While 2017 had Your Name setting impossible box office records, 2018 held its own with a diverse slate of animated features that moved away from high school romance and toward epic fantasy and darker themes.
A poignant drama following a makeshift family of small-time crooks who live on the fringes of society.
Mirai made history by earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature (the first non-Ghibli Japanese film to do so, followed by a win later for The Boy and the Heron ). Critics praised its emotional depth and innovative animation that transformed a simple house into a time-traveling wonderland. For families looking for that blend heart with surrealism, Mirai is essential viewing. 2018 japanese movies
A low-budget zombie comedy that begins with a seemingly amateurish 37-minute single take, only to reveal layers of meta-commentary on the filmmaking process.
: Released late in the year (December 14), it saw massive immediate success, grossing over $9 million USD in its opening weekend alone. Award-Winning Animation While 2017 had Your Name setting impossible box
Most of these films are available on streaming platforms:
Arguably the most critically acclaimed Japanese film of 2018, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film follows an impoverished family in Tokyo who survive via petty theft. However, when they take in a young girl suffering from neglect, the moral complexities of their "family" unravel. Critics praised its emotional depth and innovative animation
It is impossible to discuss without immediately addressing the elephant in the room—or rather, the Palme d'Or in the trophy case. Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters (Manbiki Kazoku) was not just the most significant Japanese film of the year; it was a global cinematic event.
From the haunting beauty of animated historical fiction to the shocking violence of yakuza epics, the lineup offered something for every palate. This article explores the defining films of that year, highlighting critical darlings, box office giants, and hidden gems that continue to influence filmmakers today.