Best Japanese Films
Japanese films are some of my very favorite films, making this a very difficult list to create! It’s a list skewed to the post-war 1950s, as well as to samurai films, so you won’t find many contemporary films or horror movies here — though there are some classic ghost films.
The Human Condition (1959-1961) Masaki Kobayashi's monumental trilogy reflects on the moral challenges faced by a Japanese pacifist during World War II. (9 hours long, it’s broken up into three 3-hour long movies. Not just one of my favorite Japanese films, but one of my favorite films of all time.)
Seven Samurai (1954) Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this classic follows a group of samurai hired to defend a village against bandits. (Ditto what I said above. Seven Samurai is one of my favorite movies in any genre, from any country.)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988) A heartbreaking animated film by Isao Takahata, depicting the struggles of two siblings during World War II.
Princess Mononoke (1997) Hayao Miyazaki's visually stunning animated epic follows Prince Ashitaka's quest in a conflict between industrialization and nature, exploring environmentalism and the struggle for balance.
The Sword of Doom (1966) Directed by Kihachi Okamoto and starring Tatsuya Nakadai, this samurai film follows a skilled swordsman whose actions have far-reaching consequences.
Sansho the Bailiff (1954) Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, this film tells the heartbreaking story of a family torn apart by slavery, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Renowned for its exquisite cinematography and emotional depth, this classic is a masterpiece in Japanese cinema.
Kill! (1968): Directed by Kihachi Okamoto (and starring Tatsuya Nakadai), Kill! is a satirical samurai film blending action and humor. The story revolves around a trio of misfit samurai on a mission to assassinate a political traitor. Filled with witty dialogue, stylish cinematography, and unconventional characters, the film offers a hilarious take on the samurai genre.
Harakiri (1962) Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, Harakiri is a powerful exploration of samurai honor, revenge, and social injustice. Nakadai in the lead role.
Rashomon (1950) Another masterpiece by Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon explores the subjective nature of truth through multiple perspectives of a crime. Toshiro Mifune stars.
High and Low (1963) Akira Kurosawa's crime thriller explores social class divisions and moral choices. Toshiro Mifune stars.
Yojimbo (1961) Akira Kurosawa's samurai film follows a ronin who plays two rival gangs against each other. Toshiro Mifune stars.
Stray Dog (1949) Directed by Akira Kurosawa, "Stray Dog" stars Toshiro Mifune as Detective Murakami, whose stolen gun sets off a gripping search through post-war Tokyo's seedy underworld. The film delves into themes of guilt, morality, and the impact of societal conditions on individuals.
Goyokin (1969) Hideo Gosha's samurai film unfolds as a former assassin confronts a plot to steal a village's gold, delving into honor, redemption, and consequences. Starring Tatsuya Nakadai.
Ugetsu (1953) Kenji Mizoguchi's ghost story set during the Civil War explores the consequences of human desires.
The Burmese Harp (1956) This wartime drama follows a Japanese soldier's journey in post-World War II Burma, where he uses his musical talents to bring solace and humanity to a war-torn community. The film explores themes of compassion and the healing power of music in the aftermath of conflict.
The Life of Oharu (1952) Kenji Mizoguchi's masterpiece follows the tragic life of a woman in 17th-century Japan, navigating societal expectations, sacrifices, and the enduring human spirit.
Late Spring (1949) Yasujirō Ozu's film explores familial expectations and societal pressures in post-war Japan. Immaculately realized and deceptively simple, Ozu’s bittersweet portrayal of the inevitable break-up of the family unit as the lifestyles of the two generations are, by necessity, pushed further apart, counts among his finest.
When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (1960) Mikio Naruse's poignant drama follows a widow navigating post-war Tokyo's nightlife, delving into societal expectations and personal resilience. Also with Tatsuya Nakadai.
Throne of Blood (1957) Akira Kurosawa's adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, set in feudal Japan, is a visually stunning and atmospheric tale of ambition and betrayal. Also starring the incomparable Toshiro Mifune.
Drunken Angel (1948) In Akira Kurosawa's noir classic, Toshiro Mifune is a volatile gangster crossing paths with Takashi Shimura, an alcoholic doctor. The film delves into post-war societal challenges and an unexpected friendship.
Ran (1985) Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Ran stars Tatsuya Nakadai as Hidetora Ichimonji, a warlord whose decision to divide his kingdom among his sons leads to tragic outcomes. The film is a powerful adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear, celebrated for its epic scale and profound exploration of power and betrayal.
Sanjuro (1962) Akira Kurosawa's sequel to Yojimbo follows the adventures of the wandering ronin, Sanjuro, played by Toshiro Mifune. (Also starring Tatsuya Nakadai.)
Onibaba (1964) Kaneto Shindo's eerie tale set in medieval Japan follows two women resorting to murder and deceit amidst civil war, exploring survival and the human psyche.
Kwaidan (1964) Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, Kwaidan is a stunning anthology of ghost stories, showcasing Kobayashi's mastery of visual storytelling. With Tatsuya Nakadai.
Tokyo Story (1953) Directed by Yasujirō Ozu, this film poignantly examines the generational gap and family dynamics in post-war Japan.
Woman in the Dunes (1964) Hiroshi Teshigahara's film follows a man trapped in a sand pit with a woman, exploring existential themes.
Ikiru (1952) Akira Kurosawa's drama follows a terminally ill bureaucrat seeking purpose and meaning in his final days.
Spirited Away (2001) Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece follows a young girl navigating a magical world to rescue her parents.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Another gem from Hayao Miyazaki, this heartwarming animated film explores the adventures of two sisters in the countryside.
The Samurai trilogy (1954-56) Hiroshi Inagaki’s 300-minute Eastmancolor adaptation of Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel (his 1942 version has been lost) sees Mifune bestride the screen as the iconic 17th-century civil war fugitive who finally finds peace and enlightenment after taming his ruthless foe, Kojiro (Koji Tsuruta). Combining intrigue, reflection and spectacular action, this is a neglected masterpiece.
The Hidden Fortress (1958) Akira Kurosawa's epic adventure stars Toshiro Mifune and Minoru Chiaki as two peasants caught up in a quest for a princess and hidden gold, influencing the iconic "Star Wars" saga.
Tampopo (1985) A delightful, funny film that will give you a deeper understanding of food and ramen culture in Japan. You’ll have to turn away from some gross scenes with with animal-based meat (and one with a live softshell turtle), but I still think it’s worth seeing if you’re remotely interested in Japanese food culture. Funny and silly with a bit of a “western” John Wayne character.