Netflix’s Global Hit Adaptation Of Japanese Manga

10DANCE has become a global streaming hit on Netflix. Released on December 18, the new Netflix movie is a live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga by Sato Inoue, following two rival ballroom dancers consumed by passion and desire as they train for a prestigious competition.

Now, for the week of December 15–21, 10DANCE ranks fourth on Netflix‘s Global Top 10 non-English movies with 2.6 million views and 5.5 million hours viewed. It ranks below The Great Flood in first, Troll 2, A Time For Bravery, and above Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, Kaantha, La Tahzan: Cinta, Dosa, Luka, The Girlfriend, and Troll.

Directed by Keishi Otomo, who co-wrote the script with Satoh Inoue and Tomoko Yoshida – 10DANCE follows two accomplished ballroom dancers who decide to train together for an elite competition and, while initially at odds, gradually find themselves drawn to one another, only to find their partnership tested by lingering rivalries and the possibility of romance.

Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida lead the cast, which also includes Shiori Doi, Anna Ishii, Shin’ya Hamada, Ôshirô Maeda, Nadiya Bychkova, Susie Trayling, Pasquale La Rocca, Arnold Baksi, Benoit Calpe, Jean-Pascal Heynemand, Greg Irwin, Harmeet Obhrai, Edoardo Sferrella, and Simon J Walmsley.

Despite becoming a global hit on Netflix, 10DANCE only has 4 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, which isn’t enough to qualify for a score, though critics largely agree that it captures the romantic spirit of its manga roots – praising Keishi Otomo’s direction, its emotional yearning, and elegant choreography – even as some note that the film feels restrained and unfinished by design.

The positive reviews also highlight its faithful adaptation, strong performances, and its tender belief that love sharpens ambition, not dulls it. However, dissenting voices feel that the Netflix film stops short of its promise. The result is polished, romantic, and sincere – yet slightly undercooked – leaving viewers wanting to see bolder risks being taken.

With fewer than 50 ratings, 10DANCE also doesn’t qualify for an audience score, though reactions describe it as passionate, stylish, and emotionally gripping – driven by intense chemistry between its two leads. Audiences also praise its powerful romance, and how dance communicates themes of rivalry, desire, and vulnerability. While some found the story simple or wished for more payoff – most felt moved, satisfied, and eager for a sequel to 10DANCE.