Translation guide
The most common and natural way to say 'movie' in Japanese is 映画 (えいが). This covers films shown in theaters, on TV, or streaming. There are also specific terms for genres, filmmaking, and related contexts.
映画
movie
Referring to a motion picture, whether in a theater, on TV, or online.
The standard word for 'movie' or 'film'. Used in almost all contexts.
昨日、面白い映画を見ました。
I watched an interesting movie yesterday.
映画館で映画を見るのが好きです。
I like watching movies at the movie theater.
Referring to the place where movies are shown.
Specifically means 'movie theater' or 'cinema'.
新しい映画館が駅の近くにできた。
A new movie theater opened near the station.
Loanword from English, often used in names of theaters or in a stylish context.
Talking about movies as an art, industry, or field of study.
Also used for the broader concept of cinema.
彼は映画の歴史を勉強している。
He is studying the history of cinema.
Sometimes used in artistic or technical contexts, but 映画 is more common.
Specifying types of movies.
Attach a genre word before 映画, e.g., ホラー映画 (horror movie), アクション映画 (action movie).
ホラー映画は怖すぎて見られない。
Horror movies are too scary for me to watch.
彼女は恋愛映画が大好きだ。
She loves romance movies.
Expressing the action of watching a movie.
The standard way to say 'watch a movie'.
週末に映画を見に行きませんか？
Would you like to go see a movie this weekend?
Uses the kanji 観, which emphasizes watching with attention, often used for movies, plays, etc. Same pronunciation.
昨夜は名作映画を観た。
Last night I watched a classic movie.
Referring to a recorded moving image, not necessarily a professional film.
Means 'video' or 'moving image'. Used for online videos, clips, home videos. Not for theatrical movies.
猫の動画をYouTubeで見た。
I watched a cat video on YouTube.
Loanword for 'video', often used for home video recordings or VHS/DVD.
The loanword ムービー (mūbī) exists but is mainly used in compound words like ホームムービー (home movie) or in brand names. For general 'movie', always use 映画.
That multiplex has 10 screens.
This film was made in the 1950s.
I watched a video from my childhood and felt nostalgic.