Japanese live-action series offers compelling stories, cultural depth, and unique perspectives beyond anime.
If you’re looking for top-rated Japanese shows on Netflix, here’s a list ranked from highest to lowest IMDb rating.
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (IMDb 8.6): A late-night diner welcomes customers from all walks of life, serving heartfelt stories alongside simple yet meaningful meals.
First Love (IMDb 8.4): A moving romance about two people whose love endures decades, shaped by fate, choices, and nostalgia.
Samurai Gourmet (IMDb 8.0): A newly retired man rediscovers the joy of food, adventure, and personal freedom, guided by his inner samurai.
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (IMDb 7.9): A heartwarming tale of friendship and food set in a Kyoto geisha house, exploring tradition and personal growth.
Alice in Borderland (IMDb 7.7): A thrilling survival game forces players to solve deadly challenges in a mysterious, abandoned Tokyo.
Asura (IMDb 7.7): Set in 1970s Tokyo, four sisters face a life-altering family secret that tests their relationships and beliefs.
The Naked Director (IMDb 7.6): A daring look into Japan’s entertainment industry, following an ambitious filmmaker breaking boundaries.
Good Morning Call (IMDb 7.4): A lighthearted romantic comedy about two high schoolers forced to share an apartment due to a rental scam.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light (IMDb 7.1): A son reconnects with his distant father through an online multiplayer game, blending virtual adventure with real-world emotions.