Psychological thrillers entice film watchers like no other, making it a pleasurable experience when things go right. From untrustworthy characters to shocking plot twists, this is a genre that is undeniably worthwhile for us all. Bringing this genre in Japanese films only enhances this thrilling experience and there is no way we’re missing out on these films during the Halloween season. With this, we bring to you a list of Japanese psychological thriller films that you should check out this season.
Let’s begin.
7 Psychological Thriller Japanese Films
Confessions
We begin with an enticing plot that will keep you on your toes as a teacher takes over a classroom trying to get confessions and find the truth. This film is filled with intriguing twists and turns that will have you hooked and see the world from a different point of view. The cinematography and the performance of the cast will leave you stunned while the plot captures all your attention.
Directed by Nakashima Tetsuya, the film stars Matsu Takako, Nishii Yukito, Hashimoto Ai, Fujiwara Kaoru, Okada Masaki and other cast members. The plot follows a teacher whose 4-year-old daughter is murdered and the truth lies within her class of students who are suspected to have killed her.
Liar Game
Following the plot of the popular series of the same name, this is a show that will bring vibes similar to Squid Games, yet something different. The film brings a thrilling sequence adding to the series with characters that will leave you hanging for quite a while. The plot is worthwhile while the characters give you a thrill as you try to decode them.
Directed by Matsuyama Hiroaki, the film stars Toda Erika, Matsuda Shota, Kichise Michiko, Watanabe Ikkei, Akimoto Yuki, and other cast members. The plot follows a group of players who are offered a 5 billion yen prize if they make it through the game. While they are assured that they can win if they work together, a mysterious player is not ready for this.
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Memoirs of a Murderer
Adapted from the Korean film Confession of Murder, this is a film that is sure to leave you stunned with its twists and turns. A package filled with everything you could’ve asked for from this genre, this is a film that cannot be left out. And for double the thrill, watch the original version as well and experience the best of both worlds.
Directed by Irie Yu, the film stars Fujiwara Tatsuya, Ito Hideaki, Nomura Shouhei, Ishibashi Anna, Kaho, and other cast members. The plot revolves around a mysterious author who publishes a memoir in which he describes himself as a murderer of serial killings from 22 years ago.
Himizu
This is a psychological thriller that you either look deep into or leave by calling it boring. The film has an intricate plot that follows the miserable lives of its lead character who continues to lose hope in life. The plot is very detailed and will need some time to decode but as you go by, the movie only gets more intense, capturing your attention.
Directed by Sono Sion, the film stars Sometani Shota, Nikaido Fumi, Watanabe Tetsu, Suwa Taro, Mitsuishi Ken, and other cast members. the plot follows characters who are trying to survive through the aftereffects of an earthquake that has made living hard. As their hope continues to crumble, will they find peace in these times?
Kasane
A little on the darker side, this is a film that will leave you with chills as it navigates through some supernatural themes. The film brings some meaningful messages but manages to creep you in with its visuals and overall plot. A thriller that is perfect for Halloween, the plot will keep you hooked until the end.
Directed by Sato Yuichi, the film stars Yoshine Kyoko, Tsuchiya Tao, Yokoyama Yu, Dan Rei, Asano Tadanobu, and other cast members. The plot follows a young girl who deals with contempt due to her ugly face. But when she gets her hand on a mysterious lipstick, her life changes as she begins a “beautiful” journey.
Homestay
Adapted from a novel, this is a film that brings some unsettling themes along with a plot that has the right twists and turns to keep it interesting. While the overall experience depends on your personal choice, this is a film that can either be the best experience for you out there or an average watch.
Directed by Seta Natsuki, the film stars Nagao Kento, Yamada Anna, Yagi Rikako, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Ishida Hikari, and other cast members. The plot follows a boy who temporarily dies and is given a chance to find the cause of the same by staying in the body of another, With just 100 days to solve the mystery, will he be able to save his life or die for sure?
Death Note
Finally, we have the psychological thriller that took everyone by storm. Adapted from the manga of the same name, this brings a version of the manga that can keep you on the edge of your seat. The show is an experience like no other while taking you through twists and turns that does justice to the original work.
Directed by Kaneko Shusuke, the film stars Fujiwara Tatsuya, Matsuyama Kenichi, Kashii Yu, Seto Asaka, Hosokawa Shigeki, and other cast members. The plot follows the journey of a young genius who finds a death note dropped by a Death God. Seeing the person whose name is written in the book die, he begins a journey to liberation, bringing justice, and becoming god himself.
Which of these movies are you going to watch next? Let us know in the comments below!
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