Summary
Anime has grown exponentially as a genre in the past decades. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will still remember the anime that got them into it all; the art style, the characters, and how it made them feel at the end of it.
While anime series may be the front line of the discussion, anime movies hold fond places in the hearts of plenty of fans. Whether it’s a movie version of their favorite series or a standalone two-hour plotline, anime movies are great for being emotional and visual treats. But, which anime movies are the ones that stand out above the rest?
Release Date
2018
The Dragon Ball series has been a favorite for anime fans ever since it first hit the screens back in ‘86, and it’s easy to see why even now. There have been some changes over the years, but the action-packed storyline and loveable characters are still a constant, especially in the movie Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
Broly takes the stageas the antagonist of this movie, a reoccurring enemy and side character; he embodies a lot of what the Saiyans want to be, and what Goku tries to avoid. Dragon Ball fans and newcomers alike will fall in love with the fight scenes and solid visuals.
2001
A movie that’s based on older subject matter, but not one that should be avoided. Based on the 1925 science fiction novel of the same name, it’s jumped the line between movie and book before, but never quite like this.
Robots, morality, and a futuristic city all combine for a plot that no one sees coming. For fans of modern-day sci-fi, this is a great anime movie to see one of the great works that inspired it all, in a more modern viewing experience too.
2009
A futuristic setting, a deadly race, and some pretty odd characters too; all of that should pique your interest enough to give Redline a shot. It’s reminiscent of older stories like Speed Racer, but one that pays homage to them quite well.
It’s hard to look away from, and you’ll be wondering how the directors made racing seem so exciting so quickly. It’s a little less character-focused than others, but that’s not inherently a bad thing, and even though it’s not as much a classic as others on this list, it’s still well worth your time.
1979
Lupin The Third is one of the older anime series that is still incredibly relevant today. Castle Of Cagliostro is another one of Lupin’s great schemes, but with a twist that makes it a little more action-focused than a lot of his earlier stories.
Lupin is up to his usual antics, but Fujiko, Jigen, and Goemon all have their fair share of screen time as well. This movie has a little bit of everything for everyone which is great considering how long ago it came out.
1996
Few anime have been entertaining audiences as long as Ghost In The Shell, and Major Kusanagi is a character that you can easily follow despite being thrown in the center of a highly-futuristic conflict. Cyborgs and ethical dilemmas mix in a storyline that’s all about what it means to be human.
Maybe that’s why Ghost In The Shell has stuck around as a big name in anime for so long now. It’s easy to see once you watch it how modern-day sci-fi creators have been so heavily influenced by it, so why not touch back on this veritable classic?
1997
Worlds collide in this historical fantasy movie from the mind of Miyazaki. Princess Mononoke makes for a wild titular character that is slow to trust, but quick to fight for those she does. It’s an interesting tale that you don’t quite expect when you first see the vibrant art style and often grotesque monsters that inhabit the forest.
Ashitaka is a fun protagonist who learns more about the world before our very eyes and makes a solid foil for Mononoke herself. It’s a story that has some pretty memorable moments, including some fight scenes that you’ll just want to watch over and over again.
1988
If you don’t like movies that tug on your heartstrings, be warned: Grave Of The Fireflies is an emotional roller coaster. Set in Japan during the height of the Second World War, it follows a young boy and his little sister as they are effectively orphaned by the war.
It isn’t all sorrow though, there are some striking visuals, and it’s an important look back at how the war affected everyday citizens. By the end, you’ll have a greater understanding of the emotional turmoil of the time and the people involved.
A movie that a lot of TV producers and filmmakers give credit to for influencing them in various ways, just look at the often-reproduced slide scene, and you’ll start to realize how many people have watched Akira.
It mixes an emotional story with elements of body horror and plenty of science fiction tropes as well, but it was groundbreaking for anime then and now. It should be a definite watch on anyone’s list of anime, movies, or otherwise.
Few movies have as many entrancing scenes as Spirited Away does. The colors, the characters, and the epic adventure of the storyline draw you in, and don’t let go until the protagonist is finally safe again.
There are plenty of anime fans who can name this movie by seeing just one of the many frames that show off the great art style and unique characters like No Face. It just seems like Hayao Miyazaki just can’t miss titles as great as this.
2004
Directed by the brilliant Hayao Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is sure to appear on most, if not all, of the best anime movie lists. It’s a fantasy epic that mixes a coming-of-age story and more fantastical elements, which makes for a plot that feels reminiscent of movies like The Labyrinth.
People still talk about it in animated voices today, whether it’s their first time checking it out, or one of the many repeat watches that people are fond of doing with this movie. Seeing the castle walking across the plains is a magnificent scene, whether it’s the first time or the thirtieth.
