HBO Immersion: How to Immerse Yourself in Japanese through Anime, TV & Movies on Max

Immersion is by far the most effective way to learn Japanese, and anime, TV shows, and movies are the richest form of immersion you can get outside of Japan. There are numerous streaming services to choose from today, but Max (formerly HBO Max) is one of the best for Japanese learners. Not only can you watch addictive Japanese-language series and poignant Japanese films, but it's also the only place to stream Studio Ghibli titles in the states and one of the few places to watch Kurosawa classics.

In this post, I share why TV is such an effective way to learn Japanese, how to get the most out of video-based language learning, and the specific Japanese titles I recommend on Max.

Why Learn Japanese Through Anime, TV Shows, and Movies?

You probably don't need much convincing to watch more television, but here are a few reasons why you can watch guilt-free (so long as you are watching IN Japanese)!

Exposure to Real Language

Most Japanese apps, courses, textbooks, and learner resources model stilted, artificial, overly formal versions of the language. Watching authentic Japanese media introduces you to real, conversational Japanese, including slang, cultural references, and regional accents.

Context-Based Learning

Our brains evolved to absorb new vocabulary and grammar through meaningful contexts. Most Japanese language learning resources share isolated vocabulary devoid of the linguistic and cultural connections you need to properly understand, internalize, and apply them. TV provides ample context and shows you exactly how words and structures are used in different situations.

Cultural Immersion

Watching shows not only teaches you how the Japanese language works, but also how Japanese culture works. TV shows and movies help you learn the customs, values, and implicit rules that make Japan tick, and allow you to more smoothly connect and communicate with native speakers.

Fun, Engaging & Sustainable

You can force yourself through boring materials for a few weeks, but you'll soon quit. Truly enjoying the learning process is the only sustainable, long-term approach to mastering a language. While bingeing a favorite anime series may feel more like leisure than study, it’s an incredibly effective way to acquire a language.

How to Learn Japanese on Max

Choose the Right Content

Max offers a variety of Japanese content, from Studio Ghibli films to anime series and live-action Japanese dramas. There's only rule when choosing content: watch what you love! Choose titles that fascinate and excite you. Don't force yourself through boring content or things you think you should like. You do you, Boo!

Mix Active & Passive Viewing

You will get the most benefit from TV-based language learning when you get a mix of active and passive learning. Both have their pros and cons:

• Active Watching: Pause to write down interesting phrases, look up new words, and replay difficult-to-understand segments. This helps expand your vocabulary and fill in gaps in your conscious understanding of the language.

• Passive Watching: Enjoy the content without pausing so you don't lose track of the narrative. This strengthens your listening skills, builds fluency, and exposes you to the rhythm of the language.

Use Subtitles Strategically

Subtitles are a controversial topic in the language learning world. When you turn on subtitles, you boost your understanding and can better enjoy the story. But this comes at a cost: your attention is focused on reading English, not listening to Japanese. To get the best of both worlds, I recommend a hybrid approach:

1. If you are a beginner or intermediate learner, watch an episode or film once through with English subtitles to increase comprehension and help you follow the story.

2. Then watch the same episode or film again without subtitles to strengthen your listening skills and boost your fluency. Or if you're a more advanced learner, skip subtitles entirely.

Repeat and Shadow

Try shadowing specific sections of shows that you find interesting or useful. Do you best to mimic exactly what the characters say, matching their pronunciation, speed, intonation, and pitch accent.

💡 Pro Tip: For more about the shadowing technique, see my post: Parrot Power: How to Boost Your Listening & Speaking Skills with the Shadowing Technique

Supplement with Other Methods & Resources

Watching videos will provide a lot of valuable immersion and listening practice, but you will get much more benefit from your TV time if you mix in other complementary activities:

• Use a spaced repetition flashcard app like Anki to create personalized flashcards from the words and phrases you encounter. This will help you internalize new Japanese vocabulary much more quickly.

• Practice writing new words in kana and kanji. See this post for tips on learning hiragana and katakana and this one for help learning kanji.

• Discuss what you watched with a language exchange partner, an online Japanese tutor using a site like italki, or an AI-powered tool like Teacher AI.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is king in language learning. Try to dedicate at least 30 minutes to Japanese media every single day, plus another 30 minutes to studying new vocabulary.

💡 Pro Tip: Struggling to find time for Japanese study? See my post 3 Easy Ways to Make More Time for Japanese Language Learning Every Day.

Don’t Stress About Understanding Everything

Though video-based learning has the potential to be extremely fun and effective, it can be frustrating if you set out with unhealthy expectations. Don't expect that you will understand everything you hear. It’s totally normal to miss details or lose the plot. With repetition and dedication, more and more will begin to click into place. But along the way, always focus on progress, not perfection.

Recommended Japanese Anime, Shows & Movies on Max

Here now are some recommended Japanese titles to watch on Max, including a mix of anime, TV series, and films.

Spirited Away

Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) is a 2001 Studio Ghibli film directed by MIYAZAKI Hayao (宮崎駿). The coming-of-age story follows a young girl named OGINO Chihiro (荻野千尋) who becomes trapped in a mysterious, magical world when she and her parents stumble upon what appears to be an abandoned amusement park.

When her parents are transformed into pigs after eating enchanted food, Chihiro must navigate the spirit world to save them. She begins working at a bathhouse for spirits run by the fearsome witch Yubaba (湯婆婆). Along the way, she befriends a mysterious boy named Haku (ハク), who helps her understand and navigate the spirit world.

💡 Fun Fact: Spirited Away won the Academy Award for "Best Animated Feature" in 2003.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to choose the "Japanese Audio" version instead of the English dub.

Rating: PG | Genre: Animated, Adventure, Fantasy | Release Date: 2001 | IMDB: 8.6/10

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ), another Studio Ghibli classic, is set in the idyllic Japanese countryside of the 1950s. The film tells the heartwarming story of two young sisters, Satsuki (サツキ) and Mei (メイ), who move to a rural home with their father to be closer to their ailing mother.

While exploring their new surroundings, the girls encounter magical creatures, including the gentle, forest-dwelling Totoro (トトロ), a large, furry spirit with a playful and kind nature. Totoro introduces them to the wonders of the natural world and provides comfort during difficult times.

With its enchanting visuals, tender storytelling, and iconic characters, My Neighbor Totoro has become a beloved classic, celebrated for its themes of family, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. Totoro himself has become a cultural icon and the mascot of Studio Ghibli.

Rating: G | Genre: Animated, Family, Fantasy | Release Date: 1988 | IMDB: 8.1/10

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫) is yet one more popular Studio Ghibli film (they've actually released 24 movies to date, but I'm just including my three favorites here).

The 1997 epic fantasy is set in Japan's late Muromachi period (室町時代), and centers on Ashitaka (アシタカ), a young warrior cursed by a demon while protecting his village, and San (サン), a.k.a. Princess Mononoke (lit. "Monster Princess"), a human raised by wolves who fiercely defends the forest from humans trying to exploit the land.

Praised for its breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and moral depth, Princess Mononoke remains one of Miyazaki's most powerful works, resonating with audiences worldwide for its timeless themes of harmony and coexistence.

Rating: PG-13 | Genre: Animated, Adventure, Fantasy | Release Date: 1997 | IMDB: 8.3/10

Seven Samurai

The 1954 epic Seven Samurai (七人の侍) was the first Japanese movie to gain international acclaim, and is considered by many to be director KUROSAWA Akira’s masterpiece.

Set in 16th-century Japan, the story follows a poor village under constant threat from bandits. Desperate for protection, the villagers hire seven rōnin (老人, masterless samurai) led by the wise and compassionate SHIMADA Kambei (島田勘兵衛), portrayed by SHIMURA Takashi (志村喬). MIFUNE Toshirō (三船敏郎) also delivers a standout performance as Kikuchiyo (菊千代), an fiery, unpredictable wannabe-samurai who provides comic relief and emotional depth.

💡 Fun Fact: Seven Samurai set the standard for ensemble films and inspired numerous adaptations, including the Western The Magnificent Seven.

Rating: Not Rated | Genre: Action, Drama | Release Date: 1954 | IMDB: 8.6/10

Yojimbo

Yōjinbō (用心棒) is another Kurosawa classic, renowned for its masterful storytelling and striking cinematography. The film follows Sanjūrō (三十郎), a cunning rōnin (老人, masterless samurai) portrayed by MIFUNE Toshirō (三船敏郎).

After wandering into a small, lawless town torn apart by two rival gangs, Sanjūrō cleverly manipulates both factions, using his wit and swordsmanship to restore order while pursuing his own agenda.

💡 Fun Fact: Sergio Leone's 1964 film A Fistful of Dollars was an unofficial remake of Yojimbo, leading to a lawsuit that entitled Kurosawa to 15% of the movie's revenue.

Rating: Not Rated | Genre: Action, Drama | Release Date: 1961 | IMDB: 8.1/10

Tampopo

Tampopo (タンポポ) is a 1985 Japanese comedy directed by directed by ITAMI Jūzō (伊丹十三). The film intertwines humorous and heartfelt vignettes exploring Japan's relationship with food—ranging from etiquette lessons to sensual food rituals, and has become a cult classic beloved by foodies, Japanophiles, and film enthusiasts alike.

The main storyline follows Tampopo (たんぽぽ, lit. "Dandelion"), a determined widow who runs a struggling ramen shop. With the help of Gorō (ゴロー), a truck driver with a cowboy-like demeanor, and his eccentric band of helpers, Tampopo embarks on a quest to create the perfect bowl of ramen.

Rating: Not Rated | Genre: Comedy | Release Date: 1985 | IMDB: 7.9/10

Tokyo Vice

Tokyo Vice is a Max Original crime drama series based on the memoir of the same name by American journalist Jake Adelstein. Set in the neon-lit underbelly of 1990s Tokyo, the series follows Jake (played by Ansel Elgort), an ambitious American reporter who becomes the first foreigner hired by a major Japanese newspaper. As he delves into Tokyo's criminal world, Jake finds himself entangled with the city's yakuza, corrupt officials, and complex social dynamics. The series also stars WATANABE Ken (渡辺謙) as KATAGIRI Hiroto (片桐浩人), a veteran detective who helps guide Jake through a perilous investigation into yakuza criminal activities.

Rating: TV-MA | Genre: Crime, Drama | Release Date: 2022 | IMDB: 8.1/10

Miss Sherlock

Miss Sherlock offers a modern, gender-swapped twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective stories. Set in contemporary Tokyo, the series stars TAKEUCHI Yūko (竹内結子) as Sara "Sherlock" Shelly Futaba (シャーロック・シェリー・フタバ), a brilliant yet eccentric consultant detective known for her razor-sharp intellect and unconventional methods. KANJIYA Shihori (貫地谷しほり) co-stars as TACHIBANA Wato (橘和都), a compassionate surgeon who becomes Sherlock's trusted partner after returning from a medical mission abroad.

Rating: TV-14 | Genre: Crime, Drama | Release Date: 2018 | IMDB: 6.9/10

Learning Japanese can be difficult, but it doesn't always have to feel like hard work. With HBO Max’s extensive library of Japanese content, you can immerse yourself in the language while being entertained. Whether you’re diving into the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli or exploring the human condition in a Kurosawa classic, every session brings you closer to fluency.

Ready to level up your Japanese skills? Grab your favorite snack, fire up HBO Max, and let the learning begin!

Do you use other streaming services, too? Check out my Japanese immersion posts for:

• Amazon Prime Video

• Disney+

• Hulu

• Netflix

Hungry for more Japanese resources?

My book Master Japanese: How to Learn Japanese Anywhere in the World shows you exactly how to learn Japanese using my Anywhere Immersion Method, and includes hundreds of John-tested, John-approved Japanese learning resources.