Whether you are a fan of anime or simply interested in exploring the cinematic world, these movies offer fantastic storytelling and will give you unforgettable experiences, moving you and inspiring you.
5. Perfect Blue
Directed by Satoshi Kon, the movie Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller in which the story follows Mima Kirigoe, a member of the pop idol group Cham. Mima decides to leave her successful music career to pursue an acting one, a decision met with opposition from her fans and group members.
Perfect Blue is gripping and unsettling, exploring the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, identity and celebrity. It’s definitely a must-watch!
4. Akira
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, Akira is set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo. The movie tells the story of a group of motorcycle gang members led by Kaneda, who becomes embroiled in a government conspiracy involving a powerful psychic child named Akira.
This movie perfectly combines action, science fiction, and social commentary by exploring themes such as power, corruption, and scientific experimentation’s dangers. Akira certainly deserves the title of a cult classic!
3. Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no Haka)
Directed by Isao Takahata, Grave of the Fireflies is a war film based on the novel by Akiyuki Nosaka. It follows the siblings Seita and Setsuko, who are trying to survive during the Second World War in Japan.
Grave of the Fireflies can be considered the saddest Japanese movie. It touches on heartbreaking and tragic war themes such as the human costs of war, highlighting the struggles of civilians caught up in the conflict, such as Seita and Setsuko.
2. Spirited Away
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away follows the story of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who gets lots with her parents on their way to their new home. They decide to stop for a while at an abandoned amusement park, but soon find out that the park is actually a gateway to a supernatural world.
This movie has magical and stunning visuals, with an incredible storyline that goes into the depths of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience. Spirited Away deservingly won the Best Animated Feature Oscar in 2001, making it the first foreign language and non-Disney movie to receive the award.
1. Your Name (Kimi no Na Wa)
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, Your Name follows the story of two teenagers, Mitsuha and Taki, who live in completely different parts of Japan. One day, they wake up and find themselves in each other’s bodies. They attempt to unravel the mystery behind their body-swapping, and as they get close to an answer, they get back to their own bodies. As they try to find each other again, they realize that their connection is more than just a simple coincidence.
Your Name explores themes of love, identity, and the power of fate, leading to an emotional and heart-warming ending.
There are so many great anime movies that it’s hard to have just picked five. Maybe we will divide these rankings into parts? What do you think about it? Tells us in the comments which one of these is your favourite anime movie, or if you have one that isn’t listed here, and tell us what characteristics of the movie make it stand out for you!
Check out our other news at LAN. We cover everything anime and game related, always doing our best to bring you the latest news and episode reviews! Today our recommendations are 10 Greatest Anime of All Time, Top 10 Comfort Foods in Anime and Top 10 Anime Couples We All Love.
