My Favorite Japanese Movies and Anime

When I was traveling in Denmark, my house host told me to teach interesting Japanese movies and anime. So I made this list. I’m glad it will be a reference for you.
If you know a wonderful Japanese work, please let me know in the comments. I will update the list.
Enjoy your watching life!

Writed by Takumi

LIVE-ACTION WORKS

Drive My Car (2021)

Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi

Wife of a Spy (2020)

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

ORPHANS'BLUES (2018)

Directed by Riho Kudo

Yôkame no semi (2011)

Directed by Izuru Narushima

Departures (2008)

Directed by Youjiro Takita

The Juon (2002)

Directed by Takashi Shimizu

EUREKA (2000)

Directed by Shinji Aoyama
All of his works are wonderful.

The Ring (1998)

Directed by Hideo Nakata

CURE（1997）

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

The Little Girl Who Conquered Time (1983)

Directed by Nobuhiko Oobayasi

Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981)

Directed by Shinji Soumai

The Inugamis (1976)

Directed by Kon Ichikawa

Original works by Hiroya Oku
There are many series such as movies and anime.

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ANIMATION WORKS

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023-current)

Freelen, the wizard of the brave party who defeated the demon king. She lives a long life as an elf. I don’t know why I was sad about the death of the hero Himmel, so I go on a journey to “know” people.

Belle (2021)

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
Production by CHIZU, Inc.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019‑current)

Original work by Koyoharu Gotouge

BEASTARS (2019-current)

Original work by Paru Itagaki

Violet Evergarden (2018‑2020)

Original work by Kana Akatsuki

DEVILMAN crybaby (2018)

Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
Original work by Gou Nagai
Production by Netflix

A Silent Voice (2016)

Directed by Naoko Yamada

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS (2015‑2017)

Production by SUNRISE

Attack on Titan (2013‑2023)

Original work by Hazime Isayama

The Wind Rises (2013)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Directed by Isao Takahata
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

Wolf Children (2012)

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
Production by CHIZU, Inc.

SUMMER WARS (2009)

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
Production by CHIZU, Inc.

PAPRIKA (2006)

Directed by Satoshi Kon

Paprika (2006) ⭐ 7.7 | Animation, Drama, Fantasy

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
Production by CHIZU, Inc.

Howl’s Moving Castel (2004)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED (2002-2003)
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED DESTINY (2004-2005)

Production by SUNRISE

SPIRITED AWAY (2001)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

ONE PIECE (1999‑current)

Original work by Eiichiro Oda
It’s very popular in the world.

PRINCESS MONONOKE (1997)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

Neon Genesis EVANGELION (1995-1996)
Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition / Rebuild of Evangelion (2007, 2009, 2012, 2021)

The TV anime series had a big impact on Japanese youth at that time.

GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995-2023)

GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995) Directed by Mamoru Oshii
2029. There was an incident where the Foreign Minister’s interpreter was hacked into the computer. The 9th Division of Public Security will investigate the possibility that a global hacker “puppet user” is involved in this case.
The story of the world line according to the original manga, which was first visualized.
The highlight is the conflict between Motoko Kusanagi and Major, who does not have a real body.
“GHOST IN THE SHELL: Ghost in the Shell 2.0”, which was completely renewed in 2008, will be released.

INNOCENCE (2005) Directed by Mamoru Oshii
2032. Bateau of the 9th Division of Public Security investigates the case where the girl-shaped robot “Hadari” made by the giant company Rox Sols slaughtered the owner’s human.
Japanese-style music is characteristic.
The story of the world line according to the original manga.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX The Laughing Man (2005)
2030. The Public Security Division 9, to which Major Motoko Kusanagi and others belong, is a counterintelligence organization directly under the Ministry of the Interior and ostensibly established as an international rescue team. Togusa’s former colleague contacted him about the “laughing man” incident, but soon after, he died in an accident.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.
A compilation of the first TV anime series “Ghost in the Shell STAND ALONE COMPLEX” re-edited. New cuts and new voiceovers that were not in the anime version have been added.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX 2nd GIG Individual Eleven (2006)
2032. Public Security Division 9, which was forced to disband in the previous work, was working for a reunion. After the laughter case was solved, the state welcomed about 3 million refugees from abroad as workers. On the other hand, the independents who advocate the isolation of the state are increasing their antipathy towards refugees. A hostage-ridden incident occurs by a terrorist organization claiming to be “11 individuals” at the Chinese Embassy. Their demands are the immediate abolition of the acceptance of Asian invited refugees and the complete closure of the invited refugee settlements. However, Section 9, who realizes that there is a mastermind behind this terrorist act, steps into the core of the incident.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: ARISE border:1 Ghost Pain (2013) Directed by Kazuchika Kise
June 2027. Motoko Kusanagi, who belonged to the military called the 501 organization, is requested to cooperate in the investigation of a case from Aramaki, who belongs to public security.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: ARISE border:2 Ghost Whispers (2013) Directed by Kazuchika Kise
August 2027. Kusanagi, who gained independence from the 501 institution, is involved in a hacking incident involving a pseudo-memory virus.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: ARISE border:3 Ghost Tears (2014) Directed by Kazuchika Kise
October 2028. Major Motoko Kusanagi, who was investigating the terrorist incident, finds the tattoo of the hero and the great hacker “Scrusas” who led the independence movement of the Caldis people on the body of the perpetrator. Bato and others doubt the possibility that Scrusas changed its name and Fire Starter and was involved in the case, but the major denies it.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: ARISE border:4 Ghost Ghost Stands Alone (2014) Directed by Kazuchika Kise
December 2028. Unprecedented terrorism occurred in which cyber brains were hacked indiscriminately and simultaneously. It was a very advanced technology that was normally impossible to achieve, and the involvement of the fire starter is suspected.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: ARISE PYROPHORIC (2015) Directed by Kazuchika Kise
January 2029. The majors, who belonged to the 9th Division of Public Security, were investigating the aircraft bombing with the U.S. Military Intelligence Department. What emerged as a suspect was a cyber virus broker “Pyromania” who plans to assassinate Colonel Hozmi.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

GHOST IN THE SHELL: THE NEW MOVIE (2015) Directed by Kazuchika Kise
March 2029. A major incident occurred in which the prime minister was assassinated during the meeting. As we proceed with the investigation, it leads to the past of Motoko Kusanagi, who was shrouded in mystery.

Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 (2021) Production by Netflix
2045. The world after entering the “sustainable war” due to the occurrence of “global simultaneous default” which is a global economic disaster. Togusa was contacted by Aramaki and convened a former member of the 9th Division of Public Security, which was dismantled. Motoko Kusanagi, who regrouped, challenges a phenomenal existence with a different dimension of intelligence and physical ability called “post-human”.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 (2023) Production by Netflix
2045. “ The second part of Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 Sustainability War.
The original manga is a story about a world line that becomes a parallel world.

PORCO ROSSO (1992)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (1988)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

AKIRA（1988）

Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Directed by Isao Takahata
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

LAPUTA: CASTLE IN THE SKY (1986)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.

NAUSUCAA OF THE VALLEY OF WIND (1984)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Production by STUDIO GHIBLI INC.