2025 Must-Watch Japanese Movies and TV Shows on Netflix

Cast of Netflix's Asura

Netflix has become a popular source for streaming movies and TV shows from all over the world. One country that has continued to produce entertaining content for the army of weebs, J-drama, and cinema lovers to enjoy is Japan. With its unique culture and captivating storytelling, Japanese movies and TV shows have become increasingly popular on streaming platforms. In this video, we will explore some of the best Japanese movies and TV shows you can find on Netflix. All these shows are available on either Netflix America, Netflix UK, or both!

Japanese Movies on Netflix

Netflix offers a wide range of Japanese movies, from critically acclaimed dramas to action-packed thrillers. Here are my picks for Japanese movies that you should check out!

Demon City

First up, we have Demon City. Demon City is a violent revenge thriller centered around Shuhei Sakata, a former hitman. The story kicks off with Sakata's attempt to leave his life of violence behind for his family. His plans are brutally shattered when his wife and daughter are seemingly murdered by the mysterious Kimen-gumi organization. Sakata survives a near-fatal attack and, after a 12-year coma, embarks on a bloody quest for vengeance. Sound familiar? Well, that's one of the themes of this film; the plot is very straightforward and predictable and heavily leans on the visceral nature of Sakata's revenge.

The action scenes undeniably steal the spotlight, consistently impressing me, while the supernatural aspect attempts to offer a fresh and intriguing twist to the genre, but ends up being merely a gimmick. I did like the whole concept of the demon organisation, even if it's just is a bunch of masked dudes killing each other.

In essence, "Demon City" presents a simple, action-driven story of a man on a quest for vengeance, enhanced by supernatural elements. However, it's executed in a visually stunning and contemporary style with some outstanding performances.

Faceless

"Faceless" is a Japanese thriller that centers on Keiichi Kaburagi, a man condemned to death for a triple murder he insists he didn't commit. After escaping custody, Kaburagi becomes a fugitive, embarking on a journey across Japan where he assumes various identities and interacts with diverse individuals. While evading the relentless pursuit of Detective Seigo Matanuki, who originally apprehended him, Kaburagi desperately seeks evidence to exonerate himself. The film delves into themes of identity, trust, and the potential flaws within the justice system, while also exploring how easily human perception can be manipulated. An adaptation of Tamehito Somei's novel, directed by Michihito Fujii, "Faceless" delivers a suspenseful narrative of a man's desperate struggle to prove his innocence while on the run.

11 Rebels

Next up, we have "11 Rebels". "11 Rebels" is set against the backdrop of the Boshin War, a pivotal conflict in 1868 Japan between forces loyal to the collapsing Tokugawa shogunate and those supporting the emerging Meiji government. Amidst this upheaval, the film centers on a desperate mission undertaken by eleven outcasts, a mix of hardened criminals and disgraced samurai, tasked with defending a strategically important fortress for the wavering Shibata clan. These men, facing the threat of death, are offered a chance at redemption and pardon in exchange for their participation in what is essentially a suicide mission.

As the Shibata clan navigates the treacherous political landscape, caught between allegiance to the old order and the promise of the new, the rebels, led by an idealistic but determined young samurai, confront not only the advancing Imperial forces but also their own pasts. They are forced to grapple with questions of honor, loyalty, and sacrifice, while uncovering the true motives of their leaders and finding unexpected camaraderie in their shared struggle. Similar to Demon City, 11 Rebels is beautifully shot and made, recreating Japan of that time, but leans too heavily on violence to the detriment of the story.

Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron

Once again, I am probably late to the party, but let's talk about the most recent Studio Ghibli documentary, "Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron". This movie provides an intimate and in-depth exploration of the legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, chronicling his creative process and personal journey during the making of, "The Boy and the Heron." This documentary, which i believe spans multiple years, delves into Miyazaki’s artistic philosophy, his meticulous attention to detail, and the internal struggles he faces as he comes out of retirement to embark on one, presumbely, final film. Through behind-the-scenes footage, vlog-style videos accompanying Miyazaki, and insights from Studio Ghibli staff, the film captures the arduous yet magical process of hand-drawn animation that has defined his career.

I appreciated how the documentary incorporated scenes and music from Miyazaki's most renowned films, which was enhanced by behind-the-scenes insights provided in this documentary.

Miyazaki himself seems incredibly vulnerable and candid, visibly grappling with the filmmaking process while frequently receiving news of those around him passing away, such as Isao Takahata, who's death and its impact constantly reverberate throughout the entire run time of Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron.

I wasn't particularly impressed by "The Boy and the Heron," even after watching it a second time on Netflix. However, this documentary serves as an excellent companion piece that enhanced my appreciation of Miyazaki's latest film and has kind of changed my opinion on the film. It helped me value the journey Miyazaki undertook to create this film and how the people in his life influenced every character we see.

Japanese TV Shows on Netflix

In addition to movies, Netflix also offers an evergrowing catalog of Japanese TV shows that seems to be expanding week by week at this point. Here are some that you should definitely check out!

Good Luck!!

Good Luck has to be one of my favorite J-dramas of all time! Hajime Shinkai, played by the legendary Takuya Kimura, is a young and enthusiastic co-pilot working for All Nippon Airways (ANA). He dreams of becoming a full-fledged captain and is passionate about flying and ensuring the safety of his passengers. He's known for his earnestness and sometimes impulsive nature.

The series primarily follows Hajime's journey as he navigates the demanding world of commercial aviation. Each episode often features a different flight scenario, presenting various challenges and emergencies that Hajime and his crew must overcome. These situations test his skills, his judgment, and his ability to remain calm under pressure.

Alongside the thrilling flight-related incidents, the drama delves into the personal lives and relationships of the flight crew and ground staff.

As the series progresses, Hajime faces various obstacles in his pursuit of becoming a captain. He learns from his mistakes, develops his skills, and matures as a professional. He grapples with the immense responsibility of carrying hundreds of lives and the emotional toll that comes with the job. The drama explores themes of teamwork, dedication, overcoming adversity, and the passion for aviation.

If my wife becomes an elementary school student

If My Wife Became an Elementary School Student tells the story of Keisuke Niijima, a man who has been living aimlessly for ten years since the death of his wife, Takae. He has a daughter, Mai, with whom he has a distant relationship.

One day, their lives take a bizarre turn when a young elementary school girl appears, claiming to be Takae reincarnated. While initially skeptical, Keisuke and Mai gradually come to believe her as she reveals intimate knowledge only Takae would possess.

The drama follows the family as they navigate this extraordinary situation. Takae, now in a child's body, tries to help Keisuke and Mai heal from their grief, reconnect with each other, and start living fulfilling lives.

As Keisuke and Mai adjust to this new reality, they confront their unresolved emotions and begin to rebuild their relationships. The presence of Takae in this unexpected form forces them to confront the past and find a way to move forward.

Despite the show tackling themes such as grief, loss, and the challenges of moving on, it still maintains an appropriate feel-good atmosphere in the episodes, which makes it much more enjoyable and less depressing to watch. The young actress who plays the child version of Takae completely steals the show in my opinion with her performances and how she manages to convey the personality of an older woman.

Mogura

Mogura is a Japanese drama series that centers on a narcotics officer, Izanagi, who goes undercover to infiltrate a group of hip-hop artists suspected of drug trafficking. As fate would have it, unbeknownst to himself, Izanagi is pretty good at freestyling and rapping, which pushes him even deeper within the hip-hop industry, where he must navigate complex relationships and a dangerous criminal network.

Interestingly, Mogura, unlike some of the previous Japanese dramas I've discussed in this video series, was produced by Abema, a Japanese streaming service. Similar to Netflix, Abema has disrupted the Japanese entertainment industry by providing an alternative platform for new and intriguing storylines and content that might not have had the opportunity to be aired on traditional Japanese networks.

Aaro

AARO: All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office is a Japanese drama that revolves around a special investigative unit, AARO, which tackles bizarre and inexplicable cases that defy conventional scientific explanation.

The series follows Miyabi Okitama, the enigmatic and highly knowledgeable leader of AARO, as he uses his extraordinary insight and deductive skills to unravel mysteries involving paranormal phenomena and the occult. The cases often involve strange occurrences and supernatural elements. A new member, Koyume Amano, is brought in from the police force, providing a fresh perspective as she learns about this hidden world.

Asura

Asura is the second drama series that one of my favorite directors, Koreeda, has created for Netflix. The story centers on four sisters who grapple with their father's affair and the complex emotional fallout that ensues. Each sister embodies a different facet of the tumultuous "asura" deities, reflecting their conflicting perspectives on love and family. Despite their discord, they find moments of connection amidst the turmoil, highlighting the enduring bonds of sisterhood.

Just like Koreeda's first project with Netflix, Asura is beautifully made and shot and takes place in a "popular"/often dramatised period of Japanese history, which mainly caters towards that worldwide audience. Additionally, the typical Korreda elements are there: the family bonds, the drama, the generational themes; however, something just didn't click for me. I haven't been that impressed by his Netflix projects so far. One of the biggest issues for me is the fact that his style of storytelling shines best in a 2-hour film as opposed to a 7-10 episode limited series.

As mentioned earlier, Asura is part of a larger deal between Kore-eda and Netflix, which includes plans for multiple film and drama projects. This collaboration allows Kore-eda, known for his sensitive and nuanced portrayals of family dynamics, to bring his distinctive storytelling to a wider global audience.

Light of my lion

Light of my lion series that delves into themes of family, trauma, and healing. The narrative centers on Hiroto Komori, a compassionate city hall employee in Urao City, Ibaraki Prefecture, who has devoted his life to caring for his younger brother, Michito, an autistic artist. Their structured and peaceful routine is disrupted when a mysterious young boy named Lion appears at their doorstep.​

Lion claims to be their nephew, suggesting he is the son of their estranged sister, Aoi, who had left home years earlier. As Hiroto and Michito take Lion in, they are drawn into a complex web of family secrets and past traumas. The series explores the brothers' evolving relationship with Lion, as well as the challenges they face in confronting their family's history. Michito's journey is particularly noteworthy, as he navigates his own growth and artistic expression, culminating in a significant exhibition that showcases his talents and personal development.​

Throughout its 11 episodes, Light of My Lion balances emotional depth with moments of warmth and subtle humor.

Japanese Anime on Netflix

There is no way I could leave out Anime when talking about the best Japanese content on Netflix! Netflix has a great selection of anime series and films. One of the most popular anime series to drop on Netflix

Blue Box

Blue Box is an anime series that intertwines the themes of sports and young love. Adapted from Kouji Miura’s manga, the story centers on Taiki Inomata, a diligent high school badminton player at Eimei Junior and Senior High. Each morning, he shares the gym with Chinatsu Kano, a dedicated upperclassman and star of the girls' basketball team, whom he secretly admires.

Taiki's routine takes an unexpected turn when Chinatsu moves into his home after her parents relocate abroad. This new living arrangement intensifies Taiki's feelings and motivates him to train harder, aspiring to reach the national championships alongside Chinatsu.

A second season has been announced, continuing the journey of Taiki and Chinatsu as they navigate the challenges of sports and young love. ​Now, I am not a manga reader, but during the pandemic, the few new releases that I did read was Blue Box. This was probably the first or second time that I read a manga before its anime adaptation. I can gladly report back that the anime adaptation of Blue Box has perfectly captured the charm and magic of the source material.

Sakamoto Days

"Sakamoto Days" is an anime adaptation of Yuto Suzuki's manga series, which began serialization in 2020. The story centers on Taro Sakamoto, once a legendary hitman feared by many, who retires from his lethal profession after falling in love. He settles into a peaceful life as a family man, running a small convenience store. However, his tranquil existence is disrupted when his past resurfaces, forcing him to confront former associates and adversaries to protect his loved ones.

Netflix has a vast selection of Japanese movies, TV shows, anime, and documentaries that cater to different interests and tastes. More and more Japanese television broadcasters are now releasing their shows and movies to a wider international audience, which only adds to the already incredible catalog of great Japanese content for audiences abroad. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, contemporary anime, or heartwarming dramas, there's something for everyone. By watching Japanese entertainment on Netflix, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture and its people. So, next time you're looking for something to watch, consider exploring the world of Japanese cinema and television on Netflix.