In a world where animated shows have historically been considered mere cartoons or exclusively tailored for children, anime has emerged as a captivating medium of storytelling that is not limited to demographics. With their rich narratives, visually stunning visuals, and diverse themes, animes are capable of delivering a viewing experience capable of captivating viewers on a global scale. Whether you are an anime enthusiast or a newcomer to this medium, we have curated a list of the top 10 anime movies for you to dip your toes into.
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1. Redline
Redline is an anime about racing, and if I would want to describe the movie in one word, it would be “Explosive”. The anime is the pinnacle of what racing movies should be like: Fast-paced, high-octane, insane, and stunningly beautiful. While the anime doesn’t have a complex story, it does not shortage of craziness and outrageous moments that are only possible in animations. Redline took more than seven years to make, and it is reported that the final version of the movie used more than 100,000 hand-made drawings, which is why every shot in the movie is amazingly well-detailed.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle
Made by the iconic Studio Ghibli, Howl’s Moving Castle is the first but not the only entry from the esteemed studio. The movie features some amazing animation and a legendary soundtrack that still holds up pretty well against some of the best modern-day anime movies. Other than that, the movie definitely has a compelling narrative and lovable characters that will have you hooked for the whole movie.
3. Perfect Blue
If you doubt anime’s capability to deliver intense psychological drama/thriller stories as effectively as live-action, consider checking out Perfect Blue. Written by the great Satoshi Kon, a writer known for its mind-bending and trippy stories, the movie does a wonderful job of keeping the viewer engaged. If you are looking for anime movies with dark stories with suspense, mystery, drama and thriller, you’ll definitely love Perfect Blue.
4. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms earns its spot among the 10 best anime movies of all time for its emotional narrative. Directed by Mari Okada, the movie puts together a beautiful story where you follow the characters as they grow and face relatable challenges throughout the span of the movie and their lives. The movie’s unique perspective on motherhood, coupled with stunning animation, makes it a worthwhile watch.
5. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
Don’t let the title of this movie deceive you. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas explores the themes of love, loss and the impact of terminal illness in a story that will surely tug on your heartstrings. The title of this movie, though intriguing, is a metaphor that the film explores in great detail. With its heartfelt storytelling, compelling characters and the profound impact that it leaves on the viewer, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas solidifies its place as one of the best anime movies out there.
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6. Your Name
The smash-out hit of 2016, Your Name, was definitely one of the stand-out anime movies of the year for its enchanting blend of romance, fantasy, and breathtaking animation. Makoto Shinkai, the renowned director behind this masterpiece, displays his skills in weaving together a rollercoaster of emotions to deliver a compelling narrative that takes you on a journey you won’t forget. Your Name is one of those movies that are known for breaking the boundary of conventional storytelling and delivering a fresh experience that keeps you hooked all the way to the end.
7. A Silent Voice
Directed by Naoko Yamada, A Silent Voice explores themes of redemption and forgiveness in its story. Through its emotional storytelling and unique characters, the movie does a great job of portraying human flaws and how certain actions can have dire consequences on other people. Apart from the emotional narrative, the movie’s commitment to addressing real-world issues makes A Silent Voice earn its place as one of the most impactful anime movies out there.
8. Akira
Akira is regarded as one of the best anime movies of all time, and for good reason. With its nail-baiting story, stunning animation and epic soundtrack, the movie has all the ingredients to make it an all-time hit. It’s set in a futuristic Neo-Tokyo, where the actions of our main protagonist get him mixed up with a mysterious military experiment that could spell the doom of the entire city. Akira is one of those movies whose influence has spread worldwide, and even non-Japanese and non-animated movies have referenced it. This movie definitely played a major role in changing the West’s perspective on animated movies.
9. Princess Mononoke
Among the many masterpieces created by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke is regarded as one of the best anime movies created by Studio Ghibli. While Studio Ghibli movies are no stranger to bringing dark and emotional stories to life, Princess Mononoke’s story takes a much darker tone. The movie delves into complex themes and is considered classic, not just among anime movies, but by assessing movies in general.
10. Spirited Away
Another Studio Ghibli movie? Don’t point fingers at us — blame Hayao Miyazaki for creating so many incredible movies. Spirited Away is an iconic movie that not only made waves in Japan but also worldwide for being one of the most beautiful and captivating pieces of art that graced the big screen. This movie put Studio Ghibli’s name on the international stage, which alone is a testament to how good the movie is. The movie’s portrayal of Japanese folklore and myth in such a creative way will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you are looking to dip your toes into anime movies, Spirited Away is a great point to start.
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Editor’s Note
Over time, anime movies have successfully chipped away at the stereotypes that have plagued this medium for some time. Now, anime movies are no longer considered a niche and have entered the mainstream due to their sophisticated storytelling that is not limited to demographics.