Japanese cinema has always stood out for its storytelling, artistry, and cultural depth. With a wealth of masterpieces across genres, its films continue to captivate global audiences and receive outstanding ratings. This curated list highlights 25 top-rated Japanese films, spanning from romantic fantasies and legendary action dramas to iconic anime and the latest streaming hits.
Unforgettable Japanese Romance Films
Japanese romantic films often blend heartfelt love stories with surreal or fantastical elements. Among the best, Your Name earned a stellar 8.4 IMDb rating and is beloved for its body-swap narrative and emotional journey. Ryûnosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishiraishi bring alive characters whose destinies intertwine in ways that transcend time and space. Viewers can watch it via Apple TV or Netflix.
The Wind Rises offers a poignant mix of passion and historical tension. Scoring 7.8 on IMDb, Hideaki Anno leads this animated biographical tale about an aeronautical engineer whose dreams clash with the realities of wartime Japan. It’s available on Netflix.
Whisper of the Heart delights with its gentle, inspiring story of first love and personal growth. Rated 7.8, this film pairs Yoko Honna and Issei Takahashi in a narrative about two book lovers united by fate. Find it streaming on Netflix.
In The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, a teenager gains the ability to time travel, leading to both comedic and meaningful consequences. With a 7.6 rating, Riisa Naka delivers a charming performance in this imaginative story. It’s streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
The Cat Returns wins hearts with its whimsical plot, as schoolgirl Haru finds herself engaged to a feline prince in a magical world. The 7.1-rated film is accessible on Netflix, starring Chizuru Ikewaki and Yoshihiko Hakamada.
Legendary Japanese Action Films
Japanese action cinema boasts genre-defining works. Seven Samurai, directed by Akira Kurosawa, sets a global standard for epic storytelling. With an 8.6 IMDb rating, Toshiro Mifune leads a cast of masterless warriors defending a village—a blueprint for countless modern action films. It’s available on Prime Video.
The cyberpunk classic Akira (IMDb 8.0) explores dystopian Tokyo through mind-bending sci-fi and kinetic animation. Mitsuo Iwata and Nozomu Sasaki star, and fans can stream it on Netflix, Prime Video, or Apple TV.
Letters from Iwo Jima provides a rare depiction of World War II from Japanese soldiers’ perspectives. Ken Watanabe delivers a compelling performance in this Clint Eastwood-directed drama rated 7.8, available on Apple TV.
In Godzilla Minus One, a survivor’s guilt after a failed kamikaze flight leads to a clash with a monstrous Godzilla amid postwar Japan. The film has a 7.7 rating and features Ryunosuke Kamiki. Stream it on Netflix.
Battle Royale, a controversial dystopian thriller with a 7.5 rating, portrays high school students forced into a deadly game. Tatsuya Fujiwara stars; it’s offered on Netflix and Prime Video.
Highest-Rated Japanese Anime Films
Anime films from Japan—especially those by Studio Ghibli—enjoy enduring acclaim. Spirited Away leads with an 8.6 IMDb rating, weaving a rich fantasy of spirits and sorcerers for all ages. Rumi Hiiragi voices the protagonist, and the film streams on Netflix.
The tragic but tender Grave of the Fireflies (8.5 rating) depicts siblings struggling to survive wartime devastation. Tsutomu Tatsumi’s voice work accentuates the film’s heartbreaking realism, available on Netflix.
Princess Mononoke brings an epic conflict between nature and humanity to life. With an 8.3 score, Yoji Matsuda plays a cursed prince fighting for balance. Catch it on Netflix.
Howl’s Moving Castle enchants viewers with a magical romance and iconic animated visuals, scoring 8.2 on IMDb. Chieko Baisho leads a memorable cast; this classic streams on Netflix.
My Neighbor Totoro (8.1 rating) charms audiences with its gentle tale of two sisters and a mystical forest spirit. Noriko Hidaka stars in this family favorite, available on Netflix.
Latest Top-Rated Japanese Releases
Recent years have seen a new wave of high-rated films. Attack on Titan the Movie: The Last Attack stands out with an impressive 9.1 IMDb rating, concluding the iconic anime saga. Natsuki Hanae stars, and fans can watch the film on Disney+ or Vidio.
Solo Leveling: ReAwakening follows “hunter” Sung Jinwoo as he grows from the weakest to the most powerful in a world transformed by supernatural portals. With an 8.7 IMDb rating, this fantasy-action film is streaming on Disney+, Roku, and Prime Video.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle presents a climactic clash between Demon Slayers and their adversaries. The movie holds an 8.5 rating and features Zach Aguilar’s voice—watch for its global streaming release.
Look Back is an emotional animated drama about two aspiring manga artists forging a friendship. Rated 7.8 on IMDb, starring Yumi Kawai, this reflective story can be found on Prime Video.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba – To the Hashira Training bridges the story before the final showdown. Rated 7.2, it’s available on Netflix and Disney+, featuring Natsuki Hanae.
Best Japanese Films Streaming on Netflix
Many new Japanese hits are now easily accessible on Netflix. Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage leads with a 7.1 rating, continuing the supernatural adventures of a wandering Medicine Seller.
Bullet Train Explosion features a tense race against time on Japan’s famous bullet train, starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and earning a 6.2 rating. The film is available on Netflix.
The Rose of Versailles brings historical drama and romance to life. With a 5.8 IMDb rating, this animated adaptation follows Oscar François de Jarjayes amid the royal intrigue of Versailles.
For fans of dark action, Demon City tells a revenge tale set in a corrupt, supernatural metropolis. The film has a 5.4 rating and stars Toma Ikuta on Netflix.
Chainsaw Man – The Compilation: Season 1 packs the anime’s most intense moments into a streamlined experience, revisiting Denji’s transformation into Chainsaw Man, and includes new animated content.
For those seeking to expand their appreciation of Japanese cinema, these 25 titles offer a perfect mix of timeless classics, innovative animation, and the freshest new releases. Each film delivers a unique perspective on Japanese culture, society, or imagination—perfect for viewers ready for emotional, inspiring, or thrilling stories from one of the world’s most influential film industries.
