Anime movies have become hugely popular in the West recently. For example, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle earned over $134 million in the US in 2025, making it the highest-grossing foreign film ever in North America. While Studio Ghibli films consistently find success, even lesser-known anime movies sometimes attract large audiences. As anime gains more recognition outside of Japan, people are discovering classic films, and 2016 stands out as an especially strong year for anime releases.
If you’re looking to discover some of the best anime movies ever made, this list is a great place to start. These films have stood the test of time and are still popular today. With a variety of genres – from love stories and historical dramas to comedies and realistic character studies – there’s something for everyone. Even if a movie doesn’t immediately appeal to you, it might be worth giving it a try and expanding your tastes!
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In This Corner of the World
In 1944, 18-year-old Suzu lives in a quiet town near Hiroshima and marries Shusaku, a man she knew from her childhood. Their new life together is quickly overshadowed by the war, which brings loss and hardship. When an atomic bomb falls near her home, Suzu is forced to grapple with the immense destruction and the long-lasting pain it causes.
Following its release, In This Corner of the World became a critical and popular success, earning over 60 awards, including Best Film at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Reviewers praised its realistic and understated portrayal of life in wartime Japan, and audiences continue to love its beautiful art, music, and story. Though not based on a single true event, the filmmakers meticulously researched and included many real historical details, even recreating Hiroshima backgrounds from life. While not as intensely graphic as Grave of the Fireflies, it still evokes strong emotions.
A Silent Voice
Directed by Naoko Yamada and created by the renowned Kyoto Animation studio, A Silent Voice centers on Shoko Nishimiya, a new middle school student who is deaf. After being bullied by her classmate, Shoya Ishida, she reacts by lashing out at him, resulting in her transfer to a different school. This incident ruins Shoya’s reputation, and as he enters high school, he’s haunted by the label of bully, leading him to think about suicide. Before he does, he decides to try and apologize to those he’s hurt, including Shoko. As they reconnect, Shoya starts to take responsibility for his actions, and Shoko grapples with the meaning of forgiveness.
With stunning animation, incredible voice performances, and a beautiful soundtrack, A Silent Voice is a deeply personal story about finding yourself. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own past actions and how they’ve treated others. The film shows that even when you feel overwhelmed by regret, it’s always possible to change. Both Shoya’s powerful journey of growth and Shoko’s gentle spirit and ability to forgive make this a truly unforgettable movie.
Doukyusei: Classmates
Doukyusei: Classmates is a story set in an all-boys high school where the studious and reserved Rihito receives choir lessons from his classmate, Hikaru. Their relationship unexpectedly blossoms when Hikaru initiates a kiss, and they begin dating, navigating the challenges and joys of their first love throughout the school year. Rihito continues to prioritize his studies, struggling with anxiety about his performance, while Hikaru focuses on his passion for music. The anime film adaptation has been praised by critics for its beautiful watercolor animation style and well-developed characters.
Over the last ten years, anime focusing on romantic relationships between boys, often called “boys’ love,” has become much more popular and accepted. As society has become more open to same-sex relationships, these stories are now being told in new and interesting ways. The film Classmates stands out because it realistically portrays the experience of young gay men without relying on clichés or focusing on superficial aspects of their relationship. If you’re looking for a genuine romance, this film is a must-see, and fans wanting more of the story can find it in the original manga series by Asumiko Nakamura.
One Piece Film: Gold
The thirteenth One Piece movie takes the Straw Hat Pirates to Gran Tesoro, a massive ship that’s like a floating Las Vegas. Though they initially receive VIP treatment from the city’s ruler, Gild Tesoro, things quickly turn sour. The crew starts losing money rapidly, leading to brawls and urgent debts. It’s no surprise that One Piece Film: Gold premiered at the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, a fitting location given the film’s theme of wealth.
If you’re a fan of One Piece, you’ve probably already seen this fun and exciting movie! But even if you haven’t watched all 1,000+ episodes of the anime, it’s still worth checking out. It’s full of moments fans will love and features some really impressive animation. While it might not be everyone’s favorite One Piece film, the creator, Eiichiro Oda, has announced that another movie is already being planned!
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions
Despite a satisfying conclusion to the original Yu-Gi-Oh series, creator Kazuki Takahashi revisited the story with The Dark Side of Dimensions, set six months later. The film centers on Seto Kaiba, who isn’t ready to let go of his rivalry with Atem and seeks out the Millennium Puzzle for one final duel. However, he encounters opposition from a mysterious man named Diva. After a series of strange events involving travel between dimensions and sacrifice, the duel finally begins, but it doesn’t unfold as Kaiba expected.
Although some questioned whether the movie was needed after the anime ended, it’s gained a lot of appreciation over the past ten years for its stunning animation and intricate story. Fans of the series, especially those who enjoy the character Kaiba and his passion for Duel Monsters, will definitely want to watch The Dark Side of Dimensions.
Your Name.
In 2016, Makoto Shinkai’s film, Your Name, captivated audiences worldwide with its beautiful animation, memorable music, and touching story. The film centers on Mitsuha, a teenage girl living in the countryside who wishes she could be a boy in Tokyo. Surprisingly, her wish starts coming true – she begins to randomly switch bodies with Taki, a boy living in Tokyo. They learn to communicate and coordinate while sharing each other’s lives, establishing rules to cope with the unusual situation. However, the body-swapping abruptly stops, and the two desperately try to reconnect, a task that proves more difficult than they imagined.
Your Name is a film that effortlessly shifts between deeply emotional moments and lighthearted comedy, and its unique rhythm and emotional impact have cemented its place as a classic anime movie. While Shinkai’s later films, Weathering with You and Suzume, were also very popular, many fans still consider Your Name to be his best work. He’s currently working on a new project, but details are still unknown.
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2026-02-04 00:06