Japanese cinema is celebrated for its refined minimalist dramas and avant-garde experimentation; it also introduced popular genres like jidaigeki (samurai epics), kaiju, and anime. Across both high art and mass entertainment, it often explores morality, impermanence, and the pressures of modern life.

Hidetoshi Nishijima and Tôko Miura in Drive My Car (2021)

The kaiju subgenre, a Japanese term that translates to "strange beast", features giant creatures, often of immense size, that wreak havoc in cities or engage in battles with other monstrous beings. The subgenre originated in Japan and was created by Eiji Tsuburaya and Ishirō Honda.

The superhero subgenre features costumed crime fighters with extraordinary abilities or powers who use them to fight against villains and protect the innocent. They often combine high-energy action sequences with themes of heroism, morality, and the struggle between good and evil.

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, and Chris Hemsworth

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The sci-fi genre, short for science fiction, features imaginative and futuristic concepts that are often rooted in scientific principles, technology, and possibilities. These stories delve into "what if" questions and can serve as a platform to address contemporary social, political, and ethical issues by projecting them onto future or alternate settings.

James Earl Jones and David Prowse in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Ultraman returns to Earth to help his old buddies in the Science Patrol against some of his old foes

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Ultraman: A Special Effects Fantasy Series

Ultraman Blazar the Movie: Tokyo Kaiju Showdown

Ultraman Blazar the Movie: Tokyo Kaiju Showdown (2024)

Urutoraman Tiga & Urutoraman Daina: Hikari no hoshi no senshi tachi

Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light (1998)

Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna: Warriors of the Star of Light

Gekijôban Urutoraman Jîdo: Tsunagu ze! Negai!!

Ultraman Geed: Connect the Wishes! (2018)

Urutoraman - Kaijû daikessen

Photos

Top Cast9

User reviews

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed