Film magazine Eiga Geijutsu revealed their annual list of the top 10 best and worst Japanese movies that were released in the year 2023. This time “A Spoiling Rain” (花腐し) starring Go Ayano was selected as the best, while “The Moon” starring Rie Miyazawa and “Monster” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda tied for the worst.
Eiga Geijutsu’s annual Best and Worst of Japanese Films list is selected not only by film critics, but also by a wide range of film professionals such as directors, screenwriters, producers, theater staff, and general office workers, creating a unique lineup of movies each time the list is published. Details about why each film was included on the list will be published in the February 2024 issue of Eiga Geijutsu which will be released on January 30.
Best Ten
- A Spoiling Rain (花腐し) Director: Haruhiko Arai
- September 1923 (福田村事件) Director: Tatsuya Mori
- Okiku and the World (せかいのおきく) Director: Junji Sakamoto
- Shadow of Fire (ほかげ) Director: Shinya Tsukamoto
- Brats, Be Ambitious! (雑魚どもよ、大志を抱け!) Director: Shin Adachi
- The Dry Spell (渇水) Director: Masaya Takahashi
- Futari Shizuka (二人静か) Director: Rei Sakamoto
- BAD LANDS (バッド・ランズ) Director: Masato Harada
- Single8 Director: Kazuya Konaka
- Ichiko (市子) Director: Akihiro Toda
Note: “BAD LANDS” and “Single8” tied for 8th place
Worst Ten
- The Moon (月) Director: Yuya Ishii
- Monster (怪物) Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Godzilla Minus One (ゴジラ-1.0) Director: Takashi Yamazaki
- Kubi (首) Director: Takeshi Kitano
- Revolver Lily (リボルバー・リリー) Director: Isao Yukisada
- Shin Kamen Rider (シン・仮面ライダー) Director: Hideaki Anno
- (Ab)normal Desire (正欲) Director: Yoshiyuki Kishi
- Ripples (波紋) Director: Naoko Ogigami
- The Legend & Butterfly (レジェンド＆バタフライ) Director: Keishi Ohtomo
- Mother, Is That You?! (こんにちは、母さん) Director: Yoji Yamada
Readers, have you watched any of the movies mentioned above? Let us know what you thought in the comments!
