When you think of Japanese content, the first thing that comes to mind is anime. And although that is true, anime is just a small part of the entertainment industry. Japanese films and shows entertained humans long before anime. They are known for topics that haunt us long after we’ve seen them. For example, when you see Rashomon(1950), you gain an understanding of the importance of perspectives in storytelling. And then you realise that it is something that stays with you forever.
And even today, if you check out Japanese content including anime you’ll be intrigued by what you find.
In this article, we bring to you a list 10 Japanese movies and series on Netflix that you can check out. The list also includes the popular anime of 2026, so far. While this is not a comprehensive guide, we’ve hand picked content from different genres to cater to a little something for everyone. Here, do have a look:
1. Cosmic Princess Kayuga!
As the title of the show suggests this musical anime seems like a fairytale that comes alive in the modern world. Iroha, an independent high school girl shouldering too much responsibility shelters a baby girl she found in a pole on her way home. However, the baby grows up at a rapid speed. Within three days she is a toddler and a pre-teen a few days later.
Soon Iroha finds out that the girl she rescued, Kayuga, escaped from the moon. Kayuga and Iroha participate in a virtual streamer tournament that alters their life, not in the usual way you would anticipate.
It is a musical and is loosely based on the Japanese folktale, “The Tale of The Bamboo Cutter.”
The show released on Netflix on 22nd January. It is directed by Shingo Yamashita.
2. Did Someone Happen To Mention Me?
The title of the show is a rhetorical question. And if you suspect it to be a comedy drama, you are absolutely correct in your assumption. It is based on the life of Gen Takasegawa. He was the first Japanese actor to play a lead role at Globe Theatre in London.
His popularity rose in London. However, when he returned to Japan he found no one recognised him there, anymore. He tries to get into public memory by truly attempting to connect with his people. The intricately designed narrative of the show will touch you deeply.
It is directed by Fuminori Kaneko, Atsushi Watabe and Takuya Sakaue. It stars the legendary actor Koji Yakusho.
3. Human Vapor
The crime drama show draws inspiration from the 1960’s cult class film of the same name. In the show, a librarian is subjected to a scientific experiment which eventually goes awry. He can now switch between his human form and vapour form at his will.
And, he uses this ability to earn more and support his girlfriend’s ambitions. He resorts to unfair ways and as a result he robs banks, commits crimes and kills people for his advantage. There’s no stopping him. Gradually, the crimes make him the number 1 on the most wanted list of Tokyo police.
The show is directed by Shinzo Katayama. For us, it is the most awaited of all Japanese movies and series on Netflix that will release in 2026.
4. My Crazy Feminist Girlfriend
The film is based on a super-hit Korean novel of the same name. A man reunites with his ex-girlfriend after seven years. However, she has changed a lot. Due to some past incidents, she has become a feminists now. A reality that bites him even more than a dreaded dream. Her soft, meek attitude has faded. Now she doesn’t want to compromise on either her rights or on love. She is totally unapologetic of her ways. And, this makes him rethink if she even fits the role of his lover? Watch to know what happens when men embrace feminism.
It is directed by Keiichi Kobayashi.
5. Plastic Beauty
Two doctors with a totally different set of clientele and world views have come together. One is a surgeon who believes it to be her duty to save people through her medical services. Whereas, the other is a celebrity doctor who thinks beauty is the most essential thing in life. The initial friction is quite palpable and predictable too. However, when they see the world through each other’s perspectives, a lot changes in their worlds.
Yuki Saito has directed it.
6. Quiztopia
In an alternate Japan, the government has sanctioned the citizens to participate in a rather unusual quiz show. If they win, they can get their wish fulfilled. However, if they lose they are in murky waters wherein they are subjected to forced labor and other harsh labor. The charismatic quizmaster KK encourages people to participate despite knowing the polarity of the outcomes. Things changed for better when people rebel against the government and confront the quiz master.
This gripping tale is based on the manga Kokimin Quiz (1993). Teruyuki Yoshida is the director.
7. Silent Truth
The psychological crime drama series is about a detective who is investigating a murder in his hometown. Things slowly lead him to hist past, starting with his first love, who also happens to a prime suspect in the case. The gun used in the crime is the same one related to a childhood incident. The incident includes them both and their two other friends. It was something that they buried in silences in the past. And now those silences have come to haunt them.
Yamamoto Daisuke and Fukagawa Yoshihiro have directed the series.
8. Sins of Kujo
There are many drama series around the world that are based on Law and Court Rooms. Sins of Kujo is one of them. However, it is unlike any court room drama you have seen before.
Tazia Kujo is lawyer. He is well known for defending his clients and goes to any extent to ensure they get a fair judgement. He will break the rules, if he cannot bend them to his will. However, he only defends the notorious, corrupt, and criminals in the society.
Nobuhiro Doi, Hiroshi Adachi and Takeyoshi Yamamoto have directed the web series.
9. Soul Mate
Ryu flees Japan to escape the guilt he carries for spoiling his best friend’s life. He goes to Berlin but regret and guilt weigh him down heavily. A chance encounter with Johan, a Korean boxer changes his life for ever. It’s like two scarred people finding and rescuing each other from the darkness they both are aware of. They face the challenges that life throws at them and experience joy, pain, suffering, and love in their journey.
Hashizume Shunki has written and directed this romantic drama series.
10. Steel Ball Run: Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure
The action packed anime is an adaptation of famous manga series Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure. It centres around the seventh part, Steel Ball Run. When Johnny Joestar, a former jockey, is unable to use his legs post accident, he joins hands with an outlaw, Gyro Zeppeli. He takes part in a horse race that spans across continents. He bears the difficulties with his eyes firmly fixed on the $50 million grand price.
Yasuhiro Kimura has directed this anime.
As more titles release, we’ll keep on adding it to this list of Japanese Movies and Series On Netflix. If you think we’ve missed out on any good titles, do let us know in the comments.