Top 20 Japanese Movies and Series on Netflix with English Subtitles

If you’re a fan of Japanese storytelling, Netflix offers an impressive selection of movies and series with English subtitles, covering everything from heartwarming dramas to thrilling mysteries. Whether you’re exploring Japanese culture or simply looking for binge-worthy entertainment, this curated list has something for everyone.

Top Japanese Movies on Netflix

A Silent Voice (2016)

A heartwarming anime film about a boy searching for redemption after bullying a deaf girl, it has a strong theme of friendship and forgiveness.

Your Eyes Tell (2020)

A romantic drama centered on a blind woman and a former boxer. A story of healing and love.

The Fable (2019) 

An action-comedy about a legendary hitman who is forced to live a normal life while coming to terms with his past.

37 Seconds (2019) 

A coming-of-age film about a young woman with cerebral palsy who wants to become a manga artist.

In This Corner of the World (2016)

An animated historical drama about the life of a young woman during World War II in Hiroshima.

Tuna Girl (2020)

A romantic comedy about a woman who moves to a coastal town for the summer, adapting to the local customs surrounding tuna fishing and ultimately finding a surprising romance.

Fullmetal Alchemist (2017)

A live-action version of a popular anime series about two brothers exploring alchemy while searching for the Philosopher’s Stone.

River’s Edge (2018)

An oftentimes somber teen drama that seeks to examine peer pressure and the struggles it can cause.

Mother (2010)

A suspenseful thriller about a woman who kidnaps a child she believes has been abused, but whose intentions may not be as altruistic as they appear.

Little Miss Sumo (2018)

A documentary short about a female sumo wrestler who breaks gender barriers in the sport and competes in a male-only competition.

Top Japanese Series on Netflix

Alice in Borderland (2020–2025) 

An entertaining sci-fi series about friends trapped in a desolate Tokyo housing forced to play deadly games in order to survive. 

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (2009–2019) 

Heartwarming stories from a midnight diner about the lives of its patrons. 

Samurai Gourmet (2017) 

A retired man tastes new foods and experiences that open him to a new lease on life. 

Good Morning Call (2016–2017) 

A high school romance about a girl living with a popular boy, leading to wild adventures. 

99.9: Criminal Lawyer (2016–2018) 

A quirky legal drama about cases that have almost no logical way to win. 

Re: Mind (2017) 

A suspenseful series where eleven girls realize they are trapped and must figure out why. 

The Naked Director (2019–2021) 

A biographical drama depicting the meteoric rise of a polarizing figure in Japan’s adult film industry. 

Atelier (2015) 

Set in a high-end lingerie company, exploring fashion, ambition, and personal growth. 

Million Yen Women (2017) 

A mystery-esque drama about a struggling writer with five million-yen stipend women living with him. 

Hibana: Spark (2016) 

Follows the journey of two stand-up comedians navigating their friendship and ambition. 

Netflix makes those kinds of titles available to a global audience with English subtitles, and it’s the perfect entry point into Japanese culture, humor, and storytelling. No matter if you enjoy thrillers, romances, or documentaries, there is a Japanese movie or series to suit every mood and palate.