In 2023, Japan's box office revenue was still dominated by sequels of anime and manga franchises, but there were also standout films from Japanese filmmakers.

Curious about the best Japanese movies of the year? Look no further. Cinema Escapist's editors have compiled a list of the top 10 Japanese films of 2023, including blockbusters and indie gems across various genres such as animation, samurai, comedy, action, romance, and more. We've prioritized movies with deeper social and political themes in line with our editorial values.

Explore the top Japanese movies of 2023 below, with links to stream them on platforms like Netflix where available.

Hayao Miyazaki, the famous director of Studio Ghibli, announced his retirement in 2013. However, much to the joy of Ghibli fans, he decided to come out of retirement to create another film, "The Boy and The Heron," set to be released in 2023.

The movie, similar to Miyazaki's previous works like "The Wind Rises," explores themes of flight and childhood. It follows the story of a boy named Mahito who moves to the countryside after Tokyo is bombed during WWII. There, he encounters a mysterious heron that takes him on an exciting adventure.

Like other Ghibli films, "The Boy and The Heron" showcases a beautifully imaginative world that captures the hearts of viewers both visually and emotionally. It serves as a heartfelt goodbye from Miyazaki, who is considered one of the greatest animators and filmmakers of all time.

So, after a quick trip to Korea with the 2022 movie "Broker," famous director Hirokazu Kore-eda came back to Japan in 2023 to make "Monster." Like his other films, "Monster" explores the idea of family, but it also tackles coming-of-age and homophobia.

The story of "Monster" revolves around a young boy named Minato, who starts acting strangely. His mom, Saori, gets worried, and the movie takes us on a journey to figure out what's bothering Minato. The journey is kind of weird and eerie, like something out of a Kafka story. But if you stick with it, the tension builds up and the ending is really captivating.

"Monster" is all about examining our own inner monsters and how they affect our morals and relationships. It's a thought-provoking film that will definitely leave a strong emotional impact.

Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi's Drive My Car was our favorite Japanese movie of 2021. In 2023, he came back with another great film called Evil Does Not Exist.

Evil Does Not Exist is set in a small village near Tokyo and follows single parent Takumi and his daughter Hana. Their peaceful life is disrupted when a company from Tokyo plans to build a glamping site in their village.

Fans of classic Japanese filmmakers like Yasujiro Ozu will appreciate Evil Does Not Exist. The film features wide shots, a slow pace, and beautiful nature scenes. Despite this, the movie is not dull, as it includes moments of action and tension that explore complex themes like development, capitalism, and resource exploitation.

Godzilla Minus One is the newest Godzilla movie in the franchise, and it's been a huge hit both critically and financially. It takes us back to the beginning of Godzilla, with a story set in postwar Japan in the 1950s.

Like director Takashi Yamazaki's other films, The Great War of Archimedes and Shin Godzilla from 2016, Godzilla Minus One explores the frustrations people have with ineffective bureaucracies and governments when it comes to dealing with disasters. This adds a modern relevance to the movie, making it even more important in society.

But don't worry, if you're just looking for an action-packed monster movie, Godzilla Minus One delivers. It has all the exciting action scenes you'd expect, with cities being destroyed and heat rays everywhere. The characters in the film are also well-developed, and their emotional journeys add depth to the explosions. Overall, Godzilla Minus One is definitely worth watching.

So, Perfect Days is this really cool Japanese movie directed by Wim Wnders, who's actually German. It's all about this guy named Hirayama who works as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. He's all about routine and simplicity, but when some unexpected stuff happens, we get to dig into his past and who he really is. This movie was a big hit in 2023, especially with Western critics and artsy people. It even got shown at Cannes and won a bunch of awards. It also made it into the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival.

If you're a fan of samurai movies and Takeshi Kitano's work, you should definitely give Kubi a watch. Directed by Kitano, the film tells the story of the 1582 Honno-ji Incident, where Akechi Mitsuhide killed Oda Nobunaga, leading to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's rise to power and the unification of Japan.

Even if you're not a history buff, Kubi has plenty of exciting action and unexpected plot twists to keep you entertained. The movie also offers a unique perspective on the samurai genre, poking fun at traditions like seppuku. Whether you're looking for some samurai action or a crash course in medieval Japanese history, Kubi is worth checking out.

Shadow of Fire is a touching story about an orphan who's just trying to make it through the tough times after WWII. One day, he decides to swipe some food from a run-down restaurant, but little does he know that this act will bring him face to face with a former soldier and a woman who have their own war scars.

Not only does Shadow of Fire have a powerful message against war, but it also deserves a round of applause for its stunning cinematography. Director Tsukamoto really knows how to play with light and darkness, giving the film its name and exploring the moral gray areas of survival after war. It's no surprise that Shadow of Fire made it to big-time festivals like Toronto and Venice.

Great Absence follows Takashi, an actor who must come back to his hometown from Tokyo after finding out his estranged father Yohji is struggling with dementia. As Takashi delves into the mysteries surrounding his father, including the disappearance of his second wife, the film touches on the themes of aging and the bond between generations. Through poignant flashbacks, Great Absence beautifully captures the idea of lost memories and their emotional impact.