10 Great Japanese Horror Films- 39 Days To Halloween

Kwaidan (1964)

With a title translated as "Ghost Story," this Japanese production made use of traditional folktales to spin visions of terror and fear. Kwaidan presents four stories featuring ghosts and spirits of Japanese lore. Although a flop in Japan, the movie would later attain cult and critical success outside of Asia

Onibaba (1964)

Onibaba is an engaging and well-made anthology film that uses good imagery and eerie plot to spin a tale of sinister dealings. The price one pays for their evil deeds factors into each dark and eerie story. Along with Kwaidan this film is an example of the brilliant early horror films from Japan and would lay the foundation for Asian horror cinema

House (1977)

This entry into horror is a trippy film that utilizes ghostly themes with some silly looking special effects. Don't let that distract from the terrific plot and excellent cast of young Japanese actresses. House is considered one of the first J Horror movies and should be enjoyed by fans who have watched The Ring and The Grudge.

Audition (1999)

A widower decides to find a new romantic partner with the help of a friend who is a film producer. He conducts auditions and is intrigued by a young dancer who attends the mock audition named Asami. His new lady reveals secrets but hides potentially dangerous ones.

Ring (1998)

Two Japanese girls speak of a videotape that is cursed, one of the girls reveals she watched that tape a week prior with some other friends and received a phone call. She is then killed shortly after by an unseen force. A reporter investigates this incident but finds herself in danger after learning her son watched the tape.

 

Pulse (2001)

The death of a young schoolgirl is one of many bizarre events that people in Tokyo are encountering. As evil spirits use the internet to attack more victims, a group of people attempts to find answers.

Suicide Club (2001)

A series of baffling suicides have police looking for clues as a detective tries to find answers. As more deaths occur, the signs may point to a girl band that was popular with many of the victims. 

Dark Water (2002)

A single mother going through a divorce finds an apartment, but a leak in the ceiling may be related to something supernatural and dangerous.

Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)

A Japanese home is plagued with a curse that seems to draw energy from victims who decide to stay in the home. It then unleashes on those who unwittingly stay in the home. Part of a series of films, The Grudge was remade in 2004 by an American studio. 

Tag (2015)

A young Japanese schoolgirl encounters a bizarre series of events after a deadly incident kills most of her classmates. The quest she takes will challenge her determination and others who she is linked with on this dangerous journey.