The 40 most popular japanese science fiction movies, ranked. Click any film for ratings, reviews, trailers, and where to watch.


Akira
1988 · 2h 4m
country: Japan
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.


Godzilla Minus One
2023 · 2h 5m
country: Japan
In postwar Japan, Godzilla brings new devastation to an already scorched landscape. With no military intervention or government help in sight, the survivors must join together in the face of despair and fight back against an unrelenting horror.


Ghost in the Shell
1995 · 1h 23m
country: Japan
In the year 2029, the barriers of our world have been broken down by the net and by cybernetics, but this brings new vulnerability to humans in the form of brain-hacking. When a highly-wanted hacker known as 'The Puppetmaster' begins involving them in politics, Section 9, a group of cybernetically enhanced cops, are called in to investigate and stop the Puppetmaster.


Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
1997 · 1h 27m
country: Japan
SEELE orders an all-out attack on NERV, aiming to destroy the Evas before Gendo can advance his own plans for the Human Instrumentality Project. Shinji is pushed to the limits of his sanity as he is forced to decide the fate of humanity.


Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
2026 · 2h 21m
country: Japan
Iroha's life gets knocked off its orbit when Kaguya, a carefree runaway from the Moon, moves in and convinces her to perform in a virtual world together.


Resident Evil: Death Island
2023 · 1h 31m
country: Japan
In San Francisco, Jill Valentine is dealing with a zombie outbreak and a new T-Virus, Leon Kennedy is on the trail of a kidnapped DARPA scientist, and Claire Redfield is investigating a monstrous fish that is killing whales in the bay. Joined by Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers, they discover the trail of clues from their separate cases all converge on the same location, Alcatraz Island, where a new evil has taken residence and awaits their arrival.


Shin Godzilla
2016 · 2h
country: Japan
When a massive, gilled monster emerges from the deep and tears through the city, the government scrambles to save its citizens. A rag-tag team of volunteers cuts through a web of red tape to uncover the monster's weakness and its mysterious ties to a foreign superpower. But time is not on their side - the greatest catastrophe to ever befall the world is about to evolve right before their very eyes.


My Hero Academia: You're Next
2024 · 1h 50m
country: Japan
In a society devastated by the effects of an all-out war between heroes and villains, a mysterious giant fortress suddenly appears, engulfing towns and people one after another. Then, a man reminiscent of All Might, the 'symbol of peace', stands in front of Izuku and his friends...


Resident Evil: Degeneration
2008 · 1h 37m
country: Japan
Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield must battle a rogue warrior seeking revenge after unleashing the deadly G-Virus, whilst a mutated monster goes on a rampage.


Gintama the Movie 2026: Yoshiwara in Flames
2026
country: Japan
Upon meeting a young boy named Seita who makes a living as a pickpocket, Gintoki discovers that he is pickpocketing out of a desire to meet his long-lost mother, Hinowa, Yoshiwara's number one courtesan. Gintoki and his friends venture to Yoshiwara to fulfill Seita's wish, but standing in their way is Housen, the Night King who rules Yoshiwara.


Assassination Classroom the Movie: Our Time
2026 · 1h 27m
country: Japan
United by a common mission to eliminate their teacher, Koro-sensei, an alien creature with phenomenal strength, join Nagisa and his Class 3-E classmates in brand-new adventures.


Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
2013 · 1h 25m
country: Japan
After the defeat of Majin Buu, a powerful God of Destruction known as Beerus searches for the Saiyan warrior who defeated Frieza. Realizing the threat Beerus poses to Earth, the Z-fighters must stop him. Only Goku, humanity’s last hope, can ascend to the level of a legendary Super Saiyan God and save the planet, and possibly the entire universe!


My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission
2021 · 1h 45m
country: Japan
A mysterious group called Humarize strongly believes in the Quirk Singularity Doomsday theory which states that when quirks get mixed further in with future generations, that power will bring forth the end of humanity. In order to save everyone, the Pro-Heroes around the world ask UA Academy heroes-in-training to assist them and form a world-class selected hero team. It’s up to the heroes to save the world and the future of heroes in what is the most dangerous crisis to take place yet in My Hero Academia.


Resident Evil: Vendetta
2017 · 1h 37m
country: Japan
When a fearless enemy out for revenge unleashes a brutal and deadly new virus, BSAA captain Chris Redfield enlists the help of Agent Leon S. Kennedy and Professor Rebecca Chambers to bring down the death merchant and save New York City.


MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM HATHAWAY The Sorcery of Nymph Circe
2026 · 1h 55m
country: Japan
Haunted by past trauma, Hathaway Noa is drawn to a mysterious girl named Gigi Andalucia, whose strange powers stir memories within him. While swayed by her cryptic words, he continues preparing for Mafty's mission -- the attack on the Adelaide Conference. Meanwhile, Kenneth Sleg of the Earth Federation Forces prepares a defense operation for the Adelaide Conference and a plan to eliminate Mafty and is approached by Handley Yoxon of the Criminal Police Organization with a secret proposal. As Hathaway and Kenneth pursue their respective goals, Gigi also sets off for Hong Kong to fulfill her own role.


Unanswered//butterfly
2026 · 1h 58m
country: Japan
In Sword Art Online, the first full-dive VRMMO, dying in the game means dying in real life. Emirun and Rex, who knew each other before entering the game, reunite by chance and join forces to survive. After their team is slaughtered by the mysterious PK known as the Black Swordsman, the two resolve to become stronger. Determined to avenge their fallen comrades, they seek out the legendary swordswoman Asuna and begin an intense training regimen. In a deadly game where even fellow players can become enemies, what fate awaits them at the end of this journey?


Paprika
2006 · 1h 30m
country: Japan
Dr. Atsuko Chiba is a research psychologist who uses a device called the DC Mini to enter her patients' dreams, wherein she adopts the alter-ego "Paprika". When the device is stolen, she must stop rogue elements from merging the dream and waking worlds.


Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon
2025 · 1h 50m
country: Japan
In a Kaiju-filled Japan, Kafka Hibino works in monster disposal. After reuniting with his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, a rising star in the anti-Kaiju Defense Force, he decides to pursue his abandoned dream of joining the Force, when he suddenly transforms into the powerful "Kaiju No. 8." An action-packed recap of the first season of Kaiju No. 8 and a new original episode, Hoshina's Day Off.


Knights of the Zodiac
2023 · 1h 52m
country: United States
When a headstrong street orphan, Seiya, in search of his abducted sister unwittingly taps into hidden powers, he discovers he might be the only person alive who can protect a reincarnated goddess, sent to watch over humanity. Can he let his past go and embrace his destiny to become a Knight of the Zodiac?


Roujin Z
1991 · 1h 20m
country: Japan
Mr. Takazawa, an elderly invalid who is cared for at his home by Haruko, a young nursing student, is chosen by the Japanese Ministry of Public Welfare to test the Z-001, a computerized hospital bed with robotic features that allegedly displays more efficiency and skills than any human nurse, but Haruko mistrusts a machine unable to consider human feelings.


Resident Evil: Damnation
2012 · 1h 40m
country: Japan
U.S. federal agent Leon S. Kennedy sneaks into the "East Slavic Republic" to verify rumors that Bio-Organic Weapons (BOWs) are being used in the country's civil war, which the U.S. and Russia are making preparations to jointly intervene in. Right after his infiltration, the U.S. government orders him to leave immediately. Determined to uncover the truth, Leon ignores the order and enters the battlefield to end the chain of tragedies caused by the BOWs.


Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'
2015 · 1h 33m
country: Japan
One peaceful day on Earth, two remnants of Frieza's army named Sorbet and Tagoma arrive searching for the Dragon Balls with the aim of reviving Frieza. They succeed, and Frieza subsequently seeks revenge on the Saiyans.


Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
2021 · 2h 35m
country: Japan
In the aftermath of the Fourth Impact, stranded without their Evangelions, Shinji, Asuka and Rei find refuge in one of the rare pockets of humanity that still exist on the ruined planet Earth. There, each lives a life far different from their days as an Evangelion pilot. However, the danger to the world is far from over. A new impact is looming on the horizon—one that will prove to be the true end of Evangelion.


VIRGIN PUNK Clockwork Girl
2025 · 35m
country: Japan
In an unforgiving world, Ubu Kamigori hunts criminals as a bounty hunter. But one day, waiting in her home is the man she shares a sordid history with—Mr. Elegance. And so, her destiny begins to unravel.


The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
2006 · 1h 38m
country: Japan
When 17-year-old Makoto Konno gains the ability to 'leap' backwards through time, she immediately sets about improving her grades and preventing personal mishaps. However, she soon realises that changing the past isn't as simple as it seems, and eventually, will have to rely on her new powers to shape the future of herself and her friends.


Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
1993 · 51m
country: Japan
Mr. Money is holding another World Martial Arts Tournament and Mr. Satan invites everyone in the world to join in. Little does he know that Bojack, an ancient villain who has escaped his prison, is competing. Since Goku is currently dead, it is up to Gohan, Vegeta, and Trunks to defeat Bojack and his henchman.


Doraemon: Nobita's New Great Adventure Into the Underworld - The Seven Magic Users
2007 · 1h 52m
country: Japan
Nobita wishes the world into a magic-reliant one with Doraemon's Moshimo-Box, and, along with his friends, must stop an asteroid from hitting the planet with help from a sorcerer-in-training.


Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
1995 · 51m
country: Japan
The Z Warriors discover an unopenable music box and are told to open it with the Dragon Balls. The contents turn out to be a warrior named Tapion who had sealed himself inside along with a monster called Hildegarn. Goku must now perfect a new technique to defeat the evil monster.


TIGER & BUNNY: The Rising
2014 · 1h 48m
country: Japan
The heroes of 'Tiger & Bunny' are back in an all-new feature-length film! Picking up after the events of the Maverick incident, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, a.k.k Wild Tiger, and Barnaby Brooks Jr. resume their careers as heroes fighting crime in Hero TV's Second League. Their partnership comes to a sudden end when Apollon Media's new owner Mark Schneider fires Kotetsu and moves Barnaby back into the First League, pairing him up with Golden Ryan, a new hero with awesome powers and a huge ego to match. When the heroes are sent to investigate a string of strange incidents tied closely to the city's Goddess Legend, they discover three super powered NEXTs plotting to bring terror and destruction to Stern Bild. With the lives of millions hanging in the balance, Barnaby and Goden Ryan must overcome their differences to contain the approaching doom, while a jobless Kotetsu's resolve as a hero is put to the test as he struggles to help his fellow heroes from the sidelines.


Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan
1993 · 1h 10m
country: Japan
While the Saiyan Paragus persuades Vegeta to rule a new planet, King Kai alerts Goku of the South Galaxy's destruction by an unknown Super Saiyan.


Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge
1991 · 48m
country: Japan
After defeating Frieza, Goku returns to Earth and goes on a camping trip with Gohan and Krillin. Everything is normal until Cooler - Frieza's brother - sends three henchmen after Goku. A long fight ensues between our heroes and Cooler, in which he transforms into the fourth stage of his evolution and has the edge in the fight... until Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan.


Detective Conan: The Phantom of Baker Street
2002 · 1h 47m
country: Japan
Noah's Ark, the latest innovation in VR technology, is set for a showcase to Japan's privileged children. However, their carefree fun is cut short when a company employee is found murdered, with his dying message pointing to a clue hidden within the Ark. Along with the Detective Boys and Ran Mouri, Conan Edogawa enters Noah's Ark to solve this mystery and ensure the perpetrator is caught.


Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
2022 · 1h 40m
country: Japan
The Red Ribbon Army, an evil organization that was once destroyed by Goku in the past, has been reformed by a group of people who have created new and mightier Androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, and seek vengeance against Goku and his family.


Ultraman: Rising
2024 · 1h 57m
country: Japan
A star athlete reluctantly returns home to take over his father's duties as Ultraman, shielding Tokyo from giant monsters as he becomes a legendary hero.


Belle
2021 · 2h 1m
country: Japan
Suzu is a 17-year-old high-school student living in a rural town with her father. Wounded by the loss of her mother at a young age, Suzu one day discovers the massive online world "U" and dives into this alternate reality as her avatar, Belle. Before long, all of U's eyes are fixed on Belle, when, suddenly, a mysterious, dragon-like figure appears before her.


Attack on Titan II: End of the World
2015 · 1h 27m
country: Japan
Eren Yeager leaves to restore a break in the wall destroyed by a Titan. He comes under attack by the Titans and is cornered. Shikishima comes to his aid. The titans never stops attacking. Eren is now injured and tries to protect Armin, but is swallowed by a titan. A Titan with black hair appears and begins to expel the other titans.


Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199: Part 1: Dark Invasion
2024 · 50m
country: Japan
First film in the theatrical version of Be Forever Yamato: Rebel 3199, covering chapters 1–2. In 2209, a mysterious "Grand Reverse" invades Earth's capital, defying defenses. The former Yamato crew reunites on a secret order, embarking on a perilous journey as an unknown invader threatens humanity's fate.


Attack on Titan
2015 · 1h 38m
country: Japan
100 years ago, titans suddenly appeared on Earth. Soon, human civilization veered on collapse due to the titans. Humans then built a giant wall to defend themselves. Within the giant walls, humans lived in peace, but, 100 years later, the giant wall is broken.


Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku
1990 · 48m
country: Japan
Bardock, Son Goku's father, is a low-ranking Saiyan soldier who was given the power to see into the future by the last remaining alien on a planet he just destroyed. He witnesses the destruction of his race and must now do his best to stop Frieza's impending massacre.


Pokémon the Movie 2000
1999 · 1h 24m
country: Japan
When Lawrence III's scheme to capture the Legendary Pokémon Lugia upsets the balance of nature, it is up to Ash Ketchum and his friends to save the world.
Japanese cinema gave the world Kurosawa's samurai epics, Ozu's domestic dramas, Godzilla and the kaiju film, and the J-horror wave that Hollywood spent the 2000s remaking. It also sustains the most developed animation industry on earth.
Science fiction uses the future — or a plausible alternative present — to think through the current moment. It's produced some of cinema's most influential images, and the genre's biggest leaps have usually followed leaps in effects technology.