Mickel Clark
Battle Royale, released in 2000 and directed by the late Kinji Fukasaku, is a gripping and controversial Japanese film that has since become a cult classic. Based on the novel by Koushun Takami, it tells the story of a dystopian future in Japan in which the government, in an attempt to maintain control and suppress rebellion, forces a class of 42 ninth-grade students to participate in a brutal, televised fight to the death.
If you are here to find out if Battle Royale is available on Netflix or where to watch it, read this blog to the end.
Is Battle Royale on Netflix?
Battle Royale is now streaming on Netflix but in limited countries. If you are located in the United States, Canada, or the UK, you won’t find the movie on Netflix. This disparity is due to the copyright, which Netflix does not have to stream Battle Royale globally. However, with a reliable VPN, you can easily stream Battle Royale on Netflix from anywhere in the world.
How to watch Battle Royale on Netflix?
Battle Royale is now available on Netflix but only in Japan and South Korea. If you reside in the United States, Canada, or anywhere else. You will need a reliable VPN to change your IP address and access Japanese Netflix.
We recommend ExpressVPN after testing it several times. Here are the steps you need to follow to watch Battle Royale on Netflix.
1- Sign up for a reliable VPN to unblock Netflix (We highly recommend ExpressVPN and NordVPN after testing)
2- Download the VPN application on your preferred device. (Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have dedicated apps for several devices like PC, Mac, and Android devices)
3- Select a Japanese server from the country list
4- Now open Netflix in your browser or in-app
5- Search Battle Royale on Netflix
6- Enjoy the movie
Watch Battle Royale (2000) on Netflix | Detailed Explanation
We tested ExpressVPN to watch Battle Royale on Netflix from the United Kingdom and Canada, and it worked perfectly. Here are the steps you need to follow, discussed in detail.
1- Sign up for ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best and leading VPN providers in 2023. A single account subscription is available at a price of $6.67/m with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also unblock Hulu, Peacock, or BBC iPlayer with an ExpressVPN account subscription.
2- Download it on your preferred device
ExpressVPN offers dedicated applications for almost all devices. You can download and use ExpressVPN on Windows, MacOS, iPhone, Linux, and Android devices. If you like watching Netflix on gaming consoles, ExpressVPN also works on PS4 and Xbox.
3- Connect to a Japanese server
Battle Royale is streaming in the Japanese Netflix library. You will need to connect to a Japanese server to unblock the Japanese Netflix library from Canada or anywhere else. ExpressVPN has dedicated servers in Japanese cities, Tokyo and Yokohama, perfect for watching Battle Royale on Netflix.
4- Enjoy
After connecting to a Japanese IP address, open Netflix and search for Battle Royale on Netflix. You can now see the movie appearing on your screen. Hit the play button and enjoy.
Note: We have also tested NordVPN to watch Battle Royale on Netflix, and like ExpressVPN, it worked smoothly.
Battle Royale – Netflix Countries
Fans from every corner of the world keep wondering where to watch Battle Royale on Netflix or which countries have Battle Royale on Netflix. Our team of experts have checked several Netflix libraries and found Battle Royale on Netflix only in Japan and South Korea.
Battle Royale – Release Date
Battle Royale was released on December 16, 2000, in Japan and became an instant hit. The movie was the top-grossing movie in Japan for six weeks after its release and managed to collect $30 million globally.
Battle Royale has a cult following and is the favourite film of the American filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. The movie has received positive reviews and scored a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb and is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes at 88%. It was nominated for several awards and secured the Best Film award at Blue Ribbon Awards.
If you like watching movies and tv shows, watch The Woman King, Top Gun: Maverick, Animal Kingdom season 6, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Riverdale, and Heartland on Netflix.
Battle Royale – Official Trailer
Battle Royale – What to Expect from the Movie?
In a nightmarish Japan, plagued by an unruly younger generation, the government grapples with maintaining control and enacts the BR Act: that mandates the annual selection of a random class of ninth-graders, who are then transported to a desolate island, where they are coerced into a savage battle for survival until only one student remains standing.
The Chosen Class
Kitano-sensei, a recently retired educator, finds himself entangled in the Battle Royale as his own class is unexpectedly chosen. Unbeknownst and unconscious, the students regain consciousness in a room on the isolated island, each adorned with an electronic collar tightly fastened around their necks.
Kitano-sensei, bearing the weight of their impending doom, discloses the dire circumstances and unveils the lethal capacities of the collars, cruelly demonstrating their power by detonating one student’s collar who dared question his authority.
The Fight Begins
Equipped with survival essentials like food, water, and an assortment of randomly assigned weapons, the students are unleashed into the wilderness, initiating the merciless game. Some accept their grim fate and brace themselves for the imminent bloodshed, while others form alliances, desperately hoping to find an alternative path to survival without resorting to killing their fellow classmates.
Shuya Nanahara & Noriko Nakagawa
Among the distressed students, Shuya Nanahara and Noriko Nakagawa, harbouring an unspoken affection for each other, make a pact to stick together. Shuya pledges to protect Noriko, and together they vow to resist the game’s twisted rules, steadfastly refusing to take the lives of their fellow classmates.
Kawada’s Intervention
Fate intervenes when they cross paths with Shogo Kawada, a survivor from a previous Battle Royale, whose hardened demeanour conceals a flicker of cynicism. Despite initial scepticism, Kawada proposes an alliance, unveiling a daring plan to sabotage the game and engineer their escape from the forsaken island. Shuya and Noriko, yearning for salvation, ultimately decide to place their trust in Kawada’s audacious scheme.
The Climactic Showdown
As the game relentlessly unfolds, the student body diminishes, exposing the darkest aspects of their souls as they fight tooth and nail to stay alive. Eventually, the treacherous Mitsuko and the merciless Kiriyama emerge as formidable adversaries, having honed their skills as lethal hunters.
Nanahara, Nakagawa, and Kawada muster the strength to vanquish both threats, forging a path towards their long-awaited liberation. Kawada, employing his resourcefulness, infiltrates the system, orchestrating a ruse that seemingly claims the lives of Shuya and Noriko, and confronts Kitano-sensei in a climactic battle. Kitano-sensei meets his demise, and Kawada, weakened by his injuries sustained during the confrontation, succumbs to the inevitability of death.
The Aftermath
Nanahara and Nakagawa, the sole survivors, are crowned as the victors in the perilous game. With their collars deactivated, they seize the opportunity to escape the island, becoming fugitives in a world governed by a relentless government. The movie concludes with the intimation of an uncertain future, a precarious blend of hope and fear that looms large before them.
The Cast of Battle Royale
The Japanese dystopian thriller “Battle Royale,” directed by Kinji Fukasaku, has left an enduring impact on the realm of cinema, captivating audiences with its thought-provoking premise, incisive social commentary, and compelling portrayals. Let’s delve into the key ensemble cast, the unforgettable characters they embodied, and their notable contributions to the world of film.
- Tatsuya Fujiwara as Shuya Nanahara
Fujiwara delivers a remarkable performance as Shuya Nanahara, a young orphan thrust into the harrowing realm of Battle Royale against his will. Nanahara’s journey is a tapestry of complexity, showcasing bravery, heart-wrenching loss, and an unwavering moral compass.
Following his portrayal in “Battle Royale,” Fujiwara commanded attention as the eponymous lead in the “Death Note” live-action film adaptations, assuming the role of Light Yagami, a high school prodigy entangled in a supernatural battle. Moreover, he garnered acclaim for his portrayal of Makoto Shishio, the primary antagonist in the “Rurouni Kenshin” film series.
- Aki Maeda as Noriko Nakagawa
Maeda breathes life into the compassionate character of Noriko Nakagawa, who forms an alliance with Shuya and embodies resilience and innocence amidst the merciless game. Beyond her role in “Battle Royale,” Maeda etched her presence in the film “Linda Linda Linda.”
- Takeshi Kitano as Kitano-sensei
The inimitable Takeshi Kitano assumes the role of Kitano-sensei, the former teacher who presides over the chilling Battle Royale with an unnerving serenity. Revered for his deadpan humour and portrayal of yakuza characters, Kitano has a prolific career as both an actor and director.
His filmography encompasses masterpieces such as “Hana-bi,” “Zatoichi,” and “Outrage.” Additionally, Kitano achieved international recognition through his hosting of the globally popular game show “Takeshi’s Castle.”
- Tarō Yamamoto as Shogo Kawada
Yamamoto embodies the resilient Shogo Kawada, a survivor of a previous Battle Royale who finds himself reluctantly drawn into the game once again. Kawada’s character serves as an emotional fulcrum, infused with moral intricacies that deepen the film’s narrative.
Yamamoto’s acting credits extend beyond “Battle Royale” to include appearances in works like “Moon Child,” where he shared the screen with luminaries Gackt and Hyde. Notably, he lent his voice to the character of Ashitaka in the English version of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, “Princess Mononoke.”
Additional cast members of Battle Royale are mentioned in the list below:
- Masanobu Andō as Kazuo Kiriyama
- Kou Shibasaki as Mitsuko Souma
- Chiaki Kuriyama as Takako Chigusa
- Takashi Tsukamoto as Shinji Mimura
- Sousuke Takaoka as Hiroki Sugimura
- Eri Ishikawa as Yukie Utsumi
- Hitomi Hyuga as Yuko Sakaki
- Yukihiro Kotani as Yoshitoki Kuninobu
- Sayaka Ikeda as Megumi Eto
- Takayo Mimura as Kayoko Kotohiki
- Yutaka Shimada as Yutaka Seto
- Minami as Keiko Onuki
Why is ExpressVPN the best choice to watch Battle Royale on Netflix?
ExpressVPN is a top-rated choice if you want to watch Netflix from anywhere in the world. We have tested and confirmed this as we could access movies and TV shows from Japan’s Netflix while being in the US by connecting to ExpressVPN’s Japanese server. This allowed us to enjoy the hit Japanese thriller “Battle Royale.”
ExpressVPN has hundreds of servers spread across 94 countries. All these servers are designed to provide you access to Netflix content from different countries. This makes ExpressVPN a front-runner among VPN services.
We experienced speedy download and upload speeds of 96Mbps and 83Mbps, respectively, on a 100Mbps connection when we used ExpressVPN. Additionally, its advanced features like Split Tunneling, Internet Kill Switch, and MediaStream DNS elevated our user experience.
ExpressVPN is compatible with almost all operating systems, like Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can use it on various devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, and even gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox if installed on your router.
ExpressVPN is reasonably priced at $6.67/month, and currently, they’re giving a 49% discount. They promise a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with their service, but we believe you won’t need to use it. For a limited time, they have a special offer where you can get three months of free service in addition to their 12-month plan. ExpressVPN also offers 24/7 customer support to assist you with any problems or queries.
Can I watch Battle Royale with a free VPN?
We don’t recommend using a free VPN to unblock Netflix. Our team of experts has tested dozens of free VPNs, and none of them provided adequate experience. We often faced the Netflix Proxy Error along with slow streaming speed.
Therefore we encourage you to invest in a premium VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN and unblock Japanese Netflix from the US or Canada. You can also create a watch party and watch Battle Royale with your friends and family by sharing your Netflix screen via Discord.
Battle Royale – FAQs
1- What is Battle Royale actually about?
“Battle Royale” is a chilling dystopian movie set in Japan, where the Japanese government has implemented a brutal game. A class of students stranded on a deserted island are forced to kill each other until only the remaining survivor is left. The story further unfolds as an unnerving social commentary on teenage rebellion and survival.
2- Why is Battle Royale so famous?
“Battle Royale” became popular for a number of reasons. First, it went beyond what people were used to by showing a very intense and violent future of society, which was new and different. It delved into tough topics like fighting to live, not trusting others, and the bad parts of human nature, which struck a chord with audiences.
The movie caused a lot of controversy, which made it even more interesting and got people talking and arguing about it. Also, its unique storyline opened the door for other movies, books, and even video games to explore the “Battle Royale” idea, and that made it a big part of our culture.
3- Is Battle Royale okay for kids?
Parents should be aware that Battle Royale, a Japanese sci-fi film released in 2000, is not suitable for children. It tells a similar story to The Hunger Games but from a more violent and different perspective. The fights and killings in the movie are exaggerated and cartoonish, and there is a significant amount of blood shown.
There are implied instances of sexual violence, and teenage crushes develop, although there are no explicit intimate scenes. The English subtitles of the movie contain a few strong words, such as “f–k” and “s–t,” and teenagers are depicted drinking and smoking.
4- What inspired Battle Royale?
Many people believe that Battle Royale is the movie that started the genre, but actually, the author of the novel it was based on, Koushun Takami, got the idea from professional wrestling. The concept of many wrestlers fighting in a single ring was easily transformed into a fictional game where people fight to the death. Since then, other creators have built upon this idea and made their own versions of it.
5- What else can you watch on Netflix after Battle Royale?
Netflix has some of the best movies and tv shows for its subscribers. Here are a few of them listed that you should try after watching Battle Royale:
- Naruto Shippuden
- Spiderman Far From Home
- Attack on Titan
- The Blacklist
- 1917
- Terminator 2
- Scarface
- Casino
- Fury
- The Interview
- Snatch
Wrap Up
Battle Royale is undeniably a shocking and violent film, but it is also a poignant reflection on the human condition, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths individuals will go to protect themselves and those they care about.
The film’s unapologetic approach to its subject matter, combined with its memorable characters and striking visuals, make it a must-see for fans of dystopian cinema and those seeking a thought-provoking experience. We have tested ExpressVPN to watch Battle Royale on Netflix, and it worked perfectly. Therefore we are recommending it to our readers.
