Honestly, it feels like you can’t turn on a screen in Japan right now without seeing Ren Meguro. He’s everywhere. But it’s not just the "idol factor" from his Snow Man days. The guy actually has some serious acting chops that have completely shifted how people view him. Whether he’s playing a tech-bro billionaire-to-be or a legendary hitman, the range is kinda wild.
Most people probably first noticed him in those fluffy idol dramas, but his recent choices have been much heavier, more nuanced, and—frankly—a lot more interesting. If you’re trying to keep track of the Ren Meguro movies and tv shows worth your time, you've got a lot to catch up on.
The Drama That Changed Everything: Silent
If we’re talking about the moment the world (or at least everyone with a Netflix subscription) took him seriously, it has to be Silent (2022). He played Sou Sakura, a guy who loses his hearing and breaks up with his high school sweetheart to "save" her from the burden.
It was a massive hit.
The show broke streaming records in Japan, but what really stuck was Meguro’s performance. He didn't speak for a huge chunk of the show. He had to rely entirely on sign language and those incredibly expressive eyes. Critics praised it for being a realistic, poetic look at deafness rather than just a "tear-jerker" trope. Even if you aren't into romances, the way he handles the emotional weight of that role is pretty impressive.
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From Trillion Game to Samurai Sagas
Then things took a sharp turn. Meguro went from the quiet, suffering Sou to the loud, arrogant, and brilliant Haru in Trillion Game. This is probably his most fun role. He plays a guy who is basically a professional bullshitter—but one who actually has the brains to back it up.
- Trillion Game (The Drama): Released in 2023, it's about two friends trying to make a trillion dollars.
- Trillion Game: The Movie: This just hit theaters in February 2025. It moves the action to a high-stakes casino resort plot.
- Shōgun Season 2: This is the big news. Meguro has officially joined the cast for the second season of FX’s global juggernaut. He’s playing a character named Kazutada, and production is reportedly kicking off in Vancouver right about now.
It’s a huge leap. Going from local Japanese dramas to an 18-Emmy-winning global franchise like Shōgun isn't a small deal. It basically marks his transition from a Japanese star to a global one.
The Action Era: Sakamoto Days
If you're a manga fan, you probably did a double-take when they announced the live-action Sakamoto Days. Ren Meguro is set to play the younger version of Taro Sakamoto—the legendary hitman who retires to run a convenience store.
The movie is scheduled for a Golden Week 2026 release.
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Playing an elite assassin requires a completely different physical presence than his previous roles. He’s working with director Yūichi Fukuda, the guy behind the Gintama live-action, so expect some heavy action-comedy vibes. It’s a gamble, sure, because manga fans are notoriously picky, but the teaser trailer showed him nailing that "slim and powerful" hitman look.
Movies and TV Shows You Should Check Out
If you want the full picture of his career, here’s a quick rundown of the essential Ren Meguro movies and tv shows:
- Where Does the Sea Begin (Umi no Hajimari): A 2024 drama where he plays a young father who discovers he has a daughter after his ex-girlfriend passes away. It's heavy, quiet, and very "slice-of-life."
- My Happy Marriage (As Long as We Both Shall Live): A period piece with a supernatural twist. He plays Kiyoka Kudo, a cold military commander. It’s very aesthetic, very dramatic.
- Phases of the Moon (Tsuki no Michikake): This earned him a Japan Academy Film Prize nomination. It’s a reincarnation story that sounds weird on paper but is actually quite moving.
- My Love Mix-Up! (Kieta Hatsukoi): For those who want something light. It’s a high school rom-com that’s actually quite sweet and funny.
The "Idol" Stigma is Dead
There used to be this idea that idols couldn't act. They were just there for the posters. Meguro has basically killed that idea. He’s winning Best Newcomer awards (like the Elan d'or and Tama Film Awards) not because of his fan base, but because he can actually hold a scene with veterans like Hiroyuki Sanada.
He’s also become a global ambassador for Fendi, being the first Japanese man to front their global campaigns. It shows he’s being curated as a "prestige" talent, not just a pop star.
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What’s Next for Meguro?
Looking ahead, 2026 is going to be his biggest year yet. Between the Sakamoto Days film and the Shōgun sequel, he’s going to be a household name in the West. He’s also slated for a film called Hodonaku, Owakare desu, where he plays a lead role directed by Takahiro Miki.
If you're just starting your journey into Japanese entertainment, following his filmography is a pretty good roadmap. You get a mix of everything: intense drama, high-stakes business plots, and soon, world-class samurai action.
Actionable Insight: If you want to see his best work right now, start with Silent on Netflix or Viki. It’s the best entry point for understanding why he’s currently the most sought-after actor in Japan. After that, jump into Trillion Game to see him play a total 180-degree different character.