{"id":107580,"date":"2024-01-03T03:09:37","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T08:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/japanese-movies-netflix\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T03:29:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T07:29:13","slug":"japanese-movies-netflix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/japanese\/japanese-movies-netflix\/","title":{"rendered":"38 Best Japanese Movies on Netflix to Watch in December 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I was growing up, Japanese horror movies were all the rage, with massive hits like “The Grudge”<\/a> and “The Ring.”<\/a> A lot of Japanese films have even become cult classics outside the country, including the wonderfully gory “Battle Royale.”<\/a><\/p>\n

Watching Japanese movies<\/a> immersed me in the language and culture and offered me an interesting perspective on how cinema differs between countries.\u00a0So, here\u2019s a list of some of the best Japanese movies on Netflix that should help you learn the language while keeping you entertained.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

1. “In Love and Deep Water”<\/a> (2023)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title:<\/strong> \u30af\u30ec\u30a4\u30b8\u30fc\u30af\u30eb\u30fc
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a04.9\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Yusuke Taki
\nGenre:<\/strong> Romantic, Thriller<\/p>\n

This film follows Suguru Ubukata, a devoted butler on a luxury cruise ship, and Chizuru Banjaku, a mysterious woman who boards the ship with a hidden agenda. The two team up to investigate a murder that takes place on the ship, which leads to some hiliarious mishaps and shenanigans. As the pair get closer to the truth, they also start to develop feelings for each other.<\/p>\n

2. “Once Upon a Crime”<\/a> (2023)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u8d64\u305a\u304d\u3093\u3001\u65c5\u306e\u9014\u4e2d\u3067\u6b7b\u4f53\u3068\u51fa\u4f1a\u3046\u3002
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a05.4\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Yuichi Fukuda
\nGenre:<\/strong> Mystery, Thriller<\/p>\n

This ridiculous\u2014and ridiculously fun!\u2014twisted fairy tale follows Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and a number of other beloved storybook characters. On the way to the royal ball, our two heroines have an accident that may have fatal reprecussions. Once at the ball, they realize trouble is afoot! Now Little Red has until the clock strikes midnight to sovle the mystery and prevent more trajedy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3. \u201cCall Me Chihiro\u201d<\/a> (2023)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title:<\/strong> \u3061\u3072\u308d\u3055\u3093
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.9\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Rikiya Imaizumi
\nGenre:<\/strong> Drama, Animation<\/p>\n

Chihiro takes up a job at a bento shop in a seaside town after falling in love with the food there. This job gives her the opportunity to strike up heartfelt conversations with all types of customers, which helps her feel less lonely in her everyday life. Unafraid to be herself and open up about her past, Chihiro connects deeply with many of the people she meets and changes their lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

4. “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead”<\/a> (2023)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30be\u30f3100 \uff5e\u30be\u30f3\u30d3\u306b\u306a\u308b\u307e\u3067\u306b\u3057\u305f\u3044100\u306e\u3053\u3068\uff5e
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a06.0\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Yusuke Ishida
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, Comedy<\/p>\n

Based on Haro Aso’s manga by the same name, an ordinary young man suddenly finds himself amidst a zombie apocalypse. Unprepared and disillusioned with his mundane life, he decides to seize the opportunity and live life to the fullest by completing a bucket list of crazy and adventurous goals, all while trying to survive the zombie onslaught.<\/p>\n

5. “Hard Days”<\/a> (2023)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u6700\u5f8c\u307e\u3067\u884c\u304f
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a07.1\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Michihito Fujii
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, Thriller<\/p>\n

The film follows Detective Yuji Kudo, a man already struggling with a mountain of problems. One night, while driving to see his sick mother, Kudo accidentally hits and kills a man. In his desperation he decides to try and cover up the accident, but there’s just one problem: There’s a witness.\u00a0<\/p>\n

6. “The Village”<\/a> (2023)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title:<\/strong> \u30f4\u30a3\u30ec\u30c3\u30b8
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 5.8\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Michihito Fujii
\nGenre:<\/strong> Thriller, Drama<\/p>\n

This film takes us to a once-scenic secluded village, which has now become dominated by a vast trash disposal site. A young man living in the village yearns to break free from his life there and escape to the outside world. When a mysterious stranger comes to the village, she brings with her a sense of hope and the potential for change\u2014and a chance for the man to find a new meaning to his life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

7. \u201cLove Like the Falling Petals\u201d<\/a> (2022)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u685c\u306e\u3088\u3046\u306a\u50d5\u306e\u604b\u4eba
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.5\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Yoshihiro Fukagawa
\nGenre:<\/strong> Drama; Romance<\/p>\n

Haruto, an aspiring photographer, falls head over heels in love at first sight for Misaki, a vibrant hairstylist. Their initial awkwardness blossoms into a beautiful love story as they get to know each other. But their idyllic romance is tragically interrupted when Misaki reveals she has a rare disease causing her to age rapidly, throwing their future together into uncertainty. The film explores themes of fleeting beauty, cherishing the present moment and the resilience of love in the face of adversity.<\/p>\n

8. \u201cRe\/Member\u201d<\/a> (2022)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30ab\u30e9\u30c0\u63a2\u3057
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 5.1\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Eiichiro Hasumi
\nGenre:<\/strong> Horror, Drama<\/p>\n

Six high school students find themselves trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. Each night, they’re hunted down and brutally murdered by a vengeful ghost known as “The Red Person.” To escape the loop and break the curse, they must find and reassemble the scattered body parts of a dismembered corpse hidden within the school grounds. As they search for the body parts,\u00a0they uncover dark secrets about themselves and their classmates,\u00a0and must confront their own fears and weaknesses.<\/p>\n

9. “Hell Dogs”<\/a> (2022)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30d8\u30eb\u30c9\u30c3\u30b0\u30b9
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.7\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Masato Harada
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, Crime<\/p>\n

A traumatized ex-cop haunted by a past mistake is tasked with going undercover in the Yakuza. To gain their trust, he must befriend their most unpredictable member, a trigger-happy gangster known for his violent outbursts. As he navigates the treacherous world of organized crime, the undercover operation pushes him to his limits, forcing him to confront his own demons and face the consequences of his actions.<\/p>\n

10. “Drifting Home”<\/a> (2022)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u96e8\u3092\u544a\u3052\u308b\u6f02\u6d41\u56e3\u5730
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.3\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Koji Yamamoto
\nGenre:<\/strong> Fantasy, Adventure, Animation<\/p>\n

A group of childhood friends are mysteriously transported to an abandoned apartment building adrift at sea. As they explore the strange and seemingly endless structure, they encounter supernatural phenomena and hidden dangers. They must work together to unravel the mysteries of the drifting apartment and find a way back home, facing their deepest fears and rekindling the bonds of friendship.<\/p>\n

11. \u201cHell Dogs\u2014In the House of Bamboo\u201d<\/a> (2022)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30d8\u30eb\u30c9\u30c3\u30b0\u30b9
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.7\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Masato Harada
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, crime, drama<\/p>\n

Shogo Kanetaka is a traumatized ex-police officer consumed by revenge for his loved one’s murder. He spends years cultivating his skills as a fighter, and finally gets recruited for a risky assignment: to infiltrate the notorious Yakuza clan, “The House of Bamboo.” His mission?\u00a0To get close to Hideki Murooka,\u00a0a ruthless and unpredictable member known for his violent outbursts and insatiable hunger.<\/p>\n

Shogo must navigate the treacherous world of the Yakuza, blurring the lines between loyalty and betrayal as he seeks his ultimate goal: vengeance.<\/p>\n

12. “The Violence Action”<\/a> (2022)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30d0\u30a4\u30aa\u30ec\u30f3\u30b9\u30a2\u30af\u30b7\u30e7\u30f3
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 4.7\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> T\u00f4ichir\u00f4 Rut\u00f4
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, Thriller<\/p>\n

A seemingly innocent college student named leads a double life as a skilled assassin for hire. By day, she blends in with her classmates but by night, she takes on dangerous assignments for a mysterious organization. When she receives a contract to eliminate a powerful gangster, she finds herself in over her head.<\/p>\n

Her target is not only heavily guarded, but he also possesses a dark secret that could have devastating consequences if exposed. With her life on the line, Kei must decide how far she’s willing to go to complete her mission.<\/p>\n

13. “Bubble”<\/a> (2022)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30d0\u30d6\u30eb
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.3\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Tetsur\u014d Araki
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, adventure<\/p>\n

This story takes place in Tokyo after a mysterious rain of bubbles has defied gravity and rendered the city isolated from the rest of the world. The city’s youth have formed parkour teams and turned the cityscape into their playground, engaging in gravity-defying battles. When a mysterious girl with special powers appears, she leads them to face not only the dangers of the gravity-defying world but also the secrets of their own pasts.<\/p>\n

14. \u201cRide or Die\u201d<\/a>\u00a0(2021)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u5f7c\u5973
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 5.6\/10
\nDirector: <\/strong>Ry\u016bichi Hiroki
\nGenre:<\/strong> Drama, romance, thriller<\/p>\n

Rei, a stoic and determined woman, impulsively kills Nanae’s abusive husband. This sets off a chain of events that entangles them in a dangerous spiral of love, guilt and violence. Nanae,\u00a0initially horrified by the act,\u00a0slowly finds herself drawn to Rei’s unwavering devotion and fierce protection.\u00a0As they embark on a fugitive journey,\u00a0their emotions intertwine,\u00a0blurring the lines between desperation and obsession.<\/p>\n

15. \u201cAsakusa Kid\u201d<\/a> (2021)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u6d45\u8349\u30ad\u30c3\u30c9
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 7.1\/10
\nDirector:\u00a0<\/strong>Gekidan Hitori
\nGenre:<\/strong> Biography, drama<\/p>\n

Before he became a comedy legend in Japan, Takeshi Kitano got his start as an apprentice to Fukami of Asakusa, another big name in Japan\u2019s comedy world. Asakusa Kid tells the story of Takeshi\u2019s youth and the strong bond he shared with his master before the two had to part ways.<\/p>\n

16. \u201cRurouni Kenshin: Origins\u201d<\/a> (2021)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u308b\u308d\u3046\u306b\u5263\u5fc3
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 7.2\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Keishi Ohtomo
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, adventure, drama, history, war<\/p>\n

Kenshin Himura was a legendary assassin during the Shogunate era, but vows to never take another life after the Meiji government is instated. Ten years later, Kenshin seeks to help Kaoru Kamiya fend off a powerful drug lord and his gangsters, only to find his determination to not kill put to the test.<\/p>\n

17. “Bright: Samurai Soul”<\/a> (2021)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>Bright: Samurai Soul\u00a0
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 5.5\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Kyohei Ishiguro
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, Adventure, Animation<\/p>\n

In a fantastical world where humans and mythical creatures coexist, a lone ronin and an elf warrior team up to protect a young girl who possesses a powerful and coveted artifact. Their action-packed journey takes them through stunning landscapes and thrilling battles, exploring themes of loyalty, honor and the power of diversity.<\/p>\n

18. \u201cThe Door into Summer\u201d<\/a> (2021)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title: <\/strong>\u590f\u3078\u306e\u6249
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.4\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Takahiro Miki
\nGenre:<\/strong> Sci-fi<\/p>\n

This movie is an adaptation of an American sci-fi novel<\/a> by Robert A. Heinlein. It revolves around Soichiro Takakura, who is played by popular Japanese actor Kento Yamazaki. After the loss of his company, Soichiro places himself in a “cold sleep,” then wakes up 30 years in the future.<\/p>\n

The storyline explores interpersonal relationships through a slice-of-life setting with some sci-fi elements thrown in.\u00a0<\/p>\n

19. “Child of Kaminari Month”<\/a> (2021)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title:<\/strong>\u795e\u5728\u6708\u306e\u3053\u3069\u3082
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a05.9\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Kyohei Ishiguro
\nGenre:<\/strong> Romance, Comedy<\/p>\n

The film is based on the Japanese folktale of the Izumo no Okuninushi<\/em> (Great Deity of Izumo), and follows a young girl named Kanna. After losing her mother, Kanna must travel across Japan to the annual gathering of the gods in the sacred land of Izumo. Along the way, she’s joined by a mischievous yokai and a wise old woman.\u00a0<\/p>\n

20. \u201cMother\u201d<\/a> (2020)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30de\u30b6\u30fc
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.8\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Tatsushi Omori
\nGenre:<\/strong> Thriller, Drama<\/p>\n

Akiko is a single mother who lives in poverty while trying to raise her son, Shuhei. She leads her son along an unconventional lifestyle on the streets of Japan and exposes him to the darker sides of life. This movie portrays a chilling tale of how an emotionally unstable mother affects her child.<\/p>\n

21. \u201cA Family\u201d<\/a> (2020)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30e4\u30af\u30b6\u3068\u5bb6\u65cf The Family
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 7\/10
\nDirector: <\/strong>Michihito Fujii
\nGenre:<\/strong> Crime, drama<\/p>\n

After his father dies, a young Kenji is taken by the Yakuza and he develops a strong bond with the crime syndicate\u2019s boss Hiroshi Shibasaki. The film follows the development of their father-son relationship, along with Kenji\u2019s rise in the Yakuza and the changes in Japan following Yakuza exclusion ordinances passed in the early 2010s.<\/p>\n

22. “Violet Evergarden: The Movie”<\/a> (2020)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u5287\u5834\u7248 \u30f4\u30a1\u30a4\u30aa\u30ec\u30c3\u30c8\u30fb\u30a8\u30f4\u30a1\u30fc\u30ac\u30fc\u30c7\u30f3
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a08.3\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Taichi Ishidate
\nGenre:<\/strong> Fantasy, Romance, Animation<\/p>\n

A young woman who’s brought up to be a war machine must find her place in the world at the end of the war.\u00a0She’s employed as a letter writer, helping people to express their emotions through beautifully crafted letters. As she delves deeper into the complexities of human relationships and grapples with her own past, she embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and healing.<\/p>\n

This beautiful movie will almost definitely make you cry happy tears. And if you enjoy it, there’s much more to love\u2014the title has an anime series where every episode packs an emotional punch.<\/p>\n

23. \u201cA Whisker Away\u201d<\/a> (2020)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u6ce3\u304d\u305f\u3044\u79c1\u306f\u732b\u3092\u304b\u3076\u308b
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.7\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Junichi Sato,\u00a0Tomotaka Shibayama
\nGenre:<\/strong> Fantasy, Romance<\/p>\n

Miyo “Muge” Sasaki is a lonely and unhappy middle schooler who harbors a crush on her classmate Kento Hinode. Struggling to express her feelings, she encounters a mysterious mask seller who grants her the ability to transform into a white cat named Tar\u014d. As Tar\u014d, sh’s able to get closer to Kento and even spend time with him at his grandfather’s pottery studio. However, as she spends more time as a cat, the line between her human and feline identities begins to blur, with potentially dangerous consequences.<\/p>\n

24. \u201cWords Bubble Up Like Soda Pop\u201d<\/a> (2020)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30b5\u30a4\u30c0\u30fc\u306e\u3088\u3046\u306b\u8a00\u8449\u304c\u6e67\u304d\u4e0a\u304c\u308b
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.8\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> tbd
\nGenre:<\/strong> tbd<\/p>\n

Kouichi \u201cCherry\u201d Sakura accidentally swaps phones with Smile, a popular social media influencer. A friendship begins to blossom between the two after they return each others\u2019 phones, and the pair decides to help vintage record shop owner Fujiyama find a record of \u201cYamazakura.\u201d The hunt for the record takes the two on a journey that brings them closer together. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of teenage life, learning to overcome their insecurities and express their feelings for each other.<\/p>\n

25. “Dragon Quest: Your Story”<\/a> (2019)\u00a0<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30c9\u30e9\u30b4\u30f3\u30af\u30a8\u30b9\u30c8 \u30e6\u30a2\u30fb\u30b9\u30c8\u30fc\u30ea\u30fc
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a06.5\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong>\u00a0Takashi Yamazaki,\u00a0Ryuichi Yagi,\u00a0Makoto Hanafusa
\nGenre:<\/strong> Adventure, Fantasy<\/p>\n

In a world inhabited by monsters and magic, a young village boy embarks on a quest to save his mother from the clutches of an evil sorcerer. This animated adventure film reimagines the “Dragon Quest” video game series, featuring stunning visuals and a heartwarming story of courage and self-discovery… with a nod to anyone who grew up playing the classic games.<\/p>\n

26. \u201c37 Seconds\u201d<\/a> (2019)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> 37\u30bb\u30ab\u30f3\u30ba
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 7.4\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Hikari
\nGenre:<\/strong> Drama<\/p>\n

Yuma is a 23-year-old woman who becomes disabled because she lost consciousness for 37 seconds when she was born. She has great aspirations to become a manga artist, but her editor believes she lacks worldly experience and implores her to lose her virginity so she can breathe life into her depictions of sex. Yuma decides to embark on a journey of sexual exploration to better understand her subject matter.<\/p>\n

27. “The Forest of Love”<\/a> (2019)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u611b\u306a\u304d\u68ee\u3067\u53eb\u3079
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.3\/10
\nDirector: <\/strong>Sion Sono
\nGenre:<\/strong> Crime, drama<\/p>\n

Joe Murata, a manipulative conman, exploits the vulnerabilities of Mitsuko and Taeko, two girls dealing with the trauma of a group suicide pact from their high school years. An aspiring film crew starts documenting Murata’s eerie exploits, which eventually spiral into violence and madness as Murata takes control of the film.<\/p>\n

28. “The Fable”<\/a> (2019)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title:<\/strong> \u30b6\u30fb\u30d5\u30a1\u30d6\u30eb
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.5\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Kan Eguchi
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, Comedy<\/p>\n

A legendary hitman known only as “The Fable” attempts to leave his violent past behind and live a normal life as a regular citizen. However, his efforts are constantly challenged by his former associates and his own inherent instincts. This action-packed comedy-drama explores the themes of redemption and the difficulty of escaping one’s past.<\/p>\n

29. “Kingdom”<\/a> (2019)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30ad\u30f3\u30b0\u30c0\u30e0
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.7\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Shinsuke Sato
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action<\/p>\n

“Kingdom” is a live-action historical action film based on the popular manga series of the same name by Yasuhisa Hara. The film depicts the rise of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and the role of two young warriors in his quest to unify the warring states.<\/p>\n

The film follows the story of Li Xin, a young orphan who dreams of becoming the greatest general under heaven. After witnessing the death of his friend, Xin swears revenge and joins the Qin army. There, he meets Ying Zheng, the young and ambitious king of Qin who shares his dream of unifying China.<\/p>\n

30. \u201cHot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy\u201d<\/a> (2019)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30db\u30c3\u30c8\u30ae\u30df\u30c3\u30af \u30ac\u30fc\u30eb\u30df\u30fc\u30c4\u30dc\u30fc\u30a4
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 4.4\/10
\nDirector: <\/strong>Y\u00fbki Yamato
\nGenre:<\/strong> Drama<\/p>\n

Hatsumi Narita lived life as an ordinary high school girl until she got involved with Ryoki Tachibana, a tenant in her apartment building. Her life takes a turn for the worse as she finds herself being blackmailed and bullied by Ryoki.<\/p>\n

31. \u201cFlavors of Youth\u201d<\/a> (2018)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u8a69\u5b63\u7e54\u3005
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.6\/10
\nDirector: <\/strong>Yoshitaka Takeuchi,\u00a0Haoling Li,\u00a0Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing
\nGenre:<\/strong> Animation; Drama; Romance<\/p>\n

This animated movie uses three stories to express the Chinese concept of “Si Shi Wei Mei” (Four Necessities of Life)\u2014clothing, food, shelter and transportation\u2014and uses three stories to highlight each aspect.<\/p>\n

The first focuses on a San Xian noodle dish that the protagonist links to his childhood and love for his grandmother. The second storyline revolves around the struggles of a model to stay relevant in the fashion world. The third storyline focuses on a romance between two high school students that may be cut short by having to relocate for school.<\/p>\n

The stories capture the fleeting beauty and poignant nostalgia of growing up,\u00a0showcasing the power of memory and the enduring spirit of human connection.<\/p>\n

32. \u201cRiver\u2019s Edge\u201d<\/a> (2018)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30ea\u30d0\u30fc\u30ba\u30fb\u30a8\u30c3\u30b8\u00a0
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.2\/10
\nDirector: <\/strong>Isao Yukisada
\nGenre:<\/strong> Crime, drama<\/p>\n

High school student Haruna Wakagusa grows close to Ichiro Yamada after telling off her ex-boyfriend, Kannonzaki, for bullying him. Ichiro decides to take Haruna to a river\u2019s edge to share a secret with her\u2014a dead body. Rather than reporting it to the police, Haruna confides in her best friend Kanna about the situation, and this incident unites the three in a peculiar friendship.<\/p>\n

33. \u201cFullmetal Alchemist\u201d<\/a> (2017)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u92fc\u306e\u932c\u91d1\u8853\u5e2b
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 5.3\/10
\nDirector: <\/strong>Fumihiko Sori
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi<\/p>\n

This is an adaptation of the beloved manga and anime series of the same name. It delves into the exciting world of alchemy and follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, on their quest to regain their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy.<\/p>\n

Edward, a brilliant young alchemist, loses his left arm and Alphonse loses his entire body in the failed transmutation. The brothers embark on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical object believed to be able to amplify alchemy beyond its normal limits and potentially undo their mistake. Along the way, they encounter alchemists, military forces and dangerous homunculi, all with their own agendas and secrets.<\/p>\n

34. “Blame!”<\/a> (2017)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30d6\u30e9\u30e0
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong>\u00a06.6\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Hiroyuki Seshita
\nGenre:<\/strong> Sci-fi, Animation<\/p>\n

In the a dystopian future, humans have been hunted down to near extinction by robots. Now, what’s left of humanity resides within a vast and self-replicating megastructure known as “the City.” The film follows the story of Killy, a mysterious man with enhanced cybernetic abilities, who’s searching for the “Net Terminal Gene,” a key to restoring human control over the City. Along the way, he encounters various characters, including a young woman who’s trying to survive in the City and a rogue AI entity that seeks to destroy the City and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n

35. \u201cHiGH&LOW\u201d<\/a> (2016)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> HiGH&LOW\u301cTHE STORY OF S.W.O.R.D.\u301c\u00a0
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.4\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Shigeaki Kubo
\nGenre:<\/strong> Action<\/p>\n

The Mugen clan dominated a town in Japan until the Amamiya Brothers refused to submit to their rule. This created a split among the members, causing the town to be broken up into five districts run by different gangs. The five gangs, known by their acronym S.W.O.R.D., clash with each other in a tussle for power.<\/p>\n

36. “Stand by Me Doraemon”<\/a> (2014)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese Title: <\/strong>\u30c9\u30e9\u3048\u3082\u3093
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 7.3\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Takashi Yamazaki,\u00a0Ryuichi Yagi
\nGenre:<\/strong> Sci-fi, Adventure<\/p>\n

A young Nobita Nobi dreams of a better future and seeks help from his robotic cat Doraemon. With the aid of Doraemon’s gadgets, they embark on a heartwarming journey through time, revisiting key moments in their lives and learning valuable lessons about friendship, courage and self-acceptance.<\/p>\n

37. \u201cWe Couldn’t Become Adults\u201d<\/a> (2021)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30dc\u30af\u305f\u3061\u306f\u307f\u3093\u306a\u5927\u4eba\u306b\u306a\u308c\u306a\u304b\u3063\u305f
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 6.5\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Yoshihiro Mori
\nGenre:<\/strong> Romance, Drama<\/p>\n

Sato, a middle-aged graphic designer, sinks into depression after realizing that his life has become completely ordinary. But when he receives a message from an old flame, it triggers a series of nostalgic flashbacks about his past relationships. These force Sato to confront the growing pains of becoming an adult and the mistakes he has made along the way.<\/p>\n

38. “Maboroshi”<\/a> (2023)<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Japanese title:<\/strong> \u30a2\u30ea\u30b9\u3068\u30c6\u30ec\u30b9\u306e\u307e\u307c\u308d\u3057\u5de5\u5834
\nIMDB Score:<\/strong> 7.2\/10
\nDirector:<\/strong> Mari Okada
\nGenre:<\/strong> Romance, Anime<\/p>\n

This anime movie follows Masmune, a third-year middle school student, as she navigates her new life in Japan after a major explosion.<\/p>\n

The explosion caused time to stop, and every exit to the town has been closed down. The town’s solution to returning to normal is forbidding the citizens from ever changing, so every day they live out the same day as before.<\/p>\n

One fateful day, Masmune and his friend meet a wild, energetic girl who can’t speak when visiting the steelworks factory where the explosion happened.<\/p>\n

Because meeting this girl was not part of their every day routine, the world suddenly becomes imbalanced and is about to be destroyed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

These Japanese Netflix movies cover a wide range of genres, plus their plots can be wildly original and unpredictable, so you\u2019re in for a ride!<\/p>\n

If you’re a Japanese learner who wants to practice with shorter clips,\u00a0there’s also FluentU<\/a>.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

\r\n