In recent years, Netflix has established itself as one of the main platforms for those looking for quality content, especially when it comes to animation. For anime fans, the streaming service’s catalog is vast and offers both series and films that have marked the history of Japanese animation.
Among the available feature films are the works of renowned directors, such as Hayao Miyazaki and Katsuhiro Otomo, whose works have spanned generations and inspired millions of people around the world. Here we will list the 10 best anime movies available on Netflix that you must check out.
From classics like Akira and Spirited Away to more recent productions like Suzume, these works offer a unique combination of compelling storytelling, sublime artistry, and profound themes. Get ready to dive into fantastic worlds, full of emotions and beauty.
10 best anime movies on Netflix
Akira (1988)
Akira is one of the most iconic and influential anime films of all time. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo and tells the story of Kaneda and Tetsuo, two friends involved in a complex plot involving psychic powers and government conspiracies. With impeccable animation, especially considering the era, and a dense and layered plot, Akira continues to be a cultural and aesthetic reference in the world of anime.
In addition to being a visual landmark, the film also tackles themes such as power, corruption, friendship and the search for identity. Akira is an unmissable choice for anyone who wants to discover the height of 1980s Japanese animation and understand its influence on global pop culture. No wonder, it’s one of the best anime movies on Netflix.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Another undeniable classic, Ghost in the Shell, directed by Mamoru Oshii, is a science fiction masterpiece. The story takes place in a dystopian future where humans and robots coexist in symbiosis and the line between natural and artificial is increasingly blurred. Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg and leader of an elite unit, is on a quest to understand her own existence while facing a mysterious hacker known as the Puppeteer.
The film is widely recognized for its philosophical themes about identity and consciousness, as well as its influence on science fiction culture. Ghost in the Shell is a visually stunning and intellectually provocative experience that has remained relevant decades after its release and is a must-read for any anime or science fiction fan.
Spirited Away (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away is one of the most awarded anime films of all time, including the Oscar for Best Animated Film in 2003. The plot follows Chihiro, a young girl who gets lost in a magical world while his parents are transformed into pigs. To save them and find his way back, he will have to work in a spiritual bathhouse, facing creatures and deities of all kinds.
In addition to the stunning visuals, Spirited Away is a story about coming of age, courage, and self-discovery. Its emotional depth and fantastic universe make this film a true classic that transcends the barriers of animation.
Lives in the Wind (2013)
Another film from the acclaimed Hayao Miyazaki, Lives in the Wind is a more mature and contemplative work than the director’s other animations. The story is based on the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer who designed the famous Zero fighters used by Japan during World War II. The film combines Jiro’s biography with fictional events, tackling themes such as the dream of flying, pacifism and personal and collective tragedies.
With beautiful animation and an emotional soundtrack, Lives in the Wind is a film that addresses the complexity of pursuing your dreams in the midst of a troubled world. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a more thoughtful and emotional narrative among the best anime films on Netflix.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Another Miyazaki classic, Princess Mononoke is an epic story about the struggle between nature and industrialization. Young Ashitaka, searching for a cure for a curse, finds himself in the middle of a battle between the gods of the forest and the humans trying to explore it. At the center of this battle is San, Princess Mononoke, a young woman raised by wolves who fights to protect nature.
With complex characters and a narrative rich in symbolism, Princess Mononoke is a powerful film that explores themes such as environmental conservation, war and coexistence. Visually, it’s an animated show that doesn’t get old, making it a favorite of many anime fans.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
If you’re looking for a film with great emotional impact, Grave of the Fireflies is an inevitable choice. Directed by Isao Takahata, this film portrays the lives of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they fight to survive in the final days of World War II in Japan. The work does not skimp on realism and sadness, showing the horrors and consequences of the war in Japan.
The film is widely considered one of the saddest and most touching works in cinema history, and it is impossible to watch it without being moved. With delicate animation and deeply human storytelling, Grave of the Fireflies is a portrait of the impact of war on innocents.
Suzume (2022)
Suzume, directed by Makoto Shinkai, is one of the most recent films to have left its mark on Japanese animation. The film tells the story of Suzume, a young woman who finds herself on a journey to close the mystical doors that bring destruction to Japan. The plot combines fantasy, romance and adventure, with Shinkai’s trademark: stunning imagery and a sense of poetic melancholy.
With breathtaking animation and an emotional soundtrack, Suzume is a must-see addition to the best anime films on Netflix for those who love narratives that mix the fantastic with deep emotional questions.
Shiki Oriori: The Taste of Youth (2018)
Divided into three distinct tales, Shiki Oriori: The Taste of Youth explores the memories and emotional bonds that connect us to our youth. Set in different cities in China, the film touches on themes such as love, nostalgia and the fleeting nature of life.
Although it is a more recent and lesser-known production, its visual beauty and the touching simplicity of its stories make it a highlight in Netflix’s catalog of anime films.
I Can Hear the Ocean (1993)
Also known as Umi ga Kikoeru, I Can Hear the Ocean is a lesser-known Studio Ghibli production, but it offers a unique perspective on human relationships. Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki, the film focuses on a coming-of-age story, following the lives of two schoolmates, Taku and Rikako, and the impact the arrival of a new student has on their lives.
The film captures the nostalgia and ephemerality of school days, making it a true tribute to what it’s like to grow up and face life’s first emotional challenges. I Can Hear the Ocean can be considered one of the best anime films on Netflix for those looking for something more introspective, but with the narrative quality that Studio Ghibli always offers.
Whispers of the Heart (1995)
Closing out our list is Whispers of the Heart, a delicate work by Studio Ghibli that portrays the journey of self-discovery of a young girl named Shizuku. The film combines romance, fantasy and a youthful sensibility that captures the essence of youth.
With themes of dreams, love, and growth, Whispers of the Heart is a charming choice for those looking for something lighter, but still profound.
The 10 best anime movies available on Netflix appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
