All 19 Kentaro Ito Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online

Ryan Campbell
8 min readJun 20, 2024

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Explore the cinematic world of Kentaro Ito, a talented Japanese director known for his unique storytelling, imaginative characters, and captivating visuals. In this roundup article, we delve into the various films directed by Ito, offering a comprehensive overview of his impressive filmography and the themes that define his work.

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1. My Love Story!! (2015)

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“My Love Story! ! “ is a sweet and heartwarming romantic comedy set in a world of high school bands and budding popularity. When a beautiful girl meets a sweet yet somewhat plain-looking boy, sparks fly and they find themselves falling deeply in love.

2. Sakurada Reset Part I (2017)

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In the town of Sakurada, where half of its residents possess supernatural abilities, we meet high school students Kei Asai and Misora Haruki. Kei has an extraordinary memory, while Misora holds the power to reset the world by three days. As fate would have it, combining their distinct abilities enables them to travel back in time by three days, allowing them to relive moments while retaining their memories. As this tale unfolds, Kei and Misora discover the true nature of their gifts. Unbeknownst to them, they are under close observation.

3. Sakurada Reset Part II (2017)

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In the drama-filled world of Sakurada, high school student Misora possesses the unique power to reset the world by three days, while Kei is blessed with the remarkable ability to remember everything. As their lives intertwine, they discover their individual powers are not just coincidental, but perfectly complementary; together, they have the power to journey back in time by three days and maintain their memories.

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4. Demekin (2017)

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“Demekin” is an action-packed comedy film that takes viewers on a wild ride with its unforgettable characters. The movie follows Masaki Sata, a young man who was mercilessly teased and bullied as a child due to his appearance that caused him to resemble a popeyed goldfish. The nickname, “Demekin, “ has haunted him ever since but he refused to let the humiliation hold him down. As he grew older, Masaki Sata honed his fighting skills and became unbeatable in all battles.

5. Let’s Go Jets (2017)

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Let’s Go Jets, released in 2017, is an enchanting and hilarious sports drama that centers around Hikari Tomonaga, a Japanese adolescent who joins Fukui Chuo High School to back a boy she’s been friends with since junior high. However, their cheerleading squad comes under new management in the form of coach Kaoru Saotome, who has grandiose aspirations for turning the team into U. S. champions.

6. Lock-On Love (2018)

“Lock-On Love, “ a charming comedy-romance, follows Towa Furuya, a popular but misunderstood high school student. He’s always been surrounded by admiring women, but never had a girlfriend.

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7. We Love (2018)

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We Love (2018) is a heartwarming and delightful coming-of-age comedy-drama that explores the turbulent world of high school romance. The film follows the romantic adventures of a group of teenagers as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant school setting, each character’s journey is filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments of first love.

8. Room Laundering (2018)

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“Room Laundering, “ initially named “Rûmu rondaringu, “ is a striking Japanese drama film debuted in 2018. Directed by Kenji Katagiri and written by Katagiri and Tatsuya Umemoto, the story unfolds around the protagonist, Yakumo Miko. After losing her father at a tender age and her mother’s mysterious disappearance, she also experiences the passing of her grandmother, leading to feelings of isolation.

9. Thicker Than Water (2018)

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“Thicker Than Water” is a heartwarming tale filled with comedy and drama, where sibling relationships intertwine with love, desires, and personal growth. Set in Japan, the film explores the lives of Kazunari, a reserved young man working at a printing company, and his brother, Takushi, a fiery troublemaker just out of jail.

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10. Café Funiculi Funicula (2018)

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Café Funiculi Funicula is a delightful time-traveling adventure in Japan, where customers can journey back in time while enjoying a cup of coffee. However, there are five strict rules to follow: traveling through time cannot change one’s present, it can only open or close, and only for the future. The cafe’s enigmatic chair, known as The Sands of Time, sits at the heart of the establishment, and as you take a sip of your coffee, you embark on a thrilling adventure through history.

11. The Bastard and the Beautiful World (2018)

“The Bastard and the Beautiful World” is an intriguing omnibus film composed of four episodes, each featuring unique and captivating storylines. The film, released in 2018 in Japan, has an overall runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, and is rated 4.9 on IMDb based on 102.0 votes.

12. The Flowers of Evil (2019)

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The Flowers of Evil, a 2019 Japanese drama-romance-thriller film directed by Noboru Iguchi, tells the story of a college student named Takao who steals the underwear of a girl he is infatuated with. This seemingly harmless act spirals out of control, causing chaos not only in his life but also in the lives of those around him. Inspired by Charles Baudelaire’s poetry, this live-action remake of the anime series and manga of the same name delves into themes of obsession, revenge, and the dark side of high school life.

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13. Junihitoe wo Kita Akuma (2020)

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When Rai Ito finds himself unemployed and struggling to find his footing, fate has a comical and unexpected twist in store. Set in the backdrop of the classic Japanese novel “The Tale of Genji, “ Rai is tasked with creating an exhibition for the timeless tale, where he stumbles upon the stories of younger brother Ninomiya and older brother Ichinomiya. As he listens to the narration, Rai can’t help but feel a strong connection to their stories, seeing parallels with his own life.

14. Yowamushi Pedal (2020)

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Yowamushi Pedal, released in 2020, is a fast-paced, heartwarming sports comedy that follows Onoda’s journey from an ordinary fan of manga and anime to an exceptional cyclist. This unique adaptation from live-action anime takes viewers on an exhilarating ride, filled with laughter, friendship, and the thrill of the wheel. As you cheer him on to victory, Yowamushi Pedal captivates you with its delightful balance of drama and humor, reminiscient of classic Japanese sports tales.

15. From Today, It’s My Turn: The Movie (2020)

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From Today, It’s My Turn: The Movie (Kyo kara ore wa! ) is a high-octane, action-packed comedy that is a live-action remake of Japan’s beloved anime series. The story follows Takashi Mitsuhashi and Shinji Ito, two unassuming high school students, who find themselves thrust into the world of danger and adventure when they face new enemies after a catastrophic event three years ago. This Japanese high school girl and teenager journey is filled with hilarious moments, edge-of-your-seat action, and heartwarming friendships.

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16. Tonkatsu DJ Age-Taro (2020)

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Tonkatsu DJ Age-Taro is an energetic Japanese comedy that brings laughter and heart to the screens. Set in the bustling district of Shibuya, Tokyo, the film follows Agetaro Katsumata, the inheritor of a beloved tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) restaurant.

17. The Brightest Roof in the Universe (2020)

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The Brightest Roof in the Universe is a heartwarming, coming-of-age drama set in a small Japanese town. Fourteen-year-old Tsubame is a talented schoolgirl who secretly harbors a crush for university student Toru. As her feelings intensify, she struggles to find the courage to express herself.

18. Climb Miss Kotera (2020)

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Breathtakingly beautiful and filled with heartwarming moments, Climb Miss Kotera transports viewers to the world of Japanese teenagers and competitive climbers. Follow the journey of Kotera, a dedicated and adorable high school girl, as she excels in her extracurricular climbing club. As she scales new heights, she captures the heart of her passionate school-mate, Kendo, who belongs to a different club — table tennis.

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19. Fuyu Soubi (2022)

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In the captivating Japanese drama “Fuyu Soubi”, Jun Wataguchi, a young man living in a struggling port town, leads a life of defiance, hanging around with a group of notorious thugs while disregarding his parents’ failing business transporting landfill by ship. Jun shows little interest in mending his family’s livelihood or bridging the gap with his parents.

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