The horror cinema industry has been producing stimulating flicks for a long time. But no other industry can beat the Japanese horror industry when it comes to producing horror flicks.
They have single-handedly created a landmark in the horror genre. From classics like “The Ring“, they have also given us films that were made into Hollywood remakes. The horror genre is inspired by folklore and urban mythologies, giving everyone a huge variety to enjoy.
The following list of the top 5 best blood-curdling Japanese horror movies on Amazon Prime will surely make you stay up all night with all the lights on out of sheer paranoia.
A table showing us the premier date and ratings of the movie is as follows:
| Movie Name | Premier Date | Ratings |
Ring | January 31, 1998 | IMDb rating: 7.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98% |
The Roommate | November 9, 2013 | IMDb rating: 5.7/10 Letterboxd rating: 2.9/5 |
Ju-On: The Grudge | January 25, 2003 | IMDb rating: 6.7/10 Letterboxd rating: 3.4/5 |
One Missed Call | January 17, 2004 | IMDb rating: 6.2/10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 44% |
| Audition | March 3, 2000 | IMDb rating: 7.1/10 Rotten Tomatoes rating: 83% |
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Moving on, let’s learn more about the movies like who directed them, who were the starring cast, and a summary of the plot.
1. Ring
Director: Hideo Nakata
Cast:
- Nanako Matsushima
- Miki Nakatani
- Hiroyuki Sanada
This movie is an adaptation of the novel, “Ring” written by Koji Suzuki. It follows the story of a former couple that is a woman and her ex-husband who are detectives.
They start investigating a series of teen deaths caused mysteriously by a videotape. It is said that the person that watches the tape died after 7 days of doing so. But things take a vicious turn when their son falls victim to the videotapes curse. It is one of the best Japanese horror movies on amazon prime you should watch it alone.
2. The Roommate
Director: Takeshi Furusawa
Cast:
- Keiko Kitagawa
- Kyodo Fukada
- Kengo Kora
This movie is also an adaptation of a novel named “Rūmumeito” written by Aya Imamura. This story follows Harumi Hagiwara who lands herself in the hospital after getting into a fatal car accident.
She ends up developing a close bond with her nurse, Reiko Nishimura. So they decide to move in together after Harumi is discharged.
However, things start going south after Harumi and Reiko move in together.
Harumi starts noticing that Reiko has strange behavior and mysterious events follow her. Noticing Reiko’s bizarre conduct, Harumi fears for her safety and tries to get out. But before long, the situation develops into a murder case.
3. Ju-On: The Grudge
Director: Takashi Shimizu
Cast:
- Megumi Okina
- Misaki Ito
- Takashi Matsuyama
- Yui Ichikawa
This is a truly eccentric movie because it is based on the legend that if a building has endured a singular horror occurrence, it absorbs that sinister energy and returns it to those who visit. The phenomenon is represented by a vengeful spirit that retaliates against anyone that comes into where it resides.
The story starts to unfold as the police start investigating the unconnected vignettes and piece everything together one by one. It is one of the blood-cuddling japanese horror movies to watch on amazon prime right now.
4. One Missed Call
Director: Takashi Miike
Cast:
- Ko Shibasaki
- Shinichi Tsutsumi
- Kazue Fukiishi
- Yutaka Matsuchige
- Goro Kishitani
This is another movie that is based on a novel named “Chakushin Ari” by Yasushi Akimoto. It is a sinister plot that revolves around Yumi Nakamura who is a young psychology student.
The story begins with Yumi’s friend, Yoko getting a mysterious voice message on her phone where she could hear herself screaming. The message is dated two days into the future.
Afterward, Yoko dies mysteriously; her death sets off a chain of paranormal activities. Many people start getting mysterious voice messages dated in the future and then die out of the blue.
The journey follows Yumi, as she uncovers the truth behind these enigmatic deaths caused by a voice message.
5. Audition
Director: Takashi Miike
Cast:
- Ryo Ishibashi
- Eihi Shiina
This movie is yet another film that is an adaptation of a novel named “Audition” by Ryu Murakami. This story follows Shigeharu Aoyoma who is a recent widower and single father.
His son, Shigehiko advises him that he should find a new wife. He sets out to find himself a new wife under the guise of a mock casting audition.
He ends up stumbling upon Asami Yamazaki, a sweet and beautiful but reserved girl and believes her to be his perfect spouse.
The pair of Aoyama and Asami quickly begin a courtship, and a marriage proposal is made.
But things take a turn for the worse as Asami elopes and reveals her true nature.
Conclusion
Although horror tales have spawned from many different cultures, Japanese horror tales take the award for being terrifying to the core. They are bizarre and influential in the most grotesque ways.
Japan has always been a very dominant character in the horror genre of movies. Their productions are unique because they are based on Japanese mythologies, urban legends, and folklore.
So what are you waiting for? Sit down with your blanket, bowl of popcorn, and courage to start watching the top 5 Japanese horror movies on Amazon Prime!
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