Anime backdrop

Anime movies

Anime-style storytelling and visuals, shaped by Japanese animation conventions and pacing.

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV

1. Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV

Animation Science Fiction Action Anime Epic Sci-Fi
6.7
20161h 55min

Overview

The magical kingdom of Lucis is home to the world’s last remaining Crystal, and the menacing empire of Niflheim is determined to steal it. King Regis of Lucis commands an elite force of soldiers called the Kingsglaive. Wielding their king’s magic, they fight to protect Lucis. As the overwhelming military might of the empire bears down, King Regis is faced with an impossible ultimatum – to marry his son, Prince Noctis to Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae, captive of Niflheim, and surrender his lands to Niflheim rule. Although the king concedes, it becomes clear that the empire will stop at nothing to achieve their devious goals, with only the Kingsglaive standing between them and world domination.

Themes

Duty vs loyalty, Fractured alliances, Rebellion leadership dynamics, Imperial coercion and resilience, Peace compromised by force, Magical artifacts shape conflict

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Anthem of the Heart

2. The Anthem of the Heart

Animation Drama Music Romance Anime
7.3
20151h 59min

Overview

A young girl had her voice magically taken away so that she would never hurt people with it, but her outlook changes when she encounters music and friendship. Will Naruse be able to convey the anthem of her heart?

Themes

Voice as expression, Music as communication, Fear of speaking, High school social pressure, Friendship and collaboration, Romantic misunderstanding

Available on

Amazon Video
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Boruto: Naruto the Movie

3. Boruto: Naruto the Movie

Adventure Action Animation Comedy Fantasy
7.7
20151h 35min

Overview

The spirited Boruto Uzumaki, son of Seventh Hokage Naruto, is a skilled ninja who possesses the same brashness and passion his father once had. However, the constant absence of his father, who is busy with his Hokage duties, puts a damper on Boruto's fire. He ends up meeting his father's friend Sasuke, and requests to become... his apprentice!? The curtain on the story of the new generation rises!

Themes

Family bonds under pressure, Absent parental guidance, Proving through mentorship, Generational leadership duties, Deception and achievement, Mentorship impact on identity

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'

4. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'

Action Animation Science Fiction Epic Action Anime
7.1
20151h 33min

Overview

One peaceful day on Earth, two remnants of Frieza's army named Sorbet and Tagoma arrive searching for the Dragon Balls with the aim of reviving Frieza. They succeed, and Frieza subsequently seeks revenge on the Saiyans.

Themes

Loyalty vs autonomy, Enduring imperial pressure, Invasion and resistance, Power form transformation, Warning and mobilization, Time manipulation and consequence

Available on

Apple TV
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Last: Naruto the Movie

5. The Last: Naruto the Movie

Action Romance Animation Epic Action Romantic Epic
7.6
20141h 54min

Overview

Two years after the events of the Fourth Great Ninja War, the moon that Hagoromo Otsutsuki created long ago to seal away the Gedo Statue begins to descend towards the world, threatening to become a meteor that would destroy everything on impact. Amidst this crisis, a direct descendant of Kaguya Otsutsuki named Toneri Otsutsuki attempts to kidnap Hinata Hyuga but ends up abducting her younger sister Hanabi. Naruto and his allies now mount a rescue mission before finding themselves embroiled in a final battle to decide the fate of everything.

Themes

Power and control, Duty vs loyalty, Trust under manipulation, Rescue mission ethics, Moon as looming threat, Legacy burden

Available on

Netflix
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

When Marnie Was There

6. When Marnie Was There

Animation Drama Family Mystery Anime
7.6
20141h 43min

Overview

Upon being sent to live with relatives in the countryside due to an illness, an emotionally distant adolescent girl becomes obsessed with an abandoned mansion and infatuated with a girl who lives there - a girl who may or may not be real.

Themes

Appearance versus reality, Unseen family ties, Foster care payments, Memory across generations, Trust and secrecy, Loneliness and belonging

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Appleseed Alpha

7. Appleseed Alpha

Animation Science Fiction Action Anime Dystopian Sci-Fi
6.5
20141h 33min

Overview

The Third World War (2099–2126) devastated part of the Earth. Former nations are reforming while new powers emerge, and groups of humans struggle to survive in ruined cities. The story follows Deunan Knute and her partner Briareos as they search for the legendary city of Olympus.

Themes

Loyalty under manipulation, Trust and deception, Post apocalyptic survival, Alliance with tech mercenaries, Seeds of hope, Leftover war weapons

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

8. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

Animation Drama Fantasy Anime Mythological Fantasy
8.0
20132h 17min

Overview

Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. The mysterious young princess enthrals all who encounter her. But, ultimately, she must confront her fate.

Themes

Class inequality, Social climbing, Appearance vs reality, Freedom vs obligation, Emotional displacement, Wealth shaping identity

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Patema Inverted

9. Patema Inverted

Animation Science Fiction Adventure Drama Anime
7.3
20131h 38min

Overview

A young girl, from a civilization that resides in deep underground tunnels, finds herself trapped in an inverted world and teams up with a resident to escape and return home.

Themes

Authoritarian regime, Underground vs surface, Gravity disruption consequences, Intercultural contact, Cross-world cooperation, Youth resilience

Available on

Apple TV
Kanopy
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

The Wind Rises

10. The Wind Rises

Drama Animation Romance War History
7.8
20132h 6min

Overview

A lifelong love of flight inspires Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi, whose storied career includes the creation of the A-6M World War II fighter plane.

Themes

Illness as catalyst, Romance under hardship, Artistry vs warfare, Industrial ascent and failure, War-driven technology, Dream as legacy

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.