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)

Anime is a style of Japanese animation that has gained significant popularity outside of Japan. It is often characterized by its use of flat design and limited animation, with characters characterized by large expressive eyes, exaggerated facial expressions, and defined lines. These stories are produced for audiences of all ages, with specific subgenres catering to different age groups.

Steve Blum and Koichi Yamadera in Cowboy Bebop (1998)

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.

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Senran Kagura Estival Versus: Mizugi-darake no Zenyasai

An OVA that was released alongside the deluxe set of Senran Kagura: Estival Versus (2015).

Senran Kagura: Estival Versus - Festival Eve Full of Swimsuits (2015)

Senran Kagura: Estival Versus - Festival Eve Full of Swimsuits

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

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

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Senran Kagura Shinovi Master: Tokyo Yoma-hen

Senran Kagura Shinovi Master: Tokyo Yoma-hen (2018)

Shimoneta to Iu gainen ga sonzai shinai taikutsu na sekai

Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist (2015)

Shimoneta: A Boring World Where the Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exist

Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You (2025)

Hands Off: Sawaranaide Kotesashi-kun (2025)

Iya na Kao sare nagara Opantsu Misete Moraitai

I Want You to Show Me Your Panties with a Disgusted Face (2018)

I Want You to Show Me Your Panties with a Disgusted Face

Haganai: I Don't Have Many Friends (2011)

Senran Kagura: Estival Versus - Festival Eve Full of Swimsuits

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