The Great Yokai War: Guardians
妖怪大戦争 ガーディアンズ
Fifth grader Kei Watanabe has inherited the hunter's blood to hunt yōkai. To save the world from destruction, Kei challenges a war against the yōkai.
Why it matters
A vibrant blend of traditional Japanese folklore and modern fantasy horror that reanimates yōkai mythology with youthful energy and striking visual flair.
- Delivers a rare, family-friendly kaiju and yokai mashup that balances whimsy with genuine stakes.
- Showcases imaginative creature designs rooted in Japan’s rich folkloric tradition—practical effects and CGI in spirited harmony.
- Perfect for fans of Miyazaki’s spirited fantasy and Takashi Miike’s genre-bending oddities who crave something culturally distinct.
- Moves beyond typical Western monster fare by placing a child hero at the center of an ancient supernatural conflict, reflecting generational anxieties in a globalizing world.
Director
17 horror films in catalog
Full Metal Yakuza 1997
Audition 2000
Visitor Q 2001
Ichi the Killer 2001
The Happiness of the Katakuris 2002
One Missed Call 2003
Gozu 2003
Three... Extremes 2004
Imprint 2006
Detective Story 2007
Lesson of the Evil 2012
Over Your Dead Body 2014
As the Gods Will 2014
Yakuza Apocalypse 2015
Terra Formars 2016
The Great Yokai War: Guardians 2021
Lumberjack the Monster 2023
Cast
Horror DNA
Gore
0
Slow Burn
0
Psychological
0
Supernatural
40
Creature
55
Disturbing
17
Fun Factor
50
Cerebral
14
Survival
0
