Japanese cinema has existed for a very long time. It is one of the oldest film industries in the world. Starting in 1899, the first Japanese film was released by director Kenji Mizoguchi, who was the first recognized master of Japanese cinema. Japanese films are known for their wonderful and meaningful storylines, always combining traditional Japanese folklore with modern culture. Japanese films are diverse in genres, including movies adapted from Anime, Manga and horror horror works. The Netflix platform is also very fond of the Japanese cinema industry, which contains the country's precious cinematic gems. Below is a list of the best Japanese netflix movies so far. Prepare popcorn or some snacks and have a comfortable space!
1 Ride or Die
A lesbian movie with hot scenes. Image source: Netflix
Trailer
This film is a professional LGBTQ+ film depicting the lives of two young women. Rei Nagasawa, 20 years old, realized she was a lesbian. She learned that her best friend Nanae Shinoda was married but was brutally abused by her husband. To save her friend from her abusive husband and express her love for Nanae, she ended Nanae's husband's life. Nanae was able to escape that brutal abuse, but she still felt remorse for what Rei did. But on the other hand, Rei feels she did the right thing and still defies to get Nanae. After a while, the two also gradually developed feelings for each other and started a passionate love relationship. But things are not as they thought.
Starring: Kiko Muzuhara, Hona Ikoka.
2 Mother
A movie about harsh motherhood. Image source: Netflix
The Mother is a tragic story depicting the harshness of life of a single mother named Akiko, who is always struggling to have a stable life. She has a son named Shuhei, she doesn't work but stays at home to take care of her son.
The film is based on a true story about an abusive mother who has little regard for her son.
Akiko has sex with men and spends only the time of her life lying at home playing Pachinko. She used her son as a tool to earn money, forcing her to ask for money from her relatives to make ends meet. In order to have money, she even instigated her son to eat and kill people just because of her crazy desires. Shuhei often heard her mother talk about sensitive matters, even witnessing her do it with a man,
This film is not for those who are overly sensitive to images of intense physical and emotional violence. When you finish watching the movie, there will be some emotions that leave you with a bit of a deposit that makes you cry.
Starring: Masami Nagasama, Daiken Okudaira
3 The Forest of Love
The film marks yet another madness of genius director Sion Sono. Image source: Moveek
Trailer
The story is inspired by the series of murders and crimes that rocked the whole of Kyushu, Japan in the 1990s to the early 2000s. It is an engaging crime thriller starring by Kippei Shiina as Joe Murata. The film is based on the true story of Futoshi Matsunaga, a bloodthirsty criminal with crimes of mass murder.
This movie is definitely not for the faint of heart. Only suitable for those who love crime and horror genres.
Starring: Kippei Shiina, Kyoko Hinami.
4 Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning
The film tells the story of a tearful love affair. Image source: Elle man
Trailer Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning
Based on the manga of Nobuhiro Watshiki, the Kenshin Wanderer series consists of 5 parts. This installment of the series is a prequel to the other films that give viewers the story behind how Himura Kenshin got his cross-shaped scar. If assassin or action is a genre that you are looking for then this is definitely a movie that should be on your list of favorite movies.
Starring: Takeru Satoh, Kasumi Arimura
5 The shape of voice
The cartoon contains meaningful messages of a true friendship. Image source: Wikipedia
Trailer The shape of voice
Anime will always be one of the genres that should be mentioned in Japanese cinema. Besides the beautiful images, there are always profound morals and meanings,
The anime is based on a manga of the same name by Yoshitoki Oima. The film is about a bully who is outcast by society. While contemplating suicide, he recalls things from his past. The film follows him as he befriends one of his victims, a deaf girl. The movie ends happily with a lot of meaningful lessons. This movie is sure to touch your heart.
Starring: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami.
6 Battle Royale
One of the best Japanese sci-fi movies. Photo source: Laodong
trailer
Based on the 1999 novel by Koushan Takami, the film is a great treat for all lovers of the action, horror genre.
The film revolves around a group of young high school students who have to fight to the death by the Japanese government. Initially, this film was banned in many countries because of many controversial reasons. Even after 20 decades since its first release, the film still holds its position as the best and most influential Japanese film the country's cinema has ever made.
Starring: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda.
7 Wanting to Cry, I Pretend to Be a Cat
Super Japanese animation on netflix. Image source: Kenh14
Trailer.
The movie is a beautiful story about magic and sweet love for cats. Miyo, when she was attracting her lover, Hinode, was rejected by him many times. She has a magical mask that allows her to turn into a beautiful white cat when she wears it. While in the form of a cat, she is always by Hinode's side and the two grow closer.
This sweet and adorable movie is suitable for all ages and is sure to bring lots of laughs to viewers.
Starring: Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae.
8 Rurouni Kenshin: The Final
The sequel and epilogue to The Wanderer Kenshin. Image source: Movie Set
The Kenshin romance series is an outstanding work of art. This installment of the series is a live Action inspired by the end of the manga of the same name. The film includes the dramatic revenge-driven scenes of Himura Kenshin and Yukishiro Enishi. This is the first Japanese live action film to be invited to screen at the international film festival in Shanghai.
Starring: Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei
9 Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)
The Oscar-winning animation changed the entire Japanese anime scene. Image source: Netflix
Trailer
This movie will always be one of the most beloved Japanese animated movies of all time. It rose to prominence thanks to the creative prowess of master Hayao Miyazaki and is the only Japanese animated film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The film is the story of Chihiro Ogino, a girl who enters the spirit world of Kami. Her parents were turned into pigs and she must cross paths with many mythical creatures as she must find a way to bring them back to normal. The film is a wonderful blend of Japanese folklore and modern culture. If you haven't seen this movie, you've missed out on a masterpiece.
Starring: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki.
10 Blade of the Immortal
One of the best Japanese Samurai legend movies. Image source: Kenh 14
Trailer
Based on the manga series by Hiroaki Samurai, the film belongs to the action Samurai genre. The story follows an immortal sarmurai named Manji and journeys with a little girl named Rin Asano, who seek revenge against those who killed her parents.
Those who love battle scenes or a true hero, this is a perfect choice.
Starring: Takuya Kimura.
