Must-Watch Japanese Movies

I love Cinema! But for some reason, I have been extremely drawn to Japanese Cinema throughout my life. So much so that my friends and family often ask me for Japanese movie recommendations, especially during the holidays. Therefore, I decided to share a concise yet delightful list of must-watch Japanese films for 2026 with the wonderful community out there.

I wanted to avoid providing a typical list with films like Spirited Away or Ran. Instead, I aimed to offer a selection of movies that the average film enthusiast might not be familiar with, featuring directors who don't receive as much recognition as some of their more renowned contemporaries. Without any further ado, let's get into it!

Harmonium (2016) - Koji Fukada

Koji Fukada is certainly among the lesser-known Japanese directors, particularly to audiences outside Japan. Nevertheless, no other film has likely affected me as profoundly as his masterpiece, Harmonium.

the story centers on a middle-class family living in Tokyo. Toshio runs a small machine shop from his home, while his wife, Akie, is a stay-at-home mother caring for their young daughter. Their quiet, routine-driven life is disrupted when an old acquaintance of Toshio’s, a man named Tanaka, suddenly appears.

As the story progresses, it is revealed that Toshio and Tanaka share a long-standing, mysterious relationship that Toshio has kept secret from his family. Toshio unexpectedly offers Tanaka both a job and a place to live within their family home. As Tanaka begins to weave himself into the family's daily dynamics, his presence starts to expose hidden cracks in the family's foundation

Monster (2023) - Hirokazu Kore-eda

Everyone who knows me or has been following my work on the AM View knows that Kore-eda is my all-time favorite filmmaker. Naturally, I needed to include his films in this list.

Kore-eda’s Monster is a multi-layered psychological drama told through a "Rashomon-style" structure, unfolding the same series of events from three distinct perspectives to explore themes of bullying, systemic failure, and burgeoning queer identity. The two main characters of the story are these two boys, who become the center of this series of events.

Monster is by far Kore-eda's best-looking film and a welcome return to form in my opinion after two disappointing outings in The Truth and Broker. He's also back in Japan, cinematically speaking, which is always a welcome feature in his films to me.

A Family (2022) - Michihito Fuji

I've lost count how many times I've mentioned Michihito Fuji on this website and the youtube channel but his output is incredible to witness. We basically get a new film or series from him every year, sometimes more than once. But the very first film of his that I watched is A Family.

The film follows Kenji Yamamoto (played by Go Ayano), a young man who joins a Yakuza syndicate after the death of his father.

The narrative spans over twenty years, from the late 1990s to the present day, tracking Kenji's journey as he rises through the ranks of the "family".

The film examines the collapse and decline of Yakuza culture in modern Japan. It portrays how shifting laws, social stigma, and the passage of time affect the traditional "honor" and lifestyle of the Yakuza

First Love (2019) - Takashi Miike

First Love (2019), directed by the prolific and eccentric Takashi Miike, is a high-octane noir thriller that blends dark comedy with hyper-violent action.

The story follows Leo, a young boxer who is stuck in a slump and receives a devastating medical diagnosis: he has a terminal brain tumor and very little time left to live.

With nothing left to lose, Leo finds himself inadvertently rescuing Monica, a drug-addicted sex worker who is being haunted by the ghosts of her past and caught in a complex drug-smuggling scheme.

Like Someone In Love (2012) - Abbas Kirostami

Like Someone in Love (2012), directed by the legendary late Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, is an introspective and melancholic drama set entirely in Japan.

The story centers on Akiko, a young student in Tokyo who works part-time as a high-end prostitute to pay for her education, all while struggling to hide her profession from her volatile and suspicious boyfriend.

The narrative begins when Akiko is sent to visit Takashi, an elderly, retired sociology professor. Unlike a typical client, Takashi isn't interested in sex; he simply desires her companionship and wants to provide her with a home-cooked meal.