8 Essential Anime Movies Every New Fan Should See

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While TV shows initially popularized anime, recent anime films have become incredibly successful financially. Movies like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, The Boy and the Heron from Studio Ghibli, and Chainsaw Man The Movie: The Reze Arc have both pleased critics and earned a lot of money. With decades of anime to choose from, newcomers can feel lost. Fortunately, we’ve selected eight films that perfectly showcase the best of what anime has to offer.

8.) Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Although Infinity Castle earned more money overall, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is the better movie if you’re a fan of action-packed shonen anime. Mugen Train feels like a more satisfying story than Infinity Castle, and it introduces the exciting character Rengoku, along with some of the series’ best fight scenes. This movie played a huge role in making Demon Slayer so popular, and it’s a great starting point for anyone new to anime.

7.) Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

If you’re new to anime and enjoyed Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, Dragon Ball Super: Broly is another excellent film to check out. While the Dragon Ball series has many movies, this one is considered the best. It uses impressive new animation technology to introduce a powerful new character, Broly, into the Dragon Ball universe, adding a compelling chapter to the stories of Goku and Vegeta. Even if you’ve never seen Dragon Ball before, Broly is easy to follow, offering a helpful overview of the series with a quick recap of Dragon Ball Super. Many fans consider Dragon Ball Super: Broly to be the best installment in the entire Dragon Ball franchise, making it a fantastic starting point for newcomers.

6.) Vampire Hunter D

Where to Watch: Shudder, HIDIVE

Although Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a great film, we chose the original Vampire Hunter D for this list because it perfectly captures the feel of 1980s anime. It’s known for its over-the-top blood, gore, and mature content. This standalone story about Dracula’s son becoming a vampire hunter remains enjoyable and feels like a classic from that era. While it’s not the most intellectually stimulating anime, it’s a lot of fun, and if you’re looking for something violent and action-packed, Vampire Hunter D is definitely worth watching.

5.) Perfect Blue

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Hulu

If you’re looking for a truly unsettling anime experience, check out Perfect Blue, a 1997 masterpiece by director Satoshi Kon. This psychological thriller follows a former pop idol trying to establish herself as a serious actress, and while it could be made as a live-action film, its unique animation style is key to conveying the story’s intense madness. Perfect Blue doesn’t shy away from disturbing themes and features some shockingly violent moments. Whether you’re new to anime or a long-time fan, it’s definitely worth watching.

4.) Akira

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

You’ll find Akira on almost every list of recommended anime movies, and for good reason. Released in 1988, this film is considered a classic and has significantly shaped the anime we enjoy today thanks to its depiction of a dark, futuristic world. Beyond its compelling story and stunning animation, Akira has influenced entertainment for decades. While some of the story’s details might be confusing for first-time viewers, it’s still a worthwhile watch. Fans are still hoping for an update on the sequel that creator Katsuhiro Otomo announced at Anime Expo in 2019.

3.) Spirited Away

Where to Watch: HBO Max

It’s easy to argue that this list could be entirely filled with Studio Ghibli films, and we’d agree! Almost everything from the renowned anime studio – from Princess Mononoke to Grave of the Fireflies and The Boy and the Heron – is worth watching. But if you want just one film to capture the essence of Ghibli, it’s the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away. This 2001 film beautifully combines everyday life with a fantastical world, something only anime can truly achieve, as the main character, Chihiro, tries to save her parents from a spell by working at a magical bathhouse. After seeing Spirited Away, you’ll likely be eager to explore the rest of Studio Ghibli’s work – and discover the magic of anime for yourself.

2.) Your Name

Where to Watch: HBO Max

Makoto Shinkai is a well-known anime director, especially for creating heartwarming and romantic stories. His film Your Name is arguably his most famous, and for good reason. It tells the story of two high school students who mysteriously begin switching bodies, but there’s a deeper, more complex plot involving a disaster and different timelines. Your Name was a breakthrough film for Shinkai, and it’s a great choice for anyone new to anime.

1.) Ghost in The Shell

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Often hailed as a landmark achievement in anime, the original Ghost in the Shell movie significantly raised the bar for the medium after its release in the 1990s. Though the story of Major Kusanagi has continued in various TV series and a live-action film, the first movie is still considered its best. Its stunning animation and intelligent story remain impressive and relevant today. With a new Ghost in the Shell project on the horizon, now is an ideal time to discover why many anime enthusiasts consider the original to be the greatest of all time.

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2026-02-25 00:11