7 Best Anime Movies You Need to Watch

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Anime films are renowned for presenting deep, thought-provoking concepts, unlike series that can take their time to establish characters and plots. Instead, these movies need to pack all elements, including setting creation, character development, and emotional intensity, within a limited time frame of just a few hours. This constraint has often resulted in some of the most meticulously crafted and indelible stories ever seen in anime.

Here are seven films that have made a significant impact on cinema and are still popular discussions long after they first hit the screens.

7. Ghost In The Shell

A Cybernetic Dive into the Meaning of Existence

1995 saw the launch of Ghost in the Shell by Production I.G, a groundbreaking cyberpunk work that reshaped its category. Under the guidance of Mamoru Oshii and inspired by Masamune Shirow’s manga, this movie delves into topics like selfhood, awareness, and human essence as we grapple with an age where it becomes increasingly challenging to distinguish man from machine.

In a future Japan, the narrative unfolds around Major Motoko Kusanagi, an advanced cyborg belonging to Section 9, an elite unit handling cyberterrorism for the government. Her current mission involves confronting the enigmatic “Puppet Master,” an uncontrolled AI that can invade individuals’ cybernetic minds. As she probes further, she starts doubting whether she harbors a soul or if she is merely composed of artificial components and pre-programmed ideas.

Not only does this movie delve deeply into philosophy, but it’s also a stunning technical achievement. By combining classic hand-drawn artistry with pioneering computer-generated imagery, its unique visual style remains captivating even after many years.

6. I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

A Story That Lives on in the Heart

Despite its peculiar title, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018) stands as one of the most emotionally potent anime films ever produced. Guided by Shinichiro Ushijima’s direction and Studio VOLN’s production, this film is an adaptation of Yoru Sumino’s novel and follows a heartwarming friendship that lingers long after it ends.

In the heart of my favorite tale, I find myself immersed in the life of a quiet high school student who stumbles upon Sakura Yamauchi’s diary – a radiant spirit battling a relentless terminal pancreatic illness. Unlike those around her, I don’t judge or treat her differently because of her condition; rather, I’m captivated by her resilience and zest for life. She invites me into her world, determined to make every moment count during her remaining days, inspiring me in ways words can hardly express.

Contrary to numerous tear-jerking romance movies, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas isn’t focused on despair; rather, it emphasizes the significance of appreciating the moments we share. Unlike other films that heavily rely on melodrama, this movie constructs a genuine bond between its characters, making the poignant finale even more moving.

5. The Garden of Words

A Story Told Through Rain and Silence

As a gamer putting words into Makoto Shinkai’s shoes, I’d say: Man, my works are known for their jaw-dropping visuals, but The Garden of Words (2013) takes the cake as the most visually captivating piece. This masterpiece, brought to life by CoMix Wave Films, uses photorealistic backdrops and intricate lighting to weave an atmosphere that’s so lifelike, you could almost reach out and touch it.

The narrative focuses on Takao, a teenager who attends high school but often avoids classes to draw shoes in the park instead. One gloomy morning, he encounters a woman named Yukari, who seems enigmatic. Despite their difference in age, they establish an unspoken connection, coming together solely on rainy days and providing comfort for one another during these encounters.

In contrast to Shinkai’s larger-than-life romantic tales, The Garden of Words shines through its understated beauty. Unlike the usual dramatic declarations and grandiose actions, it’s about two individuals finding a unique connection in ways they can hardly explain themselves. For me, it’s a testament to the quieter, more intimate moments that often define our most meaningful relationships.

4. 5 Centimeter per second

A Love Story Measured by Distance

Prior to becoming widely recognized by his name, Makoto Shinkai had already directed the film “5 Centimeters Per Second” (released in 2007). This movie delves into how time and distance impact human connections.

Makoto Shinkai was not yet a household name before he directed “5 Centimeters Per Second,” which came out in 2007. This film examines the influence of time and space on personal relationships.

The narrative is divided into three linked parts, tracing the journey of Takaki and Akari, once inseparable companions. As fate unfolds, they find themselves growing apart due to external factors. Regardless of their attempts to maintain contact, life seems determined to drive them further apart, causing them to ponder if destiny itself might have kept them apart.

In Shinkai’s unique artistic presentation, intricate backdrops and a vibrant color scheme mirroring the changing seasons are prominently featured. The movie’s title symbolizes the gentle pace at which cherry blossom petals float down, representing how connections can gradually fade or dissolve over time.

3. Your Name

A Thread of Fate That Defies Time

Back in 2016, I stumbled upon a game-changing anime film titled Your Name. This movie broke all box office records, holding the title as the highest-grossing anime globally at the time. Directed by the genius Makoto Shinkai and produced by CoMix Wave Films, it was a magical blend of romance, fantasy, and time travel that left me spellbound. The cinematic journey it offered continued to resonate within me long after I watched the end credits.

The narrative revolves around Mitsuha and Taki, two teenagers who lead unrelated lives, until suddenly they experience a strange occurrence where they start exchanging bodies. Baffled yet captivated, they figure out how to manage the other’s daily activities, communicating through hidden notes. As their connection deepens, an unforeseen disclosure compels them to hurry and locate one another before it’s too late.

2. A Silent Voice

Words Left Unspoken, Wounds Left Unhealed

Anime films seldom delve into the theme of bullying with such emotional intensity as A Silent Voice (2016). Directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation, this film is a poignant adaptation of Yoshitoki Ōima’s manga, offering a heartfelt exploration of guilt, redemption, and self-acceptance.

The narrative primarily revolves around Shoya Ishida, a student who cruelly tormented his classmate Shoko Nishimiya, who is deaf, during their elementary school years. As time passes and he’s consumed by guilt and solitude, Shoya endeavors to correct his past mistakes. However, atonement is seldom straightforward, more so when the scars of the past remain unhealed and festering.

1. Grave Of The Fireflies

A Tragedy Written in the Glow of Fireflies

Studio Ghibli typically delivers magical worlds and enchanting journeys, however, Grave of the Fireflies (1988) stands out as a unique masterpiece. This poignant war drama was directed by Isao Takahata and it offers an emotionally gripping depiction of human suffering during conflict, focusing on the heartrending tale of two orphaned siblings.

The movie is set in Japan during the waning days of World War II and revolves around siblings Seita and Setsuko, who are left to fend for themselves after their home and family are devastated by an air raid. With no support system and a society indifferent to their plight, they lean on each other as their only source of strength. Amidst their grim reality, they manage to find brief instances of happiness, such as catching fireflies, sharing scavenged food, and envisioning a future that remains elusive.

Instead of the typical war movies featuring large-scale conflicts and triumphant outcomes, Grave of the Fireflies offers an emotionally moving portrayal. It illustrates the devastating impact of war on more than just countries; it shatters the lives of the blameless individuals who find themselves in its path.

This film promises to touch your heart deeply, as it vividly portrays the hardships and sorrow experienced by young characters.

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2025-04-01 20:11