Ultimate Best Spy Movies Of All Time | A Top 10
Ultimate Best Spy Movies Of All Time | A Top 10 Recently, I wrote about ‘The Lives of Others’ in the best war movies , and naturally,
Are you a fan of Japanese cinema, looking to explore the best Japanese movies?
Well, you are in the right place. Japan has a rich cinematic history and is famous for producing great Japanese movies. From timeless classics like Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai to modern masterpieces like Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name, Japanese cinema has something for everyone!
I’ve compiled a list of some great Japanese movies with top-tier scores across various genres, including anime and Tokusatsu.
So, let’s explore good Japanese movies and discuss the best movies made in Japan. First, I will briefly discuss the history of Japanese cinema and its genres, and then I will present a list of Japanese films.
Even though Japan was once considered insular and didn’t admit outsiders, the nation of the rising sun has progressed swiftly since opening its doors to foreigners. Since the admission of different cultures into Japan, technical advancement has been relatively rapid.
Not enough people know that Japan boasts one of the world’s oldest and largest movie industries. In 1897, the country began creating movies, with early movies including ghost stories, a documentary, and a famous kabuki performance.
Japanese movies frequently receive critical acclaim at international awards. Japan is also well-known for anime, the most popular genre it exports. These two aspects have made movies set in Japan a global phenomenon.
You may not know, but you may have watched Japanese manga that people mistake for a Hollywood production. Japanese movies are not just about manga; Japan also produces films on par with Hollywood ones. There are many great Japanese movies that Hollywood even acquires and converts into Hollywood versions.
In 2023, Japan produced 676 movies, almost at par with Hollywood movies, but both produce way less than Bollywood movies. Anyway, history started in the 1950s, when great Japanese movies such as Rashomon (1950), Seven Samurai (1954), and Tokyo Story (1953) received international acclaim. Even the Rashomon won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Movie in 1952.
Since this period, Japanese movies have piqued the curiosity of both critics and spectators worldwide. For example, the Anti-nuclear Godzilla drama became a big global franchise, with 30 films based on the premise of this massive monster.
However, Japan’s leading studios were in disarray in the 1970s. Despite that, Japanese indie movies continued to achieve surprising success in those days. The 1980s were an entirely different story, as Japanese cinema was dominated by manga.
In those years, Japan produced animes such as Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind in 1984 and Akira in 1988, garring international attention to Japanese movies. It revived the industry and increased exports. As of 2023, there are over 3653 cinema screens in Japan, with a box office revenue of more than 221 billion Japanese yen.
The first Japanese movie, Geisha No Teodori, was a feature-length documentary released in 1899. However, one of the first good Japanese movies was the original version of Chushingura 47 Ronin, based on the legend of the masterless samurai, released in 1941.
For a while, the Japanese cinema industry was under the military’s control, as it was in other countries. Many recommended Japanese movies and military commercials were shown in movie theatres.
They also began making movies about Emperor loyalty and personal sacrifice for the welfare of the people. As a result, during World War II, movies became ideological propaganda vehicles.
The entrance of movie theatres in Japan brought new changes to the best movies Japanese in the 1990s, including the now-popular Multiplex theatre. This was when manga in Japanese began to earn huge amounts at the box office.
In 1992, Hayao Miyazaki’s Porco Rosso surpassed E.T., becoming one of the best Japan movies. Interestingly, domestic Japanese movies have recently acquired a more significant percentage of box office revenues in Japan. At the same time, the global appeal of best Japanese movies, particularly anime, has always been high.
The Japanese good movies are all about innovative storytelling, unique characters, and eye-popping imagery. There is drama, comedy, action, horror, romance, sci-fi, and more. Also, good Japanese films frequently showcase traditional Japanese culture and values, giving foreigners a window into Japan’s fascinating past and present.
Japanese cinema is easily recognizable by its attention to detail. Everything in a best Japan film, from the costumes to the sets, is designed to give the audience the best possible experience. This attention is evident in many of the best Japanese movies, including the anime classic Spirited Away. The film depicts a magical world filled with stunning landscapes and complex characters.
Another thing that sets Japanese films apart is the depth of their characters. Japanese filmmakers have a reputation for crafting complex characters who have their own goals, weaknesses, and motivations. Many great Japanese films, such as “Drive My Car,” have complex characters with unique plots. For example, Drive My Car follows a stage actor through his grief at the death of his wife, demonstrating his dedication to character development.
Traditional Japanese values, such as a deep appreciation for nature, unwavering devotion, and a strong sense of honour, are also part of Japanese cinema. Many movies that take place in Japan incorporate this storytelling to help foreigners better understand the country.
Many best Japanese movies, such as the crime thriller Tokyo MER, which follows an elite medical team dealing with the victims of accidents and catastrophic disasters, reflect this recurring theme.
Anime is one of the most famous genres of Japanese cinema. It is also the most popular entertainment for practically everyone in Japan. Anime stories are also based on manga in Japanese. So, what exactly is anime?
Anime is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation that began in Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, anime mainly refers to Japanese animation. However, the definition of anime varies greatly depending on the place of origin.
Anime is a term developed from the abbreviation of the English word “Animation” in Japan and the Japanese language. Now, anime has become a moniker for Japanese animation with a particular Japanese style and tales exclusive to Japan, such as historical and adolescent romance in Japanese schools.
The length of an anime episode varies as well; some are just 11-12 episodes long, with an average duration of roughly 24 minutes. For example, Black Bullet. Some with fewer episodes but seasons are constantly linked, such as Attack on Titan. Others have long episodes with no continuous seasons, like Naruto or One Piece.
Anime is normally released once a week on Japanese TV channels, even when the continuation of a manga in Japanese is not accessible due to other more significant events on the TV station.
If you visit Japan, you will almost certainly come across a giant painting, poster, wall, or building covered with anime characters. Some locales in Japan also use these anime characters as background story references. For example, Yamanashi & Shizuoka prefecture for the Yuru Camp Background story.
Tokusatsu (特撮) is more than only Ultraman and Kamen Rider, some of the best manga in Japanese. This term is an abbreviation for Tokushu Satsuei, which translates as “special photography” and refers to the employment of special effects in good Japanese movies.
Tokushu Gijutsu or Tokusatsu Kantoku, which means “special methods,” is the person in charge of special effects (the term used to refer to “special effects”). The first Tokusatsu series was produced in the early 1950s in the shape of the huge monster character Godzilla, which has become the most famous kaiju Tokusatsu globally.
Godzilla was conceived in 1954 at the Tsuburaya firm by artist and Special Effects expert Eiji Tsuburaya and Director Ishiro Honda. It was inspired by the American-made movie King Kong, which was quite popular then.
The movie Godzilla employs innovative methods, one of which is when an actor wears a technologically advanced monster outfit and plays the role of the enormous monster. The face and tail may be manipulated using a remote control to make it appear like a genuine monster.
Tokusatsu is quite popular among children in Japan. Still, it is progressively being phased out, even though its complex tale is difficult for youngsters to grasp. Tokusatsu versions differ; some are developed as a series lasting around 30-60 minutes, while movies last 90-120 minutes.
Furthermore, Tokusatsu is becoming overburdened by competition from anime and manga works, which are more popular and have gone global. But this doesn’t mean that Tokusatsu has ceased to exist.
They have changed the storylines of Tokusatsu programs to make them new and less rigid to rekindle the interest of faded Tokusatsu fans. In reality, several Tokusatsu have begun transforming their works into anime series to restore Tokusatsu’s status.
After reading about the genres and movies set in Japan, let’s discuss the best Japanese movies!
Based on Haruki Murakami’s short story “Men Without Women,” Drive My Car is one of the best movies in Japanese directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. The film follows stage actor Yusuke Kafuku as he mourns his wife’s death and attempts to go on with his life.
While on the road to Hiroshima with his teenage driver, Misaki, to practice for the play “Uncle Vanya,” Yusuke is forced to face his demons and achieve closure. He meets and develops feelings for Misaki, who guides him toward emotional maturity and reawakens his passion for performing.
The film’s examination of loss is rich and provides a fresh take on the human experience. It stresses the need for human contact, sympathy, and acceptance during tragedy. The film also examines identity, memory, and the transformative potential of art.
All in all, Drive My Car is one of the best Japanese movies of recent times. Anybody interested in the human condition when mourning a loss should watch this film. It is the kind of film whose themes of loss, sadness, and the human condition will stick with you long after the final frame has played.
You can watch this movie on Amazon Prime Video.
Shoplifters is one of the best Japanese movies directed by legendary Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda. Hirokazu is the same director who’s famous for After the Storm, Like Father, Like Son, among many other great Japanese movies.
The movie follows Osamu Shibata and Shota Shibata, who commit a robbery in a supermarket to meet their family’s needs. On their way home after stealing, Osamu and Shota encounter Yuri. He is a youngster who has been abandoned since his parents left him. This prompts Osamu to take the infant, and they ultimately resolve to look for Yuri.
Everything is not easy, however. They must overcome all obstacles and assist one another in this one-stop family. Shoplifters shows how important a family is, especially the role of parents who must be able to provide love no matter what.
The plot is very interesting because it is presented with a little twist near the movie’s end. This is one of the best movies set in Japan that you shouldn’t miss. No surprise for guessing that this is one of the recommended Japanese movies, which has been recognized at the Palm d’Or, Golden Globes, and BAFTA.
You can watch this Japanese drama on Netflix.
Spirited Away is one of the classics of Japanese cinema, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This animated movie is a production of Studio Ghibli, one of the biggest household names in world cinema. Although the introduction narrative to the story’s centre is rich, it does not seem hurried.
The story follows a young girl Chihiro who, while moving to a new neighborhood, becomes trapped in a mysterious and magical world of spirits. The witch Yubaba transforms her parents into pigs, and Chihiro must find a way to bring them to the human world.
To survive, Chihiro takes on a job at Yubaba’s bathhouse, where she meets various strange and enchanting characters, including Haku. Haku is a boy who can transform into a dragon. As Chihiro works in the bathhouse, she undergoes personal growth, learning courage, resilience, and compassion. She forges strong friendships and discovers hidden strengths within herself.
It is one of the great Japanese movies, famous for its rich, imaginative world, stunning animation, and profound themes. The movie explores identity, transformation, and the clash between tradition and modernity. In 2003, it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. I Lost My Body is another anime movie on identity, which I covered in the best French movies.
You can stream the movie on Netflix.
The exciting Japanese science fiction series Alice in Borderland debuted on Netflix in 2020 and is one of the best manga works in Japan. The anime is based on the same name. It has an intriguing story, breathtaking visuals, and a skilled cast.
Alice in Borderland is a post-apocalyptic combination of the survival and fantasy genres. The protagonist, Arisu, is a young man portrayed as unemployed who spends most of his free time in video games. Bored, Arisu wants to leave Earth for a new world where he can find greater happiness. Arisu’s wish comes true at a secret Tokyo fireworks celebration.
Everyone in the city mysteriously disappears, leaving Arisu and her two friends behind. The post-apocalyptic parallel universe isn’t fun because Arisu and her two friends must engage in dangerous competitions to stay alive.
The actors in Alice in Borderland do a fantastic job of giving their roles subtlety and complexity. Each person has goals and failings, making them all the more accurate and believable.
Alice in Borderland is a must-see if you enjoy science fiction and suspense. This spectacular series will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a riveting look into the human psyche, making it one of the recommended Japanese movies.
You can watch this Japanese series on Netflix.
Like Father, Like Son is one of the best Japanese movies directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The story follows a successful architect father, Ryota Nonomiya, who discovers that his six-year-old son, Keita, was accidentally switched at birth with another baby. The shocking revelation forces Ryota and his wife, Midori, to meet the other Saikis family, raising their biological son, Ryusei.
As the two families tackle an emotionally charged situation, Ryota grapples with nature versus nurture. He begins questioning his values and the bond he shares with Keita, whom he has raised with strict discipline and high expectations.
In contrast, the Saikis, who lead a simpler life, have a warm and affectionate relationship with their children. This contrast highlights the different parenting styles and the true meaning of family and fatherhood.
The film challenges the audience to reflect on what defines a parent. It is one of the best movies set in Japan, and you should definitely watch it. The film won the Jury Prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.You can stream the movie on Amazon Prime.
After the previous five lists with highly intriguing storylines, we can now rest by watching Afro’s Yuru Camp anime. Yuru Camp has a slice of coming of age genre that is very attractive due to Mount Fuji’s grandeur. You will particularly enjoy the movie if you have a passion for camping.
The plot of this anime includes some camping advice. Aside from having a light plot, this anime will inspire you to participate in outdoor activities and camping.
In Yuru Camp, there are other intriguing teachings and recommendations, such as what you should and shouldn’t do if you want to go camping. This anime also features two seasons of the main series, two seasons of spin-offs, one movie, and two seasons of live-action.
It also depicts nature’s beauty, great meals, and pleasant times with friends. It’s like sitting around a campfire amid breathtaking scenery. It’s evident from their conversation when they remark, “Eat wonderful rice, take in a breathtaking landscape, and relax in hot springs. Let’s give it our all again tomorrow.” If you want a relaxed watch, this is one of the best Japanese movies you’ll love!
You can watch this Japanese movie on Netflix.
Because of its groundbreaking combination of comedy, cuisine, and Japanese culture, Tampopo is considered one of the great Japanese movies. The film, written and directed by Juzo Itami is about a widow named Tampopo obsessed with making the best bowl of ramen possible.
Tampopo embarks on a culinary journey with the help of a truck driver and a cast of characters searching for the perfect ramen noodle soup. The one of the top recommended Japanese movies provides a funny look at the cultural significance of food in Japan.
Audience discover the level of devotion required to make the ideal dish in Japanese culture. The film touches on several topics, such as women’s empowerment, the value of tradition, and the quest for perfection. From a fresh angle, it delivers an exciting look at Japanese culture.
In addition to his attention to detail, Juzo Itami, the film’s director, also has a humorous take on Japanese culture. It’s a credit to his expertise that he can incorporate unrelated topics like comedy, drama, and food into a single story.
His work shines most in Tampopo, which is considered one of the best Japanese movies. Like Water for Chocolate is also somewhat similar movie about food love, which I covered in best Mexican movies.
You can stream this movie on Amazon.
The cinematic masterpiece Grave of the Fireflies portrays the tragic tale of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings living through World War II in Japan. This one of the best Japan movies is directed by Isao Takahata. It provides a fresh look at the human toll of war and its effects on civilians by showing atrocities through the eyes of children.
As the film’s title suggests, “Grave of the Fireflies” alludes to the spectres of the dead and the havoc wrought by war. It is one of the great movies that take place in Japan during the closing months of World War Two.
It follows Seita and Setsuko as they try to survive without their mother after she is killed in an air strike. During the war, Seita does his best to protect and care for his younger sister as they fight for food, shelter, and safety.
The devastating effects of bombing attacks, famine, and disease on civilian populations are portrayed in the film, making for a realistic representation of war. As Seita and Setsuko cling to each other in the face of unfathomable hardship, the story examines the themes of family, sacrifice, and love.
This one of the best movies Japanese goes beyond the norm by depicting one of the darkest times. It exemplifies the medium’s ability to move and change audiences over time.
You can watch this anime on Apple TV.
My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday one of the best Japanese romance movies. The movie is based on the same name novel by Takafumi Nanatsuki. The film beautifully weaves themes of fate, memory, and the ephemeral nature of life.
The story follows Takatoshi Minamiyama, an art student in Kyoto, who falls in love at first sight with Emi Fukuju. She is a mysterious girl he meets on his daily train ride to university. Their romance blossoms quickly, but Emi has a secret that complicates their relationship.
As Takatoshi becomes more involved with Emi, he learns that she experiences time differently: while he lives his life forward in a conventional manner, Emi’s time moves backward.
This means that every moment they share together is the first for Takatoshi but the last for Emi. The unique premise explores how their love transcends the linear perception of time, adding a layer of bittersweetness to their relationship.
You can rent this movie here.
In 2000, Kinji Fukasaku directed “Battle Royale,” which became one of the best Japanese movies due to its unconventional plot. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows a group of high school students who are forced to compete in a deadly game of survival from which only one will emerge victorious.
The pupils are dropped off on an uninhabited island and given everything they need to kill each other. The film’s premise is unsettling, but it has a more profound significance that examines violence, political control, and the effects of social forces.
Battle Royale has become a cult classic despite being prohibited in several countries. It has also spawned numerous adaptations, such as a manga series and a video game. Its influence on culture is immeasurable.
The film itself is a living testament to the medium’s ability to continue to shock and unsettle viewers. The film’s portrayal of violence and its consequences for society makes it an enduring work of art.
It will make you uncomfortable, force you to think critically and cause you to question your reality. Whoever is curious about the shadowy side of human nature and the repercussions of society’s forces should watch this one of the best Japan movies.
You can watch this Japanese movie on Amazon.
Princess Mononoke is a timeless classic and one of the great Japanese movies that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As a one of the Japanese good movies, it is a masterful exploration of the relationship between nature and humanity. It provides a commentary on the environmental issues affecting our world today.
The movie tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince embroiled in a conflict between humans and the spirits of the forest. Ashitaka is a complex character who struggles with conflicting loyalties to his people and the natural world. Even the film’s secondary characters, such as Princess Mononoke, a ferocious warrior, and the mysterious Forest Spirit, are interesting and well-rounded.
Miyazaki is well-known for his skill in developing complex and nuanced characters, and this Japan best movies of all time is no exception. In addition to its gorgeous cinematography and intriguing characters, the film also reflects on environmental issues.
It is a powerful reminder of the vital significance of ecological respect and protection. It examines the catastrophic impacts of human greed and industrialization on the natural world. The film’s message is a potent call to action for audiences worldwide. Another similar movie that you can look is The Embrace of the Serpent. I recently talked about this in best Colombian movies.
You can watch this Japanese movie on Netflix.
Nobody Knows is one of the best Japanese movies about four siblings who are left to fend for themselves after their mother goes. This film offers an emotionally resonant look at the human condition, highlighting the perseverance of children in the face of hardship.
The movie digs deeper into the human psyche, using the backdrop of post-tsunami Tokyo to illustrate how people from all walks of life can band together to make it through hardship.
Kore-eda brilliantly shows the cultural and socioeconomic disparities between the twins and also depicts the tension and conflict between them with great skill. Actual events from Tokyo in 1988 inspired the film’s plot. The kids between the ages of five and twelve were left to fend for themselves in a small apartment with no adults.
The youngsters in the movie band together to care for one another and to keep going despite challenges. They form a makeshift family and rely on one another for strength in the face of starvation, illness, and solitude.
This film delves deeply into children’s challenges and how they are especially susceptible to harm while highlighting the significance of family, community, and resilience.
Shin Ultraman is one of the best Japanese movies of recent years. It is based on the beloved Ultraman, which has entertained people worldwide for decades. Shinji Higuchi’s directing and Hideaki Anno’s writing skills are a wonderful combination in this movie.
This one of the best movies in Japanese language is a reboot of the original Ultraman series, which first aired in Japan in the 1960s. The film chronicles the exploits of a huge alien superhero who saves Earth from extraterrestrial threats.
The plot centres on Ultraman’s efforts to protect humanity from these monstrous threats, while also dealing with the complexities of human and alien interactions. As Ultraman battles various kaiju, he must also align with human values and emotions. The human characters, particularly the members of the SSSP (Special Science Search Party), play crucial roles in supporting Ultraman and strategizing to defend the planet.
The movie explores themes of sacrifice, heroism, and the intersection of humanity and extraterrestrial life. The film blends action-packed sequences, making it one of the best Japanese movies in recent years.
You can watch this movie on Disney+.
Makoto Shinkai‘s “The Garden of Words” is a gorgeous anime film about love, sorrow, and nature’s splendor. It is one of the best Japanese movies that perfectly reflects the natural world’s splendor. The characters and the environments are meticulously constructed to provide perfect viewing experience.
Takao, a high school student with shoemaking aspirations, and Yukari, a mystery woman he meets in a park, are the protagonists of this film. As they spend more and more time together in the garden, they create a profound friendship that defies conventional boundaries.
The film explores interpersonal connections, capturing the ups and downs of falling in love. It deals with loss and sadness, illustrating how people can find comfort and healing in nature.
Hence, I think “The Garden of Words” is a recommended Japanese movies for any anime fan. breathtaking sights, intriguing characters, and moving message.
You can stream this movie on Netflix.
As the Gods Will is a 2014 Japanese supernatural horror movie directed by Takashi Miike. Takashi is famous for producing films such as One Missed Call, Crows Zero, and Crows Zero 2, among others. The film follows the same name, manga in Japanese by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Akeji Fujimura.
High school junior Shun Takahata spends much time playing violent video games. One day, Shun and his pals are at school when they observe something unusual.
A Daruma doll appears in the classroom, challenging all students to a game. The rules are straightforward: everyone has to get closer to the Daruma, as the beauty sang. When Daruma turns around, everyone must freeze or be eliminated.
Nevertheless, when Daruma began killing off the participants, the fundamental game became darker. Depressing the button beneath Daruma’s torso will result in victory. Of the dozens of competitors, only Shun made it through the game’s lethal obstacles. Once he leaves the classroom, he discovers that students in other classes face the same problem.
You can stream this movie on Amazon.
In conclusion, best Japanese movies offer a unique blend of genres, complex characters, and traditional values that make them stand out. Whether you’re a drama, action, or romance fan, a list of recommended Japanese movies will capture your imagination.
If you know any movies set in Japan, and you think that, they should make into our list of best Japanese movies, leave a comment!
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