When I first dived into the world of anime, I had no idea how profoundly it would shape my love for storytelling. From jaw-dropping visuals to emotional depth, anime movies offer an experience like no other. Over the years, I’ve watched countless films, but some have left a lasting impression on my heart.
In this blog, I’ll take you through the best anime movies of all time, sharing my personal experiences and why these masterpieces deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Can you remember the first time an anime movie left you speechless? The way it made you feel—like you had just experienced a new dimension of storytelling? That’s what these films do for me. They have stuck with me, challenging how I think and feel, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you.
20 Best Anime Movies of All Time
Choosing the best anime movies of all time is no small task, but these films have set a benchmark in animation. Here are my top picks, along with what makes them unforgettable. Trust me, if you haven’t seen these yet, you’re in for a treat. Grab your popcorn, because you’re about to enter a world that will leave you breathless.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
Rating: 9.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is not just an anime movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. When I first watched this movie, I was immediately swept away into its world of spirits, gods, and strange creatures. The animation is absolutely stunning, and the themes of courage, resilience, and self-discovery resonate deeply. It’s no wonder this won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Have you ever felt lost in a world that feels completely out of place? This is how Chihiro, the protagonist, feels as she navigates this magical realm.
Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
2. Your Name (2016)
Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name is a visually stunning masterpiece that captures the essence of youth, love, and destiny. The emotional depth of the plot, with Taki and Mitsuha switching bodies and trying to reconnect, will leave you questioning fate and time. Did you know that Your Name became the highest-grossing anime film worldwide, grossing over $358 million? That’s more than most Hollywood blockbusters!
The blend of breathtaking animation, an evocative soundtrack, and a heart-tugging plot made this film one of my all-time favorites.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
3. Akira (1988)
Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
If you’re a fan of cyberpunk or dystopian settings, Akira is a must-watch. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, this film explores themes of power, corruption, and the nature of humanity. The groundbreaking animation, combined with an intense, action-packed storyline, makes this one of the most influential anime films ever made.
Have you ever wondered about the dark side of unchecked power? Akira gives you an unforgettable glimpse.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Funimation, Apple TV
4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Rating: 8.5/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
This one will break your heart. Grave of the Fireflies is a war-time drama that tells the story of two siblings trying to survive during World War II. It’s a haunting, emotionally charged experience that teaches us about the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. I won’t lie—this film made me cry more than once.
Did you know that Grave of the Fireflies is often cited as one of the most emotionally devastating films ever made? It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
5. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke explores the battle between industrialization and nature through the eyes of Ashitaka, a cursed prince. The film’s intricate world-building, lush visuals, and strong environmental themes make it one of Studio Ghibli’s most influential works.
Can humanity truly live in harmony with nature, or are we destined to destroy it? Princess Mononoke is a meditation on that very question.
Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
6. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
This whimsical, visually stunning tale follows Sophie, a girl cursed by a witch, and Howl, a mysterious wizard with a moving castle. Themes of love, war, and self-discovery are weaved into this magical story. Howl’s Moving Castle is a visual feast, and every time I rewatch it, I notice something new.
What would you do if you were transformed into someone you didn’t recognize? Sophie’s journey of self-discovery will make you ponder that very question.
Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
7. A Silent Voice (2016)
Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
This film… it cuts deep. It’s an honest exploration of bullying, guilt, and redemption, following Shoya as he seeks forgiveness from Shoko, a deaf girl he bullied in his youth. The film’s emotional impact is profound, and the animation is as touching as the story.
If you’ve ever wished to undo a past mistake, this film will resonate with you on a deeply personal level.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
8. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
My Neighbor Totoro is the definition of heartwarming. It’s a simple yet magical tale about two young girls who discover Totoro, a forest spirit. The film’s charm lies in its simplicity and its ability to capture the joy and wonder of childhood. I’ve never watched this film without feeling lighter afterwards.
Isn’t it amazing how the simplest stories often leave the biggest impact? Totoro reminds us of that.
Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
9. Weathering with You (2019)
Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
Another Shinkai masterpiece, Weathering with You explores themes of love and climate change through the eyes of Hodaka and Hina, two teenagers who control the weather. The visuals in this film are jaw-dropping, especially the scenes of Tokyo’s skyline intertwined with stormy skies.
What if you could control the weather to bring someone back? What lengths would you go to for love?
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
10. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Rating: 7.7/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
This charming mix of romance and time travel is a delightful watch. Makoto, a high school girl, discovers she can leap through time, and soon realizes how her actions affect the lives of those around her. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in sci-fi, with a dose of romance thrown in.
What if you could go back and fix your mistakes? The Girl Who Leapt Through Time explores the consequences of our choices in a way that’s both fun and thought-provoking.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Apple TV
11. Paprika (2006)
Rating: 7.7/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, Paprika is a must-watch. Directed by Satoshi Kon, this surreal film about dream exploration is a visual masterpiece. The trippy animation and complex narrative laid the groundwork for movies like Inception.
What if you could enter someone’s dreams? Paprika explores the potential—and the dangers—of doing so.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Amazon Prime Video
12. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
Tokyo Godfathers is a heartwarming and often humorous story about three homeless individuals who discover an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. The film blends humor, emotion, and themes of redemption in a way that makes it feel like a hidden gem.
Have you ever been in a situation where everything seemed lost, but then, through strange circumstances, a miracle happened?
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
13. Perfect Blue (1997)
Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
Perfect Blue is a dark and gripping psychological thriller that dives deep into the dangers of fame and identity. The story follows Mima, a pop star who transitions into acting, and quickly finds herself in a disturbing situation.
How much of your identity is shaped by your surroundings? Perfect Blue will make you question the very nature of reality.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
14. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
A timeless adventure that blends action, mystery, and beautiful visuals, Castle in the Sky tells the story of a young girl with a powerful secret and a young boy determined to protect her.
What if a floating city held the secrets to the world’s future? Castle in the Sky explores that possibility with style and heart.
Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
15. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
Miyazaki’s early work, Nausicaä is a visionary tale about environmentalism, with stunning visuals and a story that still holds relevance today. It’s a poignant commentary on the balance between nature and industrialization.
What if the world was on the brink of destruction, and only one person could save it? Nausicaä shows us how far one person can go to protect the planet.
Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
16. Redline (2009)
Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
If you’re in the mood for high-octane racing with amazing animation, Redline is the film for you. This adrenaline-pumping ride takes you on a race through vibrant, surreal landscapes. The animation is top-notch, and the action will have you at the edge of your seat.
Do you crave speed? Redline gives you that and so much more.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
17. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2020)
Rating: 8.2/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
If you’re a fan of Demon Slayer, then Mugen Train is a must-watch. The film continues the story from the anime series and is known for its breathtaking animation and emotionally charged narrative.
Did you know that Mugen Train became the highest-grossing anime film of all time, surpassing Spirited Away in Japan?
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
18. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
A cyberpunk classic that has influenced countless films and series, Ghost in the Shell asks deep philosophical questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the future. The animation is ahead of its time, and the story will make you reflect on what it means to be human.
Are we still human in the age of machines? Ghost in the Shell explores that very question.
Where to Watch: Funimation, Amazon Prime Video
19. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
This film is a visual wonder. Based on the Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is told in a unique art style that’s both minimalist and strikingly beautiful.
What happens when a mysterious girl descends from the moon? This tale will captivate you.
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
20. Wolf Children (2012)
Rating: 8.1/10 (IMDb)
Why Watch?
This touching film follows Hana, a woman raising two half-human, half-wolf children after their father’s death. It’s an emotional story about motherhood, family, and self-discovery.
Have you ever had to choose between two worlds? Wolf Children explores the power of love and sacrifice in the most heartwarming way.
Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Apple TV
Conclusion
These 20 films represent the pinnacle of anime cinema, each offering something unique. Whether you’re new to anime or a long-time fan, these films will make you think, cry, and cheer. Have you seen all of these? Which ones are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
