The world of anime movies is vast and varied, offering unique storytelling, masterful world-building, and insight into Japanese culture. It offers a wealth of stories that span genres. These films have significantly impacted Japan and globally, from epic adventures to heartwarming tales. If you’re considering dipping your toe into this rich corner of cinema, here are 19 anime movies that will spirit you away.
Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, Spirited Away, takes you on a journey into a fantastical world guided by eccentric characters. Following a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a mysterious and magical realm, we watch her navigate this strange world, encountering various spirits and creatures, each more enchanting than the last. The film’s beautiful animation and rich storytelling have earned it numerous awards and a special place in viewers’ hearts.
Akira
Set in a dystopian future where the city of Neo-Tokyo is on the brink of chaos, Akira is a landmark in anime and science fiction. The plot centers around two friends, Kaneda and Tetsuo, who get caught up in a government conspiracy involving powerful psychic abilities. From here, intense action scenes and thought-provoking themes offer a wonderful viewing experience.
My Neighbor Totoro
Encapsulating the world of rural Japan, My Neighbor Totoro is a beloved family film that introduces you to an array of forest-dwelling magical creatures. In a heartwarming tale of childhood wonder, we follow two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who befriend a giant, friendly forest spirit named Totoro, a now-iconic character in the anime world.
Ghost in the Shell
Despite its dizzying cyberpunk setting, Ghost in the Shell delivers a fascinating tale in which humans and machines are intricately connected. Our protagonist, Major Motoko Kusanagi, is a cyborg policewoman tracking down a mysterious hacker, the Puppet Master. The philosophical questions raised about identity and consciousness and the groundbreaking animation have made this film a classic.
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke is an epic tale of conflict between humans and nature. Set in a mythical past, the film tells the story of Ashitaka, a young warrior who becomes entangled in a struggle between industrial humans and forest gods. With stunning animation and a powerful environmental message, this movie has become a timeless classic.
Grave of the Fireflies
This still-relevant examination of love, loss, and the atrocities of war is a cornerstone of the anime genre. Grave of the Fireflies tells the story of two siblings struggling to survive in Japan during World War II, providing a poignant look at the impacts of war on innocent lives. Its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of suffering have made it one of the most moving anime films ever made.
Perfect Blue
Far from the innocence of Spirited Away and Totoro, Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of fame and identity. The plot follows Mima, a pop singer who transitions to acting only to find herself haunted by a stalker and losing her grip on reality.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle, another gem from Hayao Miyazaki, features a young girl named Sophie who is transformed into an old woman by a witch’s curse. Seeking a way to break the spell, she finds herself in the magical moving castle of the wizard Howl. Combining an enchanting world with a cast of captivating characters makes this film a delightful viewing experience.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind depicts the story of a princess striving to bring peace to her land. Nausicaä’s deep connection with nature and her efforts to save her people from ecological disaster highlight themes of environmentalism and compassion that are prevalent in the genre.
Paprika
This mind-bending journey into the realm of dreams revolves around a device that allows therapists to help patients by entering their psyches. When the device is stolen, it’s up to Dr. Atsuko Chiba and her alter ego, Paprika, to retrieve it.
Your Name
Your Name is a touching tale of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously begin to swap bodies. As they navigate each other’s lives, they form a deep connection and work together to prevent a looming disaster. Your Name will always become a worldwide sensation with its breathtaking animation and emotional storyline.
Castle in the Sky
Castle in the Sky is an adventure story about a young girl named Sheeta and a boy named Pazu who discover a floating island. Together, they embark on a quest to uncover the island’s secrets and protect it from those who seek its power, delivering a captivating story amid beautiful animation.
The Wind Rises
While many anime films reside firmly in the fantasy genre, The Wind Rises is a biographical drama inspired by the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes during World War II. This film reveals both dreams and struggles, blending historical events with Miyazaki’s signature fantasy elements. Its thoughtful narrative and stunning visuals make it a deeply moving film.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
This charming film follows a young witch named Kiki as she sets out to find her place in the world. Using her enviable flying ability, she starts a delivery service in a seaside town, developing friendships and overcoming adversity along the way.
Wolf Children
Beautifully portraying the challenges and joys of parenthood, Wolf Children tells the story of a young woman named Hana who falls in love with a werewolf. After his death, she raises their two children, who inherit their father’s ability to transform into these fantastical beasts.
Tokyo Godfathers
This unconventional holiday story follows three homeless friends discovering an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. As they search for the baby’s parents, they confront their pasts and form a makeshift family. The story blends humor and heart and offers a unique perspective on human connection.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Most of us have dreamt of having time-traveling abilities, and this animation provides a window into such a reality. A high school girl named Makoto discovers she can leap through time. Using her newfound power, she tries to fix her problems and help her friends but soon learns that altering the past can have unforeseen consequences.
5 Centimeters Per Second
This animation consists of three interconnected stories about love and distance. It follows the lives of two young people, Takaki and Akari, as they grow apart due to circumstances beyond their control. 5 Centimeters Per Second captures the bittersweet nature of relationships and the passage of time with beautiful animation and poignant storytelling.
When Marnie Was There
A young girl named Anna, who struggles with loneliness, is sent to a rural town for her health. There, she befriends a mysterious girl named Marnie. As their bond deepens, Anna uncovers secrets that change her life in more ways than one. When Marnie Was There is a touching tale of friendship, identity, and healing.
Weathering with You
In Tokyo, a runaway boy named Hodaka meets a girl named Hina who can opportunely control the weather. Together, they bring sunshine to the city, but their actions come with a price. Weathering with You combines stunning visuals with a heartfelt story about love and sacrifice.
