The Best Anime Film of Every Year of the 2010s, Ranked

Every ten years brings a new wave of popular shows and movies, including anime series, films, and original video animations. Though we’re only halfway through the 2020s, this decade has already given anime fans some fantastic experiences, ranging from blockbuster franchises like Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle to critically acclaimed originals such as The Boy and the Heron and Suzume.

Looking back at the 2010s, it’s clear that anime movies faced strong competition each year. The decade produced so many excellent films that several consistently vied for the title of best of the year. While fans will always have their own favorites, these recent anime movies are already considered some of the best ever released in theaters.

2010: The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Pays Tribute to a 2000s Anime Classic

I remember watching anime in the 2000s, and it felt like everyone knew The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi really became a defining character of that decade, and it felt fitting that The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya came out in 2010, almost like a goodbye to that era. The original series was unique – it felt like a normal, everyday story, but with these strange, supernatural things happening and just a hint of romance thrown in.

While still capturing the energetic feel of Haruhi Suzumiya, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is a more dramatic and emotional film. It allows the characters to show their serious sides and offers a complex story. Though it takes place during Christmas, the movie is ultimately about more than just the holiday—it’s about the characters growing up and the end of a very important anime series.

2011: Hotarubi no Mori e’s Short Yet Impactful Story Is Hard to Forget

Unlike many popular anime films that are big, sweeping adventures, Hotarubi no Mori e is a smaller, more personal story. Despite its short length—less than an hour—it’s considered a classic and one of the best anime movies of its time, beautifully portraying themes of love, loss, and lasting memories.

The film centers on Gin, a spirit who can’t be touched by people, and Hotaru, a human girl who visits him every summer. While the story of Hotarubi no Mori e is straightforward, it’s deeply moving and stays with you long after it ends. With its gentle emotions and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, the movie proves that anime doesn’t need complex plots to be truly great—sincerity is enough.

2012: Wolf Children Is a Gorgeous Celebration of Motherhood

I’ve been following Mamoru Hosoda’s work since the early 2000s, and he consistently creates anime films that are both beautiful and deeply moving. He really focuses on themes like family, growing up, and finding yourself. A lot of people, myself included, consider his 2012 film, Wolf Children, to be one of his best. It’s a really unique take on what it means to be a parent and a child, but it still feels incredibly real and relatable.

Told through the eyes of Hana, a single mother, Wolf Children is a heartwarming story about raising her two unique children, Ame and Yuki, who are half-human and half-werewolf, all while protecting their secret. The film beautifully portrays the joys and challenges of motherhood, blending magical elements with a deeply emotional narrative that explores universal themes. It’s a timeless and masterful work, showcasing the incredible talent of its creator.

2013: The Best Comedy Anime Peaked With Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya

Many consider 2013’s best anime to be Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya, a unique film based on the popular Gintama series. Gintama is famous for its hilarious, often over-the-top comedy, but it also has surprisingly touching moments.

The movie Be Forever Yorozuya takes beloved characters from Gintama on a wild, time-bending adventure, delivering everything fans love about the series – from silly jokes and spot-on parodies to thrilling action and surprisingly emotional moments. Though not part of the original Gintama storyline, this film – written by the series creator – perfectly captures the show’s unique spirit and has become a fan-favorite, which is a rare accomplishment for a movie based on an existing series.

2014: Stand By Me Doraemon Made Every Doraemon Fan Cry

While Doraemon didn’t become popular in the United States, it’s a beloved childhood memory for many people globally. Stand By Me Doraemon, a 2014 film celebrating this classic series, is a special adaptation that updates the story for modern audiences while still capturing the original’s heartwarming spirit.

Stand By Me Doraemon is a great starting point for anyone new to the series, introducing us to Nobita, an ordinary fourth grader, and his encounter with the futuristic robot cat, Doraemon. While it’s enjoyable for kids, the movie especially resonates with those who grew up with Doraemon, offering a surprisingly mature and emotionally touching experience for adult viewers.

2015: Miss Hokusai Is a Criminally Underrated Historical Drama

One of the best anime films of 2015, Miss Hokusai, remains surprisingly unknown – a fact that’s actually quite fitting given the movie’s story. It’s a biographical film about O-Ei, the daughter of the famous artist Hokusai, who spent her life working alongside her father but without receiving the recognition she deserved. What sets Miss Hokusai apart from typical historical films is that it doesn’t try to make the past feel modern or easily accessible; it simply presents a slice of life from that era.

The movie unfolds slowly and tells its story in a fragmented, unconventional way, which likely contributed to it not reaching a wider audience. However, these choices seem deliberate, turning Miss Hokusai into a quietly artistic look at a unique, though unremarkable, life.

2016: A Silent Voice Exemplifies Anime’s Profound Dramatic Depth

2016 was a particularly competitive year for anime movies, largely because two highly praised films – Your Name and A Silent Voice – were released so close together. Although both are considered classics and are of similar quality, A Silent Voice is often seen as slightly more impactful due to its deeper emotional resonance and more substantial themes.

A Silent Voice is a moving story about making amends and finding forgiveness. It focuses on the complex relationship between Shoko, a deaf girl who has faced isolation, and Shoya, the former classmate who bullied her and now wants to make things right. The film is beautifully animated – a hallmark of Studio KyoAni – and its emotional story is sure to touch even the most reserved viewers.

2017: Night Is Short, Walk On Girl Is a Mesmerizing Dream Brought to Life in Animation

Masaaki Yuasa is a truly distinctive animation director. You can spot his work instantly thanks to his unique visual style. Whether he’s creating a dark fantasy like Devilman Crybaby or a sports story like Ping Pong the Animation, Yuasa’s anime is always unusual and incredibly good at showing emotions through dynamic, somewhat raw, animation.

Night Is Short, Walk On Girl perfectly showcases director Masaaki Yuasa’s unique style. The film follows a young woman’s lively night out in Kyoto, as a hesitant admirer tries to finally tell her how he feels. Rather than following a typical story structure, the movie feels like a vibrant, unpredictable dream, proving how creatively free anime can be. It’s a film that’s strangely captivating and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who watches it.

2018: I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’ Meditation on Death Is Hopeful Yet Heartbreaking

The 2018 anime movie I Want to Eat Your Pancreas has a surprisingly sad story, despite its unusual title. Beneath the quirky name lies a touching tale about making the most of life, even when facing difficult situations. The film focuses on the developing friendship between a quiet, unnamed main character and Sakura Yamauchi, a bright and optimistic high school student.

Knowing she’s dying from a serious illness, Sakura decides to focus on living fully and creating as many happy memories as possible. Despite dealing with a sad topic, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a hopeful story that reminds us to appreciate life and find strength even when facing death.

2019: Promare Is an Earnest Throwback to a Bygone Era of Over-the-Top Mecha Action

Hiroyuki Imaishi is a well-known director who first gained attention in the 1990s, when mecha anime was experiencing a resurgence thanks to the popularity of Evangelion. He made his directorial debut with the now-famous Gurren Lagann, and its influence is clearly visible in his later work, the 2019 anime film Promare.

Promare is a wildly enthusiastic and heartfelt tribute to classic mecha anime. It’s packed with cutting-edge action and dynamic direction, and doesn’t bother with logic – it’s driven purely by emotion. Despite this, the film’s infectious energy and optimistic spirit are incredibly captivating, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the experience and simply enjoy the thrilling ride.

2025-10-26 17:42