With time, Japanese anime gained huge popularity because of its mind-blowing graphics, deep storylines, strong character development, emotions, and intense scenes. Some of the top examples are Your Name and Summer Wars, which earn massive attention and love. If you’re someone who enters into the anime world and doesn’t know what to watch, then we’ve suggestions for you; check out our list of best anime films of all time.
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Best Anime Film Of All Time
1- Spirited Away
IMDb: 8.6/10
Our list of best anime films of all time starts with the story of a courageous ten-year-old girl named Chihiro, whose family accidentally discovers an abandoned amusement park and becomes trapped in a mystical spirit world. In this world, enchanted food transforms her parents into pigs, which is a little strange. She navigates this realm filled with gods, witches, and spirits to rescue them and return home. Throughout her journey, she faces several challenges and demonstrates determination and kindness.
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2- Your Name
IMDb: 8.4/10
Next to our list of best anime films of all time is Your Name, the most famous and widely watched film by anime fans or newcomers, based on two high school students, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, who suddenly start to exchange bodies. Despite living in two different locations in Japan, they both have built an unusual connection. This is possible by setting rules and communicating through notes and messages for their body-swapping experiences. Also, they help each other to solve their personal challenges and develop deep bonds.
3- Princess Mononoke
IMDb: 8.3/10
This nature and human battle story features a boar demon curse prince Ashitaka, who has been corrupted by human activities and encounters San during his western journey to seek a cure. San is a fierce girl known as Princess Mononoke, raised by wolves to protect the forest and its spirits from the encroachment of humans by Lady Eboshi, the leader of Iron Town. In this complex conflict between industrialization and the environment, Ashitaka learns about the motivations and struggles of both sides.
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4- Howl’s Moving Castle
IMDb: 8.2/10
What if you are young and suddenly turn into a 90-year-old woman? To find out, watch Howl’s Moving Castle. The story follows a young hatmaker named Sophie Hatter, the oldest sister of three, who leads a boring life. One day, she meets the Witch of the Waste, who puts a spell on her to turn into a 90-year-old woman. To escape this problem, she left her house and discovered Howl’s Moving Castle, a magical structure that roams the countryside.
She finds Calcifer, a fire demon who powers the Castle, and Markl, Howl’s young apprentice. Sophie becomes Castle’s cleaning lady and discovers the story of Howl, a charming but self-absorbed wizard. Considered by many critics, Howl’s Castle Castle might be the best anime film of all time.
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5- A Silent Voice
IMDb: 8.1/10
A Silent Voice is based on the life of a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya, who is bullied by a boy named Shoya Ishida. The story follows the themes of loneliness, friendship, reconnection, and realization, as Shoko is bullied she transfers to another school after that, Shoyo feels alone and regrets his actions. As he grew up, he decided to fix his past mistakes by learning sign language and connecting with Shoko to apologize.
6- Akira
IMDb: 8.0/10
If you like bikes and bikers too then, we have an interesting anime film for you, Akira a biker gang story. In this character named Shotaro Kaneda represents the gang as a leader and his friend Tetsuo Shima, who has gained powerful psychic abilities after a bike accident. With time, Tetsuo’s power grows, and start involved in a secret government project called Akira. This mission aims to control and harness psychic abilities.
Later, these powers turn out to be a curse for Tetsuo as they become increasingly unstable and dangerous. Kaneda gets into the battle against the government forces and others to save his friend.
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7- I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
IMDb: 8.0/10
Lastly, on the list of the best anime films of all time, there is a high school story of a boy who finds a diary belonging to his vibrant spirit classmate Sakura Yamauchi. In the diary, he read about her struggle with a terminal pancreatic disease. Despite this, she has the desire to live life to the fullest. Both meet and form an unexpected friendship. This relationship goes deeper as they share their personal experiences and realities of life & death.
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All these anime films are must-watch because of their exclusive stories, impactful scenes, and beautiful meanings of lives. For more anime-related recommendations, stay with us.
