Best Anime Movies Of All Time
Anime’s global popularity is on the rise via platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix. This diverse medium spans genres, exploring Japan’s history, folklore, and futuristic themes in classics like Ninja Scroll and Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. From dark fantasy to coming-of-age tales, anime delves into human-technology integration and Japan’s war history. Discover the best anime with our curated list of must-watch movies.
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Best Anime Movies
Dive into a must-watch list of the best anime movies, featuring timeless classics like Ninja Scroll and enchanting tales from Studio Ghibli such as Spirited Away. Immerse yourself in captivating worlds and unique storytelling with our curated collection.
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The Spirited Away (released in 2001)
Spirited Away is a fantastic movie about a ten-year-old girl named Chihiro who discovers a magical bathhouse filled with strange creatures. It’s from Studio Ghibli and is not just a great animated film. it’s also one of the best movies of the 21st century. With its unique story and beautiful animation, it’s a must-watch for everyone.
![Spirited Away Spirited Away](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ghows-LK-2a1d2ffd-0fb3-49da-81d9-b1b6170c1f45-b4044bd0.webp)
Akira (released in 1988)
This anime movie is a must-see anime with a cool story about teenage bikers, Kaneda and Tetsuo, in a post-nuclear Neo-Tokyo. Tetsuo gets strong telekinetic powers, causing government interest. Despite changes from the manga, “Akira” remains a standout in cyberpunk, offering a gripping tale of government secrets and supernatural abilities.
![Akira (released in 1988) Akira (released in 1988)](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/filters_quality95formatwebp.webp)
The Ghost In The Shell (released in 1997)
Ghost In The Shell is a cool sci-fi movie with a great story and awesome visuals. It’s about Major Motoko hunting down a tech-hacking bad guy in 2029. Even though there are other versions, the original anime is the best and started a big, exciting world.
![Ghost In The Shell Ghost In The Shell](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1_kZQnX24bUWKeVGmEPVtKuQ.webp)
Ninja Scroll (released in 1993)
A gateway anime for many fans, Ninja Scroll is known for its intense action and mature themes. Following swordsman Jubei in feudal Japan, it presents a classic adventure battling elite ninjas. While iconic, some scenes, particularly in the treatment of the female lead Kagero, haven’t aged well. Despite this, “Ninja Scroll” remains a significant piece in anime history.
![Ninja Scroll Ninja Scroll](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/116857.webp)
Summer Wars (released in 2009)
Mamoru Hosoda’s Summer Wars, follow-up to The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a charming coming-of-age tale where a boy becomes a fake boyfriend on a family trip. Amidst the quirky characters and surreal twists, a rogue military AI in the metaverse Oz adds a techno-doomsday threat. Visually stunning and witty, the film weaves a wonderful, prophetic narrative.
![Summer Wars Summer Wars](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ek0WATrERzJU7jduAgVlx4iPOyWPssSbACbt-ygaK18.webp)
Perfect Blue (released in 1999)
Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue is a riveting exploration of obsession, celebrity, and reality. As pop idol Mima Kirigoe transitions to acting, her fans resist, leading her to question her sanity and the boundaries of her life. This psychological thriller is an unsettling yet compelling journey into the darker side of fame.
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![Perfect Blue Perfect Blue](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/perfect-blue.webp)
Your Name (released in 2016)
Your Name isn’t just a popular anime; it’s a lovely story about love, cosmic connections, and swapping lives. Tokyo’s Taki and rural girl Mitsuha experience the complexities of being someone else. It’s an emotional journey, made even better with the Radwimps soundtrack. If you enjoy it, check out “Weathering With You,” a movie by the same director.
![Your Name Your Name](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/your_name_school-h_2016_0.webp)
Weathering With You (released in 2019)
In a rainy Tokyo summer, “Weathering With You” 16-year-old runaway Hodaka discovers a fantasy world of people who control the weather. This captivating tale seamlessly blends social issues and personal challenges delightfully and engagingly.
![Weathering With You Weathering With You](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Weathering-with-You-netflix.webp)
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (released in 2001)
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie reunites the star-faring bounty hunters of Bebop in 2071, chasing a terrorist in Mars’ capital city. With classic twists, corporate schemes, and emotional depth, it fits between series episodes but stands alone as a thrilling sci-fi noir. This film offers both fans and newcomers a swashbuckling, jazzy journey through space.
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![Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Cowboy Bebop: The Movie](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rrhphbXPqAbBj0RrmTQ5s_id7MRdX6d3ZAq5-4yN7bs-scaled.webp)
Princess Mononoke (released in 1997)
In Miyazaki’s darker masterpiece, “Princess Mononoke,” Prince Ashitaka, cursed and seeking a cure, becomes entangled in a war between forest gods and a human mining colony. The film delves into nuanced themes of environmentalism and mortality, departing from the usual good-bad binary. With breathtaking visuals, it’s an imaginative and epic fantasy that captivates with its depth and beauty.
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![Princess Mononoke Princess Mononoke](https://www.techchamp.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Studio-Ghibli-Princess-Mononoke-Soundtrack-Vinyl.webp)
Best Anime Movies Conclusion
In conclusion, the best anime movies present a diverse range of captivating stories, from classics like “Spirited Away” to thought-provoking tales like “Perfect Blue.” These films showcase anime’s rich creativity, emotional depth, and lasting impact on the cinematic world