Angie Ambos
From heart-wrenching stories of love and loss to thrilling adventure tales, anime movies have something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the world of anime, there are plenty of classic and modern films to choose from. Here is a list of the 20 best anime movies you should check out. This list has something for everyone, from classic favorites like My Neighbor Totoro to recent offerings such as Your Name. So grab a snack, sit back, and get ready to journey through some of the greatest anime movies ever made!
Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of Chihiro Ogino, a young girl who, while moving to a new neighborhood, becomes trapped in a world of spirits ruled by Yubaba, a witch who runs a bathhouse for these spirits. With help from a mysterious boy named Haku, Chihiro must find a way to free herself and her parents from Yubaba’s control. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film in Japanese history and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards.
My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the story of two young girls, Satsuke and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother, who is recuperating from a long-term illness in a nearby hospital. While exploring their new environment, the two girls meet and befriend a giant, mystical forest spirit known as “Totoro.” The film is praised for its simple story, beautiful animation, and captivating characters, and has become an international classic of children’s cinema.
Perfect Blue is a 1997 Japanese psychological thriller film directed by Satoshi Kon. The story follows Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol who decides to pursue acting, only to be stalked by an obsessive fan. The film was praised for exploring themes such as identity, fame, and the price of celebrity. Perfect Blue has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest animated films ever. It is often cited as one of the main influences on Christopher Nolan’s psychological thriller, Memento.
Akira is a 1988 Japanese animated science fiction action film written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. Set in a dystopian future in Tokyo in 2019, the film follows the story of a young biker gang leader, Shōtarō Kaneda, who must rescue his best friend, Tetsuo Shima, from a secret government project involving mysterious psychic powers. The film is widely seen as a landmark in the anime industry and has been praised for its detailed animation and complex narrative. Akira was the highest-grossing film of 1988 in Japan and has become a cult classic worldwide.
Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese animated war drama film written and directed by Isao Takahata. The film follows the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who are struggling to survive in Japan during World War II after the death of their mother. The film is praised as a powerful anti-war story and is often considered one of the greatest animated films ever made. It has won numerous awards, including the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Animated Film.
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is a 2001 Japanese animated science fiction action film based on the 1998 anime series Cowboy Bebop. The film follows the story of the bounty hunters of the spacecraft Bebop as they attempt to apprehend an elusive terrorist who has threatened to destroy the planet Mars with a powerful biological weapon. The film was praised for its stylish visuals, action sequences, and clever blend of Science Fiction, Noir, and Western elements. The film was a commercial success and has achieved cult status among fans of the series.
Castle in the Sky is a 1986 Japanese animated adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the story of two young adventurers, Pazu and Sheeta, who are searching for a mysterious floating castle in the sky. The film is praised for its beautiful animation and captivating story and has become an international classic of children’s cinema. It is one of the highest-grossing films of all time in Japan.
Howl’s Moving Castle is a 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the story of Sophie, a young girl who is transformed into an old woman by a witch’s spell and sets out on an adventure to break the curse with the help of the mysterious wizard Howl. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $235 million worldwide and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 78th Academy Awards. The film is praised for its unique visuals, imaginative story, and memorable characters.
Paprika is a 2006 Japanese animated science fiction mystery film written and directed by Satoshi Kon. The film follows the story of a group of scientists who invent a device that allows them to enter people’s dreams. The film was praised for its stunning visuals, thoughtful themes, and mind-bending story and has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest animated films ever.
Wolf Children is a 2012 Japanese animated fantasy drama film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The film tells the story of Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a Wolf Man and has two children with him, Yuki and Ame. After the Wolf Man’s death, Hana must raise her children alone while trying to protect their wolf heritage. The film was a commercial and critical success, receiving numerous awards and nominations, and has become a beloved classic of family cinema.
Princess Mononoke is a 1997 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film written and directed b Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the story of Ashitaka, a prince who is cursed by a demonic boar god and embarks on a quest to find a cure. In his travels, he encounters the wolf goddess Moro and the human princess Mononoke, who are both embroiled in a struggle between the animal gods of the forest and the humans who seek to exploit its resources.
The Wind Rises is a 2013 animated historical drama film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows the story of Jiro Horikoshi, an aeronautical engineer who is inspired by the dreams of flight and works to develop the Zero fighter plane during World War II. The film reflects on Jiro’s life, his love for his wife, and a meditation on the horrors of war.
Your Name is a 2016 Japanese animated romantic fantasy film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. The film follows the story of two teenagers, Mitsuha and Taki, who find themselves randomly swapping bodies and living each other’s lives. The two set out to find each other and discover that their connection is deeper than they initially thought.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a 1989 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows the story of a young witch, Kiki, who moves to a new town and starts a delivery service with her companion Jiji, a talking black cat. The film follows Kiki as she learns to use her magical powers while navigating the complex and sometimes difficult world of adulthood.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind(1984)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a 1984 Japanese animated adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows the story of Nausicaä, a princess from a small kingdom who is caught in a struggle between two nations as they try to reclaim a polluted wasteland. Nausicaä is determined to find a way to save her home from the encroaching danger and discovers a hidden world of strange creatures and a cycle of life that could save them all.
Millennium Actress is a 2001 Japanese animated romantic drama film written and directed by Satoshi Kon. The film follows the story of an elderly actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who recounts her life story for a documentary filmmaker. The film follows Chiyoko as she recounts her lifelong pursuit of a mysterious man she encountered during her youth. The film was nominated for numerous awards, including the 2002 Japan Academy Awards Grand Prize.
Ninja Scroll is a 1993 Japanese animated action-adventure film written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. The film follows the story of a wandering ninja, Jubei Kibagami, who is tasked with protecting a mysterious scroll from an evil clan of demons. The film follows Jubei as he battles the demonic forces and discovers a greater conspiracy at work. The film has become a cult classic, praised for its groundbreaking visuals and action sequences.
Ghost in the Shell is a 1995 Japanese animated science fiction film written by Kazunori Itō and directed by Mamoru Oshii. The film follows the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public security officer tasked with tracking down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. The film follows Motoko as she uncovers the truth behind the Puppet Master and a deeper conspiracy involving artificial intelligence.
Tokyo Godfathers is a 2003 Japanese animated comedy-drama film written and directed by Satoshi Kon. The film follows the story of three homeless people: Gin, Hana, and Miyuki, who find an abandoned baby in the trash and set out on a journey to find the baby’s parents. The film follows the trio as they travel through Tokyo and discover that life is full of surprises. The film wins numerous awards, including the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time(2006)
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a 2006 Japanese animated science fiction film written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The film follows the story of Makoto Konno, a high school student who discovers that she can travel through time. She uses her newfound power to try to alter her life and the lives of her friends but soon discovers that changes in the past can have serious consequences in the future.
Anime movies are a great way to explore the world of Japanese animation. The 20 best anime movies in this list offer a wide variety of stories and themes everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a classic like My Neighbor Totoro or a more modern movie like Your Name, there’s something here for everyone. So grab a snack, sit back, and enjoy the ride as you experience some of the greatest anime movies ever made!
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