13 Best Japanese Action Movies with a Gangster Theme, Full of Thrilling Action

Kapanlagi.com - Fans of action films must know the best recommendations for Japanese gangster films. Because there are several Japanese action films with gangster themes that are very exciting to watch.

Many of the best Japanese action movie recommendations with gangster themes have achieved high ratings and become quite popular. Just to name a few, CROWS ZERO and HIGH & LOW: THE WORST are among the well-known Japanese gangster films.

In addition to these two films, there are still several other best Japanese action films that are similar. That’s why check out the reviews below about the best Japanese action movie recommendations with gangster themes that have been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

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1. HIGH & LOW: THE WORST

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One of the best Japanese action films with a gangster theme is HIGH & LOW: THE WORST. This Japanese film was released in 2019 and falls under the action genre. Meanwhile, the synopsis of HIGH & LOW: THE WORST tells the thrilling story of a fight between two school gangs.

The story focuses on the Oya Koukou gangster group that gets involved in a clash with Housen High School. This begins when a misunderstanding occurs between the two groups due to an attack on their group. Meanwhile, characters Dujio, Tsukasa, Sachio, and Jamuo also play major roles in the film HIGH & LOW: THE WORST. In 2022, there are plans to release the next exciting installment of the HIGH & LOW: THE WORST story.

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2. CROWS ZERO

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The best Japanese action movie recommendation about gangsters is CROWS ZERO. You are certainly familiar with this film that managed to achieve a high rating. Released in 2007, CROWS ZERO tells the story of a school gangster. The main focus is on the character Genji Takiya from Suzuran High School.

Meanwhile, the synopsis of CROWS ZERO tells the story of Genji proving that he is capable of becoming the leader of a gang. His father is known as the leader of a gang. However, to gain his father's recognition, Genji Takiya starts by taking the position of gang leader at Suzuran High School. A number of tense fights also occur in the film CROWS ZERO. Interested in watching?

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3. DROP

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DROP is another recommendation for the best Japanese action movie themed around gangsters. This Japanese film was released in 2009 and combines action and comedy genres. Meanwhile, the synopsis of DROP tells the story of Shinanogawa Hiroshi who transforms into a delinquent kid.

He even changes his appearance with red hair, attracting a group of gangsters. Although he initially gets into conflict with a gang leader named Iguchi Tatsuya, he ends up joining that school gang. This is where their friendship begins to grow very close. Interestingly, the film DROP is also inspired by a true story, you know, KLovers.

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4. DEMEKIN

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Released in 2017, DEMEKIN is also recommended as one of the best Japanese action films about gangsters. However, unlike previous gangs, the film DEMEKIN tells the story of a group of motorcycle gangs.

The synopsis of DEMEKIN tells the story of Masaki Sata who experiences bullying and is called demekin or goldfish. As a result, Masaki tries to fight back against them and gets involved in a brawl. The conflict and story become more interesting as Masaki starts high school.

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5. BATTLE ROYALE

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BATTLE ROYALE is also recommended as another best Japanese action film that tells a story about gangsters. Released in 2000, BATTLE ROYALE features an exciting plot about adventure, action, and drama. Meanwhile, the synopsis of BATTLE ROYALE tells the story of a battle royale that must be carried out by a number of selected students on an island.

These students will compete for the winner of the battle royale. Tension arises as the students defend themselves to survive and escape from the battle royale. The only way to stay alive is to kill each other. That’s why this film will make you anxious as you watch how these students fight against each other to survive.

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6. YAKUZA AND THE FAMILY

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YAKUZA AND THE FAMILY is also among the best action Japanese movie recommendations about gangsters. This film was released in 2022 and tells the story of a Yakuza family. The main focus is on the character Kenji Yamamoto, who joins a group of gangsters led by Hiroshi Shibasaki.

Due to their closeness, Kenji Yamamoto comes to regard the Yakuza gangsters as family. He then becomes a loyal member but at one point feels uncertain due to the presence of someone named Yuka Kudo. A number of thrilling actions are also presented in the film YAKUZA AND THE FAMILY , which successfully achieved a fairly high rating.

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7. TOKYO REVENGERS

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The Japanese film titled TOKYO REVENGERS can be an incredibly exciting watch. Released in 2021, TOKYO REVENGERS is among the best Japanese action movie recommendations that you shouldn't miss. This film is an adaptation of a very popular manga and anime.

The synopsis of TOKYO REVENGERS tells the story of a man named Takemichi Hanagaki who tries to change his future. When he was a teenager, Takemichi had a girlfriend named Hinata Tachibana. However, she was killed by a gang group called Tokyo Manji. Unexpectedly, Takemichi Hanagaki enters a time dimension back to when he was still a teenager. This is where he tries to change his future to save his girlfriend.

8. OUTRAGE TRILOGY

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The OUTRAGE trilogy by Takeshi Kitano delves into the brutal and intricate world of the Yakuza, where powerful bosses pit their subordinates against each other. This triggers an inevitable wave of betrayal and slaughter.

The character Otomo, played by Takeshi Kitano, is central to all three films, often getting involved in violent actions in response to escalating conflicts. The first film, Outrage, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010, followed by Outrage Beyond in 2012 at the Venice International Film Festival, culminating in Outrage Coda in October 2017.

9. LIKE A DRAGON: YAKUZA

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LIKE A DRAGON: YAKUZA is the latest drama about four orphaned friends who fall into the criminal world and become enemies. The series depicts their journey through a crime-ridden world full of intrigue and conflict.

Adapted from the popular SEGA game franchise, this six-episode series is scheduled to premiere globally on Prime Video starting October 24, 2024. Viewers will be taken back to the harsh streets of Kamurochō, the fictional district inspired by Kabukichō in Shinjuku.

10. FIRST LOVE

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The film FIRST LOVE tells the story of a young boxer named Leo and a call girl named Monica who accidentally get involved in a drug smuggling scheme for one night in Tokyo. They both find themselves trapped in a conflict between the yakuza, corrupt police, and the Chinese triad.

This film directed by Takashi Miike premiered on May 17, 2019, at the Directors' Fortnight Cannes Film Festival. Then, First Love was released in theaters in the UK and Japan in February 2020.

11. HELL DOGS

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HELL DOGS follows the story of a former police officer named Shogo Kanetaka who infiltrates a yakuza organization for revenge. He suffers trauma after his loved ones are killed by the yakuza, prompting him to become a secret agent.

The film was released globally on September 16, 2022, and is based on a manga of the same name. Junichi Okada stars as the lead in this action film.

12. SONATINE

Best Japanese Action Movie Recommendations (credit: imdb.com)

The film SONATINE tells the story of Tokyo yakuza boss, Murakawa, who is sent to Okinawa to help end a gang war. However, he finds himself caught in deeper intrigues.

Directed by Takeshi Kitano, the film was released on June 5, 1993, in Japan. Although initially unsuccessful in its home country, Sonatine received critical acclaim in Europe after being screened at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival.

13. YAMIKIN DOGS

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The film YAMIKIN DOGS centers around Tadaomy Ando, a young former yakuza boss who decides to leave the world of organized crime. He then switches professions to become an illegal loan shark, learning how to collect debts from Takashi Konaka.

Released on August 1, 2015, this film is the first part of the series "Stray Dogz" which later had several sequels. This story offers a unique perspective on the transition from yakuza life to the world of loan sharks.

14. FAQ

What film tells the story of a former police officer infiltrating the Yakuza? The film Hell Dogs (2022) tells the story of a former police officer named Shogo Kanetaka who infiltrates the Yakuza organization for revenge.

Who directed the film Sonatine? The film Sonatine (1993) was directed by Takeshi Kitano, a famous Japanese filmmaker who also plays the main character.

When is the Like a Dragon: Yakuza series airing? The live-action series Like a Dragon: Yakuza is scheduled to air globally on Prime Video starting October 24, 2024.

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