Anime has gained immense popularity worldwide for its captivating stories, vibrant characters, and stunning visuals. If you’re a fan of this captivating genre and have a Netflix subscription, you’re in for a treat. Netflix offers a diverse selection of anime movies that cater to a wide range of tastes. Here are 15 of the best anime movies on Netflix, sure to provide you with hours of entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling.
1. Spirited Away:
Hayao Miyazaki directed the film that follows Chihiro, a young girl who stumbles upon a mysterious and enchanting world when her family takes a wrong turn. After her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must work at a magical bathhouse run by a witch, facing numerous challenges and meeting a variety of magical creatures. The film explores themes of resilience, courage, and the power of friendship.
2. My Neighbor Totoro
Hayao Miyazaki also directed this heartwarming tale that follows the adventures of Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who move to the countryside with their father. They discover a playful forest spirit named Totoro and embark on whimsical adventures while coping with their mother’s illness. The film is a celebration of childhood wonder and the connection between nature and the human spirit.
3. Your Name:
Makoto Shinkai directed this beautifully animated film that tells the story of Mitsuha and Taki, two teenagers who begin switching bodies intermittently. As they adapt to each other’s lives and seek to uncover the mystery behind their connection, they develop deep feelings for one another. The film blends romance, science fiction, and a touch of the supernatural to explore themes of destiny and love.
4. A Silent Voice:
Naoko Yamada directed the movie “A Silent Voice.” This poignant film follows the story of Shoya Ishida, a former bully who seeks redemption after mistreating a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya in elementary school. The film delves into themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the transformative power of empathy as Shoya attempts to make amends.
5. Princess Mononoke:
Hayao Miyazaki crafted another masterpiece with this epic tale set in a fantastical medieval Japan. It follows Ashitaka, a young prince who becomes embroiled in a conflict between a mining settlement and the forest spirits led by the enigmatic Princess Mononoke. The film explores environmentalism, the clash between nature and industry, and the complexity of human relationships.
6. Weathering with You:
Makoto Shinkai directed this film that centers on Hodaka, a runaway teenager, and Hina, a girl with the ability to control the weather. They form a bond and start a business to bring sunshine to Tokyo’s perpetually rainy skies. The movie explores themes of youth, sacrifice, and the consequences of tampering with nature.
7. Grave of the Fireflies:
Isao Takahata directed this emotionally devastating film set in post-World War II Japan. It follows two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive amidst the hardships of war and the absence of their parents. The movie portrays the harsh realities of war and the enduring love between siblings.
8. Akira:
Katsuhiro Otomo directed this cyberpunk classic set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. It follows Kaneda and Tetsuo, two friends who become entangled in a government conspiracy involving psychic powers. The film explores themes of power, identity, and the consequences of scientific experimentation
Akira” is known for its groundbreaking animation, detailed world-building, and its influential impact on both anime and cyberpunk genres. It’s celebrated for its mature and complex storyline, exploring themes such as power, corruption, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. The film played a significant role in popularizing anime in the West and remains a classic in the medium.
9. Neon Genesis Evangelion:
Directed by Hideaki Anno, this movie serves as an alternate ending to the acclaimed mecha anime series. It delves into complex psychological and metaphysical themes as the characters confront apocalyptic events and their own inner demons. Neon Genesis Evangelion” is a popular Japanese anime series created by Hideaki Anno. It’s known for its complex and psychological storyline, mecha battles, and deep character development. The series follows a group of teenagers who pilot giant bio-mechanical robots to protect Earth from mysterious beings called Angels. The show explores themes of existentialism, identity, and the impact of trauma. It has gained a significant following and has had a lasting influence on the anime and pop culture worlds.
10. Perfect Blue:
Satoshi Kon directed this psychological thriller that follows Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol who transitions to acting. She becomes the target of a stalker and grapples with a crumbling sense of reality. The film explores themes of identity, obsession, and the blurring of the line between fiction and reality.
Perfect Blue is known for its intense and suspenseful narrative, as well as its exploration of the psychological toll of fame and the loss of personal identity. It’s often considered a classic in the psychological thriller genre and is highly regarded for its storytelling and direction.
11. Paprika:
Satoshi Kon also directed this visually stunning film, which is a surreal exploration of dreams and reality. Dr. Atsuko Chiba, using her alter ego Paprika, enters the dreams of her patients, but when a device that can invade dreams is stolen, chaos ensues. The movie delves into themes of technology, the subconscious mind, and the consequences of tampering with dreams.
The movie revolves around the concept of a device that allows therapists to enter their patients’ dreams, but when this technology is stolen and misused, it leads to a surreal and increasingly chaotic journey through the dream world. “Paprika” is celebrated for its stunning and imaginative visuals, as well as its exploration of the boundary between dreams and reality. It has gained a cult following for its mind-bending narrative and artistic quality.
12. Kiki’s Delivery Service:
Hayao Miyazaki created this film, which tells the story of Kiki, a young witch who sets out on a journey to a new town and starts a delivery service using her broomstick. The movie explores themes of independence, self-discovery, and finding one’s place in the world.
13. The Red Turtle:
Michaël Dudok de Wit directed this dialogue-free film, which tells the story of a man stranded on a deserted island. His encounters with a mysterious red turtle lead to profound and transformative experiences, emphasizing the themes of isolation, connection, and the cycle of life.
The Red Turtle is celebrated for its minimalistic storytelling and stunning visuals. The lack of dialogue allows the audience to interpret the narrative in their own way. It’s a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of isolation, nature, and the cycle of life.
14. Tokyo Godfathers:
Satoshi Kon directed this heartwarming film that revolves around three homeless individuals who discover an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. They embark on a journey to find the baby’s parents, leading to unexpected adventures and self-discovery. The movie explores themes of family, redemption, and the holiday spirit.
15. The Garden of Words:
Makoto ShiKai directed this visually stunning film that follows Takao, a young shoemaker, and Yukari, an older woman, who form a unique connection as they meet in a Tokyo garden during rainy mornings. The movie explores themes of loneliness, love, and the transient nature of human connections.
