Anime isn’t just about TV series; movies are a huge part of the culture too. These films range from short stories expanding on existing shows to full sequels, conclusions, or completely original creations. Anime movies have been particularly important in helping the art form develop, especially before it became widely popular.
Anime films are a cornerstone of anime culture, and despite some variation in quality, many are considered among the best animated movies ever made. Certain films truly shine, and are essential viewing for any anime fan.
10) Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1
Ufotable’s Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle part 1 kicks off a three-part story arc. The Demon Slayer Corps is in a desperate rush to defeat Muzan within the Infinity Castle, but they face resistance from his strongest remaining followers. This first installment focuses on a deadly battle between Tanjiro, Giyu, and Upper-Rank 3 demon, Akaza.
Even before its release, Infinity Castle generated a huge amount of excitement, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The animation and direction are stunningly beautiful, and the story is deeply moving. The first part has already had a major impact on the anime world, and it’s exciting to think about how the rest of the series will build on that success.
9) One Piece Film: Red
Toei Animation’s One Piece Film: Red is the newest movie in the long-running One Piece series. The film follows Luffy and his crew as they reconnect with Uta, a globally popular singer who also happens to be the daughter of Shanks. However, they quickly discover that Uta’s plans for Luffy’s friends and the rest of the world aren’t what they seem.
I was really blown away by One Piece Film: Red. The animation was easily the best I’ve seen in any One Piece movie, but it wasn’t just visually stunning. The story, especially Uta’s journey, was incredibly moving and well-written – it felt like something you’d see in the main One Piece series. It’s no surprise the film was so popular; it really delivered on all fronts.
8) Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song
Ufotable’s Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song concludes the Heaven’s Feel trilogy. As Sakura merges with the Shadow, the world faces imminent destruction with the rise of Angra Mainyu. Shirou must be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice – even his own life – to save her.
Spring Song features some of the most visually stunning action sequences in the entire Fate series, alongside compelling and emotionally resonant character arcs for Shirou and Sakura. Heaven’s Feel served as the conclusive chapter for Fate/stay night, and Ufotable did a fantastic job adapting it into an animated format.
7) Akira
The anime film Akira, created by TMS Entertainment, is set in a futuristic and troubled Neo-Tokyo. It follows Kaneda and Tetsuo, two biker friends, after a run-in with the military triggers powerful psychic abilities in Tetsuo. He soon struggles to control these powers, and Kaneda must try to stop him while also investigating the story of Akira, a mysterious and legendary psychic.
Akira is a truly exceptional anime film. Its stunning visuals, masterful animation and direction, and faithful adaptation of the original manga make it stand out, even over 30 years later. It’s frequently hailed as one of the best animated movies ever made, and for good reason – it’s easy to understand why.
6) Ghost In The Shell
In the anime Ghost in the Shell from Production I.G, Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team are assigned to track down a cunning hacker called the Puppet Master. During this pursuit, Motoko begins a personal journey to explore her own identity and what it truly means to be human, questioning if she still qualifies as such.
Ghost in the Shell is a landmark anime film, widely considered one of the most important and impactful ever made. Its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and thoughtful story explain its enduring popularity. The film truly lives up to the hype, and with a new anime installment planned for 2026, now is the perfect time to experience this classic.
5) Belle
The animated film Belle, from Studio Chizu, centers around Suzu Naito, a shy high school student who transforms into the popular virtual singer Belle. While performing online in the world of U, Belle becomes fascinated by a mysterious and aggressive player known as Dragon. As she tries to connect with him, both of them may find a path to healing and overcoming their personal struggles.
I’ve always been impressed by Mamoru Hosoda’s ability to tell deeply moving stories, and his film Belle really showcases that talent. It beautifully uses music to explore themes of healing from trauma and discovering your own value. Plus, the visuals are stunning – a gorgeous blend of 2D and 3D animation. Honestly, it feels like his most ambitious and accomplished work yet, a true masterpiece.
4) Spirited Away
In the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away, shy Chihiro Ogino finds herself in a magical world with her parents. When her parents are transformed into pigs and held captive by a witch, Chihiro needs to find her courage and figure out how to rescue them and return home.
Studio Ghibli is widely considered the best animation studio, and Spirited Away perfectly showcases why. The film features charming characters, a deeply moving story, and breathtaking visuals. It remains one of the most cherished animated films, and its popularity hasn’t faded at all in over two decades.
3) Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time
Studio Khara’s Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time concludes the Rebuild of Evangelion series. After Kaworu’s death, Shinji is deeply troubled, but he must find the strength to finally stop the Human Instrumentality Project and resolve his issues with Gendo.
Even though it faced many delays, Thrice Upon a Time was absolutely worth the wait. It beautifully combines breathtaking animation with well-developed characters, leading to a deeply satisfying and emotional conclusion to both the four-movie series and the entire Evangelion saga. Evangelion is a legendary anime franchise, and Thrice Upon a Time provides a fitting and perfect ending.
2) The Disappearance Of Haruhi Suzumiya
In the anime The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, Kyon’s ordinary life is turned upside down when he wakes up to find the SOS Brigade vanished and Haruhi nowhere to be found. He’s left wondering what’s happening and needs to figure it out quickly if he wants to get his old life back.
Not only is The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya one of Kyoto Animation’s most visually stunning films, but it also tells a deeply moving story that perfectly concludes Kyon’s journey. Even though a third season of Haruhi Suzumiya seems unlikely, this movie serves as a fantastic and satisfying ending to the series.
1) Perfect Blue
Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue follows Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol trying to establish herself as a serious actress. This transition leads her down a troubling path filled with self-doubt and difficult choices, pushing her to the brink of sanity. As things escalate, Mima struggles to distinguish between reality and the illusions created by her deteriorating mental state.
Perfect Blue is a truly unique and captivating psychological thriller, widely considered to be director Satoshi Kon’s masterpiece. Its stunning visuals and thought-provoking, unconventional storytelling set it apart, making it a must-watch for any anime enthusiast.
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2025-10-22 22:19