The Best Anime Movies of All Time

What are the best anime movies of all time? Anime has enjoyed continual relevance over the years, especially in the United States. What was once a niche interest like comics has exploded to cultural acceptance. When it comes to standalone films, some stand well above their peers. Today’s guide takes a look at 10 of the absolute best anime movies you’ll ever see.

Akira

This adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark manga is something to behold. For many in the United States, Akira served as their introduction to anime as a medium. With that in mind, no list is complete of the best anime movies of all time is complete without the inclusion of a piece of sci-fi excellence.

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell is a testament to anime as a medium. Hollywood tried a live-action adaptation, and no one talks about it. This sumptuously animated film by Mamoru Oshii is hard to deny. It calls to mind dystopian classics like Blade Runner and Neuromancer. If you’re looking for a mind-bending anime movie, this one is for you.

Ninja Scroll

Japan has the jidaigeki films, those violent and grisly epics dedicated to its period of feudalism. They serve as an interesting equivalent to the Western and sword and sandal films of American film. Ninja Scroll is equal parts grindhouse madness with feudal intrigue. You’re left with one of the best anime movies of all time that is decidedly adult in tone.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Time travel movies can be a hard sell, but hear me out. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time isn’t nearly as heady as something like Primer. What makes it one of the best anime movies of all time is the sheer amount of heart it brings to the fore. This is a film that just feels good to watch.

Summer Wars

Mamoru Hosoda’s The Girl Who Leapt Through Time was going to have a tough time being followed by any subsequent project. Summer Wars lays those fears to rest. You’ve got a tail of political intrigue wrapped in a coming-of-age tale. This combines to make one of the best anime movies you’ll ever see.

Perfect Blue

If I had to pick one anime movie to introduce folks to the genre, Perfect Blue would be my pick. Satoshi Kon is regarded as a wunderkind of a director, and for good reason. Perfect Blue marries the sensibilities seen in something like a Brian De Palma thriller to make one movie you won’t forget long after the credits roll.

Your Name

Currently seated as the highest-grossing anime film of all time, Your Name was a natural fit for this list. You’ve got a little bit of everything with touches of science fiction, romance, and a little comedy in Your Name. Words can’t do this one justice, so go watch it. It is one of the best anime movies you’ll find for good reason.

Weathering With You

You’d think a film about a teenage runaway struggling on the streets would be a harrowing tale. Weathering With You never reaches the same level of emotional turmoil as something like Grave of Fireflies. This is a fun romp with beautiful animation, just soak it in.

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie

I adore Cowboy Bebop, and for fans of the series, the movie is hard to top. Now, there is no shortage of televised series having their big movie. Stalwarts of the genre like Dragon Ball and One Piece are no strangers to films. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie goes above and beyond to deliver what some regard as one of the best anime movies of all time. You don’t even need to be a fan of the series to enjoy it.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Timur1985/Shutterstock.com.