Top 30 Anime Movies of All Time: The Ultimate Must-Watch List

There’s something undeniably powerful about anime films. With their stunning visuals, imaginative storytelling, and emotional depth, they offer a cinematic experience like no other. From quiet slice-of-life dramas to sweeping sci-fi epics, anime has carved out a distinct and influential place in global cinema.

So much so that it’s no surprise that fans (otaku) around the world are increasingly drawn to the broader world of Japanese culture, with many even making the journey to Japan (which is experiencing a boom like never before) to eat Japanese food and see the real-life inspirations behind their favorite films.

This list brings together what we consider the very best anime movies of all time, based on reviews, fan favorites, and, of course, our own picks. Let’s jump into the countdown, starting at number 30!

30. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

Number 30 is no slouch! Just making this list is an honor. Set in a distant future where vampires and humans coexist, this gothic action thriller follows the half-vampire hunter D as he tracks a nobleman who has abducted a young woman.

Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri crafts a visually striking world that blends horror, science fiction, and some Western genres. The film's detailed animation and mature themes showcase the versatility of anime as a medium for adult-oriented storytelling.

29. Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017)

This surreal comedy follows a college student known only as "The Girl with Black Hair" during a night of drinking and adventures in Kyoto.

Director Masaaki Yuasa brings his signature fluid animation style to this adaptation of Tomihiko Morimi's novel. The film plays with reality and fantasy, creating a playful exploration of youth and coincidence that unfolds like a modern-day fairy tale.

28. The Garden of Words (2013)

Makoto Shinkai's short film depicts the connection between a 15-year-old student (Takao Akizuki) and a mysterious older woman (27-year old shoemaker Yukari Yukino) who meet during rainy days in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen.

Like the garden itself in real life (which we highly recommend seeing when in Japan), this fantasy is nothing short of a visual feast. The hyperrealistic animation of rainfall and natural environments creates a backdrop for this story about finding comfort in unexpected relationships.

At just 46 minutes, the film proves that powerful storytelling doesn't require an extended runtime.

27. Millennium Actress (2001)

Satoshi Kon's love letter to Japanese cinema follows a documentary crew interviewing a reclusive former movie star. As she recounts her life, the boundaries between memory, movies, and reality blur together. The film manages to transcend different film genres and historical periods, creating a journey through a woman's life and Japanese cinema history.

Its innovative narrative approach shows Director Kon's genius for psychological storytelling. This anime is said to be loosely based on the non-fictional lives of actors Setsuko Hara and Hideko Takamine.

26. The End of Evangelion (1997)

This theatrical conclusion to the groundbreaking series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" is perhaps as divisive as it is influential. This time, Shinji and Asuka return to the real world but are in for some surprises.

Director Hideaki Anno created a philosophical apocalypse that grapples with depression, human connection, and existential purpose. Its abstract imagery and psychological focus have influenced countless anime productions since its release, making it essential on the list for understanding modern anime's evolution.

25. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

Ghibli fans, this is a must-see! Hayao Miyazaki's directorial debut follows master thief Lupin the Third as he investigates counterfeit money and discovers a princess in need of rescue. This action-adventure film combines comedy, thrilling heists and romance into a well paced adventure.

The film showcases many elements that would later become Miyazaki trademarks: strong female characters, detailed European-inspired settings, and themes of freedom versus authority.

24. 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)

Another Makoto Shinkai masterpiece, this anime modern-day classic explores how time and distance affect relationships through three interconnected stories about a boy named Takaki.

The title refers to the speed at which cherry blossoms fall, symbolizing the slow but inevitable way people drift apart. Particularly poignant as we’re publishing this article right during the cherry blossom season in Japan, simultaneously admiring and appreciating those sakura but also a bit melancholy knowing they’re only around for a fleetingly short time.

This film’s realistic portrayal of how relationships evolve and fade has resonated with viewers worldwide.

23. Summer Wars (2009)

Director Mamoru Hosoda blends virtual reality action with family drama in this anime about a high school math prodigy who becomes involved in an AI crisis while visiting his crush's family. Prescient, perhaps? That was back in 2009, after all, and now the world seems to be swept up in the AI revolution.

The contrast between the traditional family gathering in rural Japan and the digital crisis in the virtual world of "OZ" creates a compelling narrative about community and responsibility in the digital age. On point, absolutely.

22. The Boy and the Beast (2015)

Another Mamoru Hosoda anime hit, this fantasy adventure follows an orphaned boy who stumbles into a world of beast-men and becomes the disciple of a gruff warrior.

The Boy & The Beast explores themes of belonging, identity, and the meaning of family through vivid action sequences and emotional character development. Hosoda's ability to blend fantastical elements with genuine human emotion makes this a standout coming-of-age story.

21. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

This sci-fi romance anime follows a high school girl who discovers she can leap backward in time. Ubiquitous director Mamoru Hosoda uses this premise to explore how small choices shape our relationships and futures.

This timeless (sorry, couldn’t resist) blend of teenage drama, comedy, and time-travel consequences creates an accessible entry point for newcomers to anime – and yet provides depth for experienced anime fans. Something for everyone.

20. Belle (2021)

One of the most recent entries on this list, Mamoru Hosoda's Belle," reimagines "Beauty and the Beast" in a virtual world where a shy teenager becomes a globally famous singer online. The film explores how digital personas can both mask and reveal our true selves.

This anime also features that visual contrast between rural Japan and the virtual world (as others do, but masterfully), creating a modern fairy tale about connection in an age where human bonds can seem hard to come by.

19. Wolf Children (2012)

Mamoru Hosoda's heartfelt anime drama follows a woman raising two children who can transform into wolves, hidden from society. This unconventional family story explores parenthood, identity, and finding one's path and, if we dare say, does so with remarkable sensitivity.

Director Hosoda’s detailed portrayals of rural life and the challenges of single motherhood ground Wolf Children's fantastical elements in genuine emotion.

18. Castle in the Sky (1986)

Miyazaki's adventure about two children searching for a legendary floating city combines steampunk aesthetics with environmental themes. Castle in the Sky established many Studio Ghibli hallmarks: flying machines, environmental messages, and a fascination with how technology and nature coexist.

This anime classic’s thrilling action sequences and memorable characters make it a timeless adventure for all ages.

17. Redline (2009)

Seven years in the making, this racing film is a triumph of hand-drawn animation with its hyper-kinetic style and big, bold colors. The story follows daredevil driver "Sweet JP" as he competes in the galaxy's most dangerous race.

Director Takeshi Koike created arguably the most visually striking racing film ever made, with each frame bursting with energy and detail. It’s almost like F1 and fantasy meet in this anime that racing fans won’t want to miss.

16. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata's final film adapts a classic Japanese folktale about a mysterious girl found inside a bamboo stalk. Its distinctive watercolor aesthetic and flowing anime style create a dreamlike quality. We might even go so far as to say that The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a meditation on life's fleeting beauty.

The film's artistic approach stands apart from typical anime, showcasing this popular medium's potential for diverse visual expression.

15. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

Satoshi Kon's Christmas story follows three homeless people who discover an abandoned baby during the holiday season. This urban fairy tale combines comedy, drama, and coincidence in what ends up being a heartwarming exploration of newfound family.

Tokyo Godfathers’ realistic portrayal of homelessness and Tokyo's overlooked spaces add depth to its message about compassion and connection. Tokyo (let alone Japan) isn’t all neon and glitz, and this anime hit reminds us of that.

When you’re visiting Japan, maybe you’ll want to veer off the beaten path a bit and explore some of the grittier side, thanks to this anime’s thought-provoking content.

14. A Silent Voice (2016)

This powerful anime drama explores bullying, disability, and redemption through the story of a boy seeking forgiveness from the deaf girl he tormented in elementary school.

Director Naoko Yamada (one of the more prominent female directors on the anime scene, and hopefully we’ll be seeing more women rise to the top!) uses distinctive visual techniques in a bold portrayal of social anxiety and isolation.

The film's brave look at difficult subjects has made it particularly resonant with younger viewers who may be navigating similar challenges. If you know someone going through something along these lines, A Silent Voice may help that person’s voice not be silent!

13. Paprika (2006)

Satoshi Kon's final film (before his untimely death) is a psychedelic journey into the dream world. Paprika’s story follows a therapist who uses experimental technology to enter patients' dreams but must stop a terrorist who steals the device.

The boundary-breaking visuals and exploration of the subconscious have influenced films like "Inception" and demonstrated anime's unique ability to visualize surreal concepts.

If you’re new to anime or want to show anime to someone else who’s new, Paprika is a can’t-go-wrong anime entry.

12. Weathering With You (2019)

Makoto Shinkai's follow-up to "Your Name" tells the story of a runaway teenager who meets a girl who can control the weather in a perpetually rain-soaked Tokyo (don’t worry, so long as you visit outside of rainy season from early June to mid July, you shouldn't have to endure these conditions).

Talk about nice skills to have! Weathering with You combines Director Shinkai's signature visual style with environmental themes relevant to climate change. Its exploration of sacrifice and choosing love over societal expectations have resonated with audiences in Japan and worldwide.

11. The Wind Rises (2013)

Hayao Miyazaki's historical drama about aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi represents a departure from his fantasy works. This fictionalized biography explores the tension between artistic creation and how inventions can be repurposed for destruction.

The film's mature themes and meticulous attention to historical detail showcase Miyazaki's range as a filmmaker. While not a “classic” anime in the strict sense, The Wind Rises is pretty much required for fans of Ghibli & Miyazaki.

10. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

This post-apocalyptic adventure about a princess trying to prevent war set the stage for Studio Ghibli's formation. Miyazaki's environmental fable combines thrilling action with nuanced messaging about humanity's relationship with nature.

This film’s influence extends beyond anime, impacting environmental storytelling across global cinema. It might not be in everyone’s Top 10 anime of all time, but, really, it should be!

9. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Miyazaki's adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones's novel follows a young woman cursed with old age who finds refuge in a magical moving castle. The film's anti-war message and themes of aging, identity, and love are showcased in some of Studio Ghibli's most imaginative visuals.

The castle itself, a dynamo of metal and magic, remains one of anime’s (and dare we cinema's in general) most memorable settings.

8. Perfect Blue (1997)

Satoshi Kon's psych-thriller about a pop idol facing a stalker (and an identity crisis to boot!) was revolutionary in its mature approach to anime storytelling. Perfect Blue deliberately blurs reality and delusion, resulting in a disorienting experience that mirrors its protagonist's mental state.

This bold look at the entertainment industry’s pressures and parasocial relationships remains relevant decades later.

7. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk classic about a cyborg security officer questioning her humanity. It has influenced global science fiction, including The Matrix. Director Mamoru Oshii combines philosophical questioning about consciousness with groundbreaking animation techniques.

This anime classic’s exploration of identity in an increasingly digital world has only grown more relevant with technological advancement and the AI revolution.

6. Your Name (2016)

You were waiting for this one, weren’t you?! Makoto Shinkai's body-swap romance between rural and urban teenagers became a global phenomenon. In fact, it held the title of the highest-grossing anime film worldwide for a number of years. Your Name combines amazing visuals, time manipulation, and Japanese spirituality into a love story that transcends the space-time continuum.

The commercial success of this anime blockbuster introduced countless viewers worldwide to anime's storytelling potential. What could be better?

5. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

This gentle tale about two sisters who discover forest spirits near their new rural home established Miyazaki's international reputation. The film's celebration of childhood imagination and nature has made the character Totoro an iconic figure in global popular culture. The lack of antagonists and the focus on everyday magic created a new template for family-friendly anime.

Wouldn’t you like to have a My Neighbor Totoro lunch box? Of course! And we can hook you up. Or is a nice Japanese-style My Neighbor Totoro miso/rice bowl is more your thing, we’ve got you covered. Totoro fans, you know who you are. We are, too!

4. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Hayao Miyazaki's epic fantasy about the conflict between forest gods and human industrialization pushes the boundaries of anime storytelling. The film's complex moral landscape, where no character is purely good or evil (like life itself), yields a nuanced environmental message.

Princess Mononoke’s detailed animation of natural environments and mythological creatures showcases classic anime at its finest.

3. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Isao Takahata's devastating war drama follows two orphaned siblings struggling to survive in Japan during the final months of World War II. Often cited as one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made – anywhere – this anime film’s portrayal of human suffering transcends cultural boundaries.

Grave of the Fireflies demonstrates anime’s unique ability to address historical trauma with both beauty and honesty simultaneously. If you haven’t seen this one, make a streaming rush for it ASAP!

2. Akira (1988)

Katsuhiro Otomo's cyberpunk masterpiece about teenage bikers, government experiments, and psychic powers in Neo-Tokyo revolutionized animation worldwide. Its fluid motion, detailed cityscapes, and adult themes showed international audiences that anime could tackle complex social issues.

The film's influence extends beyond anime to global science fiction, fashion & music.

1. Spirited Away (2001)

Of course. Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy about a girl working in a bathhouse for spirits to save her parents remains the only non-English language animated film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its imaginative world-building, coming-of-age narrative, and beautiful hand-drawn animation represent Japanese anime at its most accomplished levels.

Spirited Away’s universal themes of courage, identity, and environmental consciousness continue to captivate new generations of viewers worldwide.

What’s On Your Top Anime List?

The top anime films listed here represent some of the most iconic and influential works in Japanese cinema, but of course, they're not the only best ones out there.

Each film offers a unique glimpse into the depth and diversity of anime storytelling, perfect for a cozy night in or a full-on binge session. And while you’re watching, what better way to enjoy the experience than with authentic Japanese snacks? Grab a snack box filled with everything from sweet goodies to savory bites, delivered right to your door!

We’ve shared our favorites, now it’s your turn! Which anime films would make your top 5 list?