The 16 Best Anime Movies of All Time (Ranked)

Embark on a cinematic journey through the imaginative realms of animation with our definitive guide to the 16 Best Anime Movies of All Time. From the heart-wrenching tales of love and loss to the adrenaline-pumping action that has captivated audiences worldwide, anime movies offer a unique escape into worlds where anything is possible.

In this article, we’ve meticulously ranked the most iconic and influential anime films that have not only shaped the genre but have also transcended cultural barriers to become global phenomena. Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or a curious newcomer, prepare to be enthralled by the artistry and storytelling prowess that these masterpieces exhibit.

Dive into our curated selection and discover why these films have earned their place in the pantheon of anime greatness.

16. Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke, a captivating anime movie by Hayao Miyazaki, whisks you away to a stunning world where nature clashes with human ambition. Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a vengeful spirit, ventures westward in search of a cure. He stumbles into a brutal conflict between Lady Eboshi's iron town, which thrives by exploiting the forest's resources, and the forest gods, led by the fierce Princess Mononoke, a young woman raised by wolves. Ashitaka, caught between two sides, fights for a balance where humanity and nature can coexist.

15. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a classic anime movie set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by toxic jungles and giant insects. Princess Nausicaä, a brave and compassionate ruler, fights to protect her peaceful Valley of the Wind from both the encroaching toxic jungle and warring nations who see the giant insects as a threat to be eradicated.  This beautifully animated film explores themes of environmentalism, pacifism, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature.

14. From Up on Poppy Hill

From Up on Poppy Hill, a Studio Ghibli movie, is an anime that takes you to Yokohama, Japan in 1963. The story follows Umi, a strong-willed high school girl, who alongside Shun, a fellow student, fights to save their school's clubhouse from demolition. As they work together, a romance blossoms between them. But a shocking discovery about their families throws a wrench into their relationship. This coming-of-age story explores themes of love, loss, and post-war Japan, all wrapped in the beauty of Ghibli's signature animation style.

13. My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro, a beloved anime movie by Studio Ghibli, whisks you away to rural Japan alongside two sisters, Satsuki and Mei.  Following their move to be closer to their hospitalized mother, the girls explore their new country home and discover a world of friendly forest spirits.  Among them is the giant, cuddly Totoro, who becomes their companion on whimsical adventures.  This heartwarming coming-of-age story celebrates the power of imagination and the beauty of nature, all wrapped up in the magic of anime.

12. Paprika

Paprika is a mind-bending anime movie from 2006 directed by the visionary Satoshi Kon.  It dives into the world of dreams, where a revolutionary device allows therapists to enter patients' dreamscapes. When the device is stolen, chaos erupts as the thief uses it to manipulate people's minds.  The lines between dream and reality blur, forcing a determined therapist codenamed Paprika to confront the dream thief and restore order.  Paprika is a visually stunning film, praised for its exploration of consciousness, identity, and the power of dreams.

11. Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue, a 1997 anime psychological horror movie directed by Satoshi Kon, dives into the fractured reality of Mima, a pop idol yearning to become a serious actress. As she sheds her cute singer persona, the lines between her desired acting career and unsettling real life begin to blur.  Mima grapples with a stalker, a mysterious online presence mirroring her desires, and graphic violence that forces her to question her own sanity. This mind-bending film explores identity, obsession, and the dark side of fame in the entertainment industry.

10. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a science fiction anime movie about a high school girl named Makoto who stumbles upon the ability to travel back in time. Initially thrilled, she uses her power for frivolous gains like fixing bad test scores. However, Makoto soon learns that altering the past has unintended consequences, affecting the lives of those around her. As the time leaps become limited, she must face the true value of time and the importance of living in the present moment.

9. The Garden of Words

The Garden of Words, a 2013 anime movie by Makoto Shinkai, tells the story of Takao, a high school student with a passion for shoe design, who skips class on rainy mornings to find solace in a beautiful Japanese garden. There, he meets Yukino, a mysterious older woman who seems equally adrift. An unusual friendship blossoms between them as they share stolen moments in the garden, their bond deepening with each rainy encounter. However, as the rainy season ends, they grapple with the impermanence of their connection and the unspoken feelings that linger.

8. Hotarubi no Mori e

Hotarubi no Mori e, also known as Into the Forest of Firefly Lights, is a supernatural romance anime. It tells the story of a young girl named Hotaru who befriends a masked spirit named Gin in a magical forest. Their friendship blossoms over the summers Hotaru visits her relatives, but a bittersweet truth hangs over them. Gin, a being formed from the forest itself, will disappear if touched by a human. This emotional tale explores the fleeting nature of connection and the sacrifices love may require.

7. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, despite the unsettling title, is an emotional coming-of-age anime. It follows a withdrawn bookworm who befriends a popular classmate, Sakura. Sakura entrusts him with a shocking secret: she has a terminal pancreatic illness. As they spend time together, fulfilling Sakura's wish list for her remaining time, the withdrawn boy opens up to life and confronts the meaning of friendship and love in the face of mortality.

6. A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice is an movie that explores themes of bullying, guilt, and redemption. It follows Shoya Ishida, a young man grappling with the regret of having bullied a deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, in elementary school. The film portrays the devastating impact of his actions, leading to Shoko transferring schools. Years later, a remorseful Shoya seeks out Shoko, determined to atone for his past cruelty. A Silent Voice tackles difficult subjects with beautiful animation and a nuanced story, making it a captivating and emotional watch.

5. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is an anime film that explores a blossoming romance between two unlikely characters. Tsuneo, a college student passionate about marine biology, meets Josee, a young woman confined to a wheelchair who yearns for a life beyond her home. Their chance encounter leads Tsuneo to become Josee's caretaker, and as their world expands together, they challenge each other's perspectives and chase their individual dreams. This heartwarming story blends humor, drama, and a touch of fantasy to depict the beauty of connection and the courage it takes to embrace new experiences.

4. Grave Of The Fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies, a 1988 Studio Ghibli film, is a heart-wrenching anime war drama. It follows Seita and Setsuko, orphaned siblings in Kobe, Japan during the final months of World War II. With their mother gone and a strained relationship with their relatives, they struggle to find food and shelter. The film depicts the devastating effects of war on innocent civilians, particularly the vulnerability of children. Though beautifully animated, Grave of the Fireflies is known for its emotional weight and unflinching portrayal of hardship.

3. Weathering With You

In the film Weathering With You, a runaway teen named Hodaka finds himself lost and broke in a Tokyo drenched by endless rain. His luck changes when he meets Hina, a girl with a surprising ability: she can manipulate the weather. Together, they start a business offering sunshine on demand to Tokyo's rain-weary residents. But Hodaka soon discovers Hina's power comes at a hidden cost, forcing them to make a difficult choice between their own desires and the fate of the city.

2. Spirited Away

In the fantastical world of Spirited Away, a stubborn young girl named Chihiro stumbles upon a mysterious bathhouse bustling with otherworldly creatures. When her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must navigate this magical realm to save them. To survive in this bathhouse run by the grumpy witch Yubaba, Chihiro takes on the new name Sen and works tirelessly. With the help of mystical companions like Haku, a dragon spirit, Chihiro embarks on a courageous journey that tests her resilience and kindness.

1. Your Name

Your Name is a heartwarming anime movie that tells the story of Mitsuha, a girl yearning for city life, and Taki, a busy Tokyo high school student. Their lives become intertwined through a strange phenomenon where they wake up in each other's bodies. As they navigate the challenges of living each other's lives, a deeper connection forms. The film explores themes of fate, connection, and the power of longing, all wrapped in stunning animation and a moving soundtrack.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of animation, The 16 Best Anime Movies listed here represent the pinnacle of storytelling, creativity, and visual mastery. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these films transcend cultural boundaries to captivate audiences worldwide. As we celebrate their enduring legacy, let us embrace the boundless imagination and creativity of anime creators, eagerly anticipating the next wave of cinematic treasures to enchant and inspire us.