Best Japanese Films to Watch This Fall!

As the crisp fall air settles in, it is time to snuggle up and watch some of the best Japanese films. Whether horror or romantic comedy, movies can transport us to different worlds, all from the comfort of our homes.

This season, we’ve handpicked a selection of the best Japanese films that promise to do just that, offering everything from heartwarming stories to thrilling adventures. 

Shin-Godzilla

Godzilla is an iconic figure in Japanese cinema, known worldwide as the king of monsters. Shin-Godzilla, released in 2016 and directed by the dynamic duo Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, marks the 31st entry in the legendary franchise. This film breathes new life into the classic story, reimagining Godzilla’s first attack on modern-day Japan. The chaos begins with a mysterious leak in the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, releasing a strange red liquid that triggers alarming events.

As government officials scramble to identify the cause, one perceptive official suspects the unthinkable—that Godzilla has returned. His concerns are initially dismissed, but as the situation escalates, he is proven right. A special task force is quickly assembled to devise a plan to save Tokyo from total annihilation. Shin-Godzilla is a gripping, action-packed thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

Shall We Dance?

Shall We Dance is a charming romantic comedy 1996 directed by Masayuki Suo. The film stars Koji Yakusho as Shohei Sugiyama, an overworked accountant who feels unfulfilled despite his outward success. When he sees a captivating woman through the window of a dance school, he becomes very interested and decides to take ballroom dance lessons.

As Shohei starts to learn dancing, he discovers a newfound passion and meets various intriguing characters, each with their secrets. The plot thickens when Shohei’s wife grows suspicious of his late-night absences and the lingering scent of perfume. Shall We Dance offers a heartwarming tale about finding joy and purpose beyond the mundane routine of daily life. This beloved film also inspired the 2004 English-language remake of the same name!

Nobody Knows

Nobody Knows is a powerful 2004 film directed and written by Hirokazu Koreeda based on a heart-wrenching true story. The movie follows the lives of four young siblings, aged five to twelve, living in secrecy within the same apartment. All the children are half-siblings, each with a different father but the same mother, who only informs the landlord about one child. To avoid eviction, the other three remain hidden, concealed from view.

When their mother starts a new relationship, she leaves the children alone. As her visits become increasingly rare, the siblings must learn to survive independently. Nobody Knows has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards in Japan and internationally. Its portrayal of abandonment and resilience will deeply touch your heart and likely bring out the tissues.

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Go

Go, released in 2001, is a compelling coming-of-age film directed by Isao Yukisada. The story centers on Sugihara, a third-generation Japanese-North Korean teenager who graduates from a North Korean junior high school in Japan. Due to his ethnicity, Sugihara and his family face widespread prejudice in Japanese society, where associating with them is often seen as taboo. 

To cope with the bullying he endures at school, Sugihara’s father teaches him kickboxing as a means of self-defense. Despite being surrounded by prejudiced people, Sugihara falls in love with a Japanese girl, Sakurai, after switching schools. However, Sakurai, played by Ko Shibasaki, hesitates to date Sakurai, leaving him to do some soul searching. 

This film is considered one of the first to challenge preconceptions about Japanese identity within a young adult romance format. It is also the first joint Japanese and South Korean production in the history of Japanese and Korean cinema. 

Kamikaze Girls

An epitome of “Girl Power,” Kamikaze Girls is a quirky comedy-fantasy film directed by Tetsuya Nakashima, released in 2004. Despite its title, the movie is full of fun and whimsy. The story follows two girls with opposite personalities and fashion styles: Momoko (Kyoko Fukada), who dresses like she’s living in 18th-century France, and Ichiko (Anna Tsuchiya), a punk biker chick.

By chance, these two unlikely friends cross paths and end up helping each other in unconventional ways to achieve their dreams. Kamikaze Girls is a must-watch for anyone interested in Japanese subcultures. It vividly showcases the Lolita and Yankee styles popular in Japan during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Why should I check out these movies?

As fall brings cozy movie nights, these top Japanese films offer engaging stories to entertain and captivate you. From the thrilling action of Shin-Godzilla to the heart-wrenching drama of Nobody Knows, each film provides a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and cinema.

In addition to thrills and emotional themes, these movies explore different facets of identity and societal challenges. Shall We Dance blends romance with personal growth in a heartwarming story. Go provides a fresh look at identity and love amidst societal prejudices.

Meanwhile, Kamikaze Girls offers quirky, entertaining fun with its vibrant characters and distinct fashion. Each film shines in its own way, highlighting Japanese cinema’s diverse and rich landscape. Which movie do you want to see and why? Let us know in the comments below!