8 Recommendations for Classic Japanese Horror Films from the 2000s, Still Terrifying to Watch Now

The film SPIRAL (2000) follows the story of Kirie who witnesses her boyfriend's father becoming obsessed with the shape of spirals. His obsession grows increasingly strange, causing many people in the town to become afflicted by a spiral curse that alters their bodies. The townspeople are also affected by this phenomenon. With a rating of 6.2, you can find this film on classic movie services.

PREMONITION (2004) tells the story of Hideki who discovers a mysterious newspaper that predicts his daughter's death. When a tragic accident strikes his family, Hideki becomes obsessed with finding out more about the newspaper. He tries to find others who have experienced the same thing. You can watch it on various film platforms that offer horror selections.

The film PULSE (2001) tells the tale of a malevolent spirit that begins to infect people through the internet. After student Taguchi commits suicide, several people in Tokyo experience terrifying visions that spread through the online world. Michi, Ryosuke, and Harue try to uncover this mystery. You can enjoy the suspense of this film, which has a rating of 7.0 on MyDramaList, on several horror streaming services.

The film KUCHISAKE ONNA (2007) focuses on the urban legend of a woman who wears a mask and carries large scissors. Anyone she approaches will be asked if she is beautiful. A wrong answer will lead to a brutal death. You can find this film on various platforms that offer legendary Japanese horror movies.

DEATH NOTE (2006) tells the story of Light Yagami, a student who discovers a death note. With this book, Light can kill anyone by writing that person's name. However, the mysterious deaths that occur lead an investigator to start looking for who is behind these events. You can watch it on platforms that feature manga adaptation films with a rating of 7.7 on MyDramaList.

BATTLE ROYALE tells the story of a group of students forced to participate in a deadly game on a remote island. They must fight each other to survive, as the only way out of this game is to kill their friends. The tension escalates as the students struggle to survive in a brutal and unpredictable situation.

ONE MISSED CALL (2003) follows Yumi who receives a mysterious voice call from her deceased friend. The call contains her friend's screams warning of her death. As Yumi begins to receive similar calls, she tries to uncover the mystery. This film can be found on various horror movie sites with a rating of 7.1.

JU-ON: THE GRUDGE (2002) is a tale of a cursed house that harbors vengeance. After a man named Takeo Saeki kills his wife and child, their spirits, Kayako and Toshio, begin to curse anyone who steps foot in the house. Characters who visit the house will face terrifying horrors, including Rika Nishina, who becomes involved in this curse. This film can be watched on streaming platforms or local television. Find more Japanese movie recommendations at kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?