3 Must-See Upcoming Japanese Movies You Can't Miss in 2025

Here's a list of Japanese films you should consider watching if possible. Some of these may not be accessible to international audiences until later in 2026, but that won't stop the hype train or diminish our excitement for these incredible projects. Let's dive in!

Chainsaw Man - The movie: Reze Arc (29 October 2025)

It's been nearly three years since the Chainsaw Man anime premiered and took the internet by storm. Unfortunately, there hasn't been much new content from an anime standpoint since then, but that's all set to change later this year.

Chainsaw Man - the movie is on the horizon. It's a direct sequel to the first season of the anime series and adapts the popular "Bomb Girl" arc from Tatsuki Fujimoto's original manga.

The plot picks up with Denji, now fully integrated into Public Safety's Special Division 4 as the titular Chainsaw Man. After a date with Makima, the mysterious woman of his dreams, Denji seeks shelter from the rain. There, he encounters Reze, a charming and enigmatic girl who works in a cafe.

As Denji finds himself drawn to Reze, a complex and explosive "love triangle" begins to form, also involving his feelings for Makima. However, Reze is far more than just a new love interest.

Her arrival marks a sudden and dramatic turn in the story.

Demon Slayer : Infinity castle (12 September 2025)

The upcoming "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" film (which is the first part of a trilogy adapting the final arc of the manga) plunges the Demon Slayer Corps into their most desperate battle yet against Muzan Kibutsuji and his Upper Rank demons.

In a shocking turn of events, the Demon Slayers are suddenly transported into the bizarre and ever-shifting Infinity Castle. This multi-dimensional fortress is Muzan's domain, a treacherous labyrinth where gravity is warped, and the environment itself is a weapon.

Trapped within its confines, the Demon Slayers are immediately separated, forcing them into brutal, isolated confrontations against Muzan's most formidable subordinates, the Upper Rank demons. Each battle is a desperate fight for survival, pushing the Demon Slayers to their absolute limits as they strive to overcome overwhelming odds.

The film promises to be an epic, action-packed, and emotionally charged conclusion to the Demon Slayer story, showcasing intense battles, character development, and high stakes within the visually stunning and disorienting setting of the Infinity Castle.

Exit 8 (August 29, 2025)

One of the most intriguing Japanese films set to release in 2025 is Exit 8, a psychological horror adaptation of the cult indie game The Exit 8. Directed by Genki Kawamura—known for his visually inventive storytelling—and starring acclaimed actors Kazunari Ninomiya and Nana Komatsu, the film is generating significant buzz among both cinephiles and gamers.

With its eerie, looping subway setting and themes of paranoia and repetition, Exit 8 promises to blend psychological terror with high-concept surrealism.

The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 19, where it received early praise for its bold visuals and unsettling atmosphere. Now, anticipation is building ahead of its wide theatrical release in Japan on August 29, 2025. Given the source material's viral popularity and the director's rising international profile, Exit 8 is poised to become a conversation-starter across social media and film forums alike.

What makes Exit 8 especially compelling is its unique narrative structure—a seemingly endless, looping corridor where the protagonist must notice subtle changes to escape. This gameplay mechanic translates well to a cinematic format that rewards attention to detail, inviting audiences to become just as paranoid and watchful as the characters on screen.

As a horror film with both indie credibility and mainstream appeal, Exit 8 is one of the standout Japanese releases of 2025.