Now we travel to the Land of the Rising Sun — Japan. My favourite country to visit, home of my favourite wrestling promotion, and yes, I’ll admit it: I’m an unashamed otaku/weeb. I love everything about Japan. And when it comes to horror, Japan has produced some of the most iconic and unsettling films ever made. Japanese Horror has a reputation for being extreme — over-the-top gore, wild effects, and blood-soaked mayhem (Tokyo Gore Police, anyone?). But beyond the splatter, Japan has delivered horror classics that have shaped the genre worldwide. Some are atmospheric and eerie, others are psychological slow-burns that leave you rattled for days.
For this list, I’ll stay away from the splatter-punk excess and instead focus on some of the most iconic and essential Japanese Horror films that everyone should experience.
5. Jisatsu Sâkuru / Suicide Club (2001) – Not Rated / Rated R
Fifty-four high school girls leap in front of a moving train in unison — and it’s only the beginning of a wave of suicides spreading across Japan. Detective Kuroda races to uncover the truth, and his investigation leads to a strange girl group called Desert.
You can’t get more shocking of an opening than this. Suicide Club caused controversy for supposedly glamorising suicide, but it’s much deeper than its reputation. Equal parts disturbing and bizarre, it balances horror with mystery and surreal drama. It’s not a jump-scare machine — instead, it unsettles you with its atmosphere. For those curious, the companion film Noriko’s Dinner Table expands on its themes brilliantly. Japanese Horror rarely comes more provocative.
4. Chakushin Ari / One Missed Call (2003) – Rated R
People begin receiving voicemails from their future selves — recordings of their own violent deaths, complete with exact date and time stamps. As the messages spread, survivors desperately seek the truth before it’s too late.
Forget the dreadful American remake. The original One Missed Call is a creepy and clever trilogy, with the first film easily the best. It’s a perfect example of how Japanese Horror thrives on curses and inevitability — no matter how you try to escape, your fate is sealed. It’s chilling, creative, and one of the most fun entries in J-horror’s golden era.
3. Ringu (1998) – Not Rated
A reporter investigates a cursed videotape said to kill its viewers seven days after watching.
Few films have left a mark on horror quite like Ringu. It’s the movie that brought J-horror to global attention, spawning sequels, remakes, and even crossovers (Sadako vs Kayako, anyone?). What makes it powerful is its dread — a slow, creeping terror that builds until that unforgettable final act. If you only ever see one Japanese Horror film, make it Ringu.
2. Ju-On / The Grudge (2002) – Rated R
Anyone who enters a cursed house is doomed to be hunted by a vengeful spirit.
Alongside Ringu, Ju-On defines modern Japanese Horror. With its long-running series, terrifying atmosphere, and a curse that spreads like a disease, it’s become one of the most iconic ghost stories of all time. Forget the American versions — the original films are creepier, moodier, and far more effective. A masterclass in building tension from silence and shadow.
1. Ōdishon / Audition (1999) – Rated R
A widower holds a fake “audition” to meet potential brides, only to fall for a mysterious young woman with deadly secrets.
Takashi Miike’s Audition starts like a quirky drama before transforming into one of the most disturbing films ever made. It’s slow, methodical, and then absolutely brutal, blending psychological terror with grotesque body horror. By the time the infamous finale arrives, you’ll be squirming in your seat. Audition is not for the faint of heart, but it’s essential viewing for anyone exploring the extremes of Japanese Horror.
Final Thoughts on Japanese Horror
From the cursed images of Ringu to the relentless spirits of Ju-On and the psychological torment of Audition, Japanese Horror has delivered some of the most iconic and influential films in the entire genre. Japan excels at creating stories that linger, blending folklore, atmosphere, and pure terror in ways that continue to inspire filmmakers around the world.
But this is just one stop on our journey through Asian Horror. We’ve already uncovered the eerie creativity of Chinese Horror, and next we’ll explore the intensity and emotional punch of Korean Horror, followed by the folklore-driven chills of Thai Horror. Each country has its own nightmares to share — and together, they prove that Asia remains the beating heart of global horror.