Anime backdrop

Anime movies

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

Steins;Gate: The Movie - Load Region of Déjà Vu

1. Steins;Gate: The Movie - Load Region of Déjà Vu

Science Fiction Animation Drama Time Travel Sci-Fi Psychological Drama
7.8
20131h 30min

Overview

One year after the events of the anime, Rintarou begins to feel the repercussions of extensive time travel, and eventually completely fades from reality. Kurisu, being the only companion to remember him, now must find a way to bring him back.

Themes

Romance under pressure, Time travel consequences, Fractured reality perception, Obsession with invention, Memory overload risk, Doppelganger ethics

Available on

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

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

2. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

Animation Action Science Fiction Anime Superhero Action
7.1
20131h 25min

Overview

The events of Battle of Gods take place some years after the battle with Majin Buu, which determined the fate of the entire universe. After awakening from a long slumber, Beerus, the God of Destruction is visited by Whis, his attendant and learns that the galactic overlord Frieza has been defeated by a Super Saiyan from the North Quadrant of the universe named Goku, who is also a former student of the North Kai. Ecstatic over the new challenge, Goku ignores King Kai's advice and battles Beerus, but he is easily overwhelmed and defeated. Beerus leaves, but his eerie remark of "Is there nobody on Earth more worthy to destroy?" lingers on. Now it is up to the heroes to stop the God of Destruction before all is lost.

Themes

Rivalries among powerful beings, Cosmic duty vs personal glory, Power escalation and restraint, Energy channeling for form, Protection of a home world, Disruption of peace

Available on

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

One Piece Film: Z

3. One Piece Film: Z

Animation Fantasy Action Adventure Anime
7.7
20121h 48min

Overview

Zephyr, now known as Z, rides the seas with only one goal: Destroy all pirates and their dreams at becoming King of Pirates. When Luffy and his crew encounter him at sea, not only are they utterly defeated by the man with an arm made of Seastone, Nami, Robin, and Chopper are turned 10 years younger due to Z's minion Ain. Luffy is so determined to win against him that he does not even notice Z's master plan that could sacrifice thousands of lives.

Themes

Loyalty under threat, Duty under pressure, Power and consequences, Loss and anger fueling action, Mentor-student dynamic, Justice vs destruction

Available on

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

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

4. Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

Animation Science Fiction Action Drama Anime
6.9
20121h 36min

Overview

Fourteen years after Third Impact, Shinji Ikari awakens to a world he does not remember. He hasn't aged. Much of Earth is laid in ruins, NERV has been dismantled, and people who he once protected have turned against him. Befriending the enigmatic Kaworu Nagisa, Shinji continues the fight against the angels and realizes the fighting is far from over, even when it could be against his former allies. The characters' struggles continue amidst the battles against the angels and each other, spiraling down to what could inevitably be the end of the world.

Themes

Identity under pressure, Father son conflict, Duty under collapse, Post apocalyptic resilience, Gay subtext, Deception about origins

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie

5. Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie

Animation Fantasy Action Anime Dark Fantasy
7.6
20121h 49min

Overview

Sixteen years ago, a mysterious masked ninja unleashes a powerful creature known as the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox on the Hidden Leaf Village Konoha, killing many people. In response, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze and his wife Kushina Uzumaki, the Demon Fox's living prison or Jinchūriki, manage to seal the creature inside their newborn son Naruto Uzumaki. With the Tailed Beast sealed, things continued as normal. However, in the present day, peace ended when a group of ninja called the Akatsuki attack Konoha under the guidance of Tobi, the mysterious masked man behind Fox's rampage years ago who intends on executing his plan to rule the world by shrouding it in illusions.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Duty vs desire, Belonging under pressure, Alternate realities, Parental longing, Altered identity

Available on

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

Wolf Children

6. Wolf Children

Animation Family Drama Fantasy Anime
8.1
20121h 57min

Overview

After her werewolf lover unexpectedly dies in an accident, a woman must find a way to raise the son and daughter that she had with him. However, their inheritance of their father's traits prove to be a challenge for her.

Themes

Single mother burden, Farming community resilience, Wolf heritage conflict, Secret wolf nature, School integration tension, Parental sacrifice adaptation

Available on

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

Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison

7. Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Blood Prison

Thriller Animation Action Comedy Horror
7.1
20111h 48min

Overview

After his capture for attempted assassination of the Raikage, leader of Kumogakure, as well as killing Jōnin from Kirigakure and Iwagakure, Naruto is imprisoned in Hōzukijou: A criminal containment facility known as the Blood Prison. Mui, the castle master, uses the ultimate imprisonment technique to steal power from the prisoners, which is when Naruto notices his life has been targeted. Thus begins the battle to uncover the truth behind the mysterious murders and prove Naruto's innocence.

Themes

Deception and manipulation, Trust under pressure, Authority and individual rights, Confinement and injustice, Loyalty and duty, Justice and accountability

Available on

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

From Up on Poppy Hill

8. From Up on Poppy Hill

Animation Drama Anime Coming-of-Age Drama
7.4
20111h 31min

Overview

Yokohama, 1963. Japan is picking itself up from the devastation of World War II and preparing to host the 1964 Olympics—and the mood is one of both optimism and conflict as the young generation struggles to throw off the shackles of a troubled past. Against this backdrop of hope and change, a friendship begins to blossom between high school students Umi and Shun—but a buried secret from their past emerges to cast a shadow on the future and pull them apart.

Themes

Change vs tradition, Memory of a dead father, Post war japan, Youth agency in education, Japanese economic miracle, Renovation of clubhouse

Available on

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

The Secret World of Arrietty

9. The Secret World of Arrietty

Fantasy Animation Family Supernatural Fantasy Anime
7.6
20101h 34min

Overview

14-year-old Arrietty and the rest of the Clock family live in peaceful anonymity as they make their own home from items "borrowed" from the house's human inhabitants. However, life changes for the Clocks when a human boy discovers Arrietty.

Themes

Secrecy drives adaptation, Coexistence with humans, Displacement and relocation, Protecting a hidden home, Fragile domestic boundaries, Human curiosity threatens life

Available on

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

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

10. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

Animation Comedy Science Fiction Mystery Drama
8.0
20102h 42min

Overview

A week before Christmas, Kyon wakes up in a world where the SOS Brigade doesn't exist. Mikuru and Yuki don't recognize him, and Haruhi and Itsuki seem to have vanished.

Themes

Supernatural influence, Sequel expectations, High school pressures, Alternate dimension anxiety, Christmas disruption, Collective identity tension

Available on

Crunchyroll
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.