5 Japanese Horror Movies You NEED To Watch This Halloween
Marie Moore
Japan is known for many things, such as weird but delicious ramen and even some crazy expensive Japanese food. But what you may not already know is that Japan is also critically renown for its horror films! With it being the festive season of spook AKA; Halloween, we've compiled a list of Japanese horror movies we think you MUST watch this Halloween. So forget about Halloween partying in Tokyo, get your kawaii Halloween costume on and grab a bunch of Japanese snacks from TokyoTreat's Japanese snack crate to munch on whilst watching these terrifyingly great Japanese horror movies!
Ju-on: The Gudge (2002)
Ju-on follows the story of a curse that is born after a jealous husband murders his wife and family in a house in Tokyo. Anyone who enters the house is subsequently cursed with the vengeful spirits of the family following them to mercilessly take their revenge and endless horror ensues. The film follows a non linear narrative so can be hard to follow if you're not paying attention, but stick with it! It's definitely our favourite Japanese horror of all time! Ju-on was also remade in the US (The Grudge, 2004) and despite the bad rep remakes often have it's also pretty good. There's been numerous sequels and the USA ver also stars Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar, so it's also one to watch for Buffy fans!
Ringu (1998)
The Ring (2002) is a cult horror classic but did you know it's actually a US remake of the Japanese film Ringu? If you haven't seen the US version and are unfamiliar with the plot, Ringu follows a reporter named Reiko who is investigating rumours of a cursed video tape after her niece was found dead in weird circumstances. It's said anyone who watches the tape will die after 7 days, and Reiko goes on a journey to discover the truth behind the cursed video tape. Both Japanese and US versions are well worth a watch, starting with the Japanese original of course, and much like Ju-on its popularity sparked numerous sequels.
Audition (1999)
Unlike the other 4 films in this list which feature spectral antagonists, Audition's antagonist is very alive. The film follows a middle-aged widower who stages a fake film audition to find a new wife after his son tells him he should re-marry. It is at this audition that he meets Asami, who he views as his new potential wife. Asami's dark past begins to unravel and the horror unfolds. Amazingly the film was shot in only 3 weeks, but don't let that fool you! It's a fantastic piece of cinematography! There has yet to be an American remake but rumours of one being in the works have been floating around since 2014.
Honogurai Mizu no soko kara: Dark Water (2002)
Dark Water is about a mother who is going through a divorce and moves into a rundown apartment with her young daughter. Water begins leaking through the apartment ceiling but the building management refuse to do anything about it. The pair then begin to experience supernatural occurrences with horror and tragedy following. Dark Water does have a US remake made in 2005 and starring Jennifer Connelly but as we haven't seen the remake we can't tell you if it's also worth a watch or not!
Chakushin ari: One Missed Call (2003)
Chakushin ari is about a curse in which victims die after receiving a mysterious voicemail dated two days in the future from themselves which predicts their death. Yumi teams up with a reporter to investigate the truth behind these strange voicemails after those close to them had succumbed to the curse and discover a horrible truth. Like most of the other movies in this list Chakushin ari has a US remake (One Missed Call, 2008) but unlike The Ring or The Grudge, we suggest giving it a miss as the remake is pretty damn… horrific, for lack of a better term.
If you've finished watching all of these films then you can also watch these great Japanese movies for sleepovers!
What did you think of our list? Have you seen any of these movies? Were there any we should've included? Let us know in the comments!
Keep up with all fun foodie news coming out from Japan by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Want to get a FREE Japanese candy box? Check out how to get one here!
Related articles
Cool Japan: The Tale of this Soft Power Strategy
Imagine if your favorite anime, game, or snack secretly made Japan more influential. Sounds wild, right? That’s what Japan’s been doing, and they call it the “Cool Japan” strategy. It’s a soft power move, using culture instead of weapons or cash to win hearts worldwide.
Enoshima Island: A Great Escape from Tokyo!
Famous for its stunning coastline, powerful waves, and peaceful vibes, Enoshima has become a favorite stop for both locals and travelers. Ready to see what makes this island so cherished?
Pet Cafe in Japan: A Fun Way to Relax With Furry Friends!
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, pet cafes offer a calming break from the busy streets of Japan’s cities. With proper manners and the right expectations, visiting a pet cafe can be an exceptional, stress-free experience.
Kadokawa and Even More Fascinating Museums in Japan
Japan has amazing sights, but if you’re looking for something different, why not explore some of its most unusual museums? One highlight is the Kadokawa Culture Museum. It’s a creative space filled with books, anime, and art. From traditional tattoos to the history of money and the design of everyday packaging, these places offer a...
Summer Gifts in Japan: The Ultimate Guide!
In Japan, gift-giving is a big part of the culture, especially during the summer’s Ochūgen season (tradition of giving gifts).
Tama and Even More Iconic Animals from Japan!
Japan has many beloved animals, such as Tama the Cat, that have become cultural symbols. Whether famous for their loyalty, unique charm, or connection to local history, these animals have captured people’s hearts worldwide.