A lot of quality anime content has come out over the past few decades, allowing audiences to understand that animated films are not just for children. These anime express a particular depth with intense stories, complex characters, and reflections on the different problems in the world.
This type of cinema is not afraid to look at the realities of life, which is one of the reasons why it attracts a large number of viewers who are interested in observing stories that do not hide important details. Over the years, a large number of high-quality anime films have been produced, but there are some that stand out from others and are works of art.
Updated on March 30th, 2022 by Hannah Saab: As more of the best anime movies ever made become mainstream, fans of the genre are likely exploring and discovering other critically-acclaimed animated films. This is why it's not surprising that top anime movies on IMDb continue to shift as more users give their opinions about which Ghibli classics and contemporary entries in the genre are worth watching.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984) – 8
• Available to stream on HBO Max.
Among the many Ghibli films that are among the top-rated anime movies on IMDb, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a true standout. It tells the story of the titular princess Nausicaa, a brave and compassionate character who always tries to help those around her.
In the film, the princess embarks to find a cure for the deadly miasma being spewed from the Toxic Jungle in an effort to save both her people and the environment. Her mission is complicated by politics, which forces her to use strategy and skill to protect her village.
Castle In The Sky (1986) – 8
• Available to stream on HBO Max.
Castle in the Sky chronicles the life and experiences of Sheeta, the rightful ruler of Laputa who shows that she can live up to the title. She's an important Ghibli heroine who emphasizes the fact that kindness can be one's greatest weapon and a source of strength.
With memorable and well-written villains like Colonel Muska and truly unforgettable scenes, it's an underrated anime movie from the studio during its earlier years. It's still worth watching today, if only for that powerful scene where Sheeta explains the power of love.
Perfect Blue (1997) – 8
• Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Perfect Blue is Satoshi Kon's masterpiece and debut feature. The project is based on the novel by Yoshikazu Takeuchi, which bears the same name. The script tackles topics of harassment, fanaticism, and terror, and Kon's hard work in integrating these aspects allowed the film to become a success with both critics and audiences.
The protagonist, Mima's crisis becomes an opportunity to show the depth of anime cinema. The plot presents the descent into the protagonist's personal hell, where a hard and ruthless story exceeds mere spectacle, becoming an unparalleled artistic piece.
Akira (1988) – 8
• Available to stream on Hulu.
Katsuhiro Otomo's great storytelling skills are displayed in Akira, a complex story that transcends other works of science fiction. This anime movie has deep characters who explore real-world realities, such as excessive military power, making the production a key Japanese animated film.
The movie was adapted in 1988, five years after the launch of the manga. The story is set in 2019 in Neo-Tokyo, after an apocalypse caused by World War III. This production did a great job of showing the expressiveness of its characters in a turbulent setting.
The Disappearance Of Haruhi Suzumiya (2010) – 8.1
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya tells the perplexing tale of the SOS Brigade, a club with a tight-knit group of friends who know each other extremely well. When their members start disappearing, Kyon seems to be the only one who cares, until she realizes nobody seems to remember the club and their friendships at all.
The gripping drama film blends thriller and mystery elements perfectly, with each new twist ensuring that there's never a boring moment. Audiences won't be able to help but be reeled into the puzzle, all the way to its wild conclusion.
Wolf Children (2012) – 8.1
At first, Wolf Children may seem like it's an anime movie with a ridiculous plot, but fans of the film know that it's more profound and poignant than it may seem on the surface. It revolves around its protagonist Hana's experience as a single mother, who fell in love with and had children with a werewolf.
Things change for Hana after her husband's death in an accident, as she's now alone and responsible for raising her kids – it's not an easy task for humans, so the fact that they're half-werewolf makes it even more challenging.
A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016) – 8.1
• Available to stream on Netflix.
Based on a manga of the same name, A Silent Voice is centered on the story of Shoya Ishida, a high school bully who has grown up to become an outcast who regrets his actions. When he's at his lowest point, he decides to reconnect with a particularly memorable victim, making amends and learning more about himself in the process.
The hard-hitting anime movie deals with some emotional themes, revolving around trauma and mental health. Its daring depiction and commentary on change and forgiveness will leave fans feeling as if they've gone on that important journey with Shoya.
Magnetic Rose (1995) – 8.2
Three astronauts are on a mission in an area full of galactic garbage in Magnetic Rose. In the thrilling film, they discover an artificial satellite in the shape of a rose, which has a mysterious force of attraction. They realize too late the true power of what they've found.
Besides the interesting premise, the proper use of music and visual details captivated audiences. The film is scripted by Satoshi Kon and directed by Kôji Morimoto, who highlighted the anime from a poetic point of view.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – 8.2
• Available to stream on HBO Max.
With a tempered plot and beautiful visual aspects, My Neighbor Totoro is one of the best animated Japanese films. The details in the animation make each character come to life in a unique way and they look real and credible with spectacular (and subtle) facial expressions.
The film was so successful that Totoro became the mascot of Studio Ghibli. Japan has made the character one of the most popular in the country and the film features heartwarming themes of love, friendship, and family.
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) – 8.2
• Available to stream on HBO Max.
Studio Ghibli's animation is impressive in Howl's Moving Castle and was well received by fans, who also love the studio for its heartfelt stories. The details in the animation show a natural fluidity in the actions of the characters and it achieved a harmony with this that gives a particular identity to the plot.
The story surrounds a curse on Sophie, one of the best female Ghibli characters, who then seeks help from a powerful magician. The intense script, soundtrack, and beautiful imagery made this anime a great success, making it one of the most popular films in Japan.
Princess Mononoke (1997) – 8.4
• Available to stream on HBO Max.
Certain films are considered perfect by audiences and critics alike, due to various aspects, such as technical quality and the ability to communicate a well-written story. Princess Mononoke is one of these films that everyone should see at some point in their lives.
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke focuses on a moment where modernity and tradition meet in a confrontation between humanity and nature. Here, not a single character remains neutral and everyone shows an enormous profundity that makes the film so attractive.
Your Name (2016) – 8.4
• Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Your Name quickly became the highest-grossing anime in the world in 2016, managing to displace Spirited Away, which had held the first position since 2001. The premise explores themes around Japanese traditions, gender identity, and strong emotions, with drama and romance that is often exalted with humor.
Many people are fans of the film's visual beauty, which is achieved through its impeccable handling of light, offering a more realistic perspective. Viewers suffer and laugh with this story, which explores how a relationship emerges after two people exchange bodies.
Grave Of The Fireflies (1988) – 8.5
• Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Both the film and the book version of Grave of the Fireflies are heartbreaking, and it's known for having one of the most emotional endings among the Ghibli movies. The story in the film shows the truth about war that is often silenced by more action-packed plots, following two siblings surviving on the streets during World War II.
Studio Ghibli succeeds in perfectly adapting Akiyuki Nosaka's novel. The masterpiece, directed by Isao Takahata, exudes an artistic beauty in its technical details while transporting the viewer closer to the cruelty of war. In it, these children are shown to be surrounded by adults who express no interest in helping them, even though they are clearly suffering.
Spirited Away (2001) – 8.6
• Available to stream on HBO Max.
When it was first released in 2001, it had already become a classic, due to its excellence in its technical aspects, soundtrack, character management, accurate narration, and great storytelling. In addition, Spirited Away won a number of awards, including the Oscar for Best Animated Film.
Every detail of the film comes to life and allows the viewer to experience Chihiro's adventures when she discovers a dangerous new realm full of malevolent forces. Hayao Miyazaki directed and wrote the script for this blockbuster, in which the world of the living is intermingled with the world of the spirits.