When it comes to animated movies, Japanese anime movies have been renowned for their unique style, captivating storylines, and striking visual effects. From classics to modern masterpieces, anime films have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with their unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and profound messages.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Japanese anime movies of all time, highlighting their artistic achievements, cultural significance, and enduring popularity. So if you’re a fan of anime or simply curious about this fascinating genre, get ready to discover some of the most iconic and influential animated movies ever made.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of anime and explore the best Japanese anime movies of all time!
15 Best Japanese anime movies of all time
1. Your Name (Kimi no Na Wa):
A 2016 film directed by Makoto Shinkai, Your Name tells the story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously switch bodies and must figure out how to navigate each other’s lives. The Japanese anime movies were a critical and commercial success in Japan and internationally, and have become one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
- Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Masami Nagasawa
- Release Date: 2016
- Duration: 1h 46min
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Producer: Genki Kawamura
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
2. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)
Directed by Naoko Yamada and based on a manga of the same name, A Silent Voice follows the story of a high school student named Shoya who tries to make amends with a deaf classmate he bullied in elementary school. The film explores themes of redemption, friendship, and communication. It is one of the best Japanese anime movies.
- Cast: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki
- Release Date: 2016
- Duration: 2h 10min
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Director: Naoko Yamada
- Producer: Kyoto Animation
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
3. Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko)
Another film by Makoto Shinkai, Weathering with You is a 2019 fantasy romance about a boy named Hodaka who meets a girl named Hina with the ability to control the weather. As they navigate the rainy streets of Tokyo, they grow closer and must face the consequences of Hina’s power.
- Cast: Kotaro Daigo, Nana Mori, Shun Oguri
- Release Date: 2019
- Duration: 1h 52min
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Producer: Genki Kawamura
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
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4. 5 Centimeters per Second (Byousoku 5 Centimeter)
A 2007 film directed by Makoto Shinkai, 5 Centimeters per Second tells the story of two childhood friends, Takaki and Akari, who are separated when Akari moves away. The film explores themes of distance, time, and the nature of relationships.
- Cast: Kenji Mizuhashi, Yoshimi Kondou, Satomi Hanamura
- Release Date: 2007
- Duration: 1h 3min
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Producer: CoMix Wave Films
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
5. The Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa)
The Garden of Words directed by Makoto Shinkai is a 2013 Japanese anime movie about a high school student named Takao who develops a relationship with a woman named Yukino he meets in a garden on rainy days. The film explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the power of human relationships.
- Cast: Miyu Irino, Kana Hanazawa, Fumi Hirano
- Release Date: 2013
- Duration: 46min
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Producer: CoMix Wave Films
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
6. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai)
If you are looking for the best Japanese anime movies online then I Want to eat your Pancreas is one of the best choices. The movie is directed by Shinichiro Ushijima and based on a novel of the same name, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a 2018 drama about a high school student named Sakura who has a terminal pancreatic disease. She befriends a classmate named Haruki, and the two of them spend time together in the months leading up to her death.
- Cast: Mahiro Takasugi, Lynn, Jun Fukushima
- Release Date: 2018
- Duration: 1h 48min
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Director: Shin’ichirô Ushijima
- Producer: Studio VOLN
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
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7. The Anthem of the Heart (Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda)
Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai and written by Mari Okada, The Anthem of the Heart is a 2015 film about a girl named Jun who is cursed to never speak again after unintentionally hurting a boy’s feelings in elementary school. When she is chosen to participate in a musical production with three other students, she begins to find her voice again.
- Cast: Inori Minase, Koki Uchiyama, Sora Amamiya
- Release Date: 2015
- Duration: 1h 59min
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
- Producer: A-1 Pictures
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
8. Hotarubi no Mori e (Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light)
Directed by Takahiro Omori and based on a manga of the same name, Hotarubi no Mori e is a 2011 romance about a girl named Hotaru who befriends a spirit named Gin in a forest. They grow closer over the years, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Gin cannot touch humans without disappearing. It is one of the top Japanese anime movies of all-time.
- Cast: Koki Uchiyama, Ayane Sakura, Shinpachi Tsuji
- Release Date: 2011
- Duration: 45min
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
- Director: Takahiro Omori
- Producer: Aniplex
- Where to watch: Hulu
- IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
9. Whisper of the Heart (Mimi wo Sumaseba)
Whisper of the Heart (Mimi wo Sumaseba) is a coming-of-age anime film directed by Yoshifumi Kondo and produced by Studio Ghibli. It was released in Japan in 1995 and later in other parts of the world. The film is based on a manga by Aoi Hiiragi. It is one of the best anime movies online to watch in 2023.
- Cast: Youko Honna, Issei Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana
- Release Date: 1995
- Duration: 1h 51min
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Director: Yoshifumi Kondô
- Producer: Studio Ghibli
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
10. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (Kumo no Mukou, Yakusoku no Basho):
The Place Promised in Our Early Days is a beautifully crafted anime film that explores themes of friendship, love, and the consequences of war. It is a thought-provoking and emotional journey that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll. The film is a testament to Makoto Shinkai’s talent as a director and writer, and it is a must-watch for anime fans and anyone interested in powerful storytelling.
- Cast: Hidetaka Yoshioka, Masato Hagiwara, Yuuka Nanri
- Release Date: 2004
- Duration: 1h 31min
- Genre: Romance, Science Fiction
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Producer: CoMix Wave Films
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
11. Ocean Waves (Umi ga Kikoeru)
Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki and based on a novel of the same name, Ocean Waves is a 1993 coming-of-age story about a high school student named Taku who develops a crush on a transfer student named Rikako. The film explores themes of first love, jealousy, and friendship.
- Cast: Nobuo Tobita, Toshihiko Seki, Yoko Sakamoto
- Release Date: 1993
- Duration: 1h 12min
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Director: Tomomi Mochizuki
- Producer: Studio Ghibli
- Where to watch: HBO Max
- IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
12. Voices of a Distant Star (Hoshi no Koe)
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, Voices of a Distant Star is a 2002 science fiction romance about a girl named Mikako who is sent to fight in a war in space, leaving her boyfriend Noboru behind in Earth. The film explores themes of distance, time, and the nature of communication.
- Cast: Makoto Shinkai, Mika Shinohara
- Release Date: 2002
- Duration: 25min
- Genre: Romance, Science Fiction
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Producer: CoMix Wave Films
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
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13. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo)
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda and based on a novel of the same name, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a 2006 science fiction film about a high school student named Makoto who gains the ability to time travel. As she navigates her new power, she learns the consequences of altering the past.
- Cast: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, Mitsutaka Itakura
- Release Date: 2006
- Duration: 1h 38min
- Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Drama
- Director: Mamoru Hosoda
- Producer: Madhouse
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
14. Millennium Actress (Sennen Joyuu)
Millennium Actress is a 2001 Japanese anime film directed by Satoshi Kon, known for his unique style and unconventional storytelling techniques. The movie follows the life story of a famous actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who has retired from the industry and is now living a reclusive life. She is approached by a documentary filmmaker, Genya Tachibana, who wishes to interview her about her life and career. As Chiyoko narrates her story, the film takes the audience on a journey through her memories, blurring the line between reality and fiction. It is one of the best Japanese anime movies.
- Cast: Miyoko Shôji, Mami Koyama, Fumiko Orikasa
- Release Date: 2001
- Duration: 1h 27min
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Fantasy
- Director: Satoshi Kon
- Producer: Madhouse
- Where to watch: Hulu
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
15. Howl’s Moving Castle (Hauru no Ugoku Shiro)
Looking for the top Japanese anime movies then Howl’s Moving Castle is a perfect choice. Howl’s Moving Castle is a 2004 fantasy film about a young girl named Sophie who is cursed by a witch and turned into an old woman. She seeks refuge in the moving castle of a wizard named Howl, and the two of them embark on a journey to break the curse. These Japanese anime films explore themes of love, war, and self-acceptance.
- Cast: Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin
- Release Date: 2004
- Duration: 1h 59min
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Producer: Studio Ghibli
- Where to watch: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
In conclusion, anime movies offer a unique and captivating storytelling experience, with stunning animation and memorable characters. They provide a way to escape reality and immerse oneself in fantastical worlds, filled with adventure, emotion, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you are a die-hard anime fan or just starting to explore this genre, there is no shortage of incredible movies to watch. With the ever-growing popularity of anime, it is no surprise that more and more filmmakers are producing quality animated films. So, get ready to indulge in a visual and emotional feast, as the world of anime movies continues to expand and impress in 2023 and beyond.