Love Japanese thrillers? We curated a list of some of the most amazing Japanese thriller movies that will keep you at the edge of your seat! Check it out!
Prepare for a heart-racing cinematic journey with our list of must-watch Japanese thriller movies. These films masterfully weave suspense, psychological intrigue, and unexpected twists, capturing the essence of the thriller genre.
Delve into stories that will grip your mind, keep you on the edge of your seat, and linger long after the credits roll.
Which Japanese Thriller Movies To Watch?
"Confessions" (告白, Kokuhaku) is a must-watch Japanese thriller directed by Tetsuya Nakashima. This film's chilling narrative, centered on a teacher's quest for revenge against her daughter's killers, is propelled by stunning cinematography and powerful performances. Its dark psychological depth and unpredictable plot make it a standout in the thriller genre.
The Forest of Love
Sion Sono directed this film, which was released in 2019. The film is based on a series of murders, extortions, and tortures committed in Japan in the late 1990s, all of which were based on actual events.
Eventually, they're all listening to what the man is saying. It's difficult for them to work together because of their own internal conflict. They all eventually become trapped. Futoshi Matsunaga, a convicted felon, is the inspiration for the film. He was convicted of murder and manslaughter and faces the death penalty.
You can watch the 151-minute film The Forest of Love on Netflix right now! The Forest of Love: Deep Cut was a seven-episode limited series that followed the original film.
Parasite
Another 2019 film that went on to win four Academy Awards. It is the first Academy Award-winning film made in a language other than English. It is based on a play written in 2013 by director Bong Joon-ho. The story revolves around a poor family that infiltrates the home of a wealthy family as servants.
Once he begins tutoring, the family devises a plan to infiltrate the house by posing as highly qualified servants.
When the Park family is away, they begin to enjoy the lifestyle and lead extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous. When they discover a secret in the basement, their world is turned upside down.
There is a clear depiction of the class divide in the suspense thriller. You can clearly see how the rich and the poor share the same home but have very different views on life. After watching this film, you'll be hooked for the entire 132-minute runtime. This film is a must-see!
Cold Fish
In 2010, another Sion Sono film was released. As the story of the Cold Fish unfolds, we learn about the life of Nobuyuki Shamoto, a middle-aged fish seller. Mitsuko, his rebellious daughter, occasionally abuses her stepmother.
Soon after, he proposes that the two of them work together to open a large retail establishment. It's good news for Murata's wife to hear about this.
The couple at first appears to be friendly, but their true selves soon emerge. In order to save his loved ones, Shamato will have to do anything and everything he can. Film is loosely based on the two Tokyo serial killers.
Watch this if you are a fan of gruesome murder scenes or serial killers. In addition, there's a dash of dark humor to keep you going.
Suspect X
The novel Devotion of Suspect X served as the inspiration for the film's plot. The plot revolves around a divorced single mother who kills her ex-husband by accident. Tetsuya Ishigami, a mathematician who lives right next door, helps her cover up the crime. To protect the mother and daughter, he devises a flawless alibi for them both.
Two detectives, on the other hand, assume control of the investigation and consult renowned physicist Professor Manabu Yukawa. First, he refuses to help but after learning that his classmate lives next door, he jumps in to help solve the case. In the end, the classmates find themselves arguing over who is right.
This isn't your average thriller. The most fascinating aspect is the battle of intellects between two eminent scholars. You'll be engrossed in the conflict between the two and chomping at the bit to find out who comes out on top.
The movie topped Japan’s box office for four consecutive weeks. It has 7.5 stars on IMDb. Although this movie hasn’t reached a wide audience, you should definitely watch this movie.
Audition
Takashi Miike is behind the camera for this Japanese horror-thriller. Shigeharu Aoyama, a widower, is advised by his son to look for a new love interest.
After a few auditions, they discover Asami. When he first saw her, Shigeharu was skeptical, but something about her compelled him to pursue her. Soon, they were dating, and he ended up at her apartment, which was completely empty.
The story takes a turn for the worse when the mysterious girl begins having sexual relations with the widower. As he digs deeper into her past, he uncovers dark secrets that have the potential to cause havoc for everyone involved.
This film is extremely gruesome and contains numerous sexually explicit scenes. You'll feel your stomach churn as you watch the psychotic girlfriend do everything she can to keep things the way they are. Rotten Tomatoes has an 81% rating for this movie and the runtime is 113 minutes.
Battle Royale
Battle Royale, the highest-grossing Japanese thriller film, is based on the 1999 novel by Koushun Takami. The story focuses on Japan in the 21st century during a period of severe economic downturn. Everything is out of whack and under the thumb of the government's totalitarian control.
You'll get a glimpse into the minds of young people throughout the film. They'll do whatever it takes to come out on top. In the aftermath of the gruesome murder of the classmates, you will feel utterly disgusted.
A lot of people were upset with the movie because of the original story but there are still many comics, games, and other products based on the concept.
Not only will you be able to witness a horrific act, but you'll also learn about the issues that teenagers in the 1990s were dealing with. It will open your eyes to a whole new world.
The World of Kanako
Adapted from Hateshinaki Kawaki's novel of the same name, the film was released in 2014. The plot revolves around an ex-police officer who has lost his job, as well as his wife and daughter. As a result, he becomes an unstable alcoholic individual.
One day, his wife gives him a call to break the news that their daughter, Kanako, has gone missing. He doesn't waste any time and jumps right into taking action and starting the investigation. In the process, he learns a great deal about the past of her daughter.
He never considered it and does everything he can to ensure that his daughter is safe. To his horror, he learns something heinous after interviewing everyone from her high school.
You should see this movie because it takes a lot of unexpected turns and twists. You can forget about the gunshots, there's a lot more to this movie than that. You'll find something strange and disturbing around every corner. There are 118 minutes in the movie.
Conclusion
Thriller films made in Japan always manage to hold the attention of the viewer. MILLIONS of people have been captivated by the plot's unexpected turns and the originality of the storyline.
As previously stated, this has a significant impact on the Western world. The Grudge, Paranormal Activity: Tokyo, Tormented, and a slew of other films have dominated the box office.
It is important for you to keep an open mind whenever you watch movies like these. The concept is mostly gruesome and requires a strong heart.
Despite the film's subject matter, the characters are what give it life. Psychotic characters will scare you more than ever in many films. The addition of strong dialogue and music in the background is a bonus. Don't forget to add these to your list of things to binge-watch.
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