Last week, One Piece Film: Red surpassed all previous anime films to place tenth at Japan's box office. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero also set a record highest opening weekend box office for an anime movie. The success of these films has sparked a sharp increase in the number of anime films.
These films lack nowhere in plot, dialogues, cinematography, or direction and have greater visual possibilities than live-action movies. As Red receives a global release in the upcoming months, it may secure a place among the highest-grossing anime films worldwide, along with Super Hero. However, the current top 10 are not easy to beat.
The Wind Rises (2013) - $136,454,220
Studio Ghibli's Inspiring historical drama tale about Jirou Horikoshi was director Miyazaki Hayao's last film. He gave the anime industry a blockbuster despite the film being on edge with both sides of the political spectrum. The Wind Rises accumulated $136 million worldwide.
Jirou was the Japanese aeronautical engineer in charge of designing the Mitsubishi Zero, the fighter plane used in World War II. The film's perceived anti-war stance brought mixed reviews, but it could not break the spirit of the plot. On the technical front, the art is breathtaking, and the pacing is steady, but the dream sequences stand out as the best aspect.
The Secret World Of Arrietty (2010) - $149,411,550
A Studio Ghibli film based on a book, The Secret World Of Arrietty, is an adaptation of the 1952 novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton. It follows Shou as he discovers his unique neighbor, miniature girl Arrietty, and her family. It is a breathtaking story of an unusual friendship that thrives despite all odds.
The film's animation and music are surreal. The plot may lack serious conflict, but the film is worth watching for its incredible attention to detail. The rich character development, especially of the main character, Arrietty, makes up for the holes in the plot.
Princess Mononoke (1997) - $159,414,369
A violent film in the Original Studio Ghibli canon that captivated American audiences, Princess Mononoke, brought in a whopping $159 million even in 1997. It is a tale about the connection between technology and nature while advocating a way for harmony and co-existence.
All main characters in the film have mythological origins. The most intriguing aspect of the film is the fierce persona of Princess Mononoke against Ashitaka's innocence and goodwill. The film has dark overtones but fully utilizes symbols to make it thought-provoking. It blurs the lines between good and evil rather than having a traditional, good vs. evil narrative.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie (2022) - $166,368,128
The movie is based on the precursor Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 0, which acted as a pilot for the Manga series. The story of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 takes place before the events of the anime series. It introduces Yuuta Okkotsu, and the anime series' previously hinted-at antagonist Getou's backstory is revealed.
Yuuta's character development is endearing, and as a result, the movie's superb fight scenes follow. Additionally, the characters of Zen'in Maki, Inumaki Toge, and Panda gain the depth they require. As usual, Gojo Satorou's charisma and dialogue make him the attraction. The animation is fantastic, as one would expect from Mappa Studios.
Weathering With You (2020) - $193,840,806
Weathering With You is a magical, adorable story about Hodaka Morishima and Hina Amano. The movie takes place during an uncontrollable rain outbreak in Tokyo. The film became the highest-grossing Japanese film of 2019 and has earned $193 million gross. The film also faced criticisms for sharing many parallels with Your Name.
Everything about the art and animation, including the character designs, landscapes, and detailing of movements, is excellent. The plot is grounded and features realistic main character backstories without any tiresome clichés. It has an emotional weight to drive the audience alongside the visual effects.
Ponyo (2009) - $204,171,810
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) - $235,347,345
Howl's Moving Castle Is a fantasy movie loosely based on Diana Wynne Jones' novel from 1986. It is an adorable and inspiring story about a little girl Sophie, who gets turned into an old woman and ends up living with a wizard named Howl in his moving castle. The premise is interesting, but the characters' personalities may seem typical of Miyazaki.
The character and background designs are intricate. The soundtracks also give the film the ideal undertone. The film has a backdrop of a war with another kingdom and takes an anti-war stance in the narrative. Other themes of old age and self-acceptance also take the central stage. For English speakers, Howl's moving castle has one of the best dubs.
Spirited Away (2001) - $274,925,095
Released in 2001, Spirited Away still holds its place as the most plot-rich animated film. It also won the Oscars for Best Animated Feature Film award at 75th Academy Awards. The film tells the story of a ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino who unwittingly enters the world of Kami. The popularity of the film is well-justified.
The movie is like a lucid dream. The fluid animations leave no stone unturned, making Spirited Away a magical experience. The use of lights, shadows, forms, and colors, especially with the spirits, is vivid. Spirited Away lacked characters who were clearly either good or bad. Everyone possesses some of each, and some have let their darker sides show more. It is realistic and set in a fantasy world.
Your Name (2017) - $357,986,087
The most beautiful romantic comedy anime film, Your Name, soared to the top of the charts after its initial release in 2016. It is clever and emotional, with a well-executed twist. The animation is so gorgeous it can draw the audience to watch the film twice to appreciate the art.
This love story is thought-provoking and touching. It is hardest to infuse fiction into a love story. However, the narrative of Your Name does the work without seeming extra or unnecessary. This absorbing tale about Mitsuha and Taki waking up one day in each other's bodies and living each other's life as they search for each other will leave everyone speechless.
Demon Slayer The Movie: Mugen Train (2021) - $453,210,959
The most recent Demon Slayer film, Mugen Train, smashed all sales records and quickly became the highest-grossing anime film ever. This dark fantasy action film is based on the Mugen Train arc and is the direct sequel to the first season of Demon Slayer.
The action scenes are breathtaking. One of the best fight scenes in anime is arguably the final battle between Rengoku and the Upper-Rank Three monster. Mugen Train is Ufotable's all-time best film. The movie is almost perfect, with a gripping plot, excellent music, and thrilling 2D and 3D VFX. It is a two-hour work of genius that brilliantly illuminates the field of animation.