10 Best Anime 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 recommended as best anime movie of all time by many. 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 have to watch to grasp the whole beauty, but it will leave you sentimental, with a brand new interest in the world of anime.

Genre: Romantic Fantasy Drama

Year of Release: 2016

IMDB Rating: 8.4/10

If you have appreciated and loved A Walk To Remember, you will love this cool anime movie, as it is 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 the female protagonist spent with her secret keeper, as she fulfils some of her wishes.

Genre: Coming-of-Age Drama

Year of Release: 2018

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

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, making them a popular choice as one of the best anime movies by many fans. The story features a bully who is later ostracised by his friends after being responsible for a deaf girl changing schools. They meet after years, where he tries to make amends, showcasing heartfelt moments and complications with acceptance and change.

Genre: Romance Drama

Year of Release: 2016

IMDB Rating: 8.1/10

This movie should come with a warning, as it is one of the most heartbreaking and another recommendation for one of the best anime movies of all time. 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.

Genre: Period Drama

Year of Release: 1988

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.

Genre: Teen Romance Drama

Year of Release: 1995

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.

Genre: Romance Drama

Year of Release: 2007

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 humanity's roots. 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 one of the cool anime movies to add to your watchlist, unpacking and highlighting many convoluted themes and settings while having a very human aspect.

Genre: Adventure Fantasy

Year of Release: 1997

IMDB Rating: 8.3/10

This is one of the best anime movies of all time. 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.

Genre: Supernatural Fantasy Drama

Year of Release: 2001

IMDB Rating: 8.6/10

Another recommendation for the best anime movies of all time, this heartwarming film is about love, beauty and the value of human connection. The plot is set during the holiday season and follows three homeless people living in Tokyo—a middle-aged man, a former drag queen and a teenager who ran away from home. When the trio finds an abandoned baby girl in the trash on Christmas Eve, they embark on finding the baby’s parents. While they face their troubles and tumultuous pasts, they form an unexpected familial bond with each other in their challenging journey. The movie is an absolute balance of comedy and emotional drama.

Genre: Tragicomedy

Year of Release: 2003

IMDB Rating: 7.8/10

The film features excellent music and genuinely breathtaking visuals. Belle is a Studio Chizu film about a girl named Suzu who is struggling with social anxiety and the grief of losing her mother. The trauma from her loss impacts her ability to sing for years until she creates an alter-ego— Belle, on a virtual platform called “U". She quickly gains fame, and rises up to be a pop-star on the virtual platform. However, things take a turn when she's introduced to a character who she fixates on— furthering the plot. 

Belle was nominated for two categories and won one at Japan Academy Film Prizes. The film also premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where it received a 14-minute standing ovation. All this recognition globally is also testimony to it being one of the best anime movies to stream.

Genre: Teen Sci-Fi Drama

Year of Release: 2013

IMDB Rating: 7.1/10

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

1. What are the most popular genres in anime movies?

There is no such genre favourites by anime fans, as every movie is a mix of a particular genre with fantasy narrative and visuals.

2. What is the difference between manga and anime?

The difference between anime and manga is their medium of presentation. While manga is primarily a print medium, anime presents a visual medium.

3. Are there any age restrictions for watching anime?

There is no set minimum age limit as anime movies encapsulate many genres for across ages. However, some movies may be appropriate for certain age groups. 

4. Why is anime so popular?

Folks who value content that challenge them intellectually and emotionally, have pleasant visuals, and blend fantasy into every genre of storytelling, appreciate anime a lot more. 

5. Where can I watch anime movies online?

You can stream anime movies and shows on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, Hulu, and Prime.