The demand for lesbian movies on Netflix keeps growing each year, but finding Japanese titles can feel like a challenge. Japanese filmmakers are known for their nuanced storytelling—where intimacy, identity, and love between women are portrayed with quiet subtlety or bold cinematic flair. These stories are an essential part of Japanese LGBTQ cinema, and many are now available on Netflix.
In 2025, several must-watch Japan lesbian movies are streaming on Netflix, offering everything from psychological thrillers to slice-of-life dramas. Below is a curated guide to the best titles you can watch, whether you’re in Japan or tuning in from abroad.
1. Ride or Die (彼女 / Kanojo, 2021)
- Genre: Psychological Thriller / LGBTQ+ Romance
- Where to Watch: Netflix Worldwide
Ride or Die tells the story of Rei, who kills her former classmate Nanae’s abusive husband to help her escape. Their journey together becomes a raw exploration of survival, morality, and forbidden love.
The film made global headlines when it premiered for its unflinching look at same-sex love in Japan. It remains one of the most talked-about Japanese lesbian movies on Netflix and a cornerstone for LGBTQ+ representation in Asian cinema.
2. White Lily
- Genre: Romance / Drama
- Where to Watch: Netflix Japan (check availability by region)
Tokiko, a respected ceramic artist, takes in Haruka, a teenage runaway who becomes her student and later her lover. Their relationship is marked by desire, jealousy, and destructive choices, especially after Tokiko invites a new male apprentice into their lives. The tangled web of passion and betrayal leads to violence, but ultimately, Tokiko and Haruka’s bond endures.
While less known internationally, the film has earned praise for its intimate portrayal of queer romance, making it a hidden gem among Japan lesbian films on Netflix.
3. Unlock Your Heart
- Genre: Coming-of-Age / Romance
- Where to Watch: Netflix Japan
Ai (Anna Yamada) is a bright and popular high school honor student with a quiet crush on her classmate Tatoe, a boy often overlooked by others. Drawn to his mysterious side, Ai has admired him since her first year. But her world shifts when she discovers Tatoe secretly dating Miyuki, a girl battling diabetes. Hiding her own feelings, Ai befriends Miyuki—leading to a delicate story of hidden desires, unspoken emotions, and the unexpected connections that can change a person’s heart.
4. A Bride for Rip Van Winkle (2016)
- Genre: Drama / Romance
- Where to Watch: Netflix Japan
Directed by Shunji Iwai, this film is not exclusively labeled as a lesbian romance, but its queer undertones make it resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences. It tells the story of an unconventional relationship formed in the midst of loneliness and changing social expectations.
By blending themes of love, marriage, and identity, A Bride for Rip Van Winkle demonstrates how Japanese cinema often portrays queer intimacy subtly, yet powerfully.
5. Ice Cream Fever (アイスクリームフィーバー, 2023)
- Genre: Slice of Life / Queer Drama
- Where to Watch: Netflix Japan
Ice Cream Fever tells the intertwined stories of four women in Tokyo, all connected through an ice cream shop that becomes a quiet refuge. At the center is Natsumi, an art school graduate who develops a tender attraction to Saho, a reserved writer. Meanwhile, her aunt Yu reconnects with her estranged niece Miwa after a painful loss. The film delicately explores queer desire, family bonds, and the pursuit of “small but definite happiness,” showing how love and human connection can be found in life’s most ordinary moments.
Its subtle but clear LGBTQ+ themes make it one of the most relevant Japanese LGBTQ movies on Netflix in 2025.
How to Watch Japanese Lesbian Movies if You’re Not in Japan
Not every title is available worldwide. Ride or Die streams globally, but others like Ice Cream Fever or While Lily are often exclusive to Netflix Japan. If you don’t see them in your region:
- Use a VPN: Connect to a Japanese server to access Netflix Japan’s catalog.
- Check regional updates: Netflix often rotates films into US, UK, and Southeast Asia over time.
- Explore alternative platforms: Some Japanese LGBTQ+ films appear later on U-Next, Amazon Prime Japan, or Mubi.
- Film festivals: New indie titles often debut at LGBTQ+ and Japanese film festivals before reaching streaming platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Japanese lesbian movies on Netflix in 2025?
Top picks include Ride or Die, While Lily, Unlock Your Heart, A Bride for Rip Van Winkle, and Ice Cream Fever.
Is ‘Ride or Die’ movie available outside Japan?
Yes, Ride or Die is a Netflix original streaming worldwide.
Are all Japanese lesbian movies on Netflix available globally?
No. Some titles, such as While Lily and Ice Cream Fever, are exclusive to Netflix Japan, though availability may expand by region.
Can I watch Japanese LGBTQ+ movies outside Netflix?
Yes. Some films also appear on Amazon Prime Japan, U-Next, or international platforms like Mubi.