The Best Anime Movie of Every Year of the 2010s

I watched anime really take off in the 2010s. It felt like a huge decade for the medium, with series like Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia becoming incredibly popular. Anime films were also a big hit. They really drew people in with beautiful animation, powerful stories, and fantastic music, and I think that’s how a lot of new fans started watching.

The 2010s brought us incredible anime films – from the stunning visuals of Makoto Shinkai, the heartwarming stories from Studio Chizu, the emotionally powerful work of KyoAni, and the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli. Here’s a look at some of the best anime movies released each year during that decade.

The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

Studio Ghibli’s The Secret World of Arrietty is a charming and often overlooked film inspired by Mary Norton’s novel, The Borrowers. It tells the story of tiny humans, no bigger than your finger, and follows Arrietty, a young girl who believes she might be one of the last of her kind. Her peaceful life is disrupted when a human spots her family, putting them in danger. Arrietty must then decide whether to flee or trust this new acquaintance, and her decision will determine her future. Like many Ghibli films, The Secret World of Arrietty is a coming-of-age story where the main character learns about herself through exploration and new experiences.

Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light (2011)

Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light is a touching 45-minute story about connection, love, and learning to accept others. It follows Hotaru, a young girl who gets lost and is helped by Gin, a mysterious spirit. Every summer, they spend time together and form a close bond, promising to reunite each year. However, a touch could make Gin disappear forever, keeping them physically apart. Despite its brief runtime, the story is beloved for its emotional depth – it’s both funny and heartwarming, yet also bittersweet and sad.

Wolf Children (2012)

Wolf Children tells the story of Hana, a college student who falls in love with a mysterious man, only to discover he’s a werewolf. Despite the surprise, they build a family and have two children. After a tragic accident takes her husband’s life, Hana moves to the countryside to raise their unique children away from prying eyes. The film is a moving and heartfelt look at motherhood, independence, and the challenges of raising a family. Through Hana’s journey, we see the struggles of a single parent, while her children, Yuki and Ame, grapple with finding their own place in the world and choosing their own destinies.

The Garden of Words (2013)

Akizuki, a student, starts skipping class to draw in a beautiful garden, where he meets a captivating young woman named Yukino. He’s drawn to her and begins seeking her out regularly. As they spend time together, a close bond forms, and they inspire each other, despite a significant age difference. However, reality eventually sets in, and they must confront the truth about their connection. The Garden of Words is a touching story about an unlikely connection, facing personal struggles, and ultimately, learning to accept oneself. Both characters feel isolated and burdened by their own issues, and finding each other offers a temporary escape, though a clear challenge keeps them apart.

When Marnie Was There (2014)

I absolutely adore “When Marnie Was There”! It’s based on a beautiful book, and the story follows Anna, a sweet but troubled girl with asthma who’s sent to the countryside for a change of pace. She’s really withdrawn and lonely because of her health and some family stuff, but then she meets Marnie, this incredibly vibrant and kind girl, and everything starts to shift. They have these amazing, secret adventures together, and a really special friendship blossoms. But the story is so clever – it keeps you guessing what’s real and what isn’t! It’s a really moving film that beautifully explores what it’s like to grow up, deal with difficult past experiences, and ultimately find yourself and learn to accept things. It’s just a gorgeous, emotional journey.

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The Boy and the Beast (2015)

Nine-year-old Ren runs away after his mother dies, finding himself alone and with nowhere to turn. He unexpectedly encounters two strange, beast-like men, and despite his initial fear, he chooses to follow them into their world. One of the men, Kumatetsu, takes Ren under his wing as a student. Though they struggle to get along at first, they gradually learn to understand each other and help each other reach their goals. Through the contrast between humans and beasts, the movie The Boy and the Beast explores the idea that people are more alike than they think. Ultimately, it asks what truly makes a family and how strong bonds can help us grow.

A Silent Voice (2016)

Ishida has worked hard to change his ways, but he’s still burdened by his past actions and believes everyone dislikes him. He attempts to make amends with Nishimiya, whom he used to bully, and they begin to connect, offering a sense of hope. However, a painful reminder of his past mistakes causes him to withdraw once more. ‘A Silent Voice’ is a moving and realistic story about bullying, facing consequences, and personal growth, while also sensitively portraying the challenges faced by those with disabilities. The film excels at creating characters who feel authentic, fragile, and easy to connect with.

Fireworks (2017)

One summer day, Norimichi and his friends got into a debate about whether fireworks look round or flat when viewed from the side. While they were making plans to find out, Nazuna, a quiet and somewhat distant classmate, unexpectedly asked one of them to join her at the summer festival. However, things didn’t go as she hoped, and she ended up going alone.

Norimichi tries to support a woman through a difficult time, but ends up unexpectedly traveling back in time. He repeatedly fails to fix things, sending him further and further away from the present. ‘Fireworks’ is a fantastical romance that explores love in an unusual way. By shifting between different time periods, the film helps the characters understand their emotions and ultimately come to terms with their lives.

I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (2018)

The story centers around a quiet, withdrawn boy who struggles to connect with others. His life changes when he secretly reads the diary of a classmate and learns she’s terminally ill. Despite her condition, she begins to seek him out, wanting to share experiences and fulfill her wishes. As they spend time together, he finds himself growing close to her. ‘I Want To Eat Your Pancreas’ is a touching story about an unlikely connection between two very different people, and it reminds us how precious and fragile life is, how important it is to build relationships, and how deeply love can impact us.

Weathering With You (2019)

Widely praised for its stunning animation, Weathering With You tells the story of Hodaka, a teenage runaway who arrives in Tokyo and finds work at an editorial office. While searching for the mysterious “Sunshine Girl,” he meets Hina, who possesses the power to bring sunshine. They begin fulfilling requests to clear the cloudy skies, unaware that their actions could have serious repercussions.

These 10 films have significantly shaped anime and helped define what it is today. They’ve successfully blended different styles, making anime accessible and appealing to more viewers. What other anime movies from the same period do you particularly enjoy?

2026-04-19 23:10