10 Best Anime Movies of the 2020s (So Far)

I’ve been noticing anime films really taking off lately, especially in the 2020s. Movies like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, and The Boy and the Heron are proof of just how amazing they’ve become. In fact, some of the most successful anime films ever have been released in the last five years, and they’re doing incredibly well globally. It feels like this trend is building, so I expect we’ll see even more fantastic anime movies in the years to come.

Anime movies are suddenly becoming huge hits for a few key reasons. Anime is increasingly popular, especially with younger generations, even surpassing the NFL in some reports. Improvements in animation and technology have created visually impressive films that are best experienced in theaters. Plus, studios are now more willing to release movies that directly continue the stories of popular anime series, unlike older films which were often standalone. It’s a fantastic time to be an anime fan, and the successful anime movies of the last few years prove it.

10) Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

While not the best Dragon Ball movie ever made, 2022’s Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is still a fun and exciting addition to the series. It delivers the action fans expect, but uniquely focuses on the franchise’s popular supporting characters instead of always centering on Goku and Vegeta. The movie features strong voice acting, impressive animation, and a good balance between story and action. The reason it doesn’t stand out as a top-tier Dragon Ball film is simply that it doesn’t break any new ground with its animation or story – with so many creative films being released, it has a hard time competing.

9) Belle

The animated film Belle was a hit in Japan when it came out in 2021, but it didn’t get as much attention internationally. With its beautiful animation and original story, it really deserved wider recognition. While inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Belle successfully updates the classic tale and feels fresh and unique. The film’s detailed and visually stunning depiction of the virtual world of U is a major highlight, and combined with a fantastic soundtrack, it creates a compelling experience. The plot isn’t perfect and could be stronger in some areas, but the film’s core message about self-acceptance really resonates, particularly for audiences navigating the online world today.

8) The First Slam Dunk

Many consider The First Slam Dunk to be one of the most overlooked anime films of recent years. It beautifully adapts the final chapter of the Slam Dunk manga with a lot of heart and visual flair, and benefits greatly from being directed by the manga’s creator, Takehiko Inoue. This film is exactly the satisfying conclusion that dedicated Slam Dunk fans have been waiting for, but it’s also accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. While the animation, which combines 2D and 3D CGI, is a standout feature, the film’s sensitive portrayal of Ryota Miyagi’s grief is also noteworthy. Its impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes speaks for itself; the only reason it hasn’t reached even greater popularity is a lack of wider exposure.

7) Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

The latest addition to this list, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, is a really fun and exciting watch, even though it gets surprisingly emotional towards the end. This first Chainsaw Man movie is a fantastic adaptation of the Reze arc from the manga, perfectly capturing everything from the animation to the complex reasons behind the characters’ actions. Reze is a captivating villain who forces Denji to rethink his perspective, leading to some great character development for him. The action sequences are also excellent, especially when Denji is fighting on Beam. While the movie is skillfully made, with clever use of symbolism and hints about what’s to come, its speed prevents it from being truly exceptional. It also hasn’t had the same level of success as some other films, whether in terms of popularity, awards, or anticipation.

6) Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

As a huge fan of Demon Slayer, I can tell you the animation is absolutely stunning, and Mugen Train really showcased that on the big screen! It’s a gorgeous film, which isn’t surprising considering how great the series already looks. But it’s not just pretty; it really hit me in the feels. They managed to make me care deeply about a brand-new character in just under two hours! What’s amazing is that even though the movie mostly takes place in one location, it feels so much larger in scope. The stakes are incredibly high, and it sets up a lot of what happens next in the story. Mugen Train was a massive hit, breaking box office records and inspiring other studios to make similar films, which alone makes it worthy of recognition. However, if I’m being honest, I think the pacing and how predictable some parts were keep it from being a top five anime film for me.

5) Jujutsu Kaisen 0

I think Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train are equally good, but I’d say Jujutsu Kaisen 0 has slightly better writing and storytelling. I generally prefer the more complex characters and humor in Jujutsu Kaisen, and the prequel movie does a fantastic job of bringing that to life on screen. It also adds depth and new emotional connections to the original story, while making you care about a new main character. The movie’s pace is perfect, and the action scenes are really well done, with great animation and music. It’s not surprising it was so popular, even if it doesn’t quite reach the level of some critically acclaimed films and series finales that had years of buildup.

4) Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

With Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the creators had the challenge of bringing the long-running Evangelion series to a satisfying end. The 2021 film delivers exactly what fans hoped for, successfully wrapping up 26 years of complex storytelling. Many series would struggle with such a task, but this film manages to land perfectly. It effectively shows Shinji’s growth and reinforces why audiences invested in his journey. The film provides a meaningful sense of closure, paying tribute to both the characters and the dedicated fanbase. Visually stunning and widely praised by fans, it’s an impressive achievement even when compared to other critically and commercially successful films.

3) The Boy and the Heron

I’m still completely blown away by The Boy and the Heron – honestly, it’s easily one of the best anime films of the 2020s, and totally deserved its Oscar! Knowing Hayao Miyazaki was behind it, though, I expected nothing less. It’s a really strange, but stunningly beautiful movie that really dives into tough topics like grief and overcoming trauma. We follow Mahito on this incredible, vibrant (and sometimes unsettling) journey to another world, and while the beginning is a little slow, it builds into something truly powerful. It’s all about healing, breaking unhealthy patterns, and even touches on important issues like protecting our environment. While the story and how the world is built aren’t quite as amazing as the animation itself and the big ideas the movie explores, it’s still a masterpiece and one of the best I’ve seen in a while.

2) Suzume

From the director of beloved films like Your Name and Weathering With You, Suzume continues Makoto Shinkai’s tradition of creating beautiful and deeply moving stories. Released in 2022, it’s a strong contender for an Oscar, handling themes of trauma and loss with the same sensitivity as The Boy and the Heron. Suzume is also more fast-paced, immediately drawing you in with its charming main character and her strange discovery of a doorway to another world. The film’s mythology surrounding these doors is cleverly developed, and its major plot twists are both unexpected and emotionally powerful. Suzume skillfully blends humor, heartfelt moments, and thought-provoking themes, all while being a visual masterpiece. In fact, the only anime film from the 2020s that surpasses it in quality is one with a much larger and more widely recognized fanbase.

1) Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is a record-breaking anime movie – currently the highest-grossing of all time – and widely considered one of the best films of the 2020s. It powerfully launches the final arc of the Demon Slayer story, setting up the ultimate battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. From the very beginning, the movie promises an incredible experience, and it consistently delivers. The film effectively captures the high stakes with stunning action, beautiful animation, and meaningful character development. The animation quality is exceptional, and the fact that it builds on years of established story for such a popular series makes it the standout anime film of 2020.

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2025-12-18 05:42