Top 10 IMDb rated Japanese Movies: ‘Timeless Classics’ that outsmart ‘Today’s Blockbuster’

Revisiting the classic movies of any region is a part of learning the making or bringing the live to the story and the characters who will live for years through the eyes of the audiences. In which, the influence and inspiration given by the Japanese movies and the filmmakers are considered to be huge and even it lasts for centuries. Because the aesthetic touch, deeply rooted culture, and metaphorical storytelling are some of the key factors into it. 

This writing will help you find some of the top 10 IMDb rated timeless classics that are created in both live action and animated forms. 

1. Rashomon (1950)

It is one of the highly recommended Japanese classics ‘Rashomon’ which is based on a short story ‘In a Grove’. This movie was directed by the forefather of the Japanese Film Industry Akira Kurosawa. This movie became the pioneer for the popular screen play style named ‘Rashomon Effect’. This period drama will be revolving around finding the truth and the diverse human perspective behind the sexual assault of a bride and the murder of her husband.  

IMDb Rating – 8.2

2. Ikiru (1952)

The futuristic psychological drama is centered around its lead character Kanji Watanabe who works in the position of a bureaucrat for thirty years. A major turn takes place in his life when he finds the cancer which is killing his life. His journey will definitely inspire you both personally and professionally. 

IMDb Rating – 8.3

3. Tokyo Story (1953)

In the modern and fast-paced world we have even forgotten to empathise and feel the pain & happiness even for our loved ones. The story of this movie will definitely rejuvenate the emotional nerves of yours through the elderly couple who arrive in Tokyo to visit their children and grandchildren.

IMDb – 8.1

4. Ran (1985)

Watching a Japanese movie that is crafted around its cultural attire and the period which takes you to visit the world of King, Kingdom and war is an important one. In which “Ran” secures the primary position, this Academy Award movie will feature an aging warlord who retires after surrendering the responsibilities to his sons. But the consequences he witnessed are not what he expected. 

IMDb – 8.2

5. Audition (1999)

‘Audition’ is an all-time favourite horror movie of the majority of the fans of this genre which is directed by Takashi Miike. Shigeharu with the help of his friend Yasuhisa finds a girl to make her as his wife through a fake audition. But the dark secret behind her and the suspicious profile will chill you when the movie progresses.

IMDb – 7.1

6. Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)

The word ‘Laputa’ stands for the meaning which is an imaginary land created by the popular Irish writer Jonathan Swift. Similar to the title of the movie the story is also about the life changing journey of Pazu and Sheeta who both travel to find a crystal amulet so that they find the so-called hanging/floating land in the sky.

IMDb – 8

7. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Another Fantasy adventure anime movie which will take you into the world of two sisters who encounter a magical incident after shifting to a rural Japan along with their parents. If you want to feel like a child or maybe to kindle the childness within you, then you can definitely go for it.

IMDb – 8.1

8. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Anime movies have millions of fans across the world because some of the genres which are not even portrayed or couldn’t be made on the live-action can be experienced in this form. And it easily connects with all kinds of audiences. This movie is suitable for all ages of people who are undergoing the uneven emotional rides, loneliness and self-doubts. Because Kiki, the protagonist of this movie will sow the seed of refreshing thoughts within you.

IMDb – 7.8

9. Perfect Blue (1997)

Mima, a popular J-Pop star who leaves her group CHAM and decides to pursue her career as an actress. But her life turns upside down which triggers the breaking point of her mental state. It is a powerful and impactful journey of Mima from being torn apart by hallucinations and fear to finding her identity and sanity. 

IMDb – 8

10. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

The list ends with a sci-fi cybernetic anime movie, in which a cyborg security officer, Major Motoko Kusanagi will go on a terrific hunt of a mysterious hacker. This movie will keep you engaged till the end credits. 

IMDb – 7.9