Sort by Popularity - Most Popular Movies and TV Shows tagged with keywords "dark-hero", "japan"

1. Inception (2010)

PG-13 | 148 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O., but his tragic past may doom the project and his team to disaster.

Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe

Votes: 2,552,608 | Gross: $292.58M

2. The Last Samurai (2003)

R | 154 min | Action, Drama

Nathan Algren, a US army veteran, is hired by the Japanese emperor to train his army in the modern warfare techniques. Nathan finds himself trapped in a struggle between two eras and two worlds.

Director: Edward Zwick | Stars: Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Billy Connolly, William Atherton

Votes: 471,415 | Gross: $111.11M

3. The Wolverine (2013)

PG-13 | 126 min | Action, Sci-Fi

Wolverine comes to Japan to meet an old friend whose life he saved years ago, and gets embroiled in a conspiracy involving yakuza and mutants.

Director: James Mangold | Stars: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima

Votes: 492,344 | Gross: $132.56M

4. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)

TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

The Dark Knight battles crime in Gotham City with occasional help from Robin and Batgirl.

Stars: Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Bob Hastings

Votes: 117,126

5. Princess Mononoke (1997)

PG-13 | 134 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

On a journey to find the cure for a Tatarigami's curse, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. In this quest he also meets San, the Mononoke Hime.

Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka, Billy Crudup

Votes: 434,042 | Gross: $2.38M

6. 47 Ronin (2013)

PG-13 | 128 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy

A band of samurai sets out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.

Director: Carl Rinsch | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kô Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano

Votes: 171,226 | Gross: $38.36M

7. Snake Eyes (2021)

PG-13 | 121 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

A G.I. Joe spin-off centered around the character of Snake Eyes.

Director: Robert Schwentke | Stars: Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Haruka Abe, Takehiro Hira

Votes: 44,510

8. Ninja Scroll (1993)

Not Rated | 94 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

A vagabond swordsman is aided by a kunoichi and a spy in battling a demonic clan of killers - led by a ghost from his past - who are bent on overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Director: Yoshiaki Kawajiri | Stars: Kôichi Yamadera, Emi Shinohara, Takeshi Aono, Osamu Saka

Votes: 40,749

9. Fist of Fury (1972)

R | 107 min | Action, Drama, Romance

A young man seeks vengence for the death of his teacher.

Director: Wei Lo | Stars: Bruce Lee, Nora Miao, James Tien, Maria Yi

Votes: 33,905 | Gross: $1.29M

10. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

R | 103 min | Animation, Action, Drama

A legendary dhampir competes with a motley family of bounty hunters to return a young woman, who has been seemingly abducted by a vampire, to her family.

Director: Yoshiaki Kawajiri | Stars: Andrew Philpot, John Rafter Lee, Pamela Adlon, Wendee Lee

Votes: 35,834 | Gross: $0.15M

11. Versus (II) (2000)

R | 119 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy

There are 666 portals that connect this world to the other side. These are concealed from all human beings. Somewhere in Japan exists the 444th portal.... The forest of resurrection.

Director: Ryûhei Kitamura | Stars: Tak Sakaguchi, Hideo Sakaki, Chieko Misaka, Kenji Matsuda

Votes: 13,733

12. Highlander: The Final Dimension (1994)

PG-13 | 99 min | Action, Fantasy, Romance

Deceived that he had won the Prize, Connor MacLeod awakens from a peaceful life when an entombed immortal magician comes seeking the Highlander.

Director: Andrew Morahan | Stars: Christopher Lambert, Mario Van Peebles, Deborah Kara Unger, Mako

Votes: 22,129 | Gross: $13.83M

13. Crying Freeman (1995)

102 min | Action, Crime, Thriller

A woman sees an assassin outside San Francisco killing yakuza men and later in Vancouver. She's been told that he leaves no witness. Will she be his next victim or...?

Director: Christophe Gans | Stars: Julie Condra, Kevan Ohtsji, Mark Dacascos, Debbie Podowski

Votes: 13,632

14. Casshern (2004)

Not Rated | 142 min | Action, Sci-Fi

Live-action sci-fi movie based on a 1973 Japanese animé of the same name (Shinzo Ningen Casshân). Theme song by Utada Hikaru.

Director: Kazuaki Kiriya | Stars: Yûsuke Iseya, Kumiko Asô, Akira Terao, Kanako Higuchi

Votes: 13,792

15. Shinjuku Incident (2009)

R | 119 min | Action, Crime, Drama

A simple Chinese immigrant wages a perilous war against one of the most powerful criminal organizations on the planet.

Director: Tung-Shing Yee | Stars: Jackie Chan, Naoto Takenaka, Daniel Wu, Jinglei Xu

Votes: 13,581

16. X (2001–2002)

Not Rated | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama

Kamui Shirou and Fuuma Monou have been best friends ever since they were kids. Fate, however, separates them when Fuuma's mother died under a mysterious circumstances. Fast forward, 6 years... See full summary »

Stars: Ken'ichi Suzumura, Jun'ichi Suwabe, Mitsuaki Madono, Ryôka Yuzuki

Votes: 1,854

17. Witch Hunter Robin (2002–2003)

TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

Witches exist, and it is the mysterious organization STNJ's job to hunt them down. Robin is a recent trainee who joins up, and begins unraveling the secrets of both the witches and STNJ.

Stars: Akeno Watanabe, Steve Blum, Kari Wahlgren, Karen Strassman

Votes: 2,195

18. Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (2001–2002)

Not Rated | 83 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama

Kenshin and Kaoru are married. Kenshin leaves Kaoru with their son, Kenji, to lead a revolution in China. But both of them suffer from a seemingly incurable disease. 15 years later, Kenshin... See full summary »

Stars: Mayo Suzukaze, Miki Fujitani, Mîna Tominaga, Yûji Ueda

Votes: 4,370

19. Fulltime Killer (2001)

R | 102 min | Action, Crime, Drama

Two very different hitmen find themselves to be in each other's way. They use all their skill to solve the problem.

Directors: Johnnie To, Ka-Fai Wai | Stars: Andy Lau, Takashi Sorimachi, Kelly Lin, Simon Yam

Votes: 6,778 | Gross: $0.01M

20. The Iron Heart (2022–2023)

TV-14 | 30 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

An undercover agent goes on a dangerous mission to bring down a crime ring. Fueled by a bitter and painful past, Apollo and his allies face the grueling task that will challenge his resolve and strength.

Stars: Richard Gutierrez, Sue Ramirez, Albert Martinez, Anthony Jennings

Votes: 65

21. X (1996)

R | 100 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy

In 1999, a battle takes place between two factions of divine warriors for the fate of the world.

Director: Rintarô | Stars: Tomokazu Seki, Junko Iwao, Ken Narita, Tôru Furusawa

Votes: 2,818 | Gross: $0.14M

22. Shenmue (1999 Video Game)

T | Action, Adventure, Crime

Ryo, a respected Japanese student sees his father killed in front of his own eyes. He sets out to find the man in charge of his fathers death and the mystery of who and why?

Directors: Keiji Okayasu, Yu Suzuki | Stars: Hiroshi Fujioka, Masaya Matsukaze, Corey Marshall, Robert Jefferson

Votes: 1,312

23. Kamen Rider: The First (2005)

91 min | Action, Drama, Horror

A young scientist is given powers by an evil organization and brainwashed into their fold. Recovering from the conditioning, he starts battling their previous masters' plans, while they try to eliminate all witnesses of their existence.

Director: Takao Nagaishi | Stars: Masaya Kikawada, Hassei Takano, Rena Komine, Hiroshi Miyauchi

Votes: 335

24. Shenmue: The Movie (2001)

88 min | Action, Adventure, Crime

Follow Ryo Hazuki as he attempts to track down the man responsible for his father's death.

Director: Yu Suzuki | Stars: Ryan Drees, Lynn Harris, Ruth Hollyman, Robert Jefferson

Votes: 375

25. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Debiruman Pilot Film (1972)

Unrated | 3 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy

The original Devilman pilot.

Stars: Sanji Hase, Sumie Sakamoto

26. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Episode #1.40 (1973)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

A special memorial episode showing highlights of each monster from the series and certain details from each episode.

27. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Challenge at the Ice Kingdom (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Miki is rushed to the hospital after an altercation with Xannin. Furious, and heartbroken, Devilman swears to defeat the Demon Tribe once and for all. He flies to the Himalayas to settle ... See full summary »

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

28. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Aurora (1973)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Demon Marshall Lacock orders Lala's best friend, Aurora, to kill her.

Directors: Takeshi Shirato, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Stars: Ryôichi Tanaka, Kazuko Sawada

29. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Bera, Tibetan Spirit (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Tare has a fight with Miyo, and ends up stowing away on his father's flight to Tibet. Akira, and Miki go off to bring him back home. Meanwhile, Demon General Muxan enlists Bera to expand ... See full summary »

Directors: Takeshi Shirato, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Stars: Ryôichi Tanaka, Eiko Masuyama

30. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Draw likes Humans (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Demon Draw has a bottomless appetite, and sets his eyes on Nakado Academy.

Directors: Masahiro Sasaki, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

31. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Jewel, Desires Beyond Limitations (1973)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Demon Lord Xenon places Demon Marshall Lacock in charge of operations. Meanwhile, Lala attempts to escape the insane asylum.

Directors: Tokushige Shirane, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Stars: Ryôichi Tanaka, Kazuko Sawada

32. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Mughal, Illusionist (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Principal Pochi and Alphonne see Akira push Miki into a river. Akira is set on proving his innocence, and finding Miki.

Directors: Masamune Ochiai, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

33. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon General, Zannin (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Demon General Xannin is selected to takeover Devilman's original mission. He dispatches to Japan with Demon Vetra.

Directors: Nobutaka Nishizawa, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

34. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Genie, Living in Darkness (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

During a meteor shower, all of the children in town start seeing a glowing red star. They soon begin receiving terrible nightmares, and are driven to the point of insanity.

Directors: Hidenori Yamaguchi, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

35. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demonic Beast Gerge (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Xenon sends the slug-type demon Gelge to kill Devilman.

Directors: Tokushige Shirane, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

Votes: 8

36. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demonic Beast Silene (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Xenon summons Sirene to discover if Devilman has really betrayed the Demon Tribe.

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

Votes: 9

37. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Farewell, Demon Beast Drango (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

A new transfer student named Tomita arrives at Nakado Academy, and takes a liking to Miki. This angers Akira, who views Tomita as a rival.

Directors: Hidenori Yamaguchi, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

38. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Iyamon and Bauu (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Demon Iyamon disguises herself as a student in order to kill Miki. When her cover is blown by Devilman, her brother Bauu comes to her rescue.

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

39. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Head of Rokfel (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Miki's father works to reconstruct the face of the skull of a young woman who died 200 years ago. Rokfel animates the skull and begins to wreak havoc in the city to lure out Devilman.

Directors: Yoshikata Nitta, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

40. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Silvery Demon Lala (1973)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Akira is captured by Demons Dodo and Demon Lala during a ski trip. Dodo disguises himself as Akira, and plans on killing all of his friends.

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Stars: Ryôichi Tanaka, Kazuko Sawada

41. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Arrogant Mermame (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Xenon dispatches Demon Mermaim to assist Xannin in his fight against Devilman. She does not care for Xannin, and puts a spell on him to prevent his interference. Mermaim moves in, and ... See full summary »

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

42. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Brainwave Demon Beast Gondroma (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Brainwave Demon Gondroma uses his powers to control animals, and spread chaos in the human world.

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

43. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Devil Tribe Revived (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Akira Fudo and his father are killed by demons while hiking in the Himalayan Mountains. Demon Lord Xenon orders three demons to fight to the death. The victor will possess Akira's body, ... See full summary »

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

Votes: 10

44. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Fire Demon Beast, Firem (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

The mischievous demon Firem accompanies the behemoth Aguilar on his mission with Xannin. Devilman finally has a one-on-one match with Xannin.

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Stars: Ryôichi Tanaka, Eiko Masuyama

45. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Red Flowered Demon Beast, Lafleur (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

While pursuing Demon Lafleur, Devilman accidentally injures Miki's father. Akira and Miki get into a huge argument, and it seems as though their relationship is over.

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

46. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Sleeping Beauty, Zoldover (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

A new student, Himura Iwao, arrives at Nakado Academy and challenges Akira to a race. During which, they stumble upon a cave and discover a sleeping woman. The woman is actually Lita, who was a human sympathizer from the Demon Tribe.

Directors: Hiroshi Shidara, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

47. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: The Terrifying Puppet Emissary Zulu (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Puppeteer Zulu and Demon Abil sets their sights on Miki.

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

48. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Adal, the Dummy Project (1972)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Tare comes across a dumping ground with tons of mannequins. Later on at night, he sees a mannequin in his room and attacks it with a hammer. It turns out the mannequin was Miki, who was ... See full summary »

Directors: Takeshi Shirato, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka

49. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Alron, the Demonic Dress (1973)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Upset at the pain Devilman has caused the Demon Marshall, Alron dispatches to Japan to kill him. Meanwhile, Lala is frustrated with her own stupidity and tries to find a way to cure it. ... See full summary »

Directors: Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Stars: Ryôichi Tanaka, Kazuko Sawada

50. Devilman (1972–1973)
Episode: Demon Beast Drimoon, the Moon is Hell (1973)

Unrated | Animation, Action, Fantasy

Demon Dremoon is using his powers to bring the Earth closer to the Moon. Devilman frantically searches for Dremoon before it's too late.

Directors: Tokushige Shirane, Masayuki Akehi, Tomoharu Katsumata | Star: Ryôichi Tanaka