There are tons of incredible animations being created around the globe every year. However, anime is more than just your run-of-the-mill animation, it’s a gateway to worlds where imagination knows no bounds. Whether exploring the mystical forests of ancient Japan or navigating the neon-lit streets of a dystopian future, anime takes viewers on journeys that are as unbelievable as they are deeply human.
As more Otaku, or enthusiasts if you will, discover the magic of anime every day, there are certain films that you simply can’t miss. From Hayao Miyazaki’s legendary works to groundbreaking films that have pushed the boundaries of what animation can do, these films represent the very best of anime storytelling. Each one offers something special and just a bit magical.
1.’Princess Mononoke’ (1997)
A movie so good that even DiCaprio can’t stop raving about it. Meet Ashitaka, a young warrior who’s cursed by a boar demon he killed in self-defense. As he searches for a cure, he gets caught in a battle between forest animals and humans destroying their land. The story has all the fantasy basics: villains, a prince, and a princess raised by wolves—but it’s more than just a fairy tale. It explores environmental issues, showing how human greed and land destruction create a conflict where good and evil blur.
2. ‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
If there’s one anime film that has become synonymous with the genre, it’s Spirited Away. Odd and adventurous, this Academy Award-winning film follows Chihiro who stumbles into a magical world. She navigates this realm to save her parents who were transformed into pigs. Through her journey, she learns about courage, friendship, and resilience. Even when things get intense or sad, Spirited Away keeps a light and uplifting feel throughout.
Just like his previous works, Spirited Away was hand-drawn, but what really sets it apart is how Miyazaki gave Chihiro the mannerisms of a real Japanese girl. He noticed there weren’t any films out there that spoke directly to young Japanese girls. So, he wanted to create a character that young Japanese girls could relate to when things get tough and confusing.
3. ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)
Another masterpiece from Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is a whimsical tale of love, war, and magic. Sophie, a young woman cursed to live as an old woman, seeks to break the curse. She ends up in the company of the mysterious wizard Howl and his moving castle. This film stands out among the best anime films for its enchanting visuals and heartfelt story about peace and kindness.
The castle in Howl’s Moving Castle is a marvel of creativity and design. Miyazaki took the book’s vague idea and turned it into a vivid, living reality. He spent a lot of time perfecting the castle’s look and how it moves, creating a visually stunning feature that really stands out in the film.
4. ‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ (2013)
Inspired by an old Japanese story, this film took eight years to make. Kaguya, a girl found in a bamboo stalk, grows up in luxury after her family gains wealth due to her magical origins. Although she’s pushed into a royal life, she dreams of a simpler, freer existence. The film beautifully captures her struggle to balance her family’s expectations with her own desires.
Echoing traditional Japanese woodblock prints, the film’s animation looks like beautiful watercolor paintings, with scenes flowing smoothly as if you’re turning the pages of a storybook. The soft colors and gentle brushstrokes made everything look dreamy and magical, while the unique character designs gives the film a distinct and memorable appearance.
5. ‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003)
In Tokyo Godfathers, three homeless friends in Tokyo find themselves in a heartwarming Christmas Eve adventure. Hana, a trans woman slash former drag queen, Gin, a middle-aged gambler, and Miyuki, a teenage runaway, stumble upon a baby abandoned in a trash can. Their quest to reunite the baby with her mother mixes humor and warmth with their personal struggles.
6. ‘Akira’ (1988)
Akira is often hailed as the film that introduced anime to the world and it’s easy to see why. You have Kaneda, a rebellious biker gang leader who races against time to save his friend Tetsuo from a disastrous government experiment. With groundbreaking animation, cyberpunk style, and deep narrative, Akira explores the corruption of power and offers a dark, yet genuine emotional depth.
Akira is so legendary that even attempts to remake it have often hit roadblocks. The animation was groundbreaking, with every single frame carefully hand-drawn to create a unique and amazing visual experience. Although hand-drawn animation was common at the time, Akira set the bar so high that it’s been hard for others to match. It’s incredible how a film can be so extraordinary that even the idea of remaking it feels nearly impossible.
7. ‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’ (2006)
Time travel, romance, and coming-of-age themes come together beautifully in The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Makoto, a high school girl suddenly discovers she can leap through time. At first, she uses her new power to fix everyday blunders—like correcting missed opportunities or avoiding awkward moments. But soon she begins to understand that tampering with the past can lead to unforeseen and sometimes heart-wrenching consequences.
Much like Groundhog Day, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time also centers on personal growth. But this film takes it a step further by exploring how even the smallest changes in the past can ripple into the future. It’s a thoughtful, engaging take on how time loops can shape not just the individual, but everything around them.
8. ‘Suzume’ (2023)
In Suzume, a young girl sets off on a magical journey across Japan to seal mysterious doors and protect her world from impending disaster. As she travels, she faces exciting challenges and meets intriguing people who lend a hand in her quest. The film combines fantasy and real life in a visually stunning way, with a story that’s both imaginative and engaging.
The film’s creator, Makoto Shinkai, drew inspiration from real places in Japan to create Suzume. He brought these locations to life with such detail that the magical world in the film feels grounded and connected to the real world. It’s like going on a dreamy adventure that’s rooted in reality, making the experience even more captivating and memorable.
9. ‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)
Think of a groundbreaking female protagonist and a film that influenced everything from The Matrix to today’s sci-fi. That’s Ghost in the Shell for you. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi and her no-nonsense partner Batou as they track down a mysterious hacker who’s been messing with people’s memories and causing chaos. Throughout the film, Motoko questions what it means to be human and if there’s more to her existence than just being a machine.
Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell made such a huge impact that it quickly grew into a franchise, leading to sequels, spin-offs, and even a 2017 Hollywood remake. But no matter how much the franchise has expanded, the original film still stands out as the most iconic. Its influence has only grown over the years, setting a high standard for everything that followed.
10. ‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)
Hollywood’s fascination with Japanese anime has given us some intriguing crossovers. A film that had a big impact on Black Swan is Perfect Blue. This psychological thriller, following the story of Mima, a pop idol who ventures into acting, presents a chilling exploration of fame’s dark side. As Mima tries to switch from being a pop star to an actress, she’s stalked by an obsessive fan. The stress starts to make it hard for her to tell what’s real and what’s just in her head.
In Perfect Blue, Mima’s fight to be taken seriously as an actress after her pop idol career shows just how tough it can be for former child stars to shake off their old image. The intense pressure and scrutiny often lead them to fade away, as they struggle to escape the public’s view of them as children, making it hard to reinvent themselves.
