the noticeable change in appearance of the elderly warlord Hidetora Ichimonji (Tatsuya Nakadai) as madness overtakes him. The narrative focuses on Ichimonji and his three sons following the chaos caused by his abdication. Kurosawa’s visual storytelling is evident throughout his filmography, but it shines particularly brightly in “Ran.

Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Year: 1985
Rating: R
Runtime: 162 minutes
Where to Watch: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy

7. Shoplifters

Hirokazu Koreeda’s Palme d’Or winning film “Shoplifters” offers an uncommon perspective of Tokyo, focusing on a family formed by circumstance who resort to shoplifting to survive. The narrative is filled with heart-wrenching moments, and one particularly impactful scene involves the matriarch, Nobuyo Shibata (played by Sakura Ando), consoling the adopted daughter Yuri (Miyu Sasaki) after she speaks of being abused by her birth family. In this moment, Nobuyo embraces Yuri and assures her: “If they claim they hit you because they love you, that’s a lie. If they truly loved you, if they genuinely cared for you, this is not the way they would behave.

In this poignant scenario, Nobuyo seems remarkably like a mentor, nurturing Yuri who is presently in her care, as well as comforting her own suppressed child within. Koreeda’s film, which explores marginalized individuals, presents a rich tapestry of moral ambiguity, making viewers question concepts of right and wrong, family bonds, and what truly defines a family. The movie was met with critical acclaim both domestically and internationally, with The Japan Times praising it as “a profound examination of the human experience.

Cast: Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, Kirin Kiki
Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
Year: 2018
Rating: R
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to Watch: Tubi, Peacock, Roku, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV+

6. House

One of the most entertaining horror comedies you might not have come across yet is ‘House.’ Created by screenwriter Chiho Katsura and director Nobuhiko Obayashi, this film follows Gorgeous (Kimiko Ikegami) and her friends as they visit a secluded countryside home belonging to her aunt. However, their peaceful stay turns into a series of bizarre supernatural incidents which seem determined to pick off the main characters one by one. With an abundance of exaggerated chaos, the film’s chaotic events are brought to life through intricate sets and a torrent of bewildering visuals – ranging from disembodied heads to colossal cartoon cat shadows, among many other things.

Combining an unmatched visual spectacle with chaos that will leave you dazed creates a unique experience in this production, adding to the entertainment factor. It’s delightful how Katsura and Obayashi allow their creativity to flourish in “House”, offering whatever amusement strikes them at any given moment. This results in scenes such as the initial introduction of Gorgeous and her friends that resemble a typical 80s sitcom setup, or a piano being played by dismembered fingers. The unpredictability of where the movie will head next is one of its most appealing aspects. To truly appreciate “House” and all its surprises, it must be experienced.

Cast: Kimiko Ikegami, Miki Jinbo, Ai Matubara
Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Year: 1977
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 88 minutes
Where to Watch: Max, Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV+

5. Woman in the Dunes

Hiroshi Teshigahara’s groundbreaking psychological thriller, titled “Woman in the Dunes,” received a Special Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for two Academy Awards, one being Best Director. The film chronicles the story of Niki Junpei (played by Eiji Okada), a troubled entomologist who finds himself stuck in a sand dune hut during his insect-seeking adventures. He is forced to collaborate with an unnamed woman of the dunes (Kyōko Kishida) to gather sand from a pit for the financial benefit of the surrounding villagers.

The film “Woman in the Dunes” stands out in numerous ways, but what truly makes it unforgettable is its skillful and unsettling use of close-up shots. As Junpei finds himself confined within limited spaces, he becomes acutely aware of every detail that comes into his field of vision. The camera, in turn, focuses intently on various items such as insects stuck between fingers, grains of sand clinging to bare skin, and an assortment of other objects filling Junpei’s small dwelling. With such compelling cinematography, it is no surprise that “Woman in the Dunes” continues to impress film critics even after many years.

Cast: Eiji Okada, Kyōko Kishida, Kōji Mitsui
Director: Hiroshi Teshigahara
Year: 1964
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 146 minutes
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel

4. Princess Mononoke

Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is renowned for numerous captivating films, but his most comprehensive masterpiece might be “Princess Mononoke.” This film catapulted him into international recognition and is set in Japan’s Muromachi era. The story revolves around a prince who must depart from his people to find a cure for a curse afflicting his arm. This curse imbues him with supernatural abilities, but if left untreated, it will lead to his demise. The prince, named Ashitaka, becomes entangled in a struggle between the industrial town of Irontown and San, a girl who was brought up by wolves and aims to halt Irontown’s destructive logging activities.

This film presents an enchanting, almost fairy-tale-like narrative, but don’t be fooled – it’s far more brutal than Miyazaki’s other works. It’s filled with gunshot wounds, severed body parts, and even decapitations. Yet, these scenes aren’t merely for shock value; they don’t detract from the magical atmosphere that Miyazaki creates in this film. Instead, “Princess Mononoke” is a tale of love, not only between a young man and woman, but between the director and the natural world itself. Miyazaki’s deep respect for nature is evident throughout his films, though it reaches its most profound expression here, as the environmental message resonates powerfully.

Cast: Yōji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yūko Tanaka
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Year: 1997
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 134 minutes
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV+

3. Harakiri

Despite being a historical Jidaigeki film from the 1600s, Masaki Kobayashi’s “Harakiri” remains pertinent in any epoch. Essentially, it explores themes of defying authority and standing against oppression. The narrative revolves around a rōnin named Tsugumo Hanshirō (played by Tatsuya Nakadai), who seeks permission to perform Harakiri within the Li Clan’s palace. Initially, his intentions appear to be simple; however, as the story unfolds, we discover that his request hides a deeper purpose.

In a complex, non-chronological narrative, “Harakiri” challenges viewers to ponder the notion that morality is often a luxury enjoyed by the privileged. While wealthy families like the Li Clan can uphold traditional values, characters such as Hanshirō are left grappling with the harsh realities and sometimes devastating complexities of daily life. This film serves as a stark reminder of how wealth can distort truth, portraying the rich as unfairly vilifying the poor and revealing how power can corrupt the so-called truth. The powerful emotional storyline, coupled with exceptional cinematography, remains relevant even today, and it showcases some of the most authentic sword combat ever filmed on screen. It’s no surprise that many consider “Harakiri” to be the greatest samurai movie ever produced.

Cast: Tatsuya Nakadai, Rentarō Mikuni, Akira Ishihama
Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Year: 1962
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 135 minutes
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

2. Drive My Car

In simple terms, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s award-winning movie “Drive My Car” is the most recent addition to our list, yet it tackles timeless themes. The film follows Hidetoshi Nishijima as Yūsuke Kafuku, an actor who develops an unexpected bond with a young woman named Misaki (Tōko Miura), whom he hires to drive him after his glaucoma diagnosis. As they travel together, Yūsuke shares his unresolved feelings about his deceitful wife, while Misaki discloses that she opted not to save her abusive mother’s life following a landslide in their hometown.

Hamaguchi’s subtle approach to filmmaking suits the narrative of sorrow and reconciliation beautifully. In an interview with Filmmaker magazine, he shared that he gave his actors significant freedom to generate more authentic interactions, with many scenes occurring spontaneously due to “chance.” If this is accurate, then it seems serendipity played a role in creating “Drive My Car,” as it maintains a captivating grip from the opening scene. The movie serves as a poignant reminder that everyone processes trauma differently, but exceptional art can help us understand that we are not alone in our struggles.

Cast: Hidetoshi Nishijima, Tōko Miura, Reika Kirishima
Director: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Year: 2021
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 179 minutes
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV+

1. Ikiru

In the initial scene of the film “Ikiru”, it becomes clear that Kanji Watanabe, portrayed by Takashi Shimura, is near death. His character, trapped in a rigid Tokyo bureaucracy, is terminally ill and spends his days without vitality. However, as the story unfolds, he decides to make the most of the time he has left. This poignant narrative is skillfully crafted by Akira Kurosawa, who many believe delivers his finest work in this movie. Ranking Kurosawa’s films is no easy feat, but “Ikiru” leaves a lasting impact that lingers long after the end credits have played.

This movie is filled with a deeply poignant mood that intensifies the heartfelt actions. The sorrowful tone is beautifully accentuated by Shimura’s acting performance, which serves as a testament to his exceptional talent. If you need convincing about his greatness as an actor, simply watch his powerful yet subtle portrayal in “Ikiru,” a film that translates to ‘to live.’ This masterpiece delves into the profound themes of mortality and legacies, thanks largely to Shimura’s role. In conjunction with Kurosawa, he contributed to one of the most influential films ever made, regardless of its origin.

Cast: Takashi Shimura, Shinichi Himori, Haruo Tanaka
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Year: 1952
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 143 minutes
Where to Watch: Criterion Channel, Max, TCM, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV+

2025-05-23 21:34