· movies · 21 min read
All 49 Ken Watanabe Movies (in Order)
Discover an actor who has made a significant impact on both Japanese and international film scenes! In this entertaining roundup, we take a closer look at Ken Watanabe, a versatile and prolific film star whose performances leave audiences captivated. From his early career in Japan to his recent blockbuster appearances, we’ll delve into the world of Ken Watanabe Movies and explore his journey as a successful and celebrated actor.
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1. MacArthur’s Children (1984)
MacArthur’s Children, ” set in a small Japanese fishing village at the end of World War II, is an engrossing drama about a nation coming to terms with its defeat. As General MacArthur and his troops occupy the village, the inhabitants must learn to navigate the tides of post-war society, all while embracing the complexities of their own personal growth. This heartwarming and thought-provoking film, directed by Masahiro Shinoda, showcases the triumph of human spirit amidst adversity.
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2. Kekkon annai misuterî (1985)
Kekkon annai misuterî, a captivating 1985 Japanese film, dives into the dark and mysterious world of a young woman named Misuterî, whose life takes a sinister turn after she receives a mysterious wedding invitation. As the plot unfolds, Misuterî starts to unravel the secrets hidden within her family and relationships.
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3. Tampopo (1985)
Tampopo, directed by Jûzô Itami, is a delightful comedy from 1985 that weaves together a heartwarming story of love, family, and the power of food. Set in a small, family-run noodle shop, the film follows the journey of a truck driver who decides to help the struggling business. With each bite of a bowl of ramen, the audience is transported into a sensual exploration of flavors and relationships.
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4. Making of ‘Tampopo’ (1986)
Take a journey behind the scenes of the beloved Japanese culinary classic, Tampopo, with the making-of documentary that shines a light on the film’s creation. This 1986 documentary, directed by Toshirô Uratani, delves into the world of Tampopo and its intricate production process.
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5. The Sea and Poison (1986)
The Sea and Poison, a haunting drama released in 1987, is a chilling portrayal of the brutal experiments performed on downed American soldiers during World War II by Japanese surgeons. Directed by Kei Kumai, with a screenplay co-written by the acclaimed author Shûsaku Endô, the movie delves into the dark realities of war and human cruelty.
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6. Bakumatsu jyunjyoden (1991)
In the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate, a young and vibrant samurai warrior named Souji Okita secretly works undercover for the Kyoto-based armed police. However, Souji’s true identity as a woman remains hidden from all but a few close companions, creating an air of mystery and intrigue surrounding their roles.
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7. Kimitachi ga ite boku ga iru II (1992)
Kimitachi ga ite boku ga iru II” is a captivating 1992 Japanese drama directed by Yûichi Satô. With a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes, this cinematic masterpiece brings forth an unforgettable storyline through the exceptional acting of Ken Watanabe, Ken Ishiguro, and Chôichirô Kawarasaki.
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8. Oda Nobunaga (1992)
Oda Nobunaga” is a captivating 1992 Japanese historical drama film that explores the life and times of the influential 16th-century daimyo, Oda Nobunaga. Directed by Sadao Nakajima and written by Kôji Takada, the film delves deep into the political, social, and military history of Japan during this pivotal era.
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9. Hanzo, the Razor (1993)
In the Tenpo period, the oppressive Bakuhu enforced strict laws to alleviate financial woes, but the defiant Itami Hanzo, also known as Kamisori Hanzo, challenged their rule. Consequently, his father Magobei was ordered to take his life, and Hanzo faced demotion.
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10. Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald (1997)
Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald, a 1997 neo-screwball comedy directed by Kôki Mitani, follows the story of a radio drama’s tumultuous journey to the airwaves. On the eve of a live broadcast, an actress spontaneously decides to change her character’s name. As this alteration sets off a series of dramatic twists, the script rapidly morphs during the live performance, causing a hilarious battle of egos.
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11. Kizuna (1998)
Kizuna, ” a gripping Japanese crime drama released in 1998, follows the complex life of Tetsuro Haga, a haunted man who assumes the identity of Ise to escape a previous life of crime. As the threads of his past begin to unravel, Haga’s life spirals out of control with the involvement of his friends’ significant others.
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12. Space Travelers (2000)
Space Travelers, also known as Supêsutoraberâzu, is a thrilling 2000 Japanese film that blends action, comedy, and crime. The ambitious plot revolves around a futuristic bank robbery outside Tokyo, which quickly spirals out of control. The film’s comedic satire and role-playing elements keep viewers engaged throughout its 2-hour and 5-minute runtime.
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13. Chushingura 1/47 (2001)
In the age of samurais, a noble lord’s untimely demise triggers a tragic series of events. Betrayed by a rival, the lord is treacherously killed, leaving his loyal 47 samurai retainers to revert to society without a trace. This suspenseful drama follows the journey of one of these samurai, as he patiently waits for the right moment to exact his revenge.
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14. Sennen no koi - Hikaru Genji monogatari (2001)
Sennen no Koi: Hikaru Genji Monogatari, a 2001 Japanese film, transports audiences to 900AD Japan, where the story of a famous female writer, Murasaki Shikibu, unfolds. Set just after the death of her husband, a Japanese noble, the narrative follows her journey to train the Prince’s young ‘wives in waiting. ’ It is an adaptation of the ancient Tale of Genji, integrating the fictional and the historical seamlessly. The film, with its runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes, is a poignant exploration of the human experience in a historical context.
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15. Drowning Fish (2001)
Drowning Fish, ” a thrilling 2001 Japanese film directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, follows the story of two ethically questionable characters hired to find “Oboreru Sakana, ” a misfit duo of corporate executives blackmailed into public nudity. To locate them, our unlikely heroes must infiltrate a gay nightclub and navigate the action-packed, hilarious world of Shinjuku.
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16. Dawn of a New Day: The Man Behind VHS (2002)
Dawn of a New Day: The Man Behind VHS (2002) tells the remarkable story of a man who played a major role in shaping the world of technology. Directed by Kiyoshi Sasabe and written by Sasabe himself, the drama biopic has earned 7.4/10 on IMDb, with a total of 98.0 votes cast by viewers. Boasting a star-studded cast that includes Toshiyuki Nishida, Ken Watanabe, and Naoto Ogata, the film has been met with critical acclaim, earning one win and four nominations.
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17. T.R.Y. (2003)
T. R. Y. , ” a 2003 action-comedy film, masterfully captures the political tensions between China and Japan as it unfolds at the dawn of the 20th century. The plot revolves around a crafty Japanese man operating in Shanghai who seeks to capitalize on the discord between the two neighboring nations.
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18. The Last Samurai (2003)
The Last Samurai” is a captivating action-drama film released in 2003 that tells the story of Nathan Algren, a former US army veteran hired by the Japanese emperor to train his army in modern warfare techniques. As the war between two eras and worlds unfolds, Algren finds himself trapped in a struggle that tests his loyalties and beliefs.
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19. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Memoirs of a Geisha, ” a drama adapted from Arthur Golden’s novel, captures the essence of 1920s Japan and the life of a young girl named Sayuri. A beautiful fisherman’s daughter, Sayuri dreams of becoming a geisha and escapes to Gion to live her dreams. However, her journey is not easy, as she faces incredible hardships, from learning the art of the shamisen to losing her sister.
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20. Moonlight in Tokyo (2005)
Moonlight in Tokyo, also known as “Ching yi ngor sum gi, ” is a captivating Hong Kong movie that released in 2005. It is a unique blend of comedy and drama and runs for approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
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21. Batman Begins (2005)
Batman Begins” is a thrilling and intense movie that explores the origin of the iconic superhero. Director Christopher Nolan takes us on an emotional journey when young Bruce Wayne witnesses the brutal murder of his parents. Devastated and determined to fight against injustice, Bruce trains to become a skilled martial artist and eventually takes on the role of Batman.
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22. Kita no zeronen (2005)
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan’s tumultuous past with “Kita no Zeronen” (2005). Set in 1868, when the Shogun-dominated era met its end and the new government rearranged the population, this poignant drama delves into the challenges faced by a displaced community of nearly 500 people, originally from Awaji. Under the leadership of Hideaki and Shino, they venture north to Hokkaido, where they attempt to build a new life among unfamiliar landscapes and cultures. As the group adapts to their new environment, crops begin to fail, prompting an examination of fortitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
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23. Memories of Tomorrow (2006)
Memories of Tomorrow”, the heart-wrenching Japanese drama directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, revolves around the life of a successful businessman whose world crumbles as his family grapples with the early onset of Alzheimer’s. Ken Watanabe brilliantly portrays the lead role, Kanako Higuchi, and Kenji Sakaguchi star as key characters.
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24. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Letters from Iwo Jima” is a powerful war drama directed by Clint Eastwood that takes us back to the heart of World War II. Set during the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and Imperial Japan, the film offers a unique perspective - that of the Japanese soldiers who fought it. The story is brought to life through letters exchanged between the commanders of both sides, revealing the human emotions and struggles that lie beneath the chaos of war.
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25. Live Earth (2007)
Live Earth is a groundbreaking concert film that transports viewers to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic music festivals. Over a period of 24 hours, this thrilling documentary captures mesmerizing performances from rock and pop superstars, all united by a common cause: raising awareness of environmental issues.
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26. Hoshi hitotsu no yoru (2007)
Hoshi Hitotsu no Yoru, ” an intriguing 2007 Japanese drama, tells the story of Nonoyama, a lonely janitor who discovers a coat with a substantial sum of money in a concert hall. His unexpected fortune leads him to the coat’s owner, and as they bond, he shares his personal journey that culminated in his current life.
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27. Earth (2007)
Earth” is a captivating feature-length documentary that brings the spectacular world of nature to life. Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, this stunning visual journey follows four animal families on their extraordinary migration paths across the globe. The documentary, narrated by James Earl Jones and featuring the voices of Patrick Stewart and Anggun, explores the fascinating lives of caribou, bears, buffalo, and the majestic wildebeest in their quest for survival and reproduction.
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28. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant (2009)
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, ” released in 2009, is a thrilling action-adventure film for teenagers and young adults. Taken from the novel of the same name by Darren Shan, the film tells the story of Darren Shan, a typical teenager who stumbles upon a mysterious man at a circus freak show who turns out to be a vampire.
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29. Shizumanu taiyô (2009)
Shizumanu Taiyô” is a compelling drama film that takes us behind the scenes of one of the darkest moments in Japanese aviation history - the 1985 plane crash that claimed the lives of 520 people. This harrowing event, the worst aviation disaster in the nation’s history, serves as the backdrop for this gripping tale, shining a light on the human impact and the indomitable spirit of those who were affected.
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30. Inception (2010)
Inception, a groundbreaking sci-fi thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, explores the depths of the human subconscious in an exciting world of dreams and reality. Set in a time where dream-sharing technology is within reach, a skilled thief named Robert Cobb (played by Leo DiCaprio) is coerced into an unprecedented task - planting an idea in the mind of a chief executive officer. However, his tragic past poses a challenge as he and his team must navigate the complex world of dreams to execute a seemingly impossible mission. As they journey deeper into the mind’s labyrinth and face the consequences of their actions, they must decide if the prize is worth the price they may pay.
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31. Shanghai (2010)
‘Shanghai’ is an enthralling crime drama set in the ’40s, which transports its audience back in time to a period of Japanese occupation of China. The film weaves a tale around an American expat returning to Shanghai after the death of his friend, bringing with him a mysterious agenda.
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32. Ai inochi - Shinjuku Kabukicho Kakekomi Dera - (2011)
Ai Inochi - Shinjuku Kabukicho Kakekomi Dera” is a powerful Japanese drama that delves into the life of Gen Hidemori, a dedicated rescuer and founder of the Japan Social Minority Centre in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district. The film, directed by Kan Ishibashi, unfolds over two intense hours and stars renowned actors Ken Watanabe, Hiromi Nagasaku, and Kaho Minami. Inspired by the true stories of the NPO rescue center, which has assisted over ten thousand individuals since its establishment, the movie sheds light on the harsh reality faced by these individuals.
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33. Hayabusa: The Long Voyage Home (2012)
Hayabusa: The Long Voyage Home” is a gripping drama based on the true story of the Hayabusa asteroid probe. In this remarkable space mission, an unmanned spaceship ventures into the unknown depths of outer space, successfully collecting samples from the asteroid Itokawa - the world’s first-ever sample return from a solid-surfaced celestial body outside Earth’s gravitational pull. Despite the triumph of this ambitious journey, the long and perilous voyage back home threatens to jeopardize all their hard work.
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34. Unforgiven (2013)
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sang-il Lee and inspired by Eastwood’s Oscar®-winning Unforgiven, “Unforgiven” (2013) transports Clint Eastwood’s iconic western into a Japanese period drama. Set in a time of social upheaval, this thrilling action-crime-drama delves into themes of honor, redemption, and unforgiveness, as Ken Watanabe leads a star-studded Japanese cast.
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35. Godzilla (2014)
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, a massive monster awakens, wreaking havoc on the world as it begins to destroy major cities. As humanity is on the brink of extinction, they find that the creature is not their enemy, but a force that may save them.
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36. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Transformers: Age of Extinction, released in 2014, delivers an action-packed, thrilling ride that combines sci-fi and adventure. Michael Bay directs this blockbuster film based on the popular TV series, starring Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz Beckham, and Jack Reynor.
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37. The Sea of Trees (2015)
Experience the gripping and haunting world of “The Sea of Trees” (2015), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gus Van Sant. Set against the backdrop of the desolate Aokigahara forest, a suicidal American from the United States encounters a lost Japanese man, and the two embark on a harrowing journey to escape this notorious “suicide forest” near Japan’s Mt. Fuji.
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38. Rage (2016)
Rage, originally titled Ikari, is a thrilling Japanese film that intertwines three seemingly unrelated stories. Set in three distinct Japanese cities, each tale is connected through a brutal, unsolved murder. The narrative explores themes of trust, identity, and the human condition, weaving a web of suspense, mystery, and drama.
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39. Silence (2016)
In the 17th century, Silence tells the gripping story of two Portuguese Jesuit priests who embark on a harrowing journey to Japan in search of their mentor, believed to have renounced his faith. Amidst a time of intense religious persecution, these courageous men face unimaginable torture in their quest to spread Catholicism and discover the truth about their mentor’s fate. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, Silence is a powerful drama that explores themes of faith, perseverance, and the harsh realities of human suffering.
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40. Gonenme no hitori (2016)
Gonenme no hitori” is a drama film set in Japan, released in 2016. The movie follows the journey of junior high school student Matusnaga Ami, portrayed by Ken Watanabe, when she is praised by a middle-aged male stranger for her performance at a cultural festival.
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41. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Get ready for an action-packed adventure like no other with Transformers: The Last Knight! . In this fifth installment of the blockbuster franchise, humanity faces a deadly threat as a long-lost artifact resurfaces, igniting a fierce conflict between Autobots and Decepticons. As Optimus Prime embarks on an epic quest to retrieve it, he discovers an encounter with his creator in space that will shake the very foundations of their world.
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42. The King and I (2018)
Step into the enchanting world of ‘The King and I’ as it unfolds in the heart of 1860s Bangkok. This unforgettable musical weaves together the unexpected bond between the King of Siam and a British schoolteacher named Anna, who is brought to the kingdom to educate his numerous wives and children. As the curtain rises, immerse yourself in a whirlwind of drama, music, and romance, all set against a backdrop of opulence and tradition.
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43. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Directed by the visionary Wes Anderson, “Isle of Dogs” is a whimsical animated adventure set in the captivating world of Japan. When a young boy embarks on a quest to find his lost dog, he joins a pack of misfit canines who unite under extraordinary circumstances.
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44. Bel Canto (2018)
In “Bel Canto, ” a renowned opera singer finds herself captivated by an unexpected hostage situation. Invited to perform for a wealthy industrialist in South America, she’s drawn into a world of danger and intrigue.
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45. Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
Godzilla: King of the Monsters” brings audiences face-to-face with a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat adventure that blends fantasy, action, and adventure. When the mighty Godzilla collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the King Ghidorah, the world is left in a state of terror. In this epic battle, the cryptozoological agency Monarch fights to maintain their power over a world teetering on the brink of destruction. Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, and Millie Bobby Brown star in this gripping, heart-pounding film that pushes the limits of imagination and explores the unimaginable depths of the unknown.
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46. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
In a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy crosses paths with an intelligent talking Pikachu who has decided to become a detective. Together, they embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the truth behind a mysterious incident that threatens the peace of their city. With witty humor and heartfelt moments, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is an action-packed, animated film that combines live-action and CGI, featuring famous voices and an engaging story that both fans and newcomers will love.
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47. Fukushima 50 (2020)
Fukushima 50” is a gripping action-drama that recounts the harrowing events following the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011 in Japan. This heart-stopping film showcases the incredible courage of the individuals at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, who risked everything to prevent a total disaster from unfolding.
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48. The Creator (2023)
The Creator” (2023) is a thrilling, action-packed adventure set in a future where robots with artificial intelligence wage war against humanity. When a former soldier discovers the secret weapon, a robot in the form of a young child, he embarks on a high-stakes mission to save mankind.
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49. Kensuke’s Kingdom (2023)
In the heart of the Pacific, young Michael finds himself stranded on a remote island after a terrifying shipwreck. As he struggles to adapt to his new surroundings, he learns that this enchanting yet perilous world is filled with both breathtaking beauty and unimaginable danger.
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