18 Best Anime Films of All Time, It's a Shame to Miss

Kapanlagi.com - Who doesn't like watching movies? Almost everyone seems to enjoy it. Especially if the movie being watched is a favorite type of film. Among the many types of films, anime or Japanese cartoons are one of the favorites. It is proven that many people are looking for recommendations for the best anime films to be used as entertainment.

Anime films are never short of fans. From children to adults, many people are enthusiastic about anime. This is understandable because anime films have exciting and interesting stories to follow. Moreover, there are several recommendations for the best anime films that have proven their quality. Curious, what are the titles of these anime?

Summarized from various sources, here are some recommendations for the best anime films that must be watched at least once in a lifetime.

1. MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

Poster MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (credit: imdb)

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO became one of the most popular Japanese anime of all time. The cute and adorable character Totoro is also famous worldwide. As a result, even though it was produced in 1998, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is still often included in the list of the best anime films of all time.

This anime, produced by Studio Gibli, tells the story of a family who moves to a remote village. In this family, there are two girls, Satsuki and Mei. One day, Mei meets Totoro, a mysterious but cute and magical creature. The two girls then become friends with Totoro and do various magical things together.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO has a simple yet captivating plot. The audience just needs to sit and marvel at the wonders performed by Totoro, Satsuki, and Mei.

2. SPIRITED AWAY

Second best anime film recommendation still comes from Studio Ghibli's production. The anime is titled SPIRITED AWAY. This anime is also a fantasy genre. It tells the story of a girl named Chihiro who has to adventure to save her parents from a curse. Chihiro's parents are cursed to become pigs because of their greed.

It is not without reason why SPIRITED AWAY deserves to be called one of the best anime films. This anime has won many awards. One of the most prestigious ones, SPIRITED AWAY successfully won the Best Animated Feature category at the Oscars.

3. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

Poster GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (credit: imdb)

If you are looking for the best anime film recommendation with a sad story, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES could be the choice. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES tells the story of children who are victims of World War II in Japan, specifically when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The characters in this anime are named Seita and Setsuko, siblings whose lives are full of hardship due to the war. Seita's days are so difficult because he has to support his younger sister. The struggle of Seita and Setsuko's lives is emotionally draining. The relationship between Seita and Setsuko is also touching and full of poignancy. Viewers will feel pity and sympathy witnessing the struggle of these siblings.

4. YOUR NAME

The next recommendation for the best anime film is titled YOUR NAME. When it was released in 2016, YOUR NAME immediately became one of the most talked-about films. Even until now, YOUR NAME is still a favorite anime film for many people.

YOUR NAME tells the story of a boy named Taki Tachibana and a girl named Mitsuha Miyamizu who are mysteriously connected. One day, Taki and Mitsuha experience a strange event. They suddenly switch bodies. Curious, Taki and Mitsuha try to find each other.

In their efforts, Taki and Mitsuha are confronted with a bigger secret and mystery. Curious about the story of Taki and Mitsuha? Just watch this anime.

5. WEATHERING WITH YOU

Poster WEATHERING WITH YOU (credit: imdb)

WEATHERING WITH YOU is also one of the best anime films that shouldn't be missed. WEATHERING WITH YOU is also directed by the same director who worked on KIMI NO NA WA. This anime tells the story of two characters named Hodaka and Hina.

Hodaka is a worker at a small magazine. Meanwhile, Hina is a girl who seems ordinary but actually has the power to bring out the sun and bring rain. One day they meet. They then use Hina's ability to do things they want. Curious about the continuation of the story? Just watch WEATHERING WITH YOU.

6. 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND

Poster 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND (credit: imdb)

For fans of romantic anime films, 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND is one of the recommended titles. 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND has a romantic and touching story. Viewers who watch it can instantly get carried away with emotions. Not only about love, 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND also presents a story about friendship.

It is told that Toono Takaki and Shinohara Akari are two people who have been in a long-term relationship. One day, they have to separate forcibly because Akari has to move with her parents. Although they live apart, they still communicate through exchanging letters. However, distance and busyness remain significant problems.

Will they be able to maintain their relationship amidst various problems? If you're curious, just watch and follow the story of Toono Takaki and Shinohara Akari in the anime 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND.

7. PERFECT BLUE

Next, the best anime film recommendation is a film titled PERFECT BLUE. This anime has a mature and deep story, so it is not suitable for children. Moreover, this anime contains violent and rape scenes that are definitely not child-friendly. However, for adults, PERFECT BLUE is a must-watch title.

PERFECT BLUE tells the story of a character named Mira Kirigoe. Mira is a member of an idol group who tries her hand at acting. Unfortunately, Mira's career as an actress is considered lacking. Mira, who was once adored as an idol, now receives a lot of criticism and terror.

8. THE WIND RISES

Poster THE WIND RISES (credit: imdb)

THE WIND RISES can also be considered one of the best anime film recommendations ever. THE WIND RISES is an animation produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This anime has an interesting and complex story about disaster, romance, war, and loss.

The anime tells the story of a boy named Jirou who dreams of creating airplanes. Jirou is a determined person. In the end, Jirou succeeds in realizing his dream. However, of course, Jirou's journey to fulfill his dream is not easy. There are many conflicts that occur and shape Jirou's life.

9. SILENT VOICE

If you are looking for the best romantic and heartwarming anime film recommendation, SILENT VOICE could be the answer. This anime has a touching story. SILENT VOICE tells the story of Shouko Nishmiya, a deaf girl who experienced bullying from her classmates, including Shouya Ishida.

Several years later, something big happens to Ishida Shouya. It changes his mischievous and bullying nature into a kind-hearted one. Shouya then decides to find Nishimiya and make amends for his past wrongdoings.

10. MIRAI NO MIRAI

Poster MIRAI NO MIRAI (credit: imdb)

Anime MIRAI NO MIRAI is the next best anime film recommendation. MIRAI NO MIRAI has an exciting and interesting story. The main character in this anime is Kun Oota, a 4-year-old boy. Kun Oota is the beloved child in his family. However, Kun's life starts to change after he has a baby sister named Mirai.

As a result, Kun's parents start to show more love towards Mirai. Feeling sad, Kun decides to go to a park. At that moment, a miraculous event occurs. Kun can meet several people from his past and future in his life, including Mirai as a teenager. Together with teenage Mirai, Kun embarks on an amazing adventure.

11. WORDS BUBBLE UP LIKE SODA POP

WORDS BUBBLE UP LIKE SODA POP is one of the popular anime produced by Netflix. This anime is directed by Kyohei Ishiguro. WORDS BUBBLE UP LIKE SODA POP has a light and refreshing story. It tells the story of a quiet boy named Cherry and a girl named Smile.

Cherry and Smile have different personalities. One day, they experience an incident that causes their phones to be switched. Since then, their relationship develops from friendship to love. However, because they have different personalities, Cherry and Smile have interesting and unique interactions.

12. WOLF CHILDREN

Poster WOLF CHILDREN (credit: imdb)

The last recommendation for the best anime film is WOLF CHILDREN. This anime belongs to the fantasy genre. The story of WOLF CHILDREN begins with Hana, a woman who enters into a relationship with a wolf-man.

Hana then has two children with ears and tails like wolves. Being born as unusual children, Hana's two children struggle to adapt to the world they live in.

Unfortunately, shortly after the birth of their children, the father passes away. Hana is left to raise her two children alone. Yes, this anime has a sad and touching story, as it portrays the determination of a mother in raising her children.

13. PONYO (2008)

Poster PONYO (credit: imdb.com)

Next, the recommendation for the best anime movie is PONYO. This anime film brings comedy and thrilling adventure genres. The story highlights the friendship between Sosuke and Ponyo. It's not an ordinary friendship, as they have different lives.

Ponyo is not a human, but a fish. She aspires to become like a human. With her magical powers, she often changes her form. Their meeting begins when Sosuke finds Ponyo at the beach. Their relationship grows closer. Ponyo and Sosuke also have mutual affection. However, these feelings come with consequences.

14. I WANT EAT YOUR PANCREAS (2018)

Poster I WANT EAT YOUR PANCREAS (credit: imdb.com)

I WANT EAT YOUR PANCREAS is included in the list of recommended anime movies that shouldn't be missed. Especially for fans of romance and family genre anime, I WANT EAT YOUR PANCREAS has an exciting storyline. The story focuses on the character Sakura Yamauchi. She hides her illness from her friends.

However, one day Haruki, Sakura's school friend accidentally finds out about her pancreatic disease. From there, their relationship becomes closer. On the other hand, their feelings grow deeper. However, Sakura's limited time makes Haruki not want her friend to leave.

15. GINTAMA: THE VERY FINAL (2021)

Poster GINTAMA: THE VERY FINAL (credit: imdb.com)

The next recommended best anime movie is GINTAMA: THE VERY FINAL. This movie has an exciting story and serves as the conclusion to Gintoki Sakata's adventures. The synopsis of GINTAMA: THE VERY FINAL tells the story of Gintoki Sakata facing his strongest enemy, Utsuro.

Utsuro's power continues to increase. Apparently, the return of Utsuro threatens those closest to Gintoki. Together with other characters, Gintoki tries to defeat Utsuro. To find out the final outcome of their battle, KLovers can watch Gintoki's journey in GINTAMA: THE VERY FINAL.

16. SPY×FAMILY CODE: WHITE (2023)

Poster SPY×FAMILY CODE: WHITE (credit: imdb.com)

SPY×FAMILY CODE: WHITE enters the list of best action and comedy anime movies. The story of SPY×FAMILY CODE: WHITE focuses on the story of Anya with her family, the Forgers. Initially, Loid is undercover as a spy and is given a special mission. The Forger family then decides to go to Frigis to learn how to cook.

Anya wants to learn how to cook traditional food in order to receive an interesting reward. Unexpected events also occur during their journey. Anya also discovers something that holds a secret that threatens peace. Loid, who is currently working as a spy in the Strix operation, faces his own challenges.

17. BLACK CLOVER: MAHOU TEI NO KEN (2023)

Poster BLACK CLOVER: MAHOU TEI NO KEN (credit: imdb.com)

The next recommended anime movie is BLACK CLOVER: MAHOU TEI NO KEN. This anime is based on the action and adventure genre. The synopsis of BLACK CLOVER: MAHOU TEI NO KEN revolves around the main characters named Yuno and Asta.

Living in a world of magic, Yuno and Asta both aspire to become the Wizard King. However, Asta is unable to use his magical abilities. Nevertheless, Asta always strives to train in order to obtain the power of magic. Along the way, the resurrection of the previous Wizard King becomes a threat, including to the people of the Clover Kingdom.

18. ONE PIECE FILM: RED (2022)

Poster ONE PIECE FILM: RED (credit: imdb.com)

The next recommended anime movie is ONE PIECE FILM: RED. This anime film features the exciting adventures of the main characters of ONE PIECE, namely Luffy and Shanks. The synopsis of ONE PIECE FILM: RED tells the story of Luffy and his crew sailing to Elegia Island.

Their goal is to witness Uta's concert with her beautiful voice. However, they discover the shocking fact that the island is not real. Not to mention, Uta is hiding her true identity. In order to escape, they must defeat the emerging enemy. At that moment, Shanks reappears.

Those are some of the best anime movie recommendations. Enjoy watching!

(kpl/gen/psp)