8 Must-Watch Movies That Are The Perfect Gateway Into The World Of Anime

Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai, Your Name has won many accolades including the Best Animated Feature in 2016, and might be the most well-known and of course the most recommended anime movie of all time. It is a beautiful love story that revolves around love, loss, and connection, with an amazing soundtrack. The movie uses the Japanese folklore of ‘the legend of red string’ where the protagonists can switch bodies randomly whenever they fall asleep, and eventually they fall in love, save a village, and reconnect in the end. You really have to watch to grasp the whole beauty, but it will leave you sentimental, with a brand new interest in the world of anime.

IMDB Rating: 8.4/10

If you have appreciated and loved ‘A Walk To Remember’, you will love this, as it just as heartbreaking. The title does send you for a loop, but this story immaculately represents that spirit and celebration of life. One of the classmates (who likes to keep a low profile) discovers a journal of a very popular girl and finds that she is suffering from a terminal illness. The movie captures the last days of the female protagonist spent with her secret keeper, as she fulfils some of her wishes.

IMDB Rating: 8/10

A story set in a high school, A Silent Voice is about redemption, change, and being brave. The story is character-driven, and they all have exceptional trajectories. The story features a bully who is later ostracised by his own friends after he became the reason for a deaf girl to change schools. They meet after years, where he tries to make amends, showcasing heartfelt moments and complications with acceptance and change.

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

This movie should come with a warning, as it is one of the most heartbreaking and gut-wrenching pieces of content I have ever consumed. Based on World War II, it follows two orphaned siblings and their survival in the aftermath of war. Every frame of this is a gut punch, and the only thing we’d like to say is, to keep a box of tissues nearby.

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10

One of my comfort movies, plus being an all-time favourite, Whisper of the Heart is a love story between a girl who likes to read and a boy who aims to become a violinist. From meeting to falling in love, and following their passions and dreams, this one is truly a special work of art. The Japanese rendition of ‘Country Homes’ is phenomenal and has taught me that it's okay to just follow a cat, once in a while.

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

Another brilliant piece by Makoto Shinkai, 5 Centimeters Per Second is divided into three segments, capturing the distance and separation of the young protagonists, and masterfully bringing forth the emotions and feelings of melancholy, love, loss, connection, and anguish. With anime movies, symbolism is a vital part, the more you see, the more you will realise, that every frame is intentional, be it certain angles, or lighting, all is done to represent a larger theme. This movie portrays the realities of growing up and losing a sense of self with each stage, a definite must-watch for your ritualistic cry session.

IMDB Rating: 7.5/10

A creation of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke is influenced by Japanese folklore, culture, and history, all while being rooted in the roots of humanity. Every visual of it looks like a painting, with such detailed animation and symbolism, that every frame could have multiple research papers about it. It follows Ashitaka, a prince who undertakes a journey to find a cure and to lift a curse while being embroiled in a war between the Forest Gods and Tartara. It is a wonderful watch, unpacking and highlighting many convoluted themes and settings while having a very human aspect.

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10

Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar win as Best Animated Feature, there really cannot be a list of GOAT anime films, without Spirited Away. The soundboard, the themes, the characters, this film has garnered a universal love and exists as a fond memory of childhood for many. The film puts forth the journey of a young girl, as she moves into a new town, but accidentally enters a world of spirits and witches, where animals are turned into beasts. It critically analyses the greed and gluttony of humans, while showing the spirit of love, togetherness, care, and bravery. It is an extremely fun watch, and would rightly introduce one to the world of Miyazaki.

IMDB Rating: 8.6/10

Check out the list of best comedies here, and eight must KDramas of 2023 here.