Tag Archives: Takashi Miike

Best Horror Anthology films ever made (10+1list)

Best Horror Anthology films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

Horror Anthology films are always a treat for the horror-genre fans!

For those who are new to the term ‘Anthology’ – an anthology film Horror-Anthology(also known as an omnibus film, package film, or portmanteau film) generally consists of several short films mostly linked by a common theme, premise or genre; can be made either by different directors for each segment or can entirely be the work of one single director.

And the most common Anthology film category is undoubtedly the ‘Horror’ genre. Numerous short horror films are produced from all over the world and they add up to such perfect anthology films!

And so, here is the collection of the Best Horror Anthology films ever made!

Feel free to be scared!

10. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTOHbEOLcCU

Horror-AnthologyThe backdrop being Halloween, five stories are seamlessly interwoven together into one devilishly scary movie!

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, these tiny horror tales are all located around the same locality and occurs at the same night!

A cool and sleek horror flick that guarantees a superb Halloween experience for the entire family!

9. V/H/S (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmLh4NUu6E4

Horror-AnthologyA team of petty burglars come across a collection of weird VHS tapes that eventually scared the hell out of them!

Typically based on the popular found-footage film-format (similar to The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity and Cloverfield), this movie debuted at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

Total 6 short films made by the directors – Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, David BrucknerTyler GillettJustin MartinezGlenn McQuaidRadio Silence, Joe SwanbergChad VillellaTi West and Adam Wingard.

Because of the film’s popularity two other installments of the V/H/S franchise were produced V/H/S/2 (2013), V/H/S Viral (2014) and also a spin-off called SiREN (2016)

8. Tales from the Crypt (1972)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3FpZEkaIS4

Horror-AnthologyFive strangers following a guide get lost inside a catacomb, soon trapped in a crypt meet the mysterious Crypt Keeper.

And finally the keeper tells them five stories and the tales are of the visions of how each of them will meet their death!

Directed by Freddie Francis, macabre, blood and gore, a very well executed movie – scary yet strict with justice and morals!

7. Cat’s Eye (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqzTazrYx5M

Horror-AnthologyVery rarely are the horror suspense genre so well complemented by superb dark humor!

Directed by Lewis Teague and screenplay by none other than Stephen King, three thrilling stories, both scary and fun, all cleverly linked by a stray cat.

James Woods, Alan King and a young Drew Barrymore – superb performances and very much entertaining!

Another Stephen King written anthology to check out – Stephen King’s Golden Tales (1985).

6. Black Sabbath (1963)

I tre volti della paura (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvqT1D7qvrc

Horror-Anthology

Stories adopted from the works of Anton ChekhovAleksei Tolstoy and Guy de Maupassant, and perfectly executed into a frightening short films.

Hosted by acclaimed Boris Karloff (of Frankenstein fame) who also acted in one segment as a vampire; and directed by the Italian master of horror Mario Bava, this trio of scary tales are certainly a must for all horror anthology fans!

5. Tales of Terror (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCB6IexwwtA

Horror-AnthologyBased on the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Morella, The Black Cat and The Case of M. Valdemar – the three unique horror stories that turned into fine examples of cinema.

Directed by Roger Corman, the films are scary with a potent doze of comedy in them.

Atmospheric and eerie, and great performances by Vincent PriceBasil Rathbone and Peter Lorre.

4. Dead of Night (1945)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UCJz617E8s

Horror-AnthologyA man stuck in his recurring nightmare as the characters in his dream narrates their own individual horror experiences!

Directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles CrichtonBasil Dearden and Robert Hamer.

This British movie is often regarded as the Best Horror Anthology film that has managed to stay scary enough through the test of time!

3. Kwaidan (1964)

Kaidan (original title)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG5mvupo9Wc

Horror-Anthology

A classic collection of Japanese folk tales – slow and visually beautiful, this movie consists of four separate and unrelated stories all based on supernatural elements.

Directed by Masaki Kobayashi – this is certainly the most popular Japanese Horror classic that won the ‘Special jury prize’ at 1965 Cannes Film Festival and also an Academy Award nomination!

2. Creepshow (1982)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owdnnaNs2RI

Horror-AnthologyBased on the E.C. horror comic books of the 1950s, this film narrates five gruesome tales of pure horror and terror!

Directed by none other than the acclaimed horror director George A. Romero, and screenplay by Stephen King – what a combo!

With lot of blood, violence and gory special effects, this movie is a pure ecstasy for every horror fan out there! 

The film’s popularity soon gave birth to Creepshow 2 (1987)

  1. Three… Extremes (2004)

Saam gaang yi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqQHi1GYXpY

Horror-AnthologyDumplings“, “Cut” and “Box“, three individual South Korean horror films clubbed together into an anthology, directed by Fruit Chan, Takashi Miike and Chan-wook Park.

Not only they are horrifying and disturbing, they also have this amazing creep factor that makes them score ahead of any other films in this list. My personal favorite is Dumplings though it makes me sick every time I watch it!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Spirits of the Dead (1968)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FJuSlLlmSk

Horror-AnthologyMetzengerstein, William Wilson and Toby Dammit, three Edgar Allan Poe stories narrated by acclaimed directors such as Roger VadimLouis Malle and Federico Fellini!

Starring an array of favorite actors Jane Fonda, Peter FondaBrigitte Bardot, Alain Delon and Terence Stamp – not entirely horror based but still pretty disturbing for sure. 

Obviously Fellini’s segment, the last one is the best!

A few other anthologies apart from the list: Twice-Told Tales (1963), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965), Torture Garden (1967), The House That Dripped Blood (1971), Asylum (1972), The Vault of Horror (1973), From Beyond the Grave (1974), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), From a Whisper to a Scream (1987), Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990), Two Evil Eyes (1990), Body Bags (1993), Darna Mana Hai (2003), 4bia (2008), Phobia 2 (2009), The Theatre Bizarre (2011), Horror Stories (2012), The ABCs of Death (2012), Southbound (2015), Holidays (2016), XX (2017), Galaxy of Horrors (2017).

Animated Horror Anthologies: Extraordinary Tales (2015), Fear(s) of the Dark (2007).

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Films

Similar Interest: Best Horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Horror Films of recent times

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Films

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Most Violent and Gory films ever made (10+1list)

Most Violent and Gory films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

Does anybody like violence? Of course not. But then how come these hard-core violent Cinemas from all across the world become so popular?!

Similar Interest: Most sexually explicit violent films

For me, it makes sense in showing all the blood and gore only if a film succeeds in involving it’s audience to that extent where the viewers justify and relate to the on screen extreme violence. Otherwise it’s just a waste of time and fake blood!

So, let’s start with the ultimate list of most Violent and Gory films ever made.

10. Martyrs (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7Qx2dT-lUw

martyrs-posterFifteen years being abducted and tortured, enduring some of the most horrifying experiences – it’s time to take revenge.

This nightmarish French film is a highly disturbing one with heavy duty violence, torture and bloodshed.

Director Pascal Laugier has claimed that he was inspired to make this film after watching Eli Roth‘s Hostel

9. The Woman (2011)

The W (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNS0Gc9Rmg

woman-posterA sophisticated, so called civilised family – a couple with their two young children, take upon them the duty to ‘domesticate’ and ‘civilise’ a tribal wild woman whom they keep captive in their basement.

Directed by Lucky McKee, this film inspite of all the violence and gore, also raises a very important question about the very definition of who are really the ‘civilised’ ones?

8. The Snowtown Murders (2011)

Snowtown (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcoCTA2IZ7c

snowtown-posterHaving the backdrop of Adelaide’s northern suburbs, this Australian film explores the story of a family that over a period of time experiences some unimaginably brutal and violent events!

Directed by Justin Kurzel, one of the most sadistic films in the list

And when said to be based on true events, the infamous ‘bodies in the barrels’ murders – the film becomes a notch more horrific!

7. Dream Home (2010)

Wai dor lei ah yut ho (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4dD1Fvw6XI

dream-home-poster1A young working girl wants to fulfil her dream of owning a home but unfortunately the deal gets cancelled! But does that necessarily mean the end of her dream too?

But it surely does become a nightmare for others!

Directed by Ho-Cheung Pang, this Chinese film has some horrifyingly violent scenes and enough gore to qualify this list.  

6. High Tension (2003)

Haute tension (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNagUvDPsrI

high-tension-poster1The story of two friends (girls) on a vacation in a secluded farmhouse, but soon their peaceful weekend-plans takes a horrible turn as a dangerous sadistic intruder tries to break in with the sole intention of brutally killing them! 

Directed by Alexandre Aja, this French film is one twisted movie oozing with blood and gore, and also with a great amount of suspense and thrill.

5. Inside (2007)

À l’intérieur (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FKVN4JxvlE

inside-posterThis French film has a very unusual storyline – a pregnant woman who has recently lost her husband is being tormented by another crazy woman who wants her unborn child!

Suspense, thrill, extreme violence and a strange sense of mystery.

Directed by Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury, this one is gruesome enough to fit this list.

4. The Loved Ones (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBwd3Zl23HQ

the-loved-ones-poster1‘The trick is not to go too far. Just enough to break through the skull’ – the ideal use of power drills!

A guy turns down a girl’s invitation to the prom but had no idea how far the consequences of his act will lead to.

Directed by Sean Byrne, this is one of the most devilishly dark Australian film where the level of sadism reaches to new heights by the end of it.  

3. Ichi the Killer (2001)

Koroshiya 1 (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orKKM9e5QQ4

ichi-the-killer-posterA sadomasochistic man in search of his boss finds a lot more than he ever dreamt of. An adaptation of a manga by the same name, this film’s common theme is violence and torture!

Coming from the acclaimed cult director Takashi Miike, this Japanese film have set a bench mark in portraying extreme  psychopathic behaviour in an obscenely over-exaggerated manner!  

2. Hostel (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d5_lrn9v-g

hostel-poster1Three young guys, backpackers in Amsterdam looking for some fun – mostly women and drugs. But soon their lives turn upside down as they become the victim of some people’s violent fetish act!

Extreme level of violence, blood and gore and also a blockbuster hit film!

Directed by Eli Roth, this film has achieved a cult status among the horror/violent/slasher film-lovers.

The other two parts may be missing on the surprise element but definitely not the goriness – Hostel: Part II (2007) and Hostel (2011).

  1. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USSnC-1Oq2g

cannibal-holocaust-posterIn the deep Amazon rainforest some film reels were found by a professor (an anthropologist). These films were shot by a documentary-crew who got disappeared two months ago!

This Italian film (once banned in 50 countries) has been the top of this list for it’s extreme and detailed portrayal of violence.

Right after its premiere in Milan, the director Ruggero Deodato was arrested and charged with obscenity and murdering his actors. Later the charge was dropped when the actors appeared in court, alive and well. The animal deaths in the movie were real though!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Guinea Pig (film series)

original title: Ginî piggu

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k23G7X7CBGE

guinea-pig-posterThis is not exactly about one particular movie but a series of seven controversial Japanese gory horror films from 1980-90s.

The films were so brutal and insanely violent that the director/producer Hideshi Hino was questioned by the police and taken to the court where he eventually had to prove that nobody was actually hurt or murdered while making these films!

The most popular among these films are their second one known as Flower of Flesh & Blood.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Most sexually explicit violent films (10+1list)

Most sexually explicit violent films

written by Souranath Banerjee

Most sexually explicit violent films: A complete contrast to the earlier sexually explicit erotic films listthese movies are those which portrays sex in a much more Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsaggressive and violent fashion.

Not for the weak-hearted, sensitive audience since the films in this list invariably contain multiple scenes of graphic sexual violence, brutality and sadism in some form.

Definitely NOT recommended for any non-adults.

Fetishes, obsessions, extreme fascinations and manias – these films probably represent all the grim sufferings, sickening chaos and intolerable disturbance in our world.

So, the most sexually explicit violent films – let the madness begin.

10. I Spit on Your Grave (1978)

Day of the Woman (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkCTSn8gcL4

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsGang-raped, humiliated and left alone to die – but one should never underestimate the strength of a woman!

A revenge flick portrayed never before with such graphic violence and cold blooded reality.

Directed by Meir Zarchi, this is one of the most brutal films ever, completely unapologetic, savage and sexually violent.     

A few remakes has been made more recently keeping the story-line pretty much the same I Spit on Your Grave (2010), I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013).

The Last House on the Left (2009) is another such flick that revolves around the same lines of vengeance and extreme sexual violence.

9. Eden Lake (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g1wYEAWOrs

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsThis is the story of a couple on a romantic weekend to a remote lake but then a gang of troublesome local kids starts terrorising them, turning their holiday a living hell.  

Directed by James Watkins, raw and unexpectedly brutal, the ending of this film is probably not what you will expect it to be!

8. Audition (1999)

Ôdishon (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR1DnkweK5U

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsA very special audition that takes place, through which a wealthy widower expects to find his new wife. But the introvert, mysterious girl he falls for unfortunately turns out to be a psychopath!

‘Does it hurt?’

Directed by acclaimed Takashi Miike, yes, this Japanese film certainly hurts in many unimaginably violent ways. 

7. Crash (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNi80K5sTco

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsAfter a car accident a man discovers an underground cult of car-crash victims and their weird world of sexual fantasies – scarred, wounded, trapped and yet intensely sexual!

Dangerously psychotic, deranged and demented – this is one film that tackles sexual violence in a completely different level.

Directed by the master director David Cronenberg, fetishism redefined.

6. American Psycho (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YnGhW4UEhc

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-films

An investment banking executive has a secret life and some unique raving fantasies that better be kept under the rug.

Christian Bale in one of his best performances ever, the perfect ‘American’ psycho – egoistic, brutal and ruthlessly violent!  

Directed by Mary Harron, this film defines the term ‘hedonistic fantasies’ and takes it to a different level altogether.

5. Trouble Every Day (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfENjj_VqfQ

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsOne of the most dangerous films I have seen in my life, danger that turns obsessions into reality.

This French horror treats cannibalism in its most frightening form. Scenes that are so sensual but then there is always that danger lurking around, the terrifying obsession that turns people into animals!

Directed by Claire Denis, it’s about lust and the fetish for human blood!

4. Antichrist (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBdDcQONmkM

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsGrieving the death of their child, and also trying to restore their troubled marriage, a couple retreats to their cabin in the woods for a change.

The change does happen but unfortunately on a negative scale.

Directed by acclaimed Danish director Lars von Trier, the film is about the catharsis of a troubled marriage, of a vividly documented disastrous relationship, highly sexual yet violent to the core!

3. Irreversible (2002)

Irréversible (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU-ZOHeWLkU

Irreversible-poster1Directed by famous Argentinian filmmaker Gaspar Noé, a dark psychological thriller, extremely black and violent in its content, and the way it has been shot (dizzy camera movements) only adds to the stress level.

The infamous 10 minute long rape scene (performed by Monica Bellucci) in the film is probably the most vicious and raw exploitation scene ever shot in the history of cinema!

2. Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (1975)

Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLdO-qkY1pQ

Salo-posterBased on the actual events recounted by the stories of Dante and De Sade, four dignitaries who claimed to be fascist libertines round up sixteen perfect specimens of youth and subject them to one hundred and twenty days of physical, mental and sexual torture!

Directed by who else but Pier Paolo Pasolini, this Italian film portrays some of the most macabre things that seemed to have happened in real in the Nazi-controlled, northern Italian State of Salo in around 1944!  

  1. A Serbian Film (2010)

Srpski film (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddwrbcMmzlc

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsA man will go to any length in order to protect his family, or at least try to.

In this film, an aging porn-star’s life takes a somersault when he agrees to sign  what seemed to be an ‘art film’ but later turned out to be something awfully grotesque and disturbing.

Pedophilia and necrophilia, rape, torture and incest – directed by Srdjan Spasojevic this film is a whirlpool of everything disturbing and deranged  that exists in this world.

and (The ‘+1 film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most disturbing one. A must watch)

+1. Cannibal (2006)

Film clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10hnrX_nAc4

Most-sexually-explicit-violent-filmsDirected by Marian Dora, this German film is probably the most odd and gory one in the list – considering this list that already says a lot about the movie. 

Based on a man’s cannibalistic obsession he puts an internet ad looking for someone to agree on an obsessive fetish for willing to be eaten alive!

And guess what, he actually finds a man ready to be the victim (voluntarily), and believe it or not, this film is based on a true story!

Similar Interest: Most sexually explicit erotic films.

Similar Interest: Best Kinky movies of all time

Similar Interest: Best Italian Erotic Thrillers

Similar Interest: Most Violent and Gory films ever made

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.comwww.impawards.com.

Best Japanese weird films (10+1list)

Best Japanese weird films

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Japanese weird films: It’s interesting to notice that the word ‘weird’ actually doesn’t have any specific definition. Even the dictionary tries to explain it by using other synonymic words like uncanny, eerie, unnatural, bizarre, strange, abnormal, surreal, supernatural e.t.c

According to me if you really want to learn the true meaning of ‘weird’, you should watch some of these Japanese films!

Yes. Every country has their share of peculiar films but Japan totally dominates the weird-cinema category. Comedy, violence, Sci Fi, erotica – you name it and Japan has the weirdest film for each and every genre.

Just remember, none of these films are made to please the so-called general audience – so better watch them at your own risk!

And the list begins.

10. Funky Forest: The First Contact (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3wQio3fbqE

Japanese-weird-filmsA comedy to start with but this is no ordinary laugh riot.

Directed by Katsuhito IshiiHajime Ishimine and Shunichiro Miki the film is insanely surreal – probably a satire of Japanese pop-culture.

With no actual plot as such but trust me, if you ever dare to watch this film – storyline will be the last thing on your mind.

9. Battle Royale (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0p1t-dC7Ko

Japanese-weird-filmsDirected by Kinji Fukasaku, this is probably the most innovative film in this list. 

A film that first introduced the dystopian arena concept where you have to kill to survive and eventually win. The never ending series of Hunger Games is the most successful american rip off till date.  

Extreme violence, school children killing each other in every possible way (if) you can imagine.

8. Branded to Kill (1967)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oou1UmrDlyg

Japanese-weird-filmsA crazy, stylish Japanese film noir!

Directed by Seijun Suzuki, the film is about this hired killer who wants to be No 1 in his profession.

Well, i won’t give away any visual insanity of the film but just to stress the fact – the film was so unconventional and weird that the director’s contract was terminated by the studio after the final edit came out!

7.  A Lonely Cow Weeps at Dawn (2003)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wskcQ_ETr6Q

Japanese-weird-filmsThe most psychologically creepy concept ever.

After the death of his favorite cow an old man believes his daughter-in-law to be that cow and yes – he attempts to milk her on a regular basis.

Directed by Daisuke Gotô, the film contains extreme nudity and sex, often disturbingly spooky and of course weird.

6. Rampo Noir (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtN_m1V_BE

Japanese-weird-filmsAn anthology film that adapts four short stories by Japan’s foremost mystery writer Edogawa Rampo (the so-called “Japanese Edgar Allen Poe”).

Four films by individual directors Akio JissôjiAtsushi KanekoHisayasu Satô and Suguru Takeuchi – each more horrifying and peculiar than the other.  

Beautiful visuals but extremely weird and gory concepts.

5. Survive Style 5+ (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEH7nDkiPEk

Japanese-weird-filmsDirected by Gen Sekiguchi, the film involves five stories each competing for the most-weird award; they apparently doesn’t connect with each other but again, may be they does in some eccentric manner.

Considered as a black comedy, the film is a potent mixture of violence, laughs and colorful visuals.

Very stylish and super cool acting but again odd and quirky as hell.

4. Blind Beast (1969)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG34PFaQJgE

Japanese-weird-filmsOften refereed to as a Japanese art-house classic directed by Yasuzô Masumura

A psychotic blind man, a sculpter by profession becomes obsessed with a model whom he kidnaps and falls in love with.

Such a concept is later used in many other films (even in William Wyler‘s film The Collector) but never with such violent and raw fashion.

3. Suicide Club (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2Rhrp_b5bM

Japanese-weird-filmsGraphic, eerie and spooky as hell.

A number of people are committing suicide all across Japan. A detective is desperate to find out why/what/who/how is this mass suicide is being triggered?

Directed by Shion Sono, the film is not only weird but damn scary, specially the train-sequences (do watch the film to know why).  

Also check out Cold Fish (2010) and Love Exposure (2008) from the same director.

2. Tetsuo, the Iron Man (1989)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uROMTzJsfOI

Japanese-weird-filmsA black and white nightmare of technology (or rather the fear of it). It’s the story of the strange rebirth of a ‘metal fetishist’ who was supposed to be dead.

Wacky, nerve wrecking, crazy visuals that will be burned into your head for ever.

Directed by Shin’ya Tsukamoto, the film has stretched the limits of being weird to a new level.

  1. Visitor Q (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRc6dN7s1w4

Japanese-weird-filmsAnd now it’s time for the celebrated director Takashi Miike.

Most of his films are so weird that he probably deserves a separate list all together!

This film though takes the cake for being super-disturbing and for it’s total madcap visuals.

Highly sexual in content and often considered as sick and disgusting.

Also check out Gozu (2003), Ichi the Killer (2001) from the same director.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most unique and bizarre one. A must watch).

+1. Cat Soup (2001) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZOvNuvS1hg

Japanese-weird-filmsConsidered as a masterpiece, this one is a short animated film (duration 34 mins) but more importantly it’s also the weirdest animation film that ever exists.

Directed by Tatsuo Satô, the film is about two cat siblings on a psychedelic journey. And they are in search of a soul.

If you find Hayao Miyazaki‘s films a little weird, please try this one!

Similar Interest: Best weird Greek New Wave Cinema

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Films

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Films

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Best Japanese Horror Films of all times (10+1list)

Best Japanese Horror Films of all times

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Japan has long been a major contributor to the Horror genre and it will be a never ending list of Best Japanese Horror Films of all times!

The subtle movements of the white curtains, the rustle of the wind in the dark, sudden ringing of the phone, a thin beam of torch light illuminating a shadowy figure; be it the eerie natural outdoors or the uncomfortable corners of your rooms – these Japanese horror films explores every possibility to scare you out of your wits.

Most of these Japanese Horror Films are remade in Hollywood and in many other languages but for me the originals are always the best bet.

So let’s get ready for some scream!

10. The Grudge (2002)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVbWpwkCJRg

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Ju-on”

Directed by Takashi Shimizu who also directed the american version of the same The Grudge (2004), the film succeeded in scaring people all around the world. 

Endless number of sequels and remakes, this film is one of the most successful Japanese Horror Films. And probably the most scary one too.

9. Kwaidan (1964)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG5mvupo9Wc

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Kaidan”.

A classic collection of Japanese folk tales – the film consists of four separate and unrelated stories based on supernatural elements.

Directed by Masaki Kobayashi – the most popular Japanese Horror film winning the ‘Special jury prize’ at 1965 Cannes Film Festival and also an Academy Award nomination.

8. Ring (1998)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Z-MOqAvtY

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Ringu”

Don’t you dare watch it because if you cannot solve the mystery of this mysterious video – you are dead.

Directed by Hideo Nakata this film has bunch of sequels and remakes but none of them scares you as much as this one.  

I guess the poster says it all!

7. Infection (2004)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUuQWyvN0oA

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Kansen”

One error made by a doctor in the hospital sets forth a chain of incidents with disastrous consequences and also there is this weird infection that needs to be checked before it begins to spread.

Directed by Masayuki Ochiai this one is a slow and creepy film that surely gets to your nerves. Suspense and horror at it’s best.

6. Noroi: The curse (2005)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A5VNsEeAMY

japanese-horror-filmsOriginal title “Noroi”

Directed by Kôji Shiraishi, made entirely in documentary style this film gives the most real feel of horror.

A film maker trying to track down a series of paranormal activities eventually discovers something too dangerous to handle.

Creepy and disturbing.

5. Onibaba (1964)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JWRKNU_7Tg

japanese-horror-films

A classic by it’s own right, the film is a historical horror drama directed by Kaneto Shindô.

The story of two women in the business of killing samurais and selling their stuff for food; the film has some of the most eerie surroundings and a deadly looking mask. 

Probably the most disturbing film in this list.

4. Pulse (2001)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyDf4igNJ38

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Kairo”

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa the film was screened at 2001 Cannes Film Festival and was critically appreciated.

A promise to interact with the dead, Japanese university students commit suicides linked with some internet Web cam mystery.

Also remade in Hollywood.

3. Dark Water (2002)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM_5hGBKqbE

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Honogurai mizu no soko kara”

Directed by Hideo Nakata, it’s the story of a mother-daughter duo who moves into an apartment that has a mysterious water leakage. 

One of the scariest and most popular Japanese Horror Film. Director Walter Salles remade it in 2005 by the same name.

2. Kuroneko (1968)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmNhYzQMQtU

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Yabu no naka no kuroneko”.

Two women who were raped and killed by a bunch of samurai soldiers decide to seek revenge.

They turn into ghosts (ghostly black cats) and start seducing and murdering samurais.

A japanese classic directed by Kaneto Shindô.

1. One Missed Call (2003)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RIIEjG4gBM

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Chakushin Ari”

Mobile phones can lead to Violent deaths (even if you are not using them while driving) and this film takes this unique concept to a different level.

Directed by Takashi Miike, this voice-message killer film was remade in Hollywood – One Missed Call in 2008. But again the original one is much more scary. 

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative and crazy one. A must watch).

+ 1. House (1977)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ_Yo06kIIA

japanese-horror-films

Original title “Hausu”

Directed by Nobuhiko Ôbayashi this is one of the most weird Japanese Horror films with a huge cult following.

A group of seven school girls on vacation and a house with an appetite!

Watch it to believe, it will alter your perception of horror films forever.

Similar Interest: Horror Anthology films

Similar Interest: Best Horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Horror Films of recent times

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Films

Similar Interest: Best Japanese weird films

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.