If you’re an anime fan, you know that the world of anime films is vast, beautiful, and emotionally powerful. But with so many movies to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of must-watch anime films, featuring tear-jerking classics, heartwarming romances, and visually stunning masterpieces. Whether you’re looking for a story that will make you cry, laugh, or fall in love with the characters, these films are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Grave of the Fireflies
Starting this list strong with the heart-breaking, powerful film Grave of the Fireflies, all the way back from the 80s. Directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli, the film was released in 1988 and has a runtime of 89 minutes. Based on the semi-autobiographical short story by Akiyuki Nosaka, the movie follows the harrowing experiences of two siblings during World War II.
Critically acclaimed upon release, it has maintained a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally devastating animated films ever made. The film’s worldwide impact continues, as it has been described as “heart-wrenching, beautiful, and unforgettable” by critics and viewers alike, and it is currently available on Netflix in several regions.
It’s a tear-jerking, heart-piercing, emotional movie following the journey of young siblings during a terrible time of turmoil. Giving viewers more insight into just how bad war times were and the struggles people had to face. And seeing these kids doing what they can in their situation despite still being the children that they are will ultimately destroy something inside of you. It’s a movie that transcends time, that no matter how long it has been, it will still be a worthwhile watch. Although watching it more than once could prove to be difficult considering how painful so many scenes were, it’s still undeniably a must-watch film.
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Adding to the emotional film train, we have Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. Released in 2018, directed and written by Mari Okada, and produced by P.A.Works, the film has a runtime of 115 minutes. Its worldwide box office gross reached approximately $4.3 million. The story follows Maquia, a member of a long-living tribe, who adopts and raises a human child named Ariel after her people are destroyed. The film explores themes of motherhood, immortality, loss, and the inevitability of change. Critics praised the film’s emotional depth, fantasy world, and nuanced storytelling, giving it generally favorable reviews with a Metacritic score of 72/100. Viewers on Crunchyroll and other platforms continue to cherish its heartfelt narrative.
Although it’s not as gut-wrenching as Grave of the Fireflies due to its more tender, hopeful, and peaceful ending, this film is still incredibly emotionally charged, just in different ways. It focuses more on child-rearing and the ups and downs of being a mother, whether you give birth to the child yourself, like Leila, or take on the role as Maquia does.
The story also explores the harsh reality of immortality, or in this case, having a lifespan far longer than those you love, just as Maquia experiences with her short-lived human child. It also delves into the struggle of letting go of the past and the desire to return to how things once were, even when that is no longer possible, as seen with Krim.
On top of that, it examines how human greed and interference with great beings beyond the norm, like the Renatos and Iorphs, can lead to devastating consequences, emphasizing that these mythical creatures should be left to thrive in their own realms, far from the corrupting influence of human society. It’s an absolute must-watch film that has so many great aspects interwoven into one movie.
Hotarubi no Mori e
One more emotional film before we get to the more uplifting ones, but don’t worry, this one isn’t ‘too’ sad – it’s the end that really gets people emotional. But for the most part, Hotarubi no Mori e is such a sweet and lovely movie that gets people hooked on the growing relationship between Hotaru and Gin, a human and a supernatural entity (Yōkai) who will disappear for good when touched by a human.
Released in 2011, directed by Takahiro Omori and produced by studio Brain’s Base, the movie has a runtime of 44 minutes. It follows Hotaru, a young girl who meets Gin, a masked spirit, during summer visits to her grandfather’s countryside home. The film is acclaimed for its tender storytelling and visual beauty, winning awards such as the Jury Prize at Scotland Loves Animation and the Animation Film Award at the 66th Mainichi Film Awards. Critics and viewers alike describe it as “quietly devastating,” “hauntingly beautiful,” and “a story that stays in your heart forever.”
It’s a soft little movie that will ultimately stay in a corner of your heart forever. It’s an intriguing concept surrounded by beautifully laid out moments that ultimately lead to an emotional end. It has a way of making your heart feel so full only to end up hollowing it out completely in the end. Regardless of how the end hurts you, this one is still an absolute must-watch anime film.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
The Tale of Princess Kaguya is an immersive historical film based on The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Released in 2013, directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli, the film has a runtime of 137 minutes. The movie is celebrated for its unique hand-drawn watercolor-style animation and its emotionally rich story. Critics universally acclaimed it, earning a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The plot follows Princess Kaguya from her discovery in a bamboo stalk to her growth into a woman facing the pressures of court life, exploring themes such as freedom, duty, and societal expectations. The film artfully balances beauty and melancholy, leaving viewers reflective and moved.
The film begins with a soft, tender tone, and its art is simply mesmerizing — so simple, yet so charming that it feels almost edible. While it explores heavy themes like feminism, freedom, responsibility, and the constraints of societal expectations, it does so with such grace and artistry that the experience feels more like poetry than a lecture.
There’s a lingering feeling, like the memory of a cherry blossom tree: you watch it grow from a tiny bud, blossom in full beauty, shed its petals, and eventually stand bare, quietly waiting for the next spring. The delicate use of color, from Princess Kaguya’s soft pinks to the serene natural landscapes, adds to this sensation, making the story both visually and emotionally captivating. It’s a gentle experience and a must-watch anime film that’s easy to consume.
Mirai
Mirai (Mirai no Mirai) is a more bright addition to this list. Released in 2018, directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Studio Chizu, the film runs 98 minutes and grossed around $30.4 million worldwide. The story follows Kun, a young boy struggling with jealousy and adjustment when his new baby sister is born. Through magical-realism elements, Kun meets different versions of his family from past and future, helping him understand their lives and learn about empathy, love, and patience. Critics praised the film’s imaginative storytelling and emotional depth, and it was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Set in modern times, yet weaving in elements of the supernatural and glimpses of the past and future, this film offers a truly unique experience. One of its most touching messages is a reminder for parents not to overlook their older children when a newborn arrives. While it’s completely understandable that caring for a new baby can be overwhelming and exhausting, the story gently illustrates how older siblings can feel the effects of reduced attention, and the importance of empathy and balance in family life.
At the same time, the film provides a fascinating glimpse into Kun’s extended family, allowing him, and the audience, to see who they truly are, who they once were, and how their lives have shaped them. The idea of the present colliding with the future through a journey into the past is both imaginative and deeply engaging. Every carefully crafted detail in the movie adds layers of meaning, making it an absolute must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is another, much earlier time-centric film that has an absolutely fascinating concept that still remains interesting no matter how long it’s already been since it first aired. Released in 2006, directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by studio Madhouse, it runs 98 minutes. The story follows Makoto, a high school girl who suddenly gains the ability to leap through time. While initially using it to relive fun moments, she soon discovers the consequences of changing the past. The film won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year and was praised for its bright, sunny depiction of youth combined with thoughtful exploration of time and consequence.
It explores the concept of time leaping, the repercussion, and the complexities of the flow of time. Adding to the film the bright sunny concept of youth, and what happens when a young person gets an amazing ability that makes her able to do whatever she wants until the consequences of her actions catches up to her just when she’s running out of time/chances to fix everything. The concept is brilliant, the execution is great, this movie is without a doubt a must-watch, no matter how old it is.
Tamako Love Story
Adding to this list, one of the most heart-warming romantic anime movies you’ll ever find – Tamako Love Story. Stemming from the anime series Tamako Market, this film focuses more on the love story between the childhood friends Tamako and Mochizō. Directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation, the film beautifully captures the sweetness of young love. While it does not have extensive box office figures, it has been praised for its stunning cinematography, careful camera angles, background sound design, and music that enrich each scene. Critics and fans alike describe it as a “feast for the eyes and the soul” and an intimate portrayal of friendship and love.
This film is absolute cinema! It’s irresistibly adorable beyond words. The characters are so easy to love and root for, and their long-standing history and genuine care for one another make the romance feel completely natural and seamless. Every subtle gesture and tiny detail adds layers of meaning, perfectly capturing the sweetness and innocence of youthful emotions. Watching it will leave you feeling soft and warm inside, cheering for the characters every step of the way and wishing them nothing but happiness in the future. It’s an absolute must-watch romance film, guaranteed to fill your heart.
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
Although this next film involves romance, it isn’t a cutesy romance per se, it’s a gut-wrenching, emotional drama. The couple at the center of I Want to Eat Your Pancreas will likely stay in your mind long after you’re done watching. Released in 2018 and directed by Shin’ichirō Ushijima, this 108-minute film follows a withdrawn boy and a terminally ill girl as they form a deep, life-changing bond. Critics praised its heartfelt storytelling and emotional resonance, with a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating around 93%. Viewers describe it as deeply moving, tear-jerking, and memorable.
Very emotionally charged, maybe even depressing to some, but still beautiful and meaningful nonetheless. The emotional and mental load these characters have to face will string you along and make you hope for the best. It’s one that will leave you feeling many emotions, but in a way that you’ll still appreciate. And yes, you may even shed some tears. A must-watch for all the romance drama lovers out there.
A Silent Voice
Another very emotional and very meaningful film with gorgeous art and deep, impactful cinematography is A Silent Voice. Released in 2016, directed by Naoko Yamada, produced by Kyoto Animation, with a runtime of 130 minutes, the film tackles bullying, depression, social anxiety, disability, and the importance of forgiveness and empathy. It is highly acclaimed for its sensitive treatment of serious topics and its emotionally powerful storytelling.
This film tackles so many important issues that truly deserve attention, including the experiences of the deaf community, the effects of childhood bullying, depression, social anxiety, the need for closure, and the struggle to keep moving forward despite it all. It portrays the challenges of being young and having to learn life’s lessons on your own; learning when you’re wrong, owning up to your mistakes, taking responsibility, facing consequences, finding ways to cope, and seeking solace with others. It emphasizes that resolution is possible even when you can never undo the past, and that becoming a better person and growing from your experiences is a long, difficult journey.
At its core, the film reminds us of the importance of kindness. The emotions conveyed throughout the story are powerful enough to shake your heart and even grip your mental stability, which is part of what keeps viewers so deeply engaged. This is a film that is profoundly meaningful, emotional, at times heartbreaking, yet also heartwarming – a story that will stay with you forever. An absolute must-watch.
Your Name
And finally, we come to a film that hardly needs an introduction. One of the most popular anime movies in history, and consistently at the top of every anime recommendation list, which is why it’s saved for last – Your Name. Released in 2016, directed by Makoto Shinkai and produced by CoMix Wave Films, the 106-minute film became a global phenomenon, grossing over $359 million worldwide. The story follows Taki and Mitsuha as their lives become mysteriously intertwined across time and space. It won numerous awards and received universal acclaim for its animation, music, and storytelling. Streaming availability includes platforms like Netflix in select regions.
Honestly, it’s pretty doubtful that you haven’t seen this film yet, the OST is practically an anthem to anime fans. But if you somehow haven’t, what are you even doing? Just kidding. Either way, it’s absolutely a must-watch, not only because nearly every anime fan has already seen it, but also because it’s a true staple of the medium, a film that probably won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Anime films have a unique ability to capture emotions, tell timeless stories, and transport us to worlds that feel both magical and real. The must-watch anime films listed here, from the deeply emotional Grave of the Fireflies to the universally beloved Your Name, each offer something unforgettable for every viewer. Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or just starting your journey, these films are essential watches that will stay with you long after the credits roll. So grab some popcorn, prepare your tissues, and dive into the incredible worlds of anime cinema, you won’t regret it.