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In today's article, Mytour will walk you through the Top 20 Greatest Japanese Films of All Time.
1. Battle Royale (2000) – The Ultimate Survival Game
Battle Royale, a film that once stirred up controversy both domestically and internationally due to its graphic violence. Set in a near future, the government randomly selects a group of 9th-grade students each year to participate in a deadly survival game on a deserted island. Over the course of 3 days, the students must kill each other, with the last one standing declared the winner.
2. The Taste of Tea – Essence of Tranquility (2004)
When it comes to classic Japanese films, one cannot overlook “The Taste of Tea” – a film both eccentric and exquisite. The movie revolves around the Haruno family's life in a traditional house in the suburbs of Tokyo, where nature still reigns supreme. The Harunos represent the typical Japanese family with two children attending school, a homemaker mother, and a grandfather – an eccentric individual who works as a model for animated films. Across 3 generations, 5 family members with different personalities and thoughts complement each other to form a colorful and complete picture. The seemingly gentle and simple scenes candidly express deep thoughts and emotions about life and family relationships.
3. Be With You – By Your Side (2004)
Based on the famous novel of the same name by Takuji Ichkawa, also known as “I'll Come to You When the Weather's Fine” in Vietnamese. Before her death, Yuuji's mother read her a comic book she wrote herself. The story is about a mother who promised to return whenever it rains. This leads Yuuji to believe that his mother will come back when the rainy season arrives. Surprisingly, when she does come back…
6. Departures – Embarking (2008)
Embarking revolves around the story of the young and passionate Cellist, Daigo Kobayashi. Faced with unemployment, he and his small family are forced to return to their hometown, living in the old house of his deceased mother and taking up the profession of preparing the deceased for their final journey. Despite delving deeply into the theme of death through the protagonist's profession, Embarking does not evoke fear in the audience. With the subtle integration of Buddhist philosophies on the cycle of life and death, the film unfolds like a gentle, profound melody that softly touches the heart.
7. Grave of the Fireflies – Glow of Embers (1988)
Although an animated film, whenever discussing the finest Japanese films, one cannot overlook Glow of Embers. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film has moved millions of viewers with the sacred bond between the orphaned siblings Seita and Setsuko and their struggle for survival amidst the harsh realities of life and the brief flicker of Setsuko's life. Glow of Embers condemns not only war and the apathy of many but also portrays the pride, dignity, and spirit of resistance of the Japanese people through the imagery of these two children.
8. Ringu – Circle of Vengeance (1988)
Ringu – the iconic masterpiece, serves as the inspiration for numerous Japanese horror films that followed. The story revolves around a cursed videotape that claims the life of anyone who watches it. Upon accidentally obtaining the tape, Reilo Asakawa decides to embark on a journey with her ex-husband to unravel the meaning behind the curse. As they traverse through different regions in search of the tape's history, horrifying events unfold. Secrets are revealed, time ticks away, and death awaits them.
9. Linda Linda Linda (2005)
Linda Linda Linda is a film that delves into the school life theme, bringing a refreshing perspective on friendship and the youthful spirit. The story unfolds three days before the school's music festival, yet a group of three female students has yet to find a lead vocalist. In a desperate move, they decide to choose Son, a Korean exchange student. Despite language barriers and comical situations during rehearsals, their journey brings about humorous and touching moments, strengthening their cross-national friendship.
10. Tokyo Sonata – Symphony of Tokyo (2008)
If you're struggling with modern urban life, Tokyo Sonata is the remedy you need. The film focuses on an affluent family living in Tokyo. Their seemingly normal life is suddenly threatened when Ryuhei Sasaki, the breadwinner of the family, loses his job, and his youngest son secretly pursues a career in music. Out of pride, Ryuhei decides to conceal this, pretending to go to work diligently every morning. The film directly confronts the harsh realities of a typical Japanese family in the 21st century, besieged by economic pressures and rigid moral standards.
11. 13 Assassins – 13 Hitmen (2010)
Japan is renowned for its samurai culture. It would be remiss not to include films that explore this theme in the list of the best Japanese films. Set in the Edo period, '13 Hitmen' depicts the battle of the samurai against a malevolent tyrant spreading atrocities far and wide. In order to eliminate the evil and restore peace to the people, they must be willing to sacrifice their own lives. With intense swordplay and gritty realism, this film is sure to satisfy even the most discerning audience.
12. Beyond Outrage – Over the Limit (2012)
Beyond Outrage is a film that delves into the Japanese underworld, definitely worth watching. Continuing the story from Outrage (2010), the film portrays the conflict between generations within a Yakuza family. As the Yakuza grows stronger, it becomes uncontrollable and descends into chaos. During this sensitive period, the family also faces covert destruction by a corrupt and ruthless police officer. Like many other crime dramas, the world in Beyond Outrage is harsh, dark, and violent.
13. Tomorrow I Will Date With Yesterday’s You (2016)
A captivating and unique film depicting the encounter between Takatoshi and Emi. They exist in parallel worlds, but with opposite time flows. In Takatishi's timeline, as he ages, Emi becomes younger, and vice versa. As the wheels of fate turn, Takatishi and Emi coincidentally meet at the age of 20. Will this fateful encounter change anything about their past and future?
14. Gokushufudou – The Homemaker Yakuza (2020)
The film revolves around the colorful yet amusing life of the legendary Yakura. Once feared as the Immortal Dragon, he now retreats into obscurity, gets married, and becomes a homemaker. How will a notorious yakuza boss fare as a homemaker doing household chores? A series of humorous and intriguing situations await you.
15. Tokyo Story – Tale of Tokyo (1953)
Tokyo Story tells the tale of an elderly couple traveling to Tokyo to visit their children. However, their children, preoccupied with their own lives and material pursuits, become indifferent towards their parents. Petty conflicts arise, causing cracks in the family relationship. The forced smiles and bowed heads conceal resentment and heartache in a story that leaves viewers teary-eyed, realizing the simple yet profoundly humane values.
16. Like Father Like Son – Chip off the Old Block (2013)
The scenario of a hospital swapping babies is not unfamiliar, but when depicted in film, few are as successful as Like Father Like Son. Ryota, a successful architect working in Tokyo, lives with his wife Midori and their 6-year-old son Keita. Despite being busy at the construction company, just seeing his gentle wife waiting at the door and his obedient son with his dark eyes motivates him to start work the next day. During a blood test, Ryota discovers that Keita is not his biological son, but is being raised by another family. Due to a small hospital mistake, six years later, both families find themselves in an extremely difficult situation, turning their lives completely upside down.
17. Cold Fish – Cold-Blooded Murderer (2010)
Cold Fish, a psychologically unsettling film, delivers a profound life lesson: 'What we see, which seems beautiful, often hides a horrific and terrifying secret.' The story begins when Syamoto's teenage daughter is arrested for theft, and a middle-aged man helps him resolve the situation. The man and his wife even offer Syamoto's daughter a job at their tropical fish store. Here, Syamoto discovers a horrifying truth about this seemingly perfect couple...
18. Class 3A, All of You Are Hostages from Now On – Class 3A, You're Captives Now (2019)
School-themed topics are always hot. Instead of exploring the innocent and pure romantic aspects of school life, Class 3A, You're Captives Now chooses to depict the darker side of the school world, full of indifference, violence, and ostracism that pushes people to their limits. The story begins 10 days before graduation day, when 29 students of class 3A suddenly become hostages of their usually timid homeroom teacher. Who is this teacher, and what is their ultimate purpose? Why does a female student, who is also a swimming star, seek death for her own liberation? All will be revealed in each episode.
19. Say Hello for Me – Deliver My Greetings to Him/Her (2007)
The film revolves around the friendship of the trio Karin, Satoshi, and Yuuji. After years of being friends, Satoshi and Yuuji develop feelings for Karin but choose not to confess their feelings for fear of losing their friendship. When Satoshi moves away, several incidents occur, and all three lose contact. 13 years later, when Satoshi, now the owner of a pet store, unexpectedly encounters Karin requesting to work at his shop. Following the information they have, they find Yuuji injured in the hospital. They both decide to visit, and Karin decides to stay to take care of Yuuji. Shortly after, Satoshi discovers a shocking secret...
20. Hachiko Monogatari – The Tale of Loyal Hachiko (1987)
Hachiko Monogatari, a film that brought tears to many Japanese viewers and audiences worldwide. Based on a true story that occurred in 1925 at Shibuya Station. Hichiko, a lost dog, was luckily rescued and adopted by Professor Ueno. Every morning, Hachiko would see off Professor Ueno to the station and greet him back at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. A tragedy struck on September 12, 1925, when Professor Ueno suffered a stroke at work and couldn't return home. Meanwhile, Hachiko continued to wait at the station. This continued, making the world aware of Hachiko's existence and loyalty.
Above are the Top 20 Best Japanese Films of All Time shared with you. Hopefully, with this film list, you will have enjoyable entertainment moments. If you have other interesting films to share, feel free to leave a comment so we can enjoy them together.
