Movies Like Waseda University

If you liked Waseda University (1953), a movie directed by Kiyoshi Saeki, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Flying Colors (2015)
★ 7.6/10
A high school girl, Sayaka Kudō was the bottom of the class. After a year, she improved her deviation value from 30 to 70, then passed Keio University that is considered one of the most difficult to enter in Japan.
2
Waterboys (2001)
★ 6.5/10
In a Japanese school, 5 adolescent geeks join the new sport teacher and take up the challenge to take part in the synchronised swimming competition, in-spite of the mockeries of the real sportsmen.
3
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
★ 7.5/10
Yokohama, 1963. Japan is picking itself up from the devastation of World War II and preparing to host the 1964 Olympics—and the mood is one of both optimism and conflict as the young generation struggles to throw off…
4
Shall We Dance? (1996)
★ 7.5/10
A bored accountant spots a beautiful woman in the window of a ballroom dance studio. He secretly starts taking dancing lessons to be near her, and then over time discovers how much he loves dancing. His wife…
5
Sanjuro (1962)
★ 7.9/10
In this companion piece and sequel to "Yojimbo," jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan's evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper samurai on its…
6
Hachiko (1987)
★ 7.8/10
The tragic, true story about Hachikō, an Akita dog who was loyal to his master, Professor Ueno, even after Ueno's death.
7
Sakuran (2006)
★ 6.5/10
Kiyoha rises from the lowly courtesan ranks to the high class position of Oiran in the steamy red-light district of Yoshiwara. She is determined to stand on her own two feet and live life as she pleased.
8
Twenty-Four Eyes (1954)
★ 7.7/10
From 1928 to 1946, the lives of 12 young people and their school teacher in a poor Japanese village are profoundly affected by historical events and personal circumstances.
9
Swing Girls (2004)
★ 8/10
A group of delinquent high school girls form a band when they accidentally poison their school's brass band and have to replace them.
10
A Story of Yonosuke (2013)
★ 7.1/10
The year is 1987 and Japan is just reaching the peak of its economic success. Eighteen-year old Yonosuke Yokomichi arrives in Tokyo from Nagasaki. Ordinary in every way possible, he lives in a suburb far from the…
11
Linda Linda Linda (2005)
★ 7.6/10
Only three days before the school festival, a newly formed high school band rushes to put together a set for their big show — including a hit single by '80s by the Japanese punk rock band The Blue Hearts.
12
A Gentle Breeze in the Village (2007)
★ 7.1/10
Soyo, a student in a school with only six students, develops feelings for the new student, Hiromi, who has moved from Tokyo.
13
Blue Spring (2001)
★ 7.1/10
Soon after being named the new leader of his high school's gang system, Kujo grows bored with the violence and hatred that surround him. He wants desperately to abandon his post… but his once-enviable position of power…
14
Tokyo Sonata (2008)
★ 7.4/10
The winds of change blow as a family grapples with unemployment, alienation, mistrust and a lack of communication. When a Japanese salaryman loses his job to outsourcing to China, it's simply the beginning of a series…
15
Wolf Girl and Black Prince (2016)
★ 6.5/10
Erika Shinohara is a first year of high school student. While talking to friends, she makes up a story about her "boyfriend." In reality, Erika Shinohara doesn't have a boyfriend. Erika's friends soon begin to doubt…
16
The Castle of Sand (1974)
★ 7.3/10
Two detectives are tasked to investigate the murder of an old man, found bludgeoned to death in a Tokyo rail yard.
17
Oh Lucy! (2018)
★ 6.7/10
A lonely, chain-smoking office lady in Tokyo falls for her teacher when she decides to take English lessons. When her teacher disappears, she sets out on a journey to find him.
18
The Garden of Words (2013)
★ 7.6/10
Takao, who is training to become a shoemaker, skipped school and is sketching shoes in a Japanese-style garden. He meets a mysterious woman, Yukino, who is older than him. Then, without arranging the times, the two…
19
Red Beard (1965)
★ 8.2/10
Aspiring to an easy job as personal physician to a wealthy family, Noboru Yasumoto is disappointed when his first post after medical school takes him to a small country clinic under the gruff doctor Red Beard. Yasumoto…
20
The Irregular at Magic High School: The Girl Who Summons the Stars (2017)
★ 6.4/10
In the story, the seasons have changed and it will soon be the second spring. Tatsuya and Miyuki have finished their first year at First Magic High School and are on their spring break. The two go to their villa on the…