Anime movies have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with the success of films like Your Name, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle, it’s no wonder why. But what are the top 10 most popular anime movies of all time? Let’s take a look.
1. Spirited Away (2001) – Hayao Miyazaki’s classic tale of a young girl who finds herself trapped in a magical world is one of the highest-grossing anime films ever made. It was also the first anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – Another classic from Miyazaki, this movie follows two young girls as they explore their rural Japanese village and discover the magical creatures that live there. It has become an iconic part of Japanese culture and is widely regarded as one of Miyazaki’s best works.
3. Princess Mononoke (1997) – This epic fantasy adventure follows a young prince as he battles against supernatural forces to save his village from destruction. It was the highest-grossing film in Japan when it released and remains one of the most beloved anime films ever made.
4. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) – This visually stunning fantasy tells the story of a young girl who is cursed by an evil witch and must find her way back home with help from a mysterious wizard named Howl. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film and has become a beloved classic among fans of both animation and fantasy genres.
5. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) – This heartbreaking drama tells the story of two siblings struggling to survive during World War II in Japan while dealing with grief over their mother’s death. It is widely considered to be one of Studio Ghibli’s best works and has been praised for its emotional depth and realism despite its fantastical setting.
6. Akira (1988) – Set in a post-apocalyptic future, this cyberpunk classic follows two teenagers as they try to stop an experiment gone wrong that threatens to destroy Tokyo cityscape forevermore . The groundbreaking visuals still hold up today, making it one of the most influential anime films ever made .
7 . Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) – Based on the popular TV series , this action-packed adventure follows Spike Spiegel as he attempts to track down a dangerous terrorist before he can unleash his deadly virus . The film managed to capture everything fans loved about Cowboy Bebop while still being accessible enough for newcomers , making it one of the most successful anime movies ever released .
8 . Ghost in the Shell (1995)– This cyberpunk thriller follows Major Motoko Kusanagi as she investigates a mysterious hacker known only as “The Puppet Master” while trying to uncover her own past identity . The movie was praised for its philosophical themes , groundbreaking visuals , and intense action sequences , making it one of the defining works in sci-fi animation history .
9 . Nausicaä Of The Valley Of Wind (1984 )– Directed by Hayao Miyazaki , this post-apocalyptic adventure follows Nausicaä as she tries to save her kingdom from destruction at the hands of warring nations . Its environmental themes were ahead of its time , making it one of Miyazaki’s most important works .
10 . Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea (2008 )– Another classic from Hayao Miyazaki , this whimsical family tale tells story about a young boy who befriends a magical goldfish princess named Ponyo who wants nothing more than to become human so she can stay with him forevermore . Its beautiful animation style along with its heartwarming message make it one perfect example why Miyazaki’s work continues to enchant viewers all around world even today