100+ Japanese Animated Movies of All Time: Journey Through Anime’s Golden Age

Vidushi Gupta

Entertainment

Japanese animated movies, often referred to as anime, have captivated audiences around the world with their stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and diverse range of themes. From epic fantasy adventures to intimate coming-of-age tales, anime cinema offers a rich tapestry of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with viewers of all ages.

In this article, we embark on a journey through the annals of anime history to explore 100 of the greatest best Japanese anime movies.

List of Japanese Animated Movies

Sr. No.Movie Name & YearIMDb Rating
1.Bubble (2022)6.3
2.Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)8.2
3.The Anthem of the Heart (2015)7.3
4.Penguin Highway (2018)7.1
5.Her Blue Sky (2019)6.8
6.The First Slam Dunk (2022)8.2
7.Memories (1995)7.5
8.The Boy and the Heron (2023)7.6
9.In This Corner of the World (2016)7.8
10.A Silent Voice (2016)8.1
11.Belle (2021)7.1
12.Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)7.2
13.Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)7.6
14.Paprika (2006)7.7
15.Summer Wars (2009)7.4
16.Wolf Children (2012)8.1
17.Suzume (2022)7.6
18.Ghost in the Shell (1995)7.9
19.Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (2020)8.2
20.Nausicaä: Valley of the Wind (1984)8
21.Weathering with You (2019)7.5
22.5 Centimeters per Second (2007)7.5
23.My Neighbor Totoro (1988)8.1
24.Princess Mononoke (1997)8.3
25.Akira (1988)8
26.Your Name (2016)8.4
27.The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)7.7
28.Spirited Away (2001)8.6
29.Grave of the Fireflies (1988)8.5
30.Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)7.8
31.Castle in the Sky (1986)8
32.Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll7.4
33.Tokyo Godfathers (2003)7.8
34.Only Yesterday (1991)7.6
35.Porco Rosso (1992)7.7
36.Pom Poko (1994)7.3
37.Perfect Blue (1997)8
38.Neo Tokyo (1987)7
39.Millennium Actress (2001)7.8
40.Steamboy (2004)6.8
41.The Wind Rises (2013)7.8
42.A Whisker Away (2020)6.7
43.Drifting Home (2022)6.3
44.Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko (2021)6.8
45.Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2021)6.8
46.Ponyo (2008)7.6
47.The Garden of Words (2013)7.4
48.Redline (2009)7.5
49.Ocean Waves (1993)6.6
50.Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)7.6
51.Junkers Come Here (1995)7.1
52.Ninja Scroll (1993)7.8
53.Patlabor 2: The Movie (1993)7.5
54.Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer (1984)7.4
55.Sword of the Stranger (2007)7.7
56.The Perfect World of Kai (2007)7.1
57.The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral (2008)7.9
58.Windaria (1986)7.1
59.Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994)7.2
60.A Letter to Momo (2011)7.2
61.When Marnie Was There (2014)7.6
62.Barefoot Gen (1983)8
63.Time of Eve (2010)7.2
64.Mardock Scramble: The First Compression (2010)6.4
65.Patema Inverted (2013)7.3
66.Whisper of the Heart (1995)7.8
67.Tatsumi (2011)7
68.The Dog of Flanders (1997)7.7
69.The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)7.6
70.Tenchi Forever!: The Movie (1999)7.1
71.Hashire Melos! (1992)7.3
72.Broken Blade: The Time of Awakening (2010)7.2
73.Wings of Honneamise (1987)7.2
74.Colorful (2010)7.4
75.Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)7.4
76.Ride Your Wave (2019)6.8
77.The King of Pigs (2011)6.7
78.Space Adventure Cobra (1982)7.2
79.Belladonna of Sadness (1973)7.3
80.Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)7.8
81.Tibetan Dog (2011)6.7
82.Boruto: Naruto the Movie (2015)7.8
83.Gantz: O (2016)7.1
84.Miss Hokusai (2015)6.7
85.Harmony (2015)6.1
86.Tiger & Bunny: The Rising (2014)6.7
87.The Fake (2013)6.8
88.Bleach: Fade to Black, I Call Your Name (2008)7.1
89.Expelled from Paradise (2014)6.6
90.Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2010)7.4
91.Crusher Joe: The Movie (1983)7
92.Blame! (2017)6.6
93.Blade of the Phantom Master (2004)6.2
94.From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)7.4
95.Stormy Night (2005)6.9
96.Sea Prince and the Fire Child (1981)7.1
97.Tekkonkinkreet (2006)7.5
98.Persona 3 the Movie: #4 Winter of Rebirth7.1
99.Ajin Part 1: Shoudou (2015)7.6
100. Kayoko’s Diary (1991)7.9

Also Read: Best Animated Films

1. Bubble (2022)

A group of actors and actresses stuck inside a pandemic bubble at a hotel attempt to complete a film. In an abandoned Tokyo overrun by bubbles and gravitational abnormalities, one gifted young man has a fateful meeting with a mysterious girl.

2. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Sophie, a young woman is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old woman. Seeking a cure, Sophie encounters Howl, a powerful and enigmatic wizard who lives in a moving castle. As she becomes involved in Howl’s life and the ongoing war in their world, Sophie discovers the true nature of the curse and her inner strength.

3. The Anthem of the Heart (2015)

The story revolves around a young girl named Jun Naruse who, as a child, inadvertently destroys her family by speaking out against her father’s infidelity. As a result, a mysterious egg-like creature called “Egg Fairy” seals away her ability to speak to protect her heart from further pain. This is one of the most watched japanese animated movies.

4. Penguin Highway (2018)

Aoyama becomes fascinated by a mysterious phenomenon occurring in his town: the sudden appearance of penguins. Determined to unravel the mystery behind this surreal occurrence, Aoyama, along with his friends, embarks on an adventure filled with scientific curiosity and childlike wonder.

5. Her Blue Sky (2019)

Aoi Aioi, a high school girl lives in a rural town with her older sister Akane. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Shinnosuke Kanomura, a musician from Tokyo, arrives in town claiming to be a childhood friend of Aoi’s.

Also Read: Animated Movies Quotes

6. The First Slam Dunk (2022)

The Shohoku High School basketball club faces a match against Sannoh High School at the inter-High. Each member’s achievements, the past they carry, and various thoughts collide violently on the court.

7. Memories (1995)

The first segment, “Magnetic Rose,” follows a group of space-traveling garbage collectors who encounter a mysterious, derelict spaceship filled with illusions created by the memories of its former inhabitants. The second segment, “Stink Bomb,” is a darkly comedic tale about a hapless lab worker who inadvertently becomes a walking biological weapon, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake.

8. The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Mahito, a young 12-year-old boy, struggles to settle in a new town after his mother’s death. However, when a talking heron informs Mahito that his mother is still alive, he enters an abandoned tower in search of her, which takes him to another world. This is one of the best Japanese anime movies.

9. In This Corner of the World (2016)

Suzu Urano, a young woman moves to the small town of Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture after marrying a naval officer. As Suzu adjusts to her new life and family, she navigates the challenges of war-torn Japan, including rationing, air raids, and the devastation of her surroundings.

10. A Silent Voice (2016)

Shoya Ishida is a former elementary school bully who, years later, seeks redemption for his past actions. He attempts to reconcile with Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl whom he bullied relentlessly in elementary school, leading to her transferring to another school.

11. Belle (2021)

Suzu, a shy and withdrawn high school student struggles to fit in with her peers. However, in the virtual world of “U,” Suzu transforms into Belle, a confident and popular singer whose performances captivate millions of users. This is one of the famous japanese anime movies.

12. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015)

Frieza, one of the series’ most iconic villains, is resurrected with the help of his loyal followers, Sorbet and Tagoma. Seeking revenge against Goku and the Z Fighters for his defeat of Namek, Frieza undergoes intense training to achieve a new, powerful form. Meanwhile, Goku and Vegeta train under the guidance of Whis to become even stronger.

13. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

The story follows master thief Arsène Lupin III and his accomplice Daisuke Jigen as they attempt to rob a casino in Monaco. However, they soon discover that the money they’ve stolen is counterfeit, leading them to trace its origins to the small European country of Cagliostro.

Also Read: Amazing Animated TV Shows for Adults

14. Paprika (2006)

The story is set in a near-future Tokyo where a revolutionary new technology called the DC Mini allows therapists to enter patients’ dreams to treat psychological disorders. However, chaos ensues when the DC Mini is stolen, allowing anyone to enter and manipulate dreams with devastating consequences.

15. Summer Wars (2009)

Kenji Koiso, a timid high school student and math prodigy, is invited by his classmate, Natsuki Shinohara, to her family’s countryside home for the summer. However, things take an unexpected turn when Kenji inadvertently hacks into Oz. This virtual world functions as a global social network and operating system for almost everything in the real world.

16. Wolf Children (2012)

Hana, a young woman falls in love with a mysterious man who can transform into a wolf. Despite their differences, they form a loving relationship and have two children: Ame and Yuki, who inherit their father’s ability to transform into wolves. This is one of the best japanese animated movies of all time.

17. Suzume (2022)

A modern action-adventure road story where a 17-year-old girl named Suzume helps a mysterious young man close doors from the other side that are releasing disasters all over Japan.

18. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Major Motoko Kusanagi is a cyborg agent working for the government’s secretive Section 9. Tasked with investigating a notorious hacker known as the Puppet Master, Kusanagi delves into a complex web of political intrigue and existential questions about the nature of consciousness and identity.

19. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (2020)

Tanjiro Kamado is a young demon slayer, and his companions as they embark on a mission aboard the Mugen Train to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances. On the train, they encounter the powerful demon Enmu, who traps them in a dream world where they must confront their deepest fears and traumas.

Also Read: Animated Films For Kids & Adults

20. Nausicaä: Valley of the Wind (1984)

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles to survive in the toxic wasteland, the Sea of Decay. The Valley of the Wind is one of the few remaining habitable areas, protected by its ruler, Princess Nausicaä. This is one of the best Japanese animated movies to watch.

21. Weathering with You (2019)

Hodaka Morishima, a high school student runs away from his rural home to Tokyo, where he struggles to make a living amidst constant rain. He meets Hina Amano, a mysterious girl with the ability to control the weather, and they start a business together offering sunshine to people on rainy days.

22. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)

The film consists of three interconnected short stories that revolve around the theme of distance, both physical and emotional, between people. This is one of the famous japanese anime movies.

23. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Satsuki and Mei, two young sisters, move to the countryside with their father. In their new home, they encounter magical creatures, particularly Totoro, a gentle forest spirit, and befriend him.

24. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Ashitaka, a young prince becomes cursed by a demon while protecting his village from a rampaging boar god. Seeking a cure for his curse, Ashitaka journeys to the west, where he encounters the industrial settlement of Iron Town, led by Lady Eboshi.

25. Akira (1988)

Kaneda, a young biker gang leader, and Tetsuo, his best friend, gain psychic abilities after a motorcycle accident. As Tetsuo’s powers grow out of control, he becomes a pawn in a larger conspiracy involving secret government experiments and the mysterious entity known as Akira.

Also Read: 90s Animated TV Shows

26. Your Name (2016)

Two teenagers, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, inexplicably begin to swap bodies intermittently. Despite never having met each other, they start to learn about each other’s lives, experiences, and relationships through these exchanges. This is one of the best japanese animated movies of all time.

27. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

Makoto Konno, a high school student discovers she can leap backward through time. Initially using her newfound power for trivial purposes, Makoto soon realizes the consequences of her actions and the impact they have on those around her.

28. Spirited Away (2001)

Chihiro Ogino, a young girl, while moving to a new neighborhood with her parents, stumbles upon a mysterious abandoned amusement park. After her parents are transformed into pigs by the park’s magical inhabitants, Chihiro finds herself trapped in the spirit world.

29. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Set in the final months of World War II, the film tells the tragic story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive in war-torn Japan after their home is destroyed in a bombing raid. With their mother killed and their father serving in the navy, Seita, a teenage boy, and Setsuko, his young sister, are left to fend for themselves.

30. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Kiki, a young witch-in-training, sets out on a year-long solo adventure, following a tradition among witches to live independently for a year when they turn 13. Kiki settles in the seaside town of Koriko and starts her delivery service using her flying broomstick. This is one of the best japanese animated movies to watch.

Also Read: Essential Anime Films To Watch

31. Castle in the Sky (1986)

Sheeta, a young girl possesses a mysterious crystal pendant that holds the key to the legendary floating city of Laputa. Pursued by government agents and air pirates, Sheeta meets a brave young boy named Pazu, who becomes her ally and helps her escape.

32. Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll

Violet Evergarden, a former soldier served as a weapon in the war and is now striving to find her place in a peaceful society. In the film, Violet is hired as a tutor for a young girl named Isabella York, who is being raised in a strict aristocratic household.

33. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

Gin, Hana, and Miyuki, three homeless individuals, discover an abandoned baby while sifting through trash on Christmas Eve. Fueled by their struggles and past traumas. They embark on a journey across Tokyo to reunite the infant with his family.

34. Only Yesterday (1991)

Taeko Okajima, a 27-year-old woman living in Tokyo decides to take a trip to the countryside to help with the safflower harvest. During her journey, Taeko reflects on her childhood memories, particularly her experiences as a fifth-grade student.

35. Porco Rosso (1992)

Marco Pagot is a skilled fighter pilot known as “Porco Rosso” due to his mysterious curse that transforms him into a pig. As a freelance bounty hunter, Porco Rosso operates from his secret hideout on an island and protects ships from air pirates who threaten the Adriatic Sea. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a hot-headed American pilot named Curtis, who challenges him to a duel.

36. Pom Poko (1994)

A Group of tanuki, or shape-shifting raccoon dogs, living in Tama Hills on the outskirts of Tokyo. When their forest home is threatened by urban development and deforestation, the tanuki band together to fight against human encroachment.

37. Perfect Blue (1997)

Mima Kirigoe is a young pop idol who decides to leave her singing career to pursue acting. However, as she transitions into her new profession, Mima becomes increasingly haunted by hallucinations and delusions, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

38. Neo Tokyo (1987)

It is a Japanese animated anthology film consisting of three distinct segments directed by different filmmakers. The first segment follows a young girl named Sachi as she ventures into a mysterious labyrinth to rescue her pet cat.

Also Read: Disney Animated Movies

39. Millennium Actress (2001)

Chiyoko Fujiwara, a retired actress reflects on her life and career as she recounts her memories to a documentary filmmaker and his cameraman. As Chiyoko recounts her past, the line between reality and fiction blurs, and the boundaries of time and space become fluid.

40. Steamboy (2004)

Ray Steam, a young inventor living in Victorian-era England, receives a mysterious package from his grandfather Lloyd Steam, a renowned inventor, containing the “Steam Ball,” a powerful energy source that could revolutionize the world.

41. The Wind Rises (2013)

The film is a fictionalized biography of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A5M and A6M Zero fighter planes used by Japan during World War II.

42. A Whisker Away (2020)

Miyo Sasaki, a young girl, harbors a secret crush on her classmate, Kento Hinode. However, Kento is oblivious to Miyo’s feelings, and she struggles to get his attention. In her quest for love and acceptance, Miyo encounters a mysterious masked man named The Mask Seller, who offers her a magical mask that allows her to transform into a cat named Taro.

43. Drifting Home (2022)

Kosuke and Natsume, sixth-grade students, play in an apartment building that will soon be destroyed over the summer holiday. They get evolved and entangled in a bizarre phenomenon. All they can see is a vast sea all around them.

44. Fortune Favours Lady Nikuko (2021)

Lady Nikuko is a free-spirited woman with a mysterious past, while Kikuko longs for stability and a normal life on land. As the mother-daughter duo navigate their unconventional lifestyle, they encounter various characters and embark on adventures that challenge their perceptions of family, friendship, and happiness.

45. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2021)

The story revolves around the unlikely friendship between two teenagers, Cherry and Smile, who meet by chance in a shopping mall. Cherry is a shy boy who expresses himself through haiku poetry and is self-conscious about his dental braces, while Smile is a popular social media influencer who hides her true self behind a mask due to a speech impediment.

46. Ponyo (2008)

Ponyo, a young goldfish, yearns to become human after forming a special connection with his savior, Sosuke. She transforms herself into a young girl with her father’s magic and falls in love with Sosuke.

Also Read: DC Animated Movies

47. The Garden of Words (2013)

The story revolves around the relationship between Takao Akizuki, a 15-year-old high school student aspiring to become a shoemaker, and Yukari Yukino, a mysterious woman in her late twenties who often visits the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden during rainy mornings.

48. Redline (2009)

JP, is a skilled racer with a rebellious streak, as he competes in the most dangerous and prestigious racing tournament, the Redline. JP dreams of winning the Redline and achieving fame and fortune, but he faces fierce competition from other racers, including the ruthless and powerful “Sonoshee” McLaren.

49. Ocean Waves (1993)

The film centers around Taku’s reminiscence of his high school days, particularly his relationship with his classmate, Rikako Muto. When Rikako transfers to Taku’s school from Tokyo, she quickly becomes the subject of gossip and speculation due to her sophisticated demeanor and unconventional behavior.

50. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires and humans coexist, the story follows the legendary vampire hunter known as D as a wealthy family hires him to rescue their daughter, Charlotte, who has been kidnapped by a powerful vampire named Meier Link.

These best Japanese animated movies will take you on a cinematic journey.

Q: What are Japanese animated movies called?

Ans: Japanese animated movies are commonly called “anime movies.” The term “anime” refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan and encompasses a wide range of genres, themes, and artistic styles.

Q: What is the most-seen Japanese anime movie?

Ans: While “Spirited Away” is often considered one of the most seen and influential Japanese anime movies, other films such as “Your Name” (2016), “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988), and “Akira” (1988) also have significant global recognition and popularity.

Q: Who is the most popular character in anime?

Ans: Several characters have achieved widespread recognition and popularity among anime fans worldwide. Goku, Pikachu, and Naruto Uzumaki are some of the examples.

Q: What is a cartoon called in Japan?

Ans: The term “anime” is also commonly used internationally to refer specifically to Japanese animated works.

Q: Which cartoon is most famous in India?

Ans: One of the most famous and beloved cartoons in India is “Chhota Bheem.”

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