The Best Anime Movies to Watch
Anime, a style of animation that originated in Japan, has gained a massive global following over the years. With its unique storytelling, vibrant characters, and breathtaking visuals, it’s no wonder that anime movies have become a favorite among audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or just starting to explore this captivating world, there’s a plethora of anime movies to choose from. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the best anime movies that you should add to your watchlist.
If you love Japanese anime and want to find the best anime movies available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and more, we’ve got you covered. We’ve picked out some of the top anime films you can watch right now.
Top Anime Movies to Watch Today
Anime Movie | Genre | Director(s) | Where to Watch | Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|
AKIRA | Cyberpunk action | Katsuhiro Otomo | Hulu | A post-apocalyptic masterpiece that follows Kaneda and Tetsuo in a futuristic Tokyo filled with psychic abilities and motorcycle gangs. |
THE END OF EVANGELION | Post-apocalyptic sci-fi | Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki | Netflix | The conclusion of Neon Genesis Evangelion, delving into a complex psychological drama amid the threat of enigmatic Angels. |
MEMORIES | Sci-fi anthology | Kōji Morimoto, Tensai Okamura, Katsuhiro Otomo | Prime Video | An anthology of three distinct shorts, with “Magnetic Rose” standing out as a captivating space-based ghost story. |
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM HATHAWAY | Military sci-fi mecha | Shūkō Murase | Netflix | Set 12 years after Char’s Counterattack, it follows Hathaway Noa as he leads a secret organization in a mecha-filled world. |
PROMARE | Fantasy mecha | Hiroyuki Imaishi | Max | A visually stunning anime where firefighters pilot mechs to combat terrorists using spontaneous combustion as a weapon. |
THE REBUILD OF EVANGELION TETRALOGY | Apocalyptic mecha | Hideaki Anno | Prime Video | A tetralogy reimagining Neon Genesis Evangelion, offering a fresh take on the series and its thought-provoking themes. |
SPIRITED AWAY | Fantasy | Hayao Miyazaki | Max | A Studio Ghibli classic about Chihiro’s adventures in a magical world to rescue her parents, filled with enchanting creatures. |
THE DEER KING | Fantasy | Masashi Andō, Masayuki Miyaji | Hulu | Follows warrior Van as he protects a young girl during a supernatural outbreak, exploring themes of survival and family. |
THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL | Romantic comedy | Masaaki Yuasa | Max | A whimsical, late-night bar crawl that blossoms into a heartwarming romantic comedy, showcasing Masaaki Yuasa’s unique style. |
#1. AKIRA
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/akira-1-min-1-1024x576.png)
- Genre: Cyberpunk action
- Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
- Where to watch: Hulu
- Summary: Akira is a groundbreaking anime movie that changed the industry. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo and follows the story of Kaneda, the leader of a motorcycle gang, and his friend-turned-nemesis Tetsuo, who possesses incredible psychic abilities.
#2. THE END OF EVANGELION
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/end-2-min-1024x576.jpg)
- Genre: Post-apocalyptic sci-fi
- Directors: Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki
- Where to watch: Netflix
- Summary: This movie is the conclusion of the iconic anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. It’s a complex and intense psychological drama set in a world threatened by mysterious creatures called Angels.
#3. MEMORIES
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/memories-3-min-1024x538.webp)
- Genre: Sci-fi anthology
- Directors: Kōji Morimoto, Tensai Okamura, Katsuhiro Otomo
- Where to watch: Prime Video
- Summary: Memories is an anthology of three unique anime shorts, each with its own style and story. “Magnetic Rose” is particularly famous for its gripping ghost story set in space.
#4. MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM HATHAWAY
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mobile-4-min-1024x576.jpg)
- Genre: Military sci-fi mecha
- Director: Shūkō Murase
- Where to watch: Netflix
- Summary: This film is part of the Gundam series and follows Hathaway Noa as he leads a secret organization against the Earth Federation. It’s a thrilling mecha anime with a deep story.
#5 PROMARE
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/promare-5-min.jpg)
- Genre: Fantasy mecha
- Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi
- Where to watch: Max
- Summary: From the creators of Gurren Lagann, Promare is an action-packed movie about firefighters piloting mechs. It’s visually stunning and full of surprises.
#6. THE REBUILD OF EVANGELION TETRALOGY
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/rebuild-6-min-1024x480.jpg)
- Genre: Apocalyptic mecha
- Director: Hideaki Anno
- Where to watch: Prime Video
- Summary: This tetralogy of movies is a reimagining of Neon Genesis Evangelion. It offers a fresh perspective on the series and explores its themes in new ways.
#7. SPIRITED AWAY
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/spirited-7-min.jpg)
- Genre: Fantasy
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Where to watch: Max
- Summary: Spirited Away is a beloved Studio Ghibli film about a girl named Chihiro who finds herself in a magical world. It’s a beautifully animated and heartwarming story.
#8. THE DEER KING
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/deer-king-8-min-1024x576.jpg)
- Genre: Fantasy
- Directors: Masashi Andō, Masayuki Miyaji
- Where to watch: Hulu
- Summary: The Deer King is a fantasy drama that follows a warrior named Van as he protects a young girl during a supernatural outbreak. It’s a tale of survival and family.
#9. THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/night-9-min.webp)
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- Director: Masaaki Yuasa
- Where to watch: Max
- Summary: This anime movie is a fun and romantic adventure that takes place during a late-night bar crawl. It’s a great introduction to the unique style of director Masaaki Yuasa.
FAQ’S
Answer: You can find these anime movies on various streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, Max, and more.
Answer: “Akira” is considered significant for its groundbreaking animation, post-apocalyptic setting, and a storyline that had a profound influence on the anime industry.
Answer: No, it’s recommended to watch the series before “The End of Evangelion” as it continues the story and delves into complex themes.
Answer: “Promare” stands out for its stunning visuals, mecha firefighting concept, and the unexpected twists in its plot.
Answer: Yes, “Spirited Away” is featured, offering a beautiful blend of Japanese folklore and a heartwarming coming-of-age story.