Since the early 1900s, Japanese anime has flourished into one of the most popular forms of media across the world. No matter where you grew up, you likely spent your youth (and still continue to spend your adulthood) watching some form of anime, whether it was Toonami late at night or renting it out from a local store.
With thousands of stellar examples, picking the best anime movies available is impossible. But if you’re looking for a primer on some of the hundreds of movies you can find on Amazon Prime, we’re happy to help. And don’t worry, there are no spoilers for any of the movies we’re recommending here.
Ghibli never disappoints
Cast
Spirited Away is one of the most iconic stories from Hayao Miyazaki. The movie follows a young girl trying to recover her parents from a treacherous spirit world.
Any list of the best anime movies that doesn’t include a Miyazaki movie is simply incorrect. Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself transported into a realm of spirits. There, she joins forces with some locals to find a way to free her parents from a magic spell that’s left them polymorphed into pigs.
Great songs, stunning animation, and a familiar story
Based on Beauty and the Beast, Belle follows a traumatized young woman rediscovering her passion for singing. It’s a retelling of a classic with a beautiful flair.
Released in 2021, Belle follows 17-year-old Suzu Naito, a traumatized girl who’s lost her passion for singing. Through the freedom of anonymity on an online platform, she regains her voice and rises to stardom. Based somewhat on the famous story of The Beauty and the Beast, it’s a familiar love story formusic loversand anime fans alike.
Timeline-shifting, reality-challenging romance
Your Name follows a pair of youths through a romantic fantasy setting. It’s a timeline-hopping, reality-shifting adventure that deserves its praise.
What if Freaky Friday was a romance anime? Seems like a weird question to ask, but this incredibly successful anime film manages to do so perfectly. Your Name follows two stories as they swap bodies intermittently,seeing the worldthrough each other’s eyes. It’s a timeline-hopping, body-swapping romance that can’t be missed.
A perfect introduction to Evangelion
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone is a retelling of the start of the famous anime with a few extra details. It’s the perfect film to introduce someone to the franchise.
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone re-tells the first six episodes of the original Evangelion series, making it a great introduction to the franchise. There are a few minor differences and enhanced CG animation in some areas. This film is the extended version of the similarly named 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone.
Déjà vu!
New Initial D - Legend 1: Awakening is the first installment in a trilogy of movies. The story follows Takumi in his journey to racing stardom.
Based on the popular drift racing manga Initial D, New Initial D - Legend 1: Awakening (often shortened to “New Initial D” or “Awakening”) is the first in a trilogy of movies in the franchise. This film follows Takumi in his first steps to becoming a drift racing legend.
Spies, intrigue, action, and comedy
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro is a Ghibli spy adventure that follows the titular Lupin. The story blends comedy, adventure, intrigue, and some hints of romance.
Lupin III is anime’s own James Bond mixed with Robin Hood, a masterful thief with a heart of gold that manages incredible heists while dodging his longtime rival, Inspector Zenigata. In The Castle of Cagliostro, Lupin works to save a princess alongside his partners in crime in a humor-laden example of classic animation.
Magic surrealism, romance, and fantasy
Weathering With You follows a pair of struggling youths attempting to find their way through a crisis. It’s mostly family-friendly, though there are themes of gun violence.
Weathering with You is among the most successful anime films in history, sitting as one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time. The movie follows a pair of young lovers struggling to make ends meet, while one can control the weather. With a loving story and some of the most gorgeous animation the genre has to offer, it’s a beautiful dose of magic surrealism.
Ghost in the Shell
Cyberpunk, crime-noir, and gritty cyborg fight scenes
Ghost in the Shell is an adult anime movie that follows a cyborg officer tracking a deadly criminal. It’s equal parts adventure, noir, and cyberpunk.
Many know this franchise through the spin-off series, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Based on a 1989 manga of the same name, Ghost in the Shell is set in a cyberpunk 21st-century Tokyo. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi in a story that’s a little Blade Runner, a little grim crime noir, and an all-around icon of animation.
FAQ
Are Anime Movies Family Friendly?
Some anime movies are family-friendly, but not all. You should always vet a movie before showing it to your family to avoid awkward situations.
Are Anime Movies Good For Kids?
There are plenty of great examples of anime movies for kids. We suggest looking into Ghibli films.
Are Anime Movies Better In Dubs Or Subs?
This isn’t a debate anyone else can solve for you. Some people prefer dubs, others prefer subs, and many people haveverystrong opinions on which is superior.
