Anime movies are a big deal. They can tell powerful stories, feature stunning animation, and capture the imaginations of people all over the world. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 10 anime movies of all time. These films have left an indelible mark on the anime industry, and continue to be enjoyed by fans new and old. Let’s get started!
1. Spirited Away
Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese anime movie written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The movie tells the story of a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who, after getting lost in the forest, stumbles upon a hidden world of spirits. With the help of a boy named Haku, she sets out to find her way back home. Along the way, she encounters a number of strange and colorful characters, including a grumpy river spirit and a masked witch. Spirited Away is widely regarded as one of Miyazaki’s best films, and it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. It is also one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, with a worldwide total of over $289 million.
It can be watched on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.
2. Your Name
Your Name is a 2016 Japanese animated film produced by CoMix Wave Films and distributed by Toho. The film was directed by Makoto Shinkai, who also wrote and edited it. The film’s soundtrack was composed by Radwimps. Your Name tells the story of a high school girl in rural Japan and a high school boy in Tokyo who swap bodies after a comet passes close to Earth. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $360 million worldwide and becoming the fourth-highest-grossing anime film of all time. Your Name was also nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 90th Academy Awards, making it the first anime film to be nominated for the award.
Your Name is considered a spiritual successor to Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 film Spirited Away, as both films deal with similar themes of love and separation, and both contain elements of body swapping and time travel. Miyazaki has praised Your Name, calling it a “beautiful” film.
It can be watched on Netflix
3. Akira
For many people, Akira is the gateway into the world of anime. It’s a spirited, fast-paced movie that relies heavily on its visually arresting images to tell its story. The story follows the exploits of a group of young friends in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, and their battle against a powerful psychic. Akira is widely considered to be one of the best examples of anime, and it has influenced countless other movies and shows in the genre. If you’re looking for a good place to start exploring anime, Akira is a great choice.
4. The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises is a 2013 Japanese animated historical drama film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film is based on the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A-Six Zero fighter plane. The film was produced by Toshio Suzuki and released by Studio Ghibli.
The Wind Rises was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $120 million worldwide. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, making it the first Studio Ghibli film to be nominated for the award. The Wind Rises is Miyazaki’s final film before his retirement from filmmaking.
The Wind Rises is available on Netflix
5. Wolf Children
Wolf Children is a 2012 Japanese animated drama film directed and co-written by Mamoru Hosoda. The film follows the story of a young woman named Hana who falls in love with a man who turns out to be a werewolf. After he dies, she is left to raise their two children alone. Wolf Children was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $19 million worldwide.
Wolf Children is available on Netflix and Amazon.
6. Summer Wars
Summer Wars is a 2009 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The film follows the story of a young math prodigy who is recruited by his aunt to help solve a virtual world’s security crisis. Summer Wars was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $48 million worldwide.
Summer Wars is available on Netflix
7. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a 2006 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The film follows the story of a high school girl who discovers she has the power to time travel. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $43 million worldwide.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is available on Netflix
8. Paprika
Paprika is a 2006 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Satoshi Kon. The film follows the story of a scientist who develops a machine that allows people to enter into other people’s dreams. Paprika was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $33 million worldwide.
Paprika is available on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.
Paprika is also available on Blu-ray and DVD.
9. Princess Mononoke
The anime movie Princess Mononoke is a classic tale of good vs. evil, with a unique twist. The story centers on a young girl named San, who was raised by wolves and has a deep connection to the natural world. When she sets out to stop the pollution and destruction caused by humans, she must do battle with a ruthless industrialist who is hell-bent on destroying the forest. Along the way, she makes allies with the spirits of the forest, including a powerful deer-like creature called the Shishigami. Princess Mononoke is an epic adventure that is sure to captivate viewers of all ages. With its breathtaking animation and complex characters, it is no wonder that this film has become one of the most beloved anime movies of all time.
Princess Mononoke is available on Netflix.
10. Grave of the Fireflies
Anime movies are often known for their light-hearted storylines and colorful characters. However, Grave of the Fireflies is a stark contrast to these typical anime films. Based on a true story, the movie follows the lives of two children, Seita and Setsuko, who are struggling to survive in Japan during the final months of World War II. With their mother dead and their father away at war, the siblings must fend for themselves in a time of great famine and devastation. The movie is incredibly powerful and heartbreaking, offering a rare glimpse into the dark reality of war. While Grave of the Fireflies may not be as light-hearted as other anime movies, it is definitely worth watching for its important historical message.
Grave of the Fireflies is available on Netflix.
If you’re a fan of anime movies, then you’ll want to check out our list of the top 10 anime movies of all time. We’ve included some of the most popular and well-known anime movies on this list, as well as a few lesser-known gems. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a heartwarming drama, you’re sure to find something on this list that you’ll enjoy. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a good movie!
What are your favourite anime movies? Let us know in the comments below!