Favorite Japanese Dramas and Movies

These are my favorite Japanese Dramas in ranked order. This is a constantly evolving list!

skinnypenguin aug 3, 2024
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  • Hatsukoi

    1. Hatsukoi

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 9 episodes

    10

    This was the most beautiful love story that made my ugly cry. I love, love, This is a beautiful drama about a lost love and fate intervening to return it to you. I absolutely love Satoh Takeru and he delivered a powerful and emotional performance. This was the first time I have seen anything with Mitsushima Hikari and she was wonderful and the chemistry between she and Satoh was palpable. The cinematography and soundtrack were absolutely wonderful. This series will definitely make you cry, but the journey was worth it

  • Silent

    2. Silent

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 11 episodes

    10

    This was another ugly cry love story for me. Silent is one of the best dramas I have ever watched. Kawaguchi Haruna and Meguro Ren were stellar as the leads. This was the first time I have seen Ren act, and I was not disappointed, especially since he was using sign language throughout most of the series. I read somewhere that this series was not “intended” for a Western audience, as we may not understand the message that is being conveyed.

    The FL carried her first love in her heart, despite the abrubt ending to their romance. When she meets him again, she pushes past her hurt and opens her heart again for the ML and tirelessly works to become part of his world again. Kawaguchi Haruna and Meguro Ren gave outstanding and passionate performances and their chemistry was palpable. I have watched it three times and it is worth the ugly crying each time. 

  • 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made

    3. 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made

    Japanese Drama - 2015, 10 episodes

    9.0

    No judging.  I loved how over the top Yamashita Tomohisa's character was in his pursuit of Ishihara Satomi. She was having no part of this until she realized that his pursuit, their friendship and bonding had turned into love. I was impressed that her character, in turn,  decided to fight for her place in his life. 

  • Hana Yori Dango

    4. Hana Yori Dango

    Japanese Drama - 2005, 9 episodes

    9.0
  • Hotaru no Hikari

    5. Hotaru no Hikari

    Japanese Drama - 2007, 10 episodes

    9.0
  • Shinobi no ie: House of Ninjas

    6. Shinobi no ie: House of Ninjas

    Japanese Drama - 2024, 8 episodes

    9.0

    This was a fun, campy take on modern ninjas.  

  • Jitenshaya-san no Takahashi-kun

    7. Jitenshaya-san no Takahashi-kun

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    9.0

    I don't know why it took me so long to watch this, but it is now one of my favorites. The ML  was unwavering in his feelings for FL and was kind and caring under his Yankee persona. 

  • Shanai Marijjihani

    8. Shanai Marijjihani

    Japanese Drama - 2020, 7 episodes

    9.0

    I love this light, easy to watch, no unecessary break-ups drama. 

    I really enjoyed the chemistry between Itagaki Mizuki and Matsui Airi.  I would love to see them in another drama together. 

  • Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi

    9. Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 9 episodes

    9.0

    Wow! The one liners and riffing off of one another was absolutely favulouse. The lines were delivered brilliantly. I adored the chemistry between Hashimoto Ryo and Takaishi Akari. I am expecting great things from them in the future. 

  • Uchi no Musume wa, Kareshi ga Dekinai!

    10. Uchi no Musume wa, Kareshi ga Dekinai!

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 10 episodes

    9.0
  • Animals

    11. Animals

    Japanese Drama - 2022, 8 episodes

    8.5

    The FL, Suzuki Airi,  showed great character development throughout the story and the friendship that grew into romance with support lead, Honda Kyoya. I did push a little for Shirasu Jin as well. but I think things turned out the way they were meant to. 

  • Hana Yori Dango 2

    13. Hana Yori Dango 2

    Japanese Drama - 2007, 11 episodes

    8.5
  • I Don't Love You Yet

    14. I Don't Love You Yet

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 16 episodes

    8.5
  • Bokura no Shokutaku

    15. Bokura no Shokutaku

    Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes

    8.5
  • Sayonara Itsuka

    16. Sayonara Itsuka

    Japanese Movie - 2010

    10

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