Anime movies fascinate their audience with captivating narratives that explore realms from mystical mythology to modern romance, ensuring viewers always get the best anime movie experience.
These anime movies blend stunning animation with deep storytelling, often leaving a lasting impact on their audience.
Moreover, anime movies transport viewers to realms where imagination has no boundaries, and every frame is a masterpiece of art.
Seeking the best anime movie experience is like embarking on a captivating journey filled with stunning visuals and deep emotions, offering enchantment and inspiration.
Below are a few best anime movies that promise to inspire and take you on a journey filled with hope and excitement.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Among the movies mentioned below, Spirited Away has won 58 awards, including an Oscar for Best Animated Film, and received 31 nominations.
- The animated film Your Name ranks among the top three highest-grossing anime movies, with a box office total of $380 million.
- The movie Howl’s Moving Castle was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
| Release Date | July 20, 2001 (Japan) |
| Director | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Cast | Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino |
| Running Time | 2h 5m |
Spirited Away is an enchanting Japanese animated Fantasy film distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.
It follows Chihiro, a young girl separated from her parents and trapped in an abandoned amusement park’s mysterious and supernatural world.
As she works to free her transformed parents and return to the human realm, she faces a cast of enigmatic characters and numerous challenges.
Furthermore, the film is known for its imaginative storytelling and richly detailed animation and has been recognized as a modern classic in the genre.
With an IMDb rating of 8.6/10, Spirited Away has won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and continues to captivate audiences with its timeless story.
2. Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
| Release Date | April 16, 1988 (Japan) |
| Director | Isao Takahata |
| Cast | Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi |
| Running Time | 1h 29m |
Grave of the Fireflies is a sad and powerful Japanese animated film distributed by Toho Co., Ltd.
The movie is Set against the backdrop of World War II. It tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive in the war-ravaged city of Kobe.
It portrays war’s profound impact on humanity, showcasing the strong bond shared by brothers and sisters as they endure the consequences of conflict.
The movie is a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and the tragic impact of war on innocent lives.
Furthermore, with its profoundly emotional narrative and striking animation, “Grave of the Fireflies” has earned critical acclaim and an IMDb rating of 8.5/10.
3. Your Name (2016)
| Release Date | August 26, 2016 (Japan) |
| Director | Makoto Shinkai |
| Cast | Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryo Narita |
| Running Time | 1h 47m |
“Your Name,” originally titled “Kimi no Na wa,” is a 2016 Japanese animated romantic fantasy film distributed by Toho Co., Ltd.
Moreover, the story revolves around two high school students, Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, who mysteriously begin swapping bodies.
As they explore their mystical connection, unexpected chaos disrupts their lives, testing their balance and challenging their existence.
The film beautifully examines love, destiny, and self-discovery, captivatingly exploring these essential themes.
Furthermore, with an IMDb rating of 8.4/10, “Your Name” has captivated audiences worldwide and has become a beloved gem in the anime genre.
4. Princess Mononoke (1997)
| Release Date | July 12, 1997 (Japan) |
| Director | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Cast | Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka |
| Running Time | 2h 25m |
Princess Mononoke is a compelling animated movie distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. and Miramax.
It follows the young Emishi prince Ashitaka, who finds himself caught in a struggle between the gods of the forest and the humans who deplete its resources.
Moreover, the film is a profound exploration of the conflict between industrial progress and the sanctity of nature, embodied by the fierce Princess Mononoke raised by wolves.
This movie is famous for its complex characters, thematic depth, and stunning animation.
Princess Mononoke, rated 8.3/10 on IMDb, is a significant Studio Ghibli work that resonates with environmental and humanistic themes.
5. A Silent Voice (2016)
| Release Date | September 17, 2016 (Japan) |
| Directors | Taichi Ishidate, Naoko Yamada |
| Cast | Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yûki |
| Running Time | 2h 9m |
“A Silent Voice” (Japanese title: “Koe no Katachi”) is a 2016 Japanese anime teen drama film produced by Kyoto Animation.
Moreover, the story revolves around Shoko Nishimiya, a grade school student with impaired hearing.
She transfers to a new school, where her classmates, especially Shoya Ishida, bully her.
A Silent Voice explores friendship, mental health, and redemption themes, offering an engaging romantic adventure.
Furthermore, with an IMDb rating of 8.1/10, this film has garnered audience acclaim, delving into teen romance.
6. Akira (1988)
| Release Date | July 16, 1988 (Japan) |
| Director | Katsuhiro Ôtomo |
| Cast | Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama |
| Running Time | 2h 4m |
“Akira” is a 1988 Japanese animated cyberpunk action film distributed by Toho Co., Ltd.
The film is set in 2019 Neo-Tokyo and follows Shotaro Kaneda, a biker gang leader, and his childhood friend Tetsuo Shima.
Moreover, Tetsuo gains telekinetic abilities after a motorcycle accident, leading to chaos and rebellion in the city.
“Akira” is known for its detailed animation and vibrant visuals, and it has become a cult classic, influencing many works in various media genres.
Additionally, the film earned an IMDb rating of 8/10 for its thrilling action and adventurous journey of two companions.
7. I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
| Release Date | September 1, 2018 (Japan) |
| Director | Jun’ichi Fujise, Tomoyuki Itamura, Masaharu Tomoda |
| Cast | Mahiro Takasugi, Lynn, Yukiyo Fujii |
| Running Time | 1h 48m |
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is based on Yoru Sumino’s light novel, directed by Shinichiro Ushijima.
The movie follows a high school student who discovers that his classmate, Sakura Yamauchi, is suffering from a terminal pancreatic illness.
Moreover, despite her condition, Sakura chooses to live her life to the fullest, keeping her illness a secret.
It delves into the themes of life, death, and the impact of terminal illness on human connections.
Overall, with an Imdb rating of 8/10, “I Want To Eat Your Pancreas” has touched the audience with heartfelt storytelling.
8. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
| Release Date | November 20, 2004 (Japan) |
| Director | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Cast | Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin |
| Runtime | 1h 59m |
Howl’s Moving Castle is a captivating anime film directed and produced by Studio Ghibli, based on the novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones.
The story unfolds in a fictional kingdom where magic intertwines with early 20th-century technology.
It follows Sophie, a young milliner whom a witch curses, compelling her to inhabit the body of an elderly woman.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” is renowned for its anti-war message, reflections on aging and compassion, and the transformative nature of love.
Furthermore, the movie captures the audience with its captivating story and thrilling adventure, with an IMDb rating of 8.1/10.
9. My Neighbor Totoro
| Release Date | April 16, 1988 (Japan) |
| Director | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Cast | Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto |
| Runtime | 1h 26m |
My Neighbor Totoro is a Japanese fantasy adventure movie distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.
Moreover, it tells the heartwarming story of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother.
They encounter Totoro, a gentle forest spirit, and embark on magical adventures there.
Moreover, the film gains acclaim for its depiction of childhood innocence and the rich portrayal of the Japanese countryside.
My Neighbor Totoro delves into the theme of family, nature, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Furthermore, with an IMDb rating of 8.1, the movie stands for its storytelling prowess and childhood beauty.
10. Wolf Children
| Release Date | July 21, 2012 (Japan) |
| Director | Mamoru Hosoda |
| Cast | Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa, Haru Kuroki |
| Running Time | 1h 57m |
“Wolf Children” is a touching anime drama about Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a werewolf.
After her love’s untimely death, Hana raises their two half-wolf, half-human children, Ame and Yuki.
The film explores the themes of family, identity, and belonging as the children grow up navigating the challenges of their dual nature.
Wolf Children earns recognition for its sincere storytelling, character development, and maintaining a delicate balance between fantasy and reality.
Furthermore, with an IMDb rating of 8.1/10, its touching story has resonated with audiences around the globe.
