2025: Must-Watch Japanese Movies, TV Shows & Anime on Netflix

Discover the best Japanese films, dramas and anime you should be streaming now on Netflix. Whether you’re a newcomer to J-entertainment or a seasoned fan, there’s something here for you.

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Japanese cinema and TV are rising globally thanks to unique storytelling, strong production values, and Netflix’s push into the region. Japanese shows often bring fresh takes on drama, identity, genre-fusion and culture. By exploring them you’ll not only find great entertainment but also deepen your appreciation for Japanese pop-culture, fashion, society and more.

Japanese Movies on Netflix

Last Samurai Standing (2025)

Release date: November 13 2025

Imagine Battle Royale meets Seven Samurai. Set in the late Meiji era, Last Samurai Standing follows 292 warriors competing in a brutal survival game where honor, skill, and strategy mean everything. This high-budget Netflix original offers stunning visuals and a darkly addictive storyline. The elevator pitch is a historical drama meets survival thriller — uniquely Japanese and hopefully globally gripping when it comes out.

If you've read my earlier articles or lists, you're likely aware of how much I admire the director of this project, Michihito Fuji. His work in recent years has been truly remarkable.

Best Japanese TV Shows on Netflix

Romantics Anonymous (2025)

Release date: October 16, 2025

This charming Japanese-Korean co-production redefines modern romance. A socially anxious chocolatier and a timid chocolate-lover cross paths in the sweetest possible way — literally. With its delicate humor and emotional depth, Romantics Anonymous is a treat for anyone craving a heartfelt, feel-good love story.

Glass Heart (2025)

Release date: July 31, 2025

After being kicked out of his band, a drummer struggles to rediscover his rhythm — both in music and life. Glass Heart is a raw, emotional journey of self-discovery and resilience, offering a unique look at Japan’s underground music scene.

Kyojo (2020)

Originally a hit Japanese drama series, Kyojo follows a fierce and morally rigid instructor, played by the amazing Kitamura Takuya, at a police academy whose unconventional teaching methods test his cadets’ limits. Netflix’s 2025 re-release (with global subtitles) has brought renewed attention to this gripping psychological drama.

Miss King (2025)

Release date: September 2025

A dark, compelling drama centered on shogi (Japanese chess), Miss King follows the daughter of a legendary shogi master who channels trauma and abandonment into a fierce drive to become an elite player. The series explores family breakdown, ambition in a male-dominated world, and the psychological cost of competition — all through the unique lens of professional shogi. Miss King premiered on ABEMA and is also available on Netflix in some regions.

Offline Love (2025)

Release date: February 18, 2025

What happens when Japanese singles have to find love — without phones or social media? Set in picturesque Nice, France, Offline Love is Netflix’s latest Japanese reality-dating show, combining travel, romance, and raw emotion.

Top Japanese Anime on Netflix (2025)

Sakamoto Days (2025)

Now streaming

Once Japan’s deadliest hitman, Sakamoto trades bullets for bento boxes — running a convenience store with his family. But when old enemies reappear, his quiet life takes a chaotic (and hilarious) turn. Based on Yūto Suzuki’s hit manga, this series blends over-the-top action with heartwarming comedy.

Moonrise (2025)

Release date: April 10 2025

From Wit Studio — the geniuses behind Attack on Titan — comes Moonrise, a breathtaking sci-fi anime set in a world torn between Earth and the Moon. Expect stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and thought-provoking themes about humanity and ambition.

From soft romances to action-packed thrillers and beautifully animated worlds, Japanese content continues to dominate Netflix’s international slate.

In 2025, the platform is clearly doubling down on Japanese creativity — meaning this list is just the beginning. Whether you’re watching for cultural curiosity, escapism, or pure entertainment, these titles promise to deliver.