Direction: Yoshiaki Kawajiri

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


Ninja Scroll

1993 · Movie · 94 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Ninja Scroll (1993) follows the journey of Jubei, a wandering samurai who takes on jobs for hire. After a fortuitous encounter where he rescues a young ninja woman from a brutal assault, he inadvertently draws the ire of a sinister...

7.3

12K votes

7.3

12K votes

The Animatrix

2003 · Movie · 102 min. · United States

Direction Andrew R. Jones · Shin'ichirō Watanabe · Mahiro Maeda · Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis The Animatrix (2003) is an anthology of animated vignettes that delve into the rich history and lore of the "Matrix" universe. These short films explore the origins of the conflict between humanity and sentient machines, providing a deeper understanding of...

7.0

21K votes

7.0

21K votes

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust

2000 · Movie · 103 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) follows the legendary "dunpeal" D, a half-vampire, half-human outcast celebrated for his vampire hunting skills. Despite his lineage, D's expertise earns him respect among humans, leading to his recruitment by the wealthy Elbourne family. Their...

7.0

3K votes

7.0

3K votes

The Cockpit

1993 · Movie · 75 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri · Takashi Imanishi · Ryôsuke Takahashi

Synopsis The Cockpit (1993) presents a trio of distinct narratives set against the backdrop of World War II. The film delves into the lives of a German aviator, a Japanese kamikaze pilot, and a unit of Japanese soldiers stationed in the...

6.8

119 votes

6.8

119 votes

X (TV Series)

2001 · Series · 25 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis X (TV Series) (2001) is set in a pivotal year where 15-year-old Kamui Shiro, a formidable psychic, comes back to Tokyo after a six-year hiatus. His return is driven by a desire to safeguard his childhood companions, Fuuma and Fuuma's...

6.6

299 votes

6.6

299 votes

Neo-Tokyo (Labyrinth Tales)

1987 · Movie · 52 min. · Japan

Direction Katsuhiro Ōtomo · Rintaro · Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Neo-Tokyo (Labyrinth Tales) (1987) is a concise (50-minute) anime feature from 1987 that briefly hit U.S. theaters around 1993, leveraging the reputation of director Katsuhiro Otomo, who had gained significant recognition with his film AKIRA. This anthology film comprises three...

6.5

701 votes

6.5

701 votes

6.5

30 votes

Goku: Midnight Eye

1989 · Movie · 50 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Goku: Midnight Eye (1989) follows the story of a seasoned private investigator named Goku who delves into a series of mysterious suicides among police officers. His journey takes a dark turn when he crosses paths with a woman possessing supernatural...

6.4

100 votes

6.4

100 votes

Program (S)

2003 · Movie · 7 min. · United States

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Program (S) (2003) follows the journey of Cis and Duo, two liberated entities who engage in a traditional samurai sword duel to hone their abilities. During their encounter, Duo confides in Cis that he is weary of their existence outside...

6.4

2K votes

6.4

2K votes

Cyber City Oedo 808 (TV Miniseries)

1990 · Movie · 128 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Cyber City Oedo 808 (TV Miniseries) (1990) is an OVA Mini-series that aired from 1990 to 1991, consisting of 3 episodes. Set in the futuristic city of Oedo 2808a.d., the story revolves around three cybernetically enhanced criminals who are offered...

6.2

88 votes

6.2

88 votes

Goku II: Midnight Eye

1989 · Movie · 60 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Goku II: Midnight Eye (1989) follows the story of a skilled investigator, Goku, who is tasked with locating a missing woman's brother. The brother has been transformed into a formidable psychic super-soldier, adding layers of complexity to the mission. As...

6.1

72 votes

6.1

72 votes

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Highlander. The Search for Vengeance (2007) follows the tale of Marcus, a former Roman emperor known for his ruthless reign, where he mercilessly eliminated friends, enemies, and even family members. His own schemes ultimately led to his downfall, and he...

6.0

710 votes

6.0

710 votes

Birdy the Mighty

1996 · Movie · 130 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Birdy the Mighty (1996) follows Tsutomu, an ordinary middle school student, who is engrossed in his studies for high school entrance exams. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a man being pursued and gets inadvertently involved in...

5.9

30 votes

5.9

30 votes

Lensman: Secret of the Lens

1984 · Movie · 107 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri · Kazuyuki Hirokawa

Synopsis Lensman: Secret of the Lens (1984) follows the journey of Kimball Kinnison, a youth from the agrarian world of Mquie, and his Valerian ally, Buscirk, as they encounter a critically injured man bearing a fabled crystal lens implanted in his...

5.8

124 votes

5.8

124 votes

Wicked City

1987 · Movie · 82 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Wicked City (1987) unfolds a centuries-old secret peace agreement between Earth and The Black World, a parallel realm inhabited by shape-shifting beings with extraordinary supernatural abilities. As the treaty's renewal approaches, a radical group from The Black World aims to...

5.7

692 votes

5.7

692 votes

Demon City Shinjuku

1988 · Movie · 80 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis Demon City Shinjuku (1988) follows the journey of Kyoya Izayoi, a young man who, a decade after his father Genichirou's demise in a battle against the malevolent Rebi Ra, is summoned to thwart Rebi Ra's scheme to unleash hellish demons...

5.4

435 votes

5.4

435 votes

X: Yochou

2001 · Movie · 25 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis X: Yochou (2001) is a prequel to the "X" TV series that delves into the life of Kakyou, a young, bedridden individual with the unique ability to dream of others' lives and futures. The narrative unfolds as Kakyou recalls his...

Not rated

Not rated

Liquid Television (TV Series)

1991 · Series · 30 min. · United States

Direction Robin Steele · Denis Morella · Tony Halton · Tim Boxell

Cast Anna-Lena Brundin

Synopsis Liquid Television (TV Series) (1991) is a groundbreaking and eclectic collection of animated shorts that aired on MTV, known for its surreal, experimental, and often grotesque content. The series is a blend of serialized and standalone segments, each offering a...

Not rated

Not rated

The Phoenix: Space

1987 · Movie · 48 min. · Japan

Direction Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Synopsis The Phoenix: Space (1987) is the third installment in the "The Phoenix" series, produced by Kadokawa Haruki Office Co., Ltd. This animated film is based on the original narrative by Tezuka Osamu and explores the harsh realities of love through...

Not rated

Not rated