The world of anime has produced some truly remarkable works throughout the decades and choosing the best ones of all time is no easy feat. Use our guide to explore 30 of the absolute best anime titles and where you can stream them right now.
Some of the most beloved and acclaimed anime films include Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, Mamoru Hosoda's Wolf Children and Summer Wars, Makoto Shinkai's Your Name and Suzume and Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue and Paprika. These films have captivated audiences with their stunning animation, imaginative storytelling and emotional depth, earning them a well-deserved place among the all-time greats of the genre (and beyond the anime genre but that’s for another list).
Anime has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when the first animated films were originally produced in Japan. The industry experienced a breakthrough in the 1960s and 1970s with the popularity of such TV shows including Astro Boy and Speed Racer which helped to establish many of the stylistic and narrative tropes that still define anime today. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, anime films continued to gain popularity both in Japan and internationally with classics like Akira, Ghost in the Shell and Miyazaki's various works cementing the medium's reputation for complex themes and stunning visuals. In the modern age, anime films have become a global phenomenon, with franchises like Pokémon and Studio Ghibli's works achieving worldwide success and recognition. The anime industry continues to thrive as the years progress, producing a diverse range of films that appeal to fans of all ages and interests.
Audiences connect to these films and are a hit to watch because they transport them to fantastical worlds where anything is possible, allowing them to escape reality and experience something new and exciting. Anime also explores universal themes and emotions that resonate with viewers including love, friendship, loss and self-discovery. The attention to detail in the animation and storytelling also creates a sense of immersion that draws viewers into the story and allows them to intimately experience the emotions and struggles of the characters because they are developed so richly. All of these factors combine to make the greatest anime films timeless classics that continue to capture the hearts of audiences around the world.
Here are 30 of the best anime films ranked and where to watch them.
