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.
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.
I watched an interesting movie yesterday.
I like watching movies at the movie theater.
Referring to the place where movies are shown.
Talking about movies as an art, industry, or field of study.
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).
Horror movies are too scary for me to watch.
She loves romance movies.
Expressing the action of watching a movie.
Referring to a recorded moving image, not necessarily a professional film.
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.