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Animenever sleeps. Each season brings with it a few dozen shows, be it new properties or returning franchises. There is always something to look forward to or watch, and anime series are not too difficult to gain access to outside of Japan.
On the other hand, anime movies are a rarer occurrence, and they tend to take far longer to make their way to the West. For example,My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Missiondebuted on June 18, 2025 in Japan, but the movie was not released until October 29 in the United States. And that was quite a quick turnaround due toMHA’s international popularity.
Tempting as it might be to just stick to shows, that would mean missing out on some of the greatest anime of all time. So, while waiting for episodesto drop, why not check out some of thebest anime moviesof all time?
If the movie is available as part of a streaming subscription, the service will be mentioned.
Where to StreamNinja Scroll(USA)
N/A
A cult classic,Ninja Scrollwas one of the few non-Ghibli movies to cross over prior to the 2000s. Although not as influential or popular asGhost in the ShellorAkira, this 1993 film still has an important place in anime history, and it is a must-watch for fans of action-fantasy properties that cater to an adult audience.
A wandering swordsman, Jubei Kibagami is dragged into a conflict involving ninjas, plagues, and villains with devilish powers. Gory and frantically paced,Ninja Scrollis a non-stop rush from beginning to end that does not have anything resembling a dull moment. The story does play second fiddle to the action, but the latter is so engaging that the trade-off is worth it.
Where to StreamRedline(USA)
Amazon Prime Video (with Freevee subscription),Tubi
Some movies seek to tell multi-layered narratives with complex characters, ambitious themes, and dense plots; meanwhile, others set their sights on being visual epics.Redlinefalls into the latter category. Revolving around a dangerous race that attracts the most acclaimed drivers from across the universe, thisgreat anime moviesprints by at a million miles a second.
RELATED:Best Anime From The 2000s
Boasting some of the most striking animation put to film,Redlineis a thrill ride from beginning to end. The story might be a bit superficial, but there is nothing underdeveloped about the movie’s presentation. Madhouse spent more than five years working onRedline’s animation, and that effort is evident on the screen.
Where to StreamJujutsu Kaisen 0 Movie(USA)
Crunchyroll,VRV
In recent years, it has become more common for an anime movie to not only receive a wide theatrical release in North America but to also rank among the top box office earners of its month.Jujutsu Kaisen 0continued this trend, further proving that the days when a feature needs to be associated with Studio Ghibli to gain Western traction are long gone.
RELATED:Things You Need To Know About Jujutsu Kaisen 0
A prequel to the main show,Jujutsu Kaisen 0focuses on Yuta Okkotsu, a high school student who cannot seem to shake the spirit of a deceased friend. Similar to the series, the movie is packed to the brim with action and fun characters; in fact, an argument can be made that Yuta is a stronger lead than Yuji, although that mostly comes down to personal preference. Although it certainly would not hurt to watch the show prior to the movie, the latter can be used as an entry point inJujutsu Kaisen.
Where to StreamSword of the Stranger(USA)
Crunchyroll,Funimation,VRV
Asamurai epic,Sword of the Strangerhas fluid action sequences and likable characters. Set during the Sengoku period, the story follows a boy, Kotaro, who is on the run from the Ming dynasty that wants to use his blood to achieve immortality. Along the way, Kotaro runs into a swordsman, Nanashi, and convinces him to tag along until they reach a specific temple. The road to get there proves to be a bloody and complicated one.
Bones' film is predominantly hailed for its fight scenes, which are not only universally fantastic but largely improve as things move along. As great as these moments are,Sword of the Strangerdoes not rely solely on its animation to impress; narratively, this anime movie is well-paced and engrossing. While over-the-top at times, the story is still relatively grounded, at least more so than something likeNinja Scroll.
Studio
ufotable
Where to StreamDemon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train(USA)
As the worldwidehighest-grossing anime film,Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Trainis undoubtedly popular, but how does it measure up in terms of quality? Well, the shonen anime sequel is a spectacular demonstration of ufotable’s unbeatable animation, especially when it comes to action set pieces. The show is one of the best-animated series of all time, andMugen Trainelevates that standard to an even higher level.
RELATED:Best Final Forms Of Shonen Protagonists
As a sequel,Mugen Trainis not for the uninitiated and expects viewers to be familiar with what came before. Consequently, this movie mostly only attracts people who have already decided they are along for the ride.Mugen Trainjust makes extra sure to not lose them along the way.
Where to StreamGintama: The Very Final(USA)
Plex,PlutoTV,TheRokuChannel,Tubi
Gintama’s features are all highly regarded by the shonen anime’s fan base, even if the series as a whole is not quite as well known as something likeDemon SlayerorDragon Ball.Gintama: The Very Finalis the conclusive chapter in the Odd Jobs' story, serving as a culmination of everything that came before and highlighting the anime’s penchant for visceral action and painfully hilarious comedy.
This movie is solely for people who have followed Gintoki, Kagura, and Shinpachi since 2006, and newcomers will find themselves utterly lost as they watch the over-the-top awesomeness unfold on screen. As great as all the fight sequences are, the film arguably shines the brightest when it throws out a laugh, including a surreal five-minute stretch that involves Gintoki, Sadaharu, and a few old men.
2017
2019
2020
Where to StreamFate/Stay Night Movie: Heaven’s Feel Trilogy(USA)
There is a lot ofFatecontentto consume;Fate/ZeroandFate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Worksset a high standard for action anime in general, and theHeaven’s Feeltrilogy might just be better than both.
RELATED:Fate Series: Strongest Characters From All The Anime Shows & Movies
Covering the final route of Type-Moon’sFate/stay nightvisual novel,Heaven’s Feelcenters around Shirou Emiya’s relationship with Sakura Matou, along with the 5th Holy Grail War. These movies explore Shirou’s character in a more satisfying way than the TV series, so the trilogy is important for those looking to get the complete experience.
Where to StreamDragon Ball Super: Broly(USA)
Amazon Prime Video (with Starz subscription),Starz
Dragon Ballhas delivered more than a dozen movies spread across four decades. While the ’80s and ’90s delivered a few fun adventures likeFusion RebornandCooler’s Revenge, these non-canon stories are more like glorified specials than proper cinematic features. That changed with 2013’sBattle of Gods, a movie that revived the anime following almost 20 years of inactivity.
Since its big return,Dragon Ballhas released four canon movies, with 2018’sBrolybeing the pick of the bunch. Packed to the brim with over-the-top fights and transformations, Toei’s movie condenses everything great aboutDragon Ballinto 90 minutes, and it is a delight. Compared toBroly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, the 2018 movie presents a more three-dimensional version of its eponymous character. Broly is a sympathetic figure who has been molded by a parental figure fueled by revenge. The movie wisely positions Broly as its first act’s protagonist, before transitioning him into the role of antagonist.
Kara no Kyoukai 1: Fukan Fuukei
2007
The Garden of Sinners: A Study in Murder – Part 1
2008
Kara no Kyoukai 6: Boukyaku Rokuon
The Garden of Sinners: A Study in Murder – Part 2
2009
2013
Where to StreamThe Garden of Sinners(USA)
Ufotable’s adaptation of Kinoko Nasu and Type-Moon’sThe Garden of Sinnerslight novel should not be anybody’s introduction to anime. However, it is a captivating and rewarding watch for those willing to embrace (or stomach) its non-linear storytelling, philosophical musings, discomforting themes, and graphic violence. The movies largely revolve around an agency that investigates supernatural cases, although a significant amount of time is dedicated to exploring the psyches of the main characters, particularly Shiki Ryougi.
RELATED:Fate: Understanding The Series’ Many Different Timelines & Alternate Universes
Although some movies stand somewhat on their own,The Garden of Sinnersneeds to be viewed as a single experience, with later entries providing crucial context and depth to earlier releases.Paradox Spiralis thebest anime moviein the series and contains a surprise for fans ofFate/stay night.
Where to StreamPerfect Blue(USA)
Amazon Prime Video,DirecTV,Shudder
Perfect Blueis a stand-in forSatoshi Kon’s filmography, asMillennium Actress,Tokyo Godfathers, andPaprikaare all among thebestanime moviesof all time.Perfect Blueput Kon on the map as a feature director with a unique voice, and it is by far his most terrifying project.
Mima Kirigoe leaves her idol group to start acting, a decision that fragments the woman’s public and subconscious identity.Perfect Bluesteadily blurs the line between fact and fiction, not making it clear what is real or just Mima’s tortured imagination.
Where to StreamPuella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Rebellion(USA)
Puella Magi Madoka Magicaended on a pitch-perfect note for the story it told, and a sequel was unwarranted.Rebelliondoes not really change that perspective, however, the film justifies its existence by simply being brilliant. That’s not to say nothing of significance happens in Shaft’s follow-up as that could not be further from the case.
RebellionupendsMadoka Magica’s world and characters, twisting an already twisted tale to reach unprecedented levels of discomfort. Despite being an unnecessary extension to the series,Rebellionis almost an anti-fan service in the sense that it never seeks to be a crowd-pleaser. That is a positive.
Where to StreamGrave of the Fireflies(USA)
Studio Ghibli’sGrave of the Firefliesis a completely different beast from thestudio’s typically fantasy-oriented masterpieces. Directed by Isao Takahata, this WWII anime revolves around a brother and sister who are trying to survive on their own, a situation that highlights the ugliness of war by focusing on the victims that are often forgotten about.
Grave of the Firefliestells a profoundly personal storyline filled with regret and tragedy. Among the best war movies of all time, this anime is one of those experiences that sticks with the viewer long after the credits roll.
Where to StreamJosee, the Tiger and the Fish(USA)
After their worlds unexpectedly collide, Tsuneo accepts a job as Josee’s caretaker, a girl who has been wheelchair-bound since her birth. Although initially resilient to his presence, Josee eventually bonds with Tsuneo through their shared interest in the ocean.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fishtells a beautiful tale about friendship, dreams, and drive. Both Josee and Tsuneo’s desired futures encounter serious challenges, and the movie stresses the importance of facing these obstacles if the opportunity arises. Although not an especially original story, this anime movie tells it well.
Where to StreamRascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl(USA)
The sequel toRascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, this movie focuses on Sakuta’s former crush, a girl who seems to exist at two ages. Similar to the series,Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girlblends drama and humor, although the focus is definitely on the former rather than the latter.
The film tells a more personal story for Sakuta than most of the arcs from the series, putting him in the center of proceedings rather than someone who happens to attract girls going through significant challenges. People who did not enjoy the show have no reason to check out this sequel, however, fans ofBunny Girl Senpaihave not experienced the full story until they watchDreaming Girl.
Where to StreamWolf Children(USA)
FromDigimon Adventure: Our War Game!toMirai, Mamoru Hosoda’s entire filmography is worth seeking out. Out of all his creations,Wolf Childrenis arguably the best, courtesy of its heartfelt narrative and grounded tone. Hana falls in love with a Wolfman, they have two children, and then the father dies. Suddenly, Hana has to raise two kids who are half-wolf on her own.
Wolf Childrencovers more than a decade of Hana’s life, showcasing the highs and lows of parenthood. It is a beautiful film in more ways than just visually.Hosoda’s next film,Belle, releases in 2022 in the U.S.
Where to StreamA Silent Voice(USA)
Netflix
2016 was just a fantastic year for anime movies.A Silent Voiceis a difficult but rewarding watch. Dealing with bullying, depression, and isolation, the film revolves around Shoya Ishida’s relationship with Shoko Nishimiya. As children, Shoya targeted Shoko due to her deafness, and this bullying led to the entire class mocking the girl.
Eventually, Shoko left the school and everyone turned on Shoya.A Silent Voicechronicles Shoya’s journey towards self-forgiveness, a path that leads him back into Shoko’s life.Bullying is not an easy theme to tackle, but this movie handles it fantastically as it humanizes both the victim and the perpetrator.
Where to StreamThe Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya(USA)
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiyais among the most important anime series of all time, particularly when it comes to slice of life comedies. The 2006 season combines memorable characters with philosophical musings and an intriguing sense of mystery stemming from the unique circumstances that define this universe. However, a polarizing arc in the second season hurt the anime’s momentum, and the overall show would be difficult to recommend if it were not for the fact that it concludes with one of thebest anime filmsever inThe Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.
Kyon finds himself in a world without Haruhi, or at least the version he knows. Despite all the grief the SOS Brigade brings to his life, the level-headed protagonist finds himself struggling to decide whether he wants to live in a world free of Haruhi’s brand of chaos.
Where to StreamPrincess Mononoke(USA)
HBO Max
Spirited Awayis Miyazaki’s most famous film, butPrincess Mononokeis also a contender for hisbest anime movie. A common theme found throughout the director’s stories is the conflict between nature and human progress, and this is most apparent inPrincess Mononoke.
The anime finds a forest’s gods trying to repel the advancements of a human settlement; in the meantime, an outsider – Ashitaka – interacts with both sides.Princess Mononokedoesn’t preach or talk down to its audience; it grants a neutral look at the characters' actions, presenting neither side as evil.
Where to StreamYour Name(USA)
Makoto Shinkai’s 2016fantasy filmmade a huge splash upon its release, earning glowing reviews across the board.Your Namesees a boy from Tokyo and a girl from a rural town swap bodies, a supernatural occurrence that allows them to grow an appreciation for each other and their ways of life. However, the anime throws out an effective twist halfway through its story, sending the film in a very different direction.
Your Namehas gorgeous animation, an impeccable soundtrack, and a fun story that blends romance, comedy, and action quite well. A crowd-pleaser in every sense of the word,Your Nameis a great place to start if looking to introduce someone to the magic of anime.
Where to StreamMade in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul(USA)
HIDIVE
A continuation of theMade in Abyssseries,Dawn of the Deep Souldelivers exactly what fans of the anime have been thought to expect: lovable characters, hints of whimsy, and soul-crushing twists that are too cruel.Made in Abyssis a dark fantasy anime that follows a child and a robot as they descend the titular realm in search of the former’s mother.
RELATED:Made in Abyss: What to Expect From Season 2 (According to the Manga)
What starts as a fun adventure quickly becomes “real,” andDawn of the Deep Soulmight be even better than the stellar series. That said, do not watch thisfantastic anime moviebefore sitting through season one since it sets up the main characters and the Abyss. This is not a stand-alone movie.
2016
Where to StreamKizumonogatari Trilogy(USA)
TheMonogatariseries is an acquired taste. Based on Nisio Isin’s light novels, the anime revolves around Koyomi Araragi’s encounters with girls plagued by supernatural forces; however, that description does not do justice to the show’s intelligent writing, unusual but engrossing pacing, stylish visual presentation, and quirky sense of humor.
RELATED:Best Anime Movies You Can Stream On Crunchyroll, Ranked
Kizumonogatariserves as a prequel to the franchise and establishes how Araragi came into contact with Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade. For better or worse, these movies distill every facet of the series into three digestible parts, all the while boasting perhaps the easiest-to-follow narrative of the franchise.
Where to StreamThe Tale of the Princess Kaguya(USA)
Isao Takahata’s final project,The Tale of the Princess Kaguyais based on a classic Japanese story about a couple who discover a girl in a bamboo shoot. Believing her to be of divine blood, they raise Kaguya as a princess and attempt to mold her into a figure that threatens to strip her of any individuality.
As the original story dates back centuries,The Tale of the Princess Kaguyais firmly established as timeless; however, Studio Ghibli’s movie also tweaks enough stuff to enhance its modern appeal. Renowned for its minimalist hand-drawn art style,Princess Kaguyais a visual treat for the eyes, offering an experience that is unlike almost any other movie in existence.
Where to StreamMaquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms(USA)
Crunchyroll,Hoopla,VRV
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Bloomstakes place in a fantasy world where humans exist separate from a race known as Iorph, whose members live for hundreds of years. After her Iorph village is slaughtered, Maquia stumbles upon a left-for-dead human baby and decides to raise him, giving him the name of Ariel. P.A. Works' anime film focuses primarily on Maquia and Ariel’s relationship, and the impact their wildly different lifespans have on both of them. Ariel is given just as much development as his mother, and both characters are fleshed out and complex.
Maquiahas quite a few other things going on as well, including a coerced marriage and a war involving various nations. All of these threads have potential, but the movie is stretched too thin to do justice to all of them. This film could benefit from a series spin-off or adaptation.
Where to StreamSpirited Away(USA)
If there is one anime movie director who needs no introduction, it is Hayao Miyazaki.Spirited Awayis the only anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, an accolade it more than earned. Likemost of Miyazaki’s movies,Spirited Awayexpertly walks the line between fantasy and reality, presenting whimsical worlds alongside relatable ideas and mature themes.
Spirited Awayfinds the young Chihiro in a bathhouse for spirits, a situation that is far from safe for a human. Studio Ghibli’s animation is unsurprisingly spectacular, as is everything else about this movie.
J.C.Staff
Where to StreamKonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!: Legend of Crimson(USA)
Isekai animehave been inescapable for the best part of a decade, so it was only a matter of time before a parody of the genre found its way onto screens.KonoSubais that show, and the series proved popular enough to spawn a movie.KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!: Legend of Crimsonrevolves around Kazuma and Megumin, arguably the two most popular characters of the anime.
RELATED:Best Isekai Manga That Do Not Have An Anime
Along with the same type of humor found in the show, the movie also incorporates a fair amount of heart as it explores Megumin’s roots. The film even ends with a spectacular battle that puts to shame anything from the series.
NUT
Crunchyroll
With season 2 in the works, now is the perfect time to binge-watchSaga of Tanya the Evil. The series takes many isekai tropes – overpowered protagonist, magic power systems, and active deity – and twists them on their heads. While on the verge of a violent end on Earth, a guy verbally challenges god, resulting in the latter accepting the proposal. Reborn as a girl in awar-torn world, Tanya sets out to rise in the Empire’s military ranks, all the while looking to get the better of Being X’s threats.
The movie sequel builds beautifully on the strengths of the first season, highlighting Tanya’s intelligence but also her capacity for cruelty. Known as the Empire’s Devil, her name injects fear into the hearts of the Republic’s soldiers; however, the one exception is Mary Sue, a warrior handpicked by Being X to be Tanya’s arch-nemesis.
Where to StreamI Want to Eat Your Pancreas(USA)
I Want to Eat Your Pancreashits so many of the tragic romance tropes: antisocial protagonist, charming girl, deadly illness, andtears…so many tears. The anime movie does not attempt to shake up the conventions of this formula all that significantly, but it does an incredible job of crafting something beautiful from this familiar puzzle.
Haruki Shiga and Sakura Yamauchi are the film’s main strengths, as the central couple strikes a dynamic that allows both of their personalities to shine rather than one being used to prop up the other.I Want to Eat Your Pancreasearns its heartfelt moments by dedicating a substantial portion of its runtime to firmly establishing the two leads as flawed and realistic people.
Where to StreamDoukyusei -Classmates-(USA)
Clocking in at just an hour,Doukyuei -Classmates-is a breezy short about adolescent love. Rihito and Hikaru move in different circles at their school. The former is a straight-A student, while the latter performs in a band. In preparation for the Chorus Festival, Hikaru offers to help Rihito, a decision that almost instantly sparks something special between the two boys.
While relatively popular,Boys Love animeare still designed for a niche audience. Consequently,Doukyuei -Classmates-might be a hard sell for the uninitiated, although it is one of the better introductory points into this subgenre. Conversely, this movie is a must-watch for fans of romance in general.
Where to StreamMy Neighbor Totoro(USA)
My Neighbor Totorois synonymous with Studio Ghibli, with its eponymous character essentially serving as the company’s mascot. Therefore, the movie is also synonymous with anime in general. Most of Hayao Miyazaki’s projects are ambitious fantasy epics that tackle mature subjects such as war and environmental damage; comparatively,My Neighbor Totorohas a smaller scope as it revolves around a family and the spirits that surround them.
The story foregoes action or major conflict in favor of creating a comfortable and warm atmosphere. Despite taking place in a world that is home to a catbus,My Neighbor Totorois a traditional slice of life that blends the mundane with the fantastical.
Where to StreamViolet Evergarden The Movie(USA)
The final chapter in Kyoto Animation’sViolet Evergardenfranchise, this2020 Netflix moviecondenses the brilliance of the show into two hours.Violet Evergardenhas a reputation for tugging at the heartstrings, and that certainly holds true for this feature.
Essentially split into three arcs, the movie reflects upon Violet’s growth throughout the overarching narrative and also provides closure for her relationship with Gilbert. Unsurprisingly,Violet Evergarden: The Movie’s animation is practically flawless. Ultimately, anyone who enjoyed the series will likely love this follow-up.
Where to StreamMushi-Shi: Bell Droplets(USA)
Mushi-Shiis a powerful anime with precious few peers, both in terms of quality and content. The series envisions a world where nature manifests as mushi, beings that live alongside the (usually) oblivious humans. Mushishi are people who seek to understand these spirits, and Ginko is one such traveler.Bell Dropletssends this fantastic anime off with an emotionally heavy story about loss, nature, and frailty.
RELATED:Best Slice Of Life Light Novels
A girl is born to be the lord of the mountain, a fate rarely bestowed on humans. Her family cannot understand what this means, and they naturally oppose this destiny out of love. Like many ofMushi-Shi’s tales, this film touches upon spirituality in a way that is deeply profound.
Unsurprisingly, one of the best slice of life series is also responsible for one of the genre’sbest anime movies.Laid-Back Campis the ultimate comfort food and warm blanket. While its slow pace is a better fit for 20-minute episodes than a full feature, the show’s endearing characters and feel-good nature are more than capable of charming viewers for two straight hours.
Even though it is not sourced from the manga, the movie still feels like a proper continuation of the series, especially since the story jumps forward to when the girls are adults. Now facing new responsibilities, the friends cannot just go on camping trips whenever they feel like it, but their passion for the hobby remains intact. This time, they are looking to share their love for the outdoors with a new generation as the characters come together to establish a campground.
2012
2021
Where to StreamRebuild of Evangelion(USA)
Amazon Prime Video
Hideaki Anno’sNeon Genesis Evangelion’s legacy is beyond question. The ’90s anime series holds up well due to its visceral action and character-focused psychological drama, whileThe End of Evangelionis a movie that, once seen, will not be forgotten.
RELATED:Best Sci-Fi Manga With No Anime Adaptations
Rebuild of Evangelionreframes the originalNGEstory, providing an alternate take to both its events and characters. The first two films stick relatively close to the original series, but thingsdivert quite substantially following that point.Rebuild of Evangelionimproves with each new movie, with 2021’sEvangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Timeserving as a worthy conclusion to the entire franchise.
Where to StreamThe Girl Who Leapt Through Time(USA)
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda,The Girl Who Leapt Through Timestarts out as a relatively conventional time-travel saga, before steadily revealing its coming-of-age core. Makoto Konno is a directionless teen girl who randomly gains the ability to leap back in time. Naturally, Makoto uses this power for everyday activities, not realizing that she can only pull off this ability a limited number of times.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Timecovers a range of genres. While the time-travel premise falls squarely in the sci-fi category, the movie’s tone is more in-line with slice of life and comedy stories. There is even a hint of romance, although it is not the film’s main focus. Makoto is a charming and relatable protagonist, and her journey proves to be a surprisingly emotional one.
White Fox
Where to StreamSteins;Gate: The Movie − Load Region of Déjà Vu(USA)
Funimation
Steins;Gateis a ridiculously consistent franchise. The visual novels are all fantastic, and the anime launched with one of the best stories of all time and followed it up admirably with adirect movie sequeland an alternate reality spin-off. On the surface,Load Region of Déjà Vumight feel a bit unnecessary since the original show ends on a satisfying note, but the movie succeeds in expanding upon its predecessor while setting itself apart by pushing Kurisu Makise to the forefront.
RELATED:Best Sci-Fi Anime To Watch If You Love Steins;Gate
When Rintarou Okabe disappears, Kurisu is the only person who retains her memories of him. Fully aware of the danger of time travel, the scientist must decide whether she is willing to risk everything to save Okabe.
Where to StreamAkira(USA)
Crunchyroll,Funimation,Tubi (Dubbed),VRV
A contender for the most iconic anime movie of all time,Akirahelped establish Japanese animation as an international phenomenon. Any person who believes that anime is just for kids should give this classic a watch as it will quickly dispel these notions. Set in a dystopian future (or, as the film takes place in 2019, the past),Akirapresents a world defined by powerful military forces and gangs. This cyberpunk world beats down anyone deemed weak, a role Tetsuo Shima falls under.
Tackling themes of human experimentation and government abuse,Akirablends action, horror, and exquisite visuals to create a sci-fi masterpiece and one of thebest anime moviesever. The anime can be difficult to watch at times, particularly during its third act, but the movie earns its shocking moments.
Where to StreamGhost in the Shell(USA)
Tubi
Be it alive-action version starring Scarlett Johansson, video games, or a number of anime series, Masamune Shirow’sGhost in the Shellmanga has received its share of adaptations. The most iconic is undoubtedly 1995’sGhost in the Shell, an aesthetic and auditory masterpiece that is predominantly concerned with ideas rather than plot or characters.
RELATED:Ghost In The Shell: All Of The Anime Movies & Seasons, Ranked
Set in a future defined by technology,Ghost in the Shellenvisions a world where self-identity has become fluid and vaguely defined courtesy of the advancement of cybernetics. As part of Public Security Section 9, Major Motoko Kusanagi investigates a villain called the Puppet Master, a hacker capable of taking over people’s bodies. While nowhere near as good as the original,Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocenceis also an enjoyable watch.
Netflix (Stand By Me Doraemon);Netflix (Stand By Me Doraemon 2)
Doraemonis an institution in Japan. The adorable robotic cat has a presence in Western countries too, but the franchise’s international popularity does not begin to compare to its national legacy. As such,Stand By Me Doraemon’s impact will vary greatly depending on somebody’s familiarity with Nobita and friends. If someone grew up with the series, then these films are must-watch continuations that provide a degree of closure in a property that seems destined to go on forever.
Everyone else can look forward to two charming movies with wholesome humor, likable characters, and a strong emotional core. While the CG animation might be a significant departure fromDoraemon’s classic aesthetic, the art style complements the stories well.
