Best Anime Movies

With its lush visuals and memorable characters, anime has some of the most devoted fans around. Anime refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan. It's not necessarily a genre, so there's a huge range of stories in anime films -- and not all of them are kid-friendly. But whatever your child's age, you'll find something on this list. For younger viewers, there are Hayao Miyazaki classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, while teens might like edgier picks such as Ghost in the Shell. So whether you're new to anime or a longtime fan, enjoy some our favorites. And be sure to also check out our list of Anime TV for Teens and Tweens.

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My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)
Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1990)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Child of Kamiari Month Poster Image
MOVIE

Child of Kamiari Month

age 8+

Tender, sad tale of loss has death, some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Howl's Moving Castle Poster Image
MOVIE

Howl's Moving Castle

age 8+

Charming Miyazaki fairy tale with surreal villains.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2005)
Mary and the Witch's Flower Poster Image
MOVIE

Mary and the Witch's Flower

age 8+

Magical, intense adventure should delight tween Potter fans.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Mirai Poster Image
MOVIE

Mirai

age 8+

Sweet, magical family adventure is best for older kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Panda! Go Panda! Movie Poster
MOVIE

Panda! Go Panda!

age 8+

Classic anime is charming but quirky; pipe smoking.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
Castle in the Sky Movie Poster
MOVIE

Castle in the Sky

age 8+

Exciting anime fantasy has some violence, peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
From up on Poppy Hill Poster Image
MOVIE

From Up on Poppy Hill

age 9+

Inspiring, romantic coming-of-age tale about '60s teens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Okko's Inn Poster Image
MOVIE

Okko's Inn

age 9+

Anime ghost story set in Japan embraces grief.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Poupelle of Chimney Town Poster Image
MOVIE

Poupelle of Chimney Town

age 9+

Charming steampunk fantasy encourages empathy, teamwork.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
Spirited Away Poster Image
MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Poster Image
MOVIE

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

age 9+

Beautifully animated Japanese folktale for older kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
5 Centimeters Per Second Movie Poster
MOVIE

5 Centimeters Per Second

age 10+

Tearjerker anime about first crushes, unrequited love.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
Belle Movie Poster
MOVIE

Belle

age 10+

Vivid anime has humor and heart and deals with big themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
The Case of Hana & Alice Poster Image
MOVIE

The Case of Hana & Alice

age 10+

Compelling, beautifully animated middle school mystery.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Movie: Poster
MOVIE

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

age 10+

Lots of fighting -- and laughs -- in brisk, thrilling anime.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
The First Slam Dunk Movie Poster: Five animated teenage Japanese basketball players look ready to compete
MOVIE

The First Slam Dunk

age 10+

Basketball anime about personal loss is a winner; language.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2023)
Goodbye, Don Glees! Movie Poster
MOVIE

Goodbye, Don Glees!

age 10+

Touching coming-of-age friendship tale has a little edge.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)