10 Excellent Japanese Films to Watch

I apologize for the lack of directorial diversity in some of these posts. A lot of the time, when I am exposing myself to international films, I will just watch all of one director’s movies. But regardless Kurosawa will always be the GOAT.

10. Happy Hour (2015)

Dir. by Ryusuke Hamaguchi


9. Throne of Blood (1957)

Dir. by Akira Kurosawa


8. Asako I & II (2018)

Dir. by Ryusuke Hamaguchi


7. Drive My Car (2021)

Dir. by Ryusuke Hamaguchi


6. Spirited Away (2001)

Dir. by Hayao Miyazaki


5. Yojimbo (1961)

Dir. by Akira Kurosawa


4. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Dir. by Hayao Miyazaki


3. Seven Samurai (1954)

Dir. by Akira Kurosawa


2. A Silent Voice (2016)

Dir. by Naoko Yamada


1. Your Name. (2016)

Dir. by Makoto Shinkai