Anyone with even the slightest familiarity with the horror genre knows Japanese cult classics such as the Ring and the Grudge — the two pillars of horror. So, because every Japanese horror” article feels the need to include these titles, you will not see them in the selection below.
Japanese horror is far superior to Western horror in its nuances, deep lore, and stunning effects. They are more psychological, twisted, and do not always have a happy ending. In addition, Japanese horror movies reflect the rich culture of the country, often featuring yurei (ghosts), yokai (demons), oni (vengeful demons), and of course, the theme of “family.”
Time to look at some less-known cult horror movies from Japan. Let’s get spooky!
1. Dark Water (2002)
Yoshimi, a divorced single mother, living with her five-year-old daughter, is haunted by dark water dripping from the ceiling, black hair coming out of the plumbing, and, of course, there’s a creepy ghost of a girl. The scary movie is based on a novel by Koji Suzuki, author of The Ring, and directed by Hideo Nakata, who also directed the iconic horror film. By the way, there is an American remake, but you know it’s clearly inferior to the original.
2. Tag (2015)
This unconventional, quirky, action horror film features some of the most absurd scenes you can imagine. Even the introduction is quite weird: schoolgirl Mitsuko is riding a bus with her classmates when suddenly, some invisible force cuts the bus and everyone in it in half, leaving the main character the only survivor. After that, Mitsuko has to fight for her life in even stranger conditions. It is a shocking and very creative story that also touches on the issue of the objectification of women but does it in its own messed-up way.
3. Carved: The Slit-Mouthed Woman (2007)
The best Japanese horror movies are based on Japanese urban legends because they are incredibly entertaining and feel real. The plot revolves around a ghost girl who was disfigured by a jealous lover. Soon, children begin to disappear, and two teachers decide to investigate these mysterious incidents in the hope of finding the missing. The film is very dark and not afraid to show scenes of child abuse. If your kids are being naughty, tell them Kuchisake-onna will pay them a visit.
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