20
Branded to Kill (Koroshi no rakuin) (1967)
Branded to Kill (Koroshi no rakuin) (1967)

A hitman becomes a target himself in this surreal and stylish crime film, showcasing director Seijun Suzuki’s unique visual style.

“Life is like a revolver. The bullets represent time. And when the bullets run out, so does your time.”

19
High and Low (Tengoku to jigoku) (1963)
High and Low (Tengoku to jigoku) (1963)

A businessman’s life is turned upside down when his son is kidnapped, leading to a gripping thriller exploring social and moral dilemmas.

“The worst thing that can happen to a parent is to lose a child.”

18
Tokyo Drifter (Tōkyō nagaremono) (1966)
Tokyo Drifter (Tōkyō nagaremono) (1966)

After his gang disbands, a yakuza enforcer looks forward to life outside of organized crime but soon must become a drifter after his old rivals attempt to assassinate him.

“Kill me! Get it over with!”

17
The Sword of Doom (Dai-bosatsu tôge) (1966)
The Sword of Doom (Dai-bosatsu tôge) (1966)

A wandering samurai befriends a young boy and becomes embroiled in a conflict between Chinese and Japanese forces. The film features beautifully animated sword fights.

“I don’t want to die, so I’ll live.”

 

16
Samurai Rebellion (Jôi-uchi: Hairyô tsuma shimatsu) (1967)
Samurai Rebellion (Jôi-uchi: Hairyô tsuma shimatsu) (1967)

A retired samurai is forced to defend his family’s honor against a corrupt lord. The film portrays the conflict between duty and personal desires.

“My feelings for this woman are none of your business.”

15
Versus (Vāsasu) (2000)
Versus (Vāsasu) (2000)

Two escaped convicts stumble upon an ancient forest where the dead are resurrected. The film combines martial arts, zombies, and supernatural elements.

“This forest is the gateway to Hell.”

14
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (Ichimei) (2011)
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (Ichimei) (2011)

A remake of the classic, this film explores honor and justice in feudal Japan, revealing the tragic consequences of societal injustice.

“I will die with purpose. I have decided.”

13
Outrage (Autoreiji) (2010)
Outrage (Autoreiji) (2010)

Yakuza clans clash in this crime drama exploring loyalty, betrayal, and power struggles within the Japanese underworld.

“Fear is what protects you from the inside.”

12
The Raid: Redemption (Serbuan maut) (2011)
The Raid: Redemption (Serbuan maut) (2011)

A SWAT team becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster. The film is known for its relentless action and martial arts choreography.

“Pulling a trigger is like ordering takeout.”

11
Lady Snowblood (Shurayukihime) (1973)
Lady Snowblood (Shurayukihime) (1973)

A woman seeks vengeance against those who raped her mother and framed her family. The film is a classic revenge story with a strong female lead.

“My mother was violated. My mother was flogged. My mother was disgraced.”

10
13 Assassins (Jūsannin no Shikaku) (2010)
13 Assassins (Jūsannin no Shikaku) (2010)

A group of samurai is assembled to assassinate a sadistic lord. The film features an epic and intense battle sequence.

“Our enemy is formidable. Yet, this mission is possible.”

9
Crows Zero (Kurôzu zero) (2007)
Crows Zero (Kurôzu zero) (2007)

A transfer student aims to dominate his new high school, infamous for its delinquent students. The film explores gang conflicts and teenage bravado.

“The strongest delinquent is the one who stands alone.”

8
Oldboy (Oldeuboi) (2003)
Oldboy (Oldeuboi) (2003)

A man is inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years and then released, embarking on a mission to discover the reasons behind his captivity.

“Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.”

7
Ichi the Killer (Koroshiya 1) (2001)
Ichi the Killer (Koroshiya 1) (2001)

A sadomasochistic yakuza enforcer searches for his boss and encounters a disturbed killer. The film is notorious for its extreme violence.

“I want you to hit me until I can’t stand up.”

6
Shin Godzilla (Shin Gojira) (2016)
Shin Godzilla (Shin Gojira) (2016)

Japan faces the sudden emergence of a giant monster, prompting government officials and scientists to collaborate in a desperate bid to save the country.

“The sadness of the people who perished. Their cries. Their anger. Their prayers. Our regret at being unable to save them. All of it.”

5
Three Outlaw Samurai (Sanbiki no samurai) (1964)
Three Outlaw Samurai (Sanbiki no samurai) (1964)

When poor peasants kidnap a magistrate’s daughter to coerce him into reducing their unfair taxes, a wandering ronin decides to give them some help.

“Let the lord see you in disgrace. Let the peasants see you in disgrace.”

4
Battle Royale (Batoru rowaiaru) (2000)
Battle Royale (Batoru rowaiaru) (2000)

In a dystopian future, a class of students is sent to an island, armed, and forced to kill each other until only one survivor remains.

“Life is a game. So fight for survival and see if you’re worth it.”

3
Full Contact (Hap do Ko Fei) (1992)
Full Contact (Hap do Ko Fei) (1992)

Two disreputable friends get tied in with a group of criminals who turn out to be excessively violent and deceptive.

“Take me one minute to break you. Scared?”

2
Sonatine (Sonachine) (1993)
Sonatine (Sonachine) (1993)

Several yakuza from Tokyo are sent to Okinawa to help end a gang war. The war then escalates and the Tokyo drifters decide to lay low at the beach.

“You’re tough. I love tough guys. Aniki Murakawa : I wouldn’t carry a gun if I were tough.”

1
Seven Samurai (Shichinin no samurai) (1954)
Seven Samurai (Shichinin no samurai) (1954)

A village hires seven samurai to protect them from marauding bandits. Akira Kurosawa’s epic masterpiece is a tale of heroism and sacrifice.

“This is the nature of war. By protecting others, you save yourself.”