Television is a form of entertainment that has evolved into an art, which is also reflected in anime, producing masterpieces such asFrieren: Beyond Journey’s EndandAttack on Titan. However, at its root, anime is all about enjoyability, and sometimes fans just need something to lift their spirits and brighten their moods, with many anime serving the sole purpose of making the viewers feel better.
Whether fans are having a bad day or aren’t in a good mood, particular anime can help lift their spirits, which is why this list highlights ten feel-good anime movies perfect for when fans are feeling down.This list will include anime movies with uplifting messages, wholesome content, or funny jokes, including many romance, coming-of-age, and comedy films.
10’The Garden of Words' (2013)
Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Kicking off this list might be a strange choice, since many fans might not classifyThe Garden of Wordsas a feel-good anime film. An aspiring shoemaker and a mysterious woman find solace in the time they spend together, but as the rainy season comes to an end, they must confront their personal struggles and discover beauty in the mundane.
The Garden of Wordsmay resonate more deeply with fans who are feeling down because it is about finding one’s way in life, and it heavily features uplifting messages that may be difficult to take in depending on a person’s mental state. However, while it isn’t feel-good in the traditional sense, itgives fans a sense of hope and ambition to do the right thing, lending it some feel-good and motivational aspects.
The Garden of Words
9’Pokémon The Movie 2000' (1999)
Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and Michael Haigney
Pokémonis the largest media franchise in the world, with essential video games, TV shows, and merchandise, but the franchise has also provided countless classic feels for fans to enjoy.Pokémon the Movie 2000is the second film in the series and follows Ash’s arrival on a new island during the festival. Helping with the ceremony, he uses Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres to summon the powerful legendary Lugia.
Despite being one ofthe bestPokémonmovies, this film is all style and no substance, but that is exactly what fans expect from it, and it is whatallows the feel-good non-seriousness to thrive.Pokémon the Movie 2000is full of nostalgia, humor, charm, and heartwarming moments, making it the perfect feel-good anime movie where viewers can sit back, relax, and enjoy a simply exquisitePokémonfilm.
Pokémon the Movie 2000
8’Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop' (2021)
Directed by Kyohei Ishiguro
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Popis the newest film on this list, but it has already earned a good reputation because of its striking animation and heartfelt messages. When an isolated boy and an extravagant girl come together to help an older man find a classic album, the two build a budding friendship that has the potential to grow into something more beautiful.
While some viewers may be feeling down because of love and don’t want anything to do with it,Words Bubble Up Like Soda Popis a heartwarming romance film that might be just what they need. The innocent charm paired with its wholesome messages provides a classic rom-com, but the animation is at the forefront, makingWords Bubble Up Like Soda Popone of thebest modern anime movies.
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
7’Josee, the Tiger and the Fish' (2020)
Directed by Kotaro Tamura
Josee, the Tiger and the Fishis another rom-com, a genre fans will see a lot of on this list, but it proves to be one of the best feel-good anime films. Tsuneo becomes Josee’s caretaker, but being in a wheelchair has made her jaded towards those who are more fortunate. However, he slowly brings her out of her comfort zone and helps her experience the world in a new light, laying the groundwork for a wholesome relationship.
The slice-of-life elements give this movie a down-to-earth element that allows viewers to connect more…
The slice-of-life elements give this moviea down-to-earth element that allows viewers to connect morewith the wholesome, mundane activities. This builds on the heartwarming themes and growing dynamic between Tsuneo and Josee, culminating in a happy ending that will cheer everyone up. On top of that,Josee, the Tiger and the Fishhas gorgeous animation and a stunning soundtrack.
6’The Boy and the Beast' (2015)
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
Mamoru Hosodais one of the most iconic anime directors, and fans hope his upcoming film,Scarlet, will be his best yet. But while fans wait for that, they can feel better by watchingThe Boy and the Beast, one of his best films. When a boy from Tokyo meets a beast from another realm, the two form an unlikely pair to achieve a common goal, which becomes something more profound.
Taking a break from rom-coms,The Boy and the Beaststill thrives on its wholesome dynamic, driving the heart and soul of the film.The Boy and the Beasttackles themes such as depression and will make viewers cry with itstearjerker scenes, but it will ultimately make them feel better by the endwith its subtle yet profound themes and endearing characters. As one of thebest anime movies of the 2010s, this is a must-watch.
The Boy and the Beast
5’Night is Short, Walk on Girl' (2017)
Directed by Masaaki Yuasa
Masaaki Yuasais a creative genius, andNight is Short, Walk on Girlmight be his most outstanding work. An ordinary college student is chasing his crush, but nothing seems to connect the two. Meanwhile, she is on a journey of aimless exploration, seeking to experience everything and anything. However, when he finds a childhood book of hers, he sees it as a way to rewrite fate, creating one of thebest anime movies ever.
It isgoofy, silly, and over-the-top, but also very alluringwith its unique concept, unorthodox story, and imaginative animation. While it is a rom-com, it will make viewers feel better through its infectious style and goofiness, while also providing some hilarious moments and wholesome romance with a sweet message.Night is Short, Walk on Girlhas so many things to take away, but any one thing will provide a worthwhile experience that viewers will need to rewatch whenever they are feeling down.
4’My Neighbor Totoro' (1988)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Feel-good and Studio Ghibli are basically synonymous, making it surprising that it took this long for one to appear. While there are many that deserve to be on this list, only two made it, with the first beingMy Neighbor Totoro. As their family waits in a rural town for their mother to recover, two siblings explore the area and encounter Totoro, a large, rabbit-like creature with whom they embark on an adventure.
With one of the most adorable andbest Studio Ghibli characters,My Neighbor Totorois a wholesome delight that will have fans feeling better in no time.The anime is a heartwarming treat with cute characters and a whimsical atmospherethat allows viewers to explore the wonders of daily rural life. From its uplifting themes and happy ending, this anime film is a must-watch for any mood.
My Neighbor Totoro
3’Penguin Highway' (2018)
Directed by Hiroyasu Ishida
Tomihiko Morimiis an influential author, andPenguin Highwayis the second adaptation of his work on this list afterNight is Short, Walk on Girl. Aoyama is a child genius, and when penguins start to appear in his hometown, he must uncover the reason behind their presence. Accompanied by the local dentist, they investigate the mysterious cause and the ominous object called “The Sea.”
Penguin Highwayis an emotionally charged film, but won’t sadden fans with depressing themes. Instead, it focuses on heartfelt messages that are relatable for both older and younger audiences. Thewhimsical world and charming penguins create an infectiously cute storythat will have fans feeling better in a matter of minutes inthis underrated anime film.
2’Tokyo Godfathers' (2003)
Directed by Satoshi Kon
Satoshi Konmight not be the director fans think about when imagining feel-good anime movies, but he has one underrated classic that will make fans feel warm inside.Tokyo Godfathersfollows three homeless people who stumble upon an abandoned baby. While they try to find the child’s parents, their personal struggles hinder their goal, making this adventure more complicated than necessary.
Kon abandoned his usual styleof blending reality and fantasy, as well as dark themes, to deliver a surprisingly heartwarming, human, and mature film that will lift spirits.Tokyo Godfathersis the quintessential Christmas anime movie, offering anexcellent blend of comedy, drama, wholesome moments, and endearing characters. This is a feel-good experience from start to finish that will improve moods in no time.
Tokyo Godfathers
1’Kiki’s Delivery Service' (1989)
Earning the top spot is another Studio Ghibli movie, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering its legacy of wholesome and whimsical feel-good films.Kiki’s Delivery Servicefollows the titular witch as she leaves home in accordance with the witch’s rules, allowing her to start her own delivery service. However, her lack of confidence strips her power away, causing Kiki to question herself.
Kiki’s Delivery Serviceisn’t as romantic or emotionally charged as some of Studio Ghibli’s other films, butthis allows its scenic backgrounds, wholesome characters, and whimsical vibes to shine, which is ultimately what makes it a great feel-good anime movie. It is one ofthe best coming-of-age anime filmsthat dazzles with its otherworldly magic, but grounds itself in empathy to allow audiences to relate to it, making fans feel right as rain.
