The Best R-Rated Japanese Movies

Ranker Film
Updated May 16, 2024 270.6K views 115 items
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Vote up your favorite R-rated Japanese movies.
Latest additions: Golden Kamuy, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Most divisive: Letters from Iwo Jima
Over 1.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best R-Rated Japanese Movies

This list takes the best R-rated Japanese movies and compares them to determine, once and for all, the greatest R-rated Japanese movies movie of all time. While good Japanese movies are obviously popular in Japan, many have won acclaim abroad too. Japan has won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film four times, more than any other Asian country. 

This list of popular R-rated Japanese movies includes information like who directed the film, when it was released and which actors starred in the movie. If you think the top R-rated Japanese movie isn't as high as it should be, vote it up so it can take its rightful place among the other great Japanese R-15 and R-18 movies on this list.

If you're trying to find a specific R-Rated Japanese film you can search this list and filter to find what you're looking for. This list includes Letters from Iwo Jima, Ran, Akira and other classics. If you're trying to find out "What are the best Japanese R-rated movies?" and "What are the most famous R-rated Japanese movies?" then this list is the perfect resource for you.

You can also use this list if you're looking for some new Japanese movies that are rated R. Between Netflix, Hulu and other services there are thousands of great Japanese movies rated R, so get out there and start watching. Re-rank this bad boy then share it with your best friends to see what you guys think really belongs at the top.

Clint Eastwood and Sean Penn are among the directors that have worked on a R Japanese Movies film.

  • Female Convict Scorpion: Grudge Song concludes the iconic saga with a thrilling portrayal of reality's harsh grasp on its protagonist. Meiko Kaji's riveting performance captures the raw emotion and passion of the series, leaving viewers with a satisfying end to an epic tale.

  • Letters from Iwo Jima
    32

    Letters from Iwo Jima, a poignant and heartrending war film directed by Clint Eastwood, provides an intimate perspective into the fierce battle between Japanese and American troops. Featuring an astounding performance by Ken Watanabe, this movie stands as a testament to the devastating horrors of war and the vulnerability of those thrust into its chaos.

  • One Missed Call 2
    33
    23 votes

    One Missed Call 2, a suspenseful and chilling sequel, dives deeper into the tale of cursed phone calls and impending doom. Its menacing atmosphere, unforgettable twists, and palpable dread make this movie an integral addition to the chilling Japanese horror canon.

  • The World of Kanako
    34

    The World of Kanako

    2014
    21 votes

    The World of Kanako, an emotional and engrossing thriller, unravels a tale of desperation and revenge, as a father desperately searches for his missing daughter. Directed masterfully by Tetsuya Nakashima, the movie boasts a magnificent performance by Koji Yakusho and vivid visuals, making it an unforgettable experience.

  • Another Heaven
    35
    18 votes

    Another Heaven, a gripping thriller by Joji Iida, takes viewers on a sinister ride into the realm of deception, mind games, and the supernatural. The film's entrancing narrative and powerful performances make for a truly enthralling experience.

  • Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, an exhilarating animated film by Shinichiro Watanabe, invites fans and newcomers into the iconic universe of the eponymous anime series. With its stunning visuals, snappy dialogue, and thrilling action sequences, it effortlessly captures the essence of the original, making it a must-watch for any fan.

  • Living Hell
    37

    Living Hell

    2000
    14 votes

    Living Hell, a nerve-shredding horror flick, delves into the terror as family secrets come to light, pushing its protagonist to the brink of madness. Directed by Shugo Fujii, the film's chilling atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling make for a harrowing cinematic experience.

  • Battle Royale II: Requiem, the electrifying sequel to the cult classic, takes the adrenaline-charged carnage to new heights. Revisiting the brutal world of government-controlled games, director Kenta Fukasaku crafts a cautionary tale that will leave viewers breathless and contemplating its powerful sociopolitical themes.

  • Why Don't You Play in Hell?
    39

    Why Don't You Play in Hell?

    2013
    10 votes

    Why Don't You Play in Hell?, an anarchic and absurdly fun action-comedy by Sion Sono, thrills the audience with its bizarre and explosive tale of a film crew caught between warring yakuza gangs. Packed with exceptional performances and jaw-dropping sequences, this crazy ride leaves viewers begging for more.

  • Tekkonkinkreet
    40
    10 votes

    Tekkonkinkreet, a visually striking and emotionally moving anime directed by Michael Arias, transports viewers to the fantastical world of Treasure Town. With its vivid colors, imaginative storytelling, and heart-wrenching exploration of childhood, friendship, and belonging, the film captivates both young and adult viewers alike.

  • The Neighbor No. Thirteen, a psychological thriller by Yasuo Inoue, follows the story of a man tormented by the reappearance of his childhood bully. With powerful performances and a gripping storyline, this film keeps viewers enthralled as it explores themes of revenge, obsession, and fear.

  • Tokyo Gore School
    42

    Tokyo Gore School

    2009
    8 votes

    Tokyo Gore School, a blood-soaked and violent thrill ride, takes audiences on a journey through a twisted and deadly game, where survival is a matter of wit and sheer will. This dark and gory movie, directed by Yohei Fukuda, is not for the faint of heart, but its relentless intensity and brutal creativity make it hard to look away.

  • One Missed Call
    43
    15 votes

    One Missed Call, a chilling horror movie by Takashi Miike, leaves viewers gripping the edges of their seats as they follow a curse that comes in the form of phone calls. With its hair-raising scares and nerve-wracking suspense, the film has cemented itself as a classic within the Japanese horror genre.

  • Premonition
    44
    13 votes

    Premonition, a chilling supernatural thriller directed by Tsuruta Norio, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through a harrowing journey of paranormal visions and eerie premonitions. Its haunting atmosphere, coupled with Hidetoshi Nishijima's impressive performance, make this thriller a standout in its genre.

  • River's Edge
    45
    11 votes
    River's Edge (aka Ribâzu ejji) is a 2018 Japanese teen crime film directed by Isao Yukisada, based on the manga series by Kyoko Okazaki. A group of high school students experience the brutal front of urban isolation after a corpse washes up from the river.
  • Sukiyaki Western Django, a genre-defying and action-packed western directed by Takashi Miike, provides a thrilling homage to spaghetti westerns and Japanese samurai films. With an all-star cast that includes Hideaki Ito and Quentin Tarantino, the movie skillfully blends action, humor, and style, making it a stylish and unforgettable cinematic experience.

  • Killing Machine
    47
    14 votes

    Killing Machine, an action-packed martial arts movie, showcases the enthralling and captivating fight scenes that keep viewers hooked. This high-octane and exhilarating cinematic experience, with a strong lead performance, leaves its mark as a classic within the genre.

  • Female Convict Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 never falters in maintaining the momentum set by its predecessors, with Meiko Kaji once again driving home a heart-wrenching performance. This exploration of the strength and resilience of women, inscribed in a brutal prison setting, cements the film's place as a standout entry in the series.

  • Ju-on
    49
    2002
    12 votes

    Ju-on, a chilling tale of supernatural terror by Takashi Shimizu, spawned a new era of crushing fear through its iconic characters and hair-raising scares. With its captivating blend of horror and suspense, the movie will leave even the bravest of viewers feeling spooked.

  • Tokyo Decadence
    50

    Tokyo Decadence

    1992
    13 votes

    Tokyo Decadence, a provocative and daring movie by Ryu Murakami, delves into the dark and steamy world of a call girl in Tokyo. Confronting society's perceptions of sexuality, the film's magnetic performances and spellbinding visual style create an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

  • Distance
    51
    10 votes

    Distance, directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, tells the haunting and introspective story of four friends connected through a devastating and tragic past. With its magnificent cinematography and stellar performances, the movie delves into the depths of human emotion and the struggle for redemption, leaving a lasting impression.

  • Appleseed
    52
    10 votes

    Appleseed, an innovative and stunning anime directed by Shinji Aramaki, captivates viewers with its futuristic world of cyborgs and artificial intelligence. Through its breathtaking visuals, rich storytelling, and deep philosophical themes, the film leaves an indelible mark on the world of anime and science fiction.

  • The Princess Blade
    53
    10 votes
    The Princess Blade is a 2001 Japanese action film directed by Shinsuke Sato. It is a reimagining of the manga Lady Snowblood by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura.
  • Terminatrix
    54
    10 votes
  • Vital
    55
    2004
    7 votes
    Vital is a Japanese film made in 2004. It was directed by Shinya Tsukamoto and stars Tadanobu Asano as Hiroshi Takagi, a man whose girlfriend dies and who loses his memory in a car accident. The original concept that inspired Vital was the image of medical students making sketches during a dissection. Tsukamoto visited a medical school and observed a dissection while writing the screenplay, which was originally titled: Dissection Film Project. Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical sketches were a direct inspiration.
  • Ju-on: The Curse 2
    56
    Ju-on: The Curse 2, also known as simply Ju-on 2, is a 2000 Japanese V-Cinema horror film and the second installment in the Ju-on series. The film was released in Japan on March 25, 2000 and was later released on video on April 14, 2000. Much of the sequel is a recap of the first film, nearly 30 minutes of retelling out of 76 minutes. The rest of the movie introduces new information on those events, and new characters, as well as briefly introducing events which would play into the later theatrical films.
  • Terry Tsugury (Sonny Chiba) is a street-wise thief who agrees to help an underworld crime boss (Akira Shioji). For a fee, Tsugury will steal back a set of cassette tapes that contain precise instructions on how to manufacture cheap heroin. But when he realizes he's been double-crossed, Tsugury makes off with the tapes. With a deadly assassin (Frankie Black) on his trail and an ever-widening circle of people he can't trust, Tsugury finds help in a mysterious agent (Etsuko Shihomi).
  • Misa the Dark Angel
    58

    Misa the Dark Angel

    1997
    7 votes
  • Shogun's Ninja
    59

    Shogun's Ninja

    1980
    7 votes
    Shogun's Ninja is an action adventure drama film directed by Noribumi Suzuki.
  • Tag
    60
    2015
    11 votes

    Tag, a surreal and mind-bending action horror by Sion Sono, takes audiences on a wild ride through the twisted and chaotic world of its protagonist. With its exhilarating action sequences, imaginative storytelling, and unrelenting pace, the film creates an unforgettable, visceral experience.