The Ultimate Takashi Miike Collection: His Best Movies Ranked and Reviewed
When it comes to prolific, versatile, and downright fearless filmmakers, few names stand as tall as Takashi Miike. With over 100 directorial credits to his name, Miike has conquered virtually every genre — from horror to samurai epics, from yakuza thrillers to surrealist black comedies. For cinephiles who want to explore the best Takashi Miike movies, assembling a definitive list is a daunting yet rewarding task.
Whether you're a seasoned fan or just beginning your journey into the Takashi Miike collection, this comprehensive guide covers his greatest cinematic achievements. We’ll dive into the films that showcase his unique style, subversive narratives, and genre-bending creativity.
Who Is Takashi Miike?
Born in 1960 in Osaka, Japan, Takashi Miike began his career in the V-cinema world (Japan's direct-to-video industry), which allowed him to hone his skills outside the restrictions of mainstream studios. Over time, his unrelenting work ethic and inventive storytelling brought him international acclaim. Miike’s films range from extreme horror to family-friendly fantasy, and from violent crime sagas to touching human dramas.
While other directors build a reputation on a handful of films, Miike has crafted an expansive body of work that offers something for nearly every type of viewer — often combining multiple genres within a single film.
The Best Takashi Miike Movies
Below, we explore his most iconic works, each representing a different facet of his astonishing range.
Takashi Miike Collection
1. Audition (1999)
Perhaps his most internationally recognised film, Audition is a masterclass in psychological horror. What begins as a delicate romance soon descends into one of the most disturbing horror films ever made.
A widower stages a fake audition to meet potential new partners, only to fall for the seemingly fragile Asami. The film's slow-burn narrative creates a growing sense of dread, culminating in a harrowing finale that remains burned into the minds of horror enthusiasts.
Why It’s Essential:
Quintessential J-horror.
Showcases Miike's ability to subvert audience expectations.
A major influence on Western horror.
2. 13 Assassins (2010)
13 Assassins is a stunning samurai epic and a remake of Eiichi Kudo's 1963 classic. The plot follows a band of samurai on a suicide mission to assassinate a sadistic warlord.
The film delivers some of the most breathtaking action sequences in modern samurai cinema, especially its climactic 45-minute battle.
Why It’s Essential:
Flawless choreography.
Captures the spirit of classic samurai films.
A perfect entry point for newcomers to the Takashi Miike collection.
3. Ichi the Killer (2001)
Based on the manga by Hideo Yamamoto, Ichi the Killer is notorious for its graphic violence and sadomasochistic themes. The film follows a disturbed killer, Ichi, and his pursuit by a sadistic yakuza enforcer, Kakihara.
Banned or heavily censored in multiple countries, this film is emblematic of Miike’s boundary-pushing style.
Why It’s Essential:
Iconic in the Asian Extreme movement.
Infamous for its excessive gore and twisted narrative.
Defines Miike’s reputation as a cinematic provocateur.
4. The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001)
The Happiness of the Katakuris is one of Miike’s most eccentric works, a family opens a remote guesthouse where their visitors mysteriously die one by one. Rather than descend into pure horror, the film becomes a surreal musical comedy with claymation sequences, zombies, and family melodrama.
Why It’s Essential:
A rare blend of genres.
Dark humour with surprising warmth.
Unpredictably delightful.
5. Visitor Q (2001)
Visitor Q arguably one of his most disturbing films, Visitor Q is a dark satire of the dysfunctional Japanese family. Themes of incest, abuse, addiction, and necrophilia make this one of Miike's most controversial works. Yet, beneath its shock value lies a twisted narrative of redemption.
Why It’s Essential:
A bold social commentary.
Challenges viewers' moral comfort zones.
Miike at his most confrontational and daring.
6. Blade of the Immortal (2017)
Adapted from Hiroaki Samura’s manga, Blade of the Immortal follows Manji, a cursed samurai who cannot die. This supernatural revenge saga blends exquisite action sequences with emotional depth.
Why It’s Essential:
Fluid and dynamic sword-fighting choreography.
A visually stunning manga adaptation.
One of Miike’s most polished productions.
7. Gozu (2003)
Often cited as one of Miike's strangest films, Gozu combines yakuza crime drama with surreal horror. The plot centres on a yakuza enforcer ordered to kill his friend, leading him into a nightmarish journey filled with bizarre imagery.
Why It’s Essential:
A cult classic of Japanese surrealism.
Surreal and unsettling from start to finish.
Unforgettable for fans of Lynchian horror.
8. Rainy Dog (1997)
Part of Miike's Black Society Trilogy, Rainy Dog tells the story of a Japanese hitman living in exile in Taiwan who forms an unexpected bond with his mute son. This film is a quieter, more contemplative side of Miike’s work.
Why It’s Essential:
Minimalist storytelling.
Emotionally resonant character study.
A noir-infused exploration of loneliness.
9. The Bird People in China (1998)
A rare departure from Miike's usual violent fare, The Bird People in China is a gentle, reflective film about a businessman who stumbles upon a mystical village in rural China. The film explores themes of capitalism, nature, and spirituality.
Why It’s Essential:
Lyrical and humanistic.
Visually breathtaking.
Highlights Miike’s narrative versatility.
10. Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2011)
Miike’s take on Masaki Kobayashi’s 1962 masterpiece is a respectful yet distinctive retelling. With powerful performances and emotional gravitas, it demonstrates Miike’s skill at handling classic material with fresh vision.
Why It’s Essential:
A deeply emotional samurai tragedy.
Beautiful cinematography.
An elegant and haunting retelling.
Honorable Mentions
- Ley Lines (1999): The final part of the Black Society Trilogy, focusing on Chinese immigrants in Japan.
- Fudoh: The New Generation (1996): High school meets yakuza in this over-the-top action thriller.
- Sukiyaki Western Django (2007): Miike’s homage to spaghetti westerns with a uniquely Japanese twist.
- Ace Attorney (2012): A surprisingly faithful live-action adaptation of the popular video game.
Why Takashi Miike’s Collection Deserves Your Attention
The Takashi Miike collection offers something for every type of film lover. His unpredictable narratives, genre-blending storytelling, and fearless approach have secured his place among the most important directors in world cinema.
Whether you're drawn to brutal horror, heartfelt drama, high-octane action, or bizarre fantasy, the best Takashi Miike movies provide a cinematic journey unlike any other.
Final Thoughts
Takashi Miike stands as one of cinema’s most fearless innovators. His immense body of work offers not only entertainment but insight into the darker, weirder, and often more beautiful corners of human experience. For anyone looking to dive into the best Takashi Miike movies, this list serves as a perfect roadmap.
If you’re ready to start building your own Takashi Miike collection, Terracotta Distribution offers an outstanding selection of his films on high-quality Blu-ray films and DVD. From cult classics like Audition to surreal masterpieces like The Happiness of the Katakuris, you’ll find carefully curated editions perfect for both new fans and seasoned collectors. Explore the full collection today and experience the bold vision of Takashi Miike from the comfort of your home.