10 Best Anime Movies on Netflix This Week
The best anime movies on Netflix span a variety of genres, including sports, horror, and slice-of-life films. The influential anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion” has an alternate ending known for its surreal and terrifying quality, called “The End of Evangelion.”
A reassuring slice-of-life anthology film, “Flavors of Youth” delves into the common joys and passions of youth in China.
There is something for every taste among the greatest anime films that Netflix has to offer right now. A good portion of the anime section of the streaming service consists of movies, ranging from new releases to spin-offs of well-known series to classics.
These films provide an excellent evening’s entertainment for viewers who refuse to commit to a longer series.
Best Anime Movies on Netflix Available Now
We have chosen to follow Netflix’s anime category for this list, selecting films from its catalog regardless of where they are from. See which Netflix anime films are the best by continuing to read.
1. Maboroshi (2023)
The MAPPA Studios, known for their work on AOT and JJK, have released Maboroshi. When it was released last year, its original plot grabbed everyone’s interest right away. The narrative proceeds as follows: The world clock mysteriously stops when a factory explodes.
The inhabitants of the frozen moment long for things to return to normal, but two students’ encounter with a mysterious child throws the world’s delicate balance further off balance.
You already know how fantastic this anime film is going to be if you’ve seen Toradora!, Fate/Stay Night, and other works directed by this director. If not, MAPPA’s excellent animation and outstanding soundtrack will keep the film engaging.
2. My Hero Academia Movies (2018, 2019, 2021)
Favorite Shonen anime My Hero Academia is renowned for its action and captivating plot. This holds true for My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018), Heroes Rising (2019), and My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021), the three MHA films.
Although these aren’t canonical, you can still enjoy them and see our favorite MHA characters in a lighter and more action-packed role. These films have some really crazy action sequences that you shouldn’t miss.
Check out the games My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission (2021), Heroes Rising (2019), and Two Heroes (2018).
3. One Piece Movies (2014)
A few fantastic canon and non-canon films that are a complete joy to watch further broaden the scope of the One Piece universe. Netflix recently bought One Piece stocks following the enormous success of the live-action series.
As a result, Netflix’s collection of anime films now includes some of the greatest One Piece films. One Piece Film: Red, One Piece: Stampede, One Piece Film: Strong World, and One Piece Film: Gold are the One Piece films that are currently accessible on Netflix.
To fully enjoy these movies, you have to have seen the anime or read the manga beforehand. As a result, if you haven’t already, you can begin watching One Piece by reading our comprehensive guide. Additionally, there are certain episodes that you must watch.
4. The Wind Rises (2013)
Ghibli chose to make a movie adaptation of a biography this time. And sure enough, this ended up being one of the most contentious Ghibli films ever made. However, that doesn’t alter the fact that it’s just another fantastic film available.
It is about researching the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed the Japanese fighter aircraft (A6M World War II fighter planes) that were deployed in the conflict.
Don’t worry, there will only be serious dramas with a hint of romance. With voices provided by John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and numerous other Hollywood celebrities, this movie is sure to delight dub enthusiasts.
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
One of the most watched Ghibli films ever is Kiki’s Delivery. It tells the story of a young witch named Kiki and her cat Jiji moving to a seaside town. Because of a custom from her village, she started a flying delivery service in this town and enjoys her year alone.
Over time, she begins to lose her magical abilities the moment she begins to doubt herself. She now needs to overcome her fears in order to find a way to regain her abilities.
Its many themes therefore strike a chord with kids, as the storyline makes clear. It is regarded as one of the all-time great kid’s films. It will be worthwhile to embark on this additional moving journey.
6. Violet Evergarden Movies (2019 & 2020)
Violet Evergarden is among the most exquisite anime series you will ever see. Its films, Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll and Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020), are just as amazing as the anime because they offer breathtaking and artistically pleasing visuals.
Although the anime tells many and deeply emotional stories, these films concentrate on two distinct stories from the Evergarden universe. But because of the superb characterization, Violet is still relatable on an emotional level in these films.
Understanding herself, the outside world, and her feelings is one of Violet’s main objectives on her journey. This is an enlightening journey that will make you think twice. Thus, we heartily urge you to watch the anime.
7. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
The well-known Studio Ghibli is responsible for the romance-fantasy drama Whisper of the Heart. Just the plot of this movie will probably hook you in. It tells the story of a young bookworm named Shizuku Tsukishima and her adventures.
She discovers that a boy has already checked every book she intends to choose and peruse. She thus embarks on her quest to locate the man whom she believes to be her soul mate.
Whisper of the Heart was such a hit that it became the highest-grossing film in Japan for 1995. Any fan of anime should definitely watch it because it is such a lovely romantic story. Hayao Miyazaki never fails to please us, does he?
8. The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a historical Ghibli film that you ought to put on your watch list. The narrative goes like this: A tiny human being was discovered inside one of the bamboo stalks by a random bamboo cutter and his spouse one day.
Despite being brought up to be a refined lady, she manages to maintain her mystery. What comes after this for her? Well, the main topic of discussion and representation in the film is how she faces her destiny.
The director of this movie also worked on Ghibli’s most well-known creation, “Grave of the Fireflies,” so this is just another masterpiece from him.
9. Castle in the Sky (1986)
With this Caste in the Sky film, Hayao Miyazaki tells a tale akin to a treasure hunt. A young boy and girl set out on a quest to locate a fabled floating castle. Equipped with a mafic crystal, they outrun pirates and other obstacles to reach their destination.
You can already see how thrilling this film gets, and it doesn’t end there. This is going to be a memorable ride because of its amazing visuals, amazing cast of characters, and soulful soundtrack.
We promise you, that despite being released in the 1980s, this is still one of the greatest Ghibli films ever made.
10. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Another one of Miyazaki’s masterpieces that is still praised today is Howl’s Moving Castle. A young woman is cursed by a witch to become an elderly woman. Now, her only chance to break the curse is to trust a young wizard who moves around his leg-powered castle.
Although the plot may seem silly at first, this film offers a magical and surrealistic experience that only comes around once in a lifetime.
Besides winning Best Animation of the Year at the Tokyo International Anime Fair festival, this film is nominated for an Oscar. For years to come, people will continue to enjoy the timeless classic Howl’s Moving Castle.