Greatest J-Dramas & Movies!

My first introduction to actor Hiroshi Abe and what a place to start! It's Mr. Bean meets A Good As It Gets. A fantastic comedy drama, nice and quirky.

When a mother comes back from the dead to solve crimes it is only her son that can see her. This drama has a lot of heart. Given the far fetched plot it really does bring tears to the eyes come the final episode. And.. it can be quite humorous in places too.

This kicked off my fandom for actress Satomi Ishihara. In a wonderful, fun yet caring drama about two siblings who don't always see eye to eye but end up having to support each other. A good entry for someone just getting into Japanese drama. Very lighthearted and cool.

I always see people mention the original drama but this version was the one I saw first. And it's also my second experience watching J-dramas. After I saw this I was hooked. When everyone else was watching Netflix, Amazon and HBO - I was going down the J-drama rabbit hole, thanks to this show! Akira plays the main lead as a former biker now turned teacher, in this ridiculously funny comedy drama. And it's not afraid to tug on the heartstrings, the way the Japanese seem to be experts at doing!! I watched all the seasons and spin offs of Akira's GTO and have loved them all. And it will always be special for me, as I re-visit it every year . Accept it for what it is and you will have an amazing time with it, trust me.. hunt it down now.

You know those shows that are just like.. pure comfort shows? The ones you can watch when you're perhaps sick at home and you just want something easy to have on in the background? This is one of those shows for me. Yes its a bit "girly" as they say but I love it, a real simple watch. I especially love the bakery part of the story. One to see when you want a little chuckle and something very easy for the brain. It also works if you're a person who might be at a crossroads in your life. Check this out if you can find it.

More Abe here, and this might be tied with GTO as my fave J-drama of all time. I don't want to give away the plot or any spoilers but seek this one out asap! This show really broke me, I was in pieces come the end as it hits home too closely for me. But the story is amazing and the drama involved is of the highest level thanks to Abe's performance here. Bring the box of tissues.. you are going to need them.

A popular J-drama by all accounts and its not hard to see why. The guy in this is bonkers! But with a lot of comedic moments come some well thought out stories. It took me a little while to warm to it but come the third episode I was hooked. It just a funny time that requires you to pay attention but trust me.. you'll be rewarded for it.

Such a unique concept and I need to return to it to finish it off! But if you're looking for a time traveling drama with a different spin to it then this might be right up your alley.

You can't go wrong with some Haruka Ayase! Playing a glamourous woman when working and then being an utter slob when she goes home lol. You want a comedy drama with a lively character at the center? You could do a lot worse. Definately worthy of your time, if you like your J-dramas witty, like myself.

It's the one that started it all, and still remains a firm classic! Enough said.

The beautiful and talented Haruka Ayase is back. This time she stars as a blind samurai. I don't think we need to much more than that. Solid entertainment!!

Currently watching this as I add this to the list. Its getting rave reviews as one of the best shows of 2024 and its not hard to see why. A J-drama thats the perfect fit for the mainstream. Have you seen it yet? If not and you have Hulu, well my friend.. you know what to do!

Ahh, one of my favorite Japanese directors: Takashi Miike. What a versitile career this man has. It always amazes me how he can go from making horror to drama to comedy to gore to kid movies..! As the gods will is an odd film in itself but it made with such skill and given the sometimes graphic content its pretty difficult to not be invested. For adults only.

You say 'The Grudge' and chances are many will say that they've seen or have heard of the film through its American remake. Only a few may know that it started with the Japanese. Creepy is the word best to describe this franchise. And here is a good introduction to the series. If you like your horror with atmosphere then Ju-On The Grudge comes highly recommended.

The Ring/Ringu isn't just a great Japanese film, or horror film, its just a GREAT film period. I think everyone has heard of this by now. Please don't skip the American remake, its good.. but see this one first. The end scene will haunt your nightmares, just a heads up!

My man Abe returns with a drama about love, life and loss. And another title that hits close too home for me. If the Oscars were aware then this would pick up every award. This one moved me, an awful lot. Touching to say the least.

My first introduction to the lovely Haruka Ayase. A sci-fi, rom-com that feels very mainstream. Not quite Hollywood but not so far off that it would alienate a general audience. Its very accessible viewing. If you have a partner that you want to introduce Japanese film to then this would be a safe choice ;)

Okay I'll be honest.. I really like this movie. But it does divide me in some aspects. The whole teacher/student story is a little concerning and the motives that the characters take can be questionable. But under the surface I see what the film is trying to do. A very well crafted drama film with elements of romance and redemption and discovery. It does have a big heart to it but just as I've mentioned.. you may question certain things that you see in this. Outside of that, I say give it a watch, if only for one time and see what you think.

Fellas.. if the film 'Fatal Attraction' didn't scare you from dating then perhaps Takashi Miike's stella gem 'Audition' will! Man, this is a hard watch at times. Is it disturbing? Yes. Is it brilliant? You bet it is!!!

If someone were to ask me "Hey Jim, can you recommend me a bad a** contemporary samurai flick?" I'll say "Ere.. peep this one!" Lots of violence, hacking and slashing.. does exactly what it's suppose to do!

The scariest looking Godzilla to date. And a perfect true to life representation of what modern Japan would look like if they had to deal with a  Godzilla randomly appearing. It feels like you're watching a true event happening before your eyes. And the big G is absolutely BRUTAL here, taking no prisoners - its pretty hardcore! Yes there is a lot of talking throughout the movie but the effects and the action are some the best ever in the franchise.  

I've just been introduced to this drama and I'm already addicted after the first episode. Centered around a group of forensics and the abilities to try and solve the causes of deaths in Japan. Its currently on Netflix as we speak and if you like a hard hitting, thought provoking drama with some added mystery then this should be on top of your go list right now.

For me.. the one that started it all.. the very first Japanese drama I ever watched. It was this then GTO 2012 and I was lost to it all lol. The title and premise caught my attention.. why was a lady in her mid-30s going back to school? Something about that fed my curiousity. So I randomly thought what the hey.. I'm gonna check it out. It is a decent drama, pretty good one, nothing overly special but it was a nice change of pace away from all the western content I've been consuming for years and years. So it will always get a special mention from me.

When a woman starts dating this guy it seems everything is working out just nicely. Till she finds out his secret and its then that her world is turned completely upside down. A joyful, quirky comedy about how life can have a habit of changing its course at times. A personal title for me but if you're a parent yourself then I'm sure you'll find plenty to enjoy and relate to here also :)

A girl seeks revenge on a gang that murdered her brother. And.. she has a MACHINE GUN for an arm!! Sold lol!

Probably the most accessible and well received Godzilla movie of all time. It broke records and profited hugely outside of Japan to western audiences. The special effects even won an Oscar. So that makes this the FIRST Godzilla film to have won an actual Oscar... just let that sink in people!

I need to see the first season but I believe you can go into watching this without seeing the first prior to this. And what a show it is. When a lawyer steps in to help guide students with a troubled background to success at UTokyo then comedy and heartfelt drama ensues. I mean its Abe once again showcasing why he's such a talented performer. It's on Netflix and this might also by a contender for a J-drama newbie title. I never wanted it to end and the 10x episodes just flew by. I'm already looking forward to watching it again soon.

Ahh Battle Royale, simple premise where a bunch of school kids have to perform a certain task in order to save their lives. And it pulls no punches. If you like your Japanese films with a hard edge and a unpredictable nature then I think you could do a lot worse than BR. For some people this was their gateway into Asian cinema, and what a perfect place to begin with I say.