Anime is more than a genre – it’s a global cultural force. Globally, it’s recognized for its unique Japanese storytelling and visual charm. While anime TV shows are popular, anime films are some of the most iconic, emotional, and artistic films ever made. From fantasy to science-fiction, these films offer something for everyone. Here’s the ultimate list of the top 10 greatest anime movies of all time for fans and newbies alike.
Number 10: Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Directed by: Mamoru Oshii
Studio: Production I.G
This film redefines science-fiction, breathes new life into cyberpunk and introduces the Western world to the mature side of anime. The driving force of its neon-noir plot is Major Kusanagi and her elite Section 9 units tracking down a notorious hacker. But at its core, it’s a springboard for discussions on the nature of man and machine and how dangerously close the two are becoming. No wonder this film became such an inspiration beyond its medium.
Number 9: Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio: Studio Ghibli
After accidentally angering a witch, a young woman named Sophie is cursed with old age. Her only hope for a cure is to seek out the fearsome wizard Howl and, of course, his moving castle. As you might expect, this is a fantasy film, and there’s a reason this classic has stayed in the hearts of many generations. In addition to the inspired visuals, the characters – particularly the curious, straightforward Sophie and the gentle but childish Howl – carry this film beautifully.
Number 8: The End of Evangelion (1997)
Directed by: Hideaki Anno
Studio: Gainax & Production I.G
There are so many layers to it, which is why it’s a marvel. It’s the conclusion to Neon Genesis Evangelion, in which the world faces cataclysmic events and terrible things happen to its characters. Full of Abrahamic symbolism, but upon a deeper look, there’s a deeper reason behind it all. No matter how you interpret it, there’s undeniable beauty in its apocalyptic aesthetic.
Number 7: Gintama: The Final (2021)
Directed by: Chizuru Miyawaki
Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
We couldn’t have asked for a better way for this hilarious samurai with a silver soul to end his long tenure. The comedy is still present, but the main focus is on Gintoki tying up loose ends with his past. Although this conclusion isn’t exactly newcomer-friendly due to the series’ extreme weirdness, the action here is fantastic, giving Odd Jobs Gin the most epic sendoff possible.
Number 6: Perfect Blue (1997)
Directed by: Satoshi Kon
Studio: Madhouse
You can’t talk about the best anime movies without mentioning Satoshi Kon. One of the best examples of his magic is Perfect Blue, in which a model-turned-actress must grapple with madness, murder, and the blurring of her reality. It’s both deeply disturbing and terrifyingly prophetic in how it predicted the dangers of the internet and fan culture.
Number 5: Princess Mononoke (1997)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio: Studio Ghibli
This film oozes cinematic brilliance. Miyazaki’s storytelling and environmental consciousness blend to create a fantastical tale filled with action and poignant character moments. This may be Ghibli’s darkest film, and it’s all the better for it. An exiled prince allies himself with a young woman raised by wolves to prevent a conflict between the war-loving and divine inhabitants of nature. Worth a watch. (Top 10 Greatest Anime Movies of All Time)
Number 4: Millennium Actress (2001)
Directed by: Satoshi Kon
Studio: Madhouse
Satoshi Kon strikes again, this time crafting a reflective tale that poses the eternal question of what could have been. Two documentary filmmakers search for Chiyoko Fujiwara, an actress who has long disappeared from the spotlight. The film becomes a tangled web of genre and time that gives us a better understanding of Chiyoko’s life and the ups and downs she faced. (Top 10 Greatest Anime Movies of All Time)
Number 3: Your Name (2016)
Directed by: Makoto Shinkai
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
It starts with a body swap and evolves into something much deeper. After waking up in each other’s bodies, Taki and Mitsuha slowly experience each other’s lives. Things only get crazier, yet their story is utterly sweet and expertly crafted. You truly want happiness for both of them with all your heart. (Top 10 Greatest Anime Movies of All Time)
Number 2: Akira (1988)
Directed by: Katsuhiro Otomo
Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Neo-Tokyo, 2019. A war breaks out between the military’s survivors, a rebel with the coolest futuristic bike ever, and a psychotic teen who thinks like a god. Over 30 years later, it’s still a masterpiece. The animation was phenomenal, the dystopian setting was intriguing, and the story was directed by two of anime’s greatest enemies—Kaneda and Tetsuo—both of whom were scarred by tragedy. (Top 10 Greatest Anime Movies of All Time)
Number 1: Spirited Away (2001)
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio: Studio Ghibli
It speaks to the magnificence of this film that it ranks at the top of even the fascinating Ghibli catalogue. Everything about this art form and Miyazaki’s sensibility as a storyteller and animator can be found here. To free her parents from a curse, young Chihiro enters the realm of the spirits, leading to a dangerously delightful adventure filled with moments that have become forever iconic. (Top 10 Greatest Anime Movies of All Time)
So, that’s our list of the (Top 10 Greatest Anime Movies of All Time!)How many of these anime movies have you watched? Let us know in the comments thank you for reading!
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