The Unstoppable Rise: 7 Must-See Anna Sawai Movies And TV Shows (Including 2 HUGE Upcoming Projects)

The entertainment world is currently captivated by Anna Sawai, the Japanese-New Zealand actress who has delivered two of the most critically acclaimed and talked-about performances of the last two years. As of late 2025, her career trajectory is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, moving from major franchise roles to leading historical dramas and securing highly anticipated upcoming film projects. This article provides the most current and comprehensive look at her complete filmography, highlighting the essential movies and TV shows that define her unstoppable rise to global stardom.

Anna Sawai’s journey from a childhood stage actress in Tokyo to a commanding presence in Hollywood is a testament to her versatility and depth. Her powerful portrayal of Lady Toda Mariko in the 2024 limited series Shōgun cemented her status as a global talent, a breakthrough performance that followed closely on the heels of her leading role in the MonsterVerse series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Discover the complete list of her must-watch projects, including her earliest roles and the blockbuster films that put her on the map.

Anna Sawai: Complete Biography and Profile

Anna Sawai (アンナ・サワイ) is a Japanese actress, singer, and dancer who has successfully transitioned from the Japanese entertainment industry to major international productions. Her unique background and multilingual ability have allowed her to take on diverse and complex roles, making her one of the most exciting performers working today.

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• Full Name: Anna Sawai (アンナ・サワイ)
• Date of Birth: June 11, 1992
• Place of Birth: Wellington, New Zealand
• Nationality: Japanese and New Zealander
• Early Life: Born in New Zealand, she moved to Japan with her family at age 10 due to her father’s job with an electronics company. She also lived in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
• Career Start: Began her career at age 11 in 2004, playing the lead role in a stage production of Annie in Tokyo.
• Singing Career: Was a member of the Japanese girl group FAKY from 2013 to 2018.
• Breakthrough Role: Lady Toda Mariko in the 2024 FX series Shōgun.

The Breakthrough Era: Shōgun and Monarch

The period between 2023 and 2024 marked Anna Sawai’s true emergence as an international leading lady, with two simultaneous high-profile television roles that showcased her dramatic range and action capabilities. These projects are essential viewing for any fan wanting to understand her current status.

Shōgun (2024) as Lady Toda Mariko

This FX historical drama, based on the novel by James Clavell, is widely considered Sawai’s definitive breakthrough. Her portrayal of Lady Toda Mariko, a noblewoman and practicing Catholic serving as a translator and confidante to Lord Yoshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada), was lauded by critics and audiences alike.

The character of Mariko is a figure of immense tragedy, resilience, and quiet power. Sawai masterfully conveyed the internal conflict of a samurai-lineage woman bound by duty, honor, and a traumatic past, making Mariko arguably the most compelling character of the series. Her performance resulted in widespread critical acclaim and significant awards buzz.

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Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023) as Cate Randa

Before Shōgun, Sawai anchored the Apple TV+ MonsterVerse series, playing the lead role of Cate Randa. Cate is a former schoolteacher who travels to Japan following the death of her father, only to discover his secret connection to the shadowy organization Monarch.

The series follows Cate’s emotional journey as she confronts her family’s legacy and the existence of Titans like Godzilla. Sawai’s performance as Cate Randa provided the necessary emotional core to the blockbuster-scale series, grounding the spectacle of the MonsterVerse with a deeply personal story of discovery and grief.

Key Roles That Built Her Career Foundation

While Shōgun and Monarch brought her global fame, Anna Sawai’s career is built on a solid foundation of diverse roles across film and television, proving her ability to excel in multiple genres, from crime drama to major action franchises.

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Pachinko (2022) as Naomi

In the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Pachinko, Sawai played Naomi, a driven, modern Japanese businesswoman working in the 1980s. Though a supporting role, Naomi represented the complexities of navigating professional life as a woman in a male-dominated environment. The series’ focus on intergenerational Korean-Japanese identity provided Sawai with a platform to demonstrate her nuanced dramatic skills.

F9: The Fast Saga (2021) as Elle Lue

Sawai made her blockbuster franchise debut in the ninth installment of the Fast & Furious series. She portrayed Elle Lue, a mysterious and highly skilled martial artist who is a key figure in the film’s plot. Her role as Elle, which required intense physical performance, introduced her to a massive global audience and established her presence in the Hollywood action sphere alongside stars like Vin Diesel.

Giri/Haji (2019) as Eiko

The BBC/Netflix co-production Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame) was a pivotal early role for Sawai. This neo-noir crime drama, set between London and Tokyo, saw her play Eiko, a complex character caught in the crossfire of yakuza conflict. The series earned critical praise and was an important step in her transition to English-language international television.

Ninja Assassin (2009) as Kiriko (Young)

Her earliest major film appearance was in the martial arts action film Ninja Assassin, where she played the younger version of the character Kiriko. This role, early in her career, foreshadowed her later work in action-heavy projects like F9 and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

The Future is Now: Anna Sawai’s Upcoming Projects

Anna Sawai’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Her schedule is packed with high-profile film projects that will solidify her status as a major cinematic star, moving beyond the small screen success of Lady Mariko and Cate Randa.

• Enemies (Upcoming Film): Sawai is set to star in this A24 crime drama. A24 is known for producing critically acclaimed, high-quality independent cinema, indicating a move towards more prestige film roles.
• How to Rob a Bank (2026 Film): This upcoming American heist film, directed by David Leitch (known for *Bullet Train* and *Deadpool 2*), will see Sawai star alongside Nicholas Hoult. The project promises to be a major action-thriller and is currently one of her most anticipated film roles.
• Star Wars: Visions (2025) as Sevn: Sawai also lent her voice talent to the animated *Star Wars* anime anthology series, voicing the character Sevn in a Season 3 episode titled "The Bounty Hunter," further expanding her reach across major global franchises.

From the subtle power of Lady Toda Mariko in feudal Japan to the modern-day survivalist Cate Randa in the MonsterVerse, Anna Sawai has proven she possesses a rare ability to command both historical epics and contemporary blockbusters. With a slate of exciting upcoming projects like the A24 drama Enemies and the David Leitch heist film How to Rob a Bank, her filmography is quickly becoming one of the most compelling and essential to follow in modern Hollywood.