How scary is Kwaidan?

On our intensity scale, Kwaidan rates 2/5 for scares and 3/5 for dread. It is on the gentler side — it favors mood and atmosphere over hard scares.

Kwaidan rates 1/5 for gore — expect almost no gore.

Where can I stream Kwaidan?

Kwaidan is not on major US subscription streamers right now — look for it on digital rental or purchase (Apple TV, Prime Video, or your usual store).

Kwaidan

Name: Kwaidan
Director: Masaki Kobayashi
Genre: J-Horror, Folk, Supernatural, Atmospheric, Slow-Burn
Released: 1964
Rating: 7.9

1964 · Directed by Masaki Kobayashi

J-HorrorFolkSupernaturalAtmosphericSlow-Burn

IMDb7.923k votes

RT91%critics

RT89%audience

豆瓣8.631k votes

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Not on major US streamers — check digital rental.

The vibe

Four ghost stories from Lafcadio Hearn staged on vast painted sets — snow spirits, earless musicians, a face in the teacup. Kobayashi's anthology is horror as formal beauty: deliberate, operatic, and unlike anything shot on location. Hoichi's segment is the crown.

Before you press play

How scary is Kwaidan?: On our intensity scale, Kwaidan rates 2/5 for scares and 3/5 for dread. It is on the gentler side — it favors mood and atmosphere over hard scares.
How gory is Kwaidan?: Kwaidan rates 1/5 for gore — expect almost no gore.
Where can I stream Kwaidan?: Kwaidan is not on major US subscription streamers right now — look for it on digital rental or purchase (Apple TV, Prime Video, or your usual store).