Anime has achieved remarkable popularity and captured the hearts of millions across the globe and for good reason. Its unique artistic style, characterized by vibrant visuals, intricate details, and dynamic characters, sets it apart from conventional Western animation. Anime’s appeal lies not only in its visual aesthetic but also in its diverse range of genres and themes. From epic action-packed shonen series likeNarutoandOne Pieceto enchanting romance tales likeWeathering With YouandThe Garden of Words, anime caters to various interests and demographics. It explores profound and thought-provoking narratives, delving into complex emotions, social issues, and philosophical concepts. This versatility and depth have endeared anime to a passionate and dedicated fanbase.
In this anime renaissance, Crunchyroll has emerged as a significant platform, significantly bringing an extensive variety of content options to the audience. As a leading streaming service dedicated to anime content, Crunchyroll offers a vast library of licensed shows, movies, and original productions. It acts as a gateway, connecting fans with a treasure trove of anime series, from classic titles to the latest releases, spanning multiple genres and subgenres. Whether you’re in the mood for action, romance, fantasy, or any other genre, Crunchyroll has a lineup of anime movies that will make your movie night a memorable and entertaining experience.
RELATED:15 Most Underrated Anime Movies, Ranked
Run Time: 1 hr 52 min |Director: Makoto Shinkai
Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi One can’t discuss the greatest anime movies without mentioning the acclaimed directorMakoto Shinkai. Withtheremarkable success of his latest film,Suzume no Tojimari, it’s an opportune moment to revisit his 2016 masterpiece,Your Name. The film follows two high school students, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana who mysteriously begin to switch bodies intermittently. Despite initially being confused and disoriented by their swapped lives, they eventually establish a method of communication and develop a bond. However, just as they start to form a deep connection, the body-swapping phenomenon suddenly stops. Determined to meet in person, Mitsuha and Taki set out to find one another, leading them on a remarkable journey transcending time and space.Your Nameseamlessly weaves together its themes and characters, leaving an indelible impact on viewers. This Shinkai classic is replete with stunning visual imagery that captivates the senses and unveils profound underlying themes, drawing inspiration from ancient legends like theRed String of Fateand employing symbolism to enrich the narrative.Watch on Crunchyroll
Run Time: 2 hr 4 min |Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Cast: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Taro Ishida Whether you’re an avid anime enthusiast or new to the genre, you’re likely familiar withAkira. Released in 1988, this iconic film takes its roots fromKatsuhiro Otomo’s manga of the same name, with Otomo himself directing the movie and co-writing the adaptation. Set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo in 2019,Akirafollows the story of Kaneda, a biker gang leader, and his friend Tetsuo, who develops powerful psychic abilities after a motorcycle accident. As Tetsuo’s powers grow out of control, triggering catastrophic events and awakening the dormant energy of the titular character Akira, Kaneda must navigate a treacherous landscape of government conspiracies and supernatural forces to save his friend and prevent further destruction. Since its initial release,Akirahas garnered immense praise for its groundbreaking impact, most prominently its take on thecorrupting influence of powerand its consequences.Watch on Crunchyroll
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train
Run Time: 1 hr 57 min |Director: Haruo Sotozaki
Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kito, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Satoshi HinoDemon Slayer: Mugen Trainachieved an incredible feat in 2020 by being the highest-grossing movie globally. The film’s plot draws inspiration from the series and maintains a straightforward narrative. Protagonists Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke join forces with fellow demon slayer Rengoku as they confront a powerful demon aboard the Mugen Train, which has caused the mysterious disappearance of over 40 people. While the movie takes place after the events of the first season of the show, it is still accessible and enjoyable for viewers who are unfamiliar with the TV series.The popularity ofDemon Slayer: Mugen Traineven among non-amine fanscan easily be attributed to its captivating storytelling, stunning animation, and the seamless continuation of the belovedDemon Slayerseries, drawing fans and newcomers into its thrilling and emotionally engaging cinematic experience.Watch on Crunchyroll
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Run Time: 1 hr 45 min |Director: Sunghoo Park
Cast: Megumi Ogata, Kana Hanazawa, Mikako Komatsu, Kōki Uchiyama, Tomokazu SekiJujutsu Kaisen 0was a much-awaited prequel owing to the popularity of the manga series. The movie follows the origin story of Yuta Okkotsu, a high school student plagued by a curse threatening his existence. As Yuta grapples with his inner demons, he becomes entangled in a dangerous battle against a malevolent curse looming over Tokyo. The prequel film to theJujutsu Kaisenseries garnered immense love from fans for its gripping storyline, intense action sequences, and exploration of complex themes such as friendship, self-acceptance, and the clash between good and evil. It amplifies the franchise’s charm with its compelling characters, breathtaking animation, and a masterful blend of supernatural horror and heartfelt moments that resonated deeply with viewers, further solidifyingJujutsu Kaisen’s popularity.Watch on Crunchyroll
Wolf Children
Run Time: 1 hr 57 min |Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Cast: Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa, Haru Kuroki, Yukito NishiiWolf Childrenis the second original feature film directed by Hosoda and the first work written by him. The movie tells the poignant story of Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a werewolf and bears two children, Ame and Yuki. Tragically, after the sudden demise of her partner, Hana must navigate thechallenges of single parenthoodwhile raising her unique half-human, half-wolf children. This remarkable film captures the essence of the human experience through its exploration of love, sacrifice, and the extraordinary lengths a parent will go to for their children. With its breathtaking animation, heartfelt moments, and soul-stirring portrayal of the struggles and joys of parenthood,Wolf Childrenstands out as a beautiful and moving tale that resonates deeply with audiences, evoking a profound appreciation for the strength and resilience of single parents.Watch on Crunchyroll
Psycho-Pass: The Movie
Run Time: 1 hr 53 min |Director: Katsuyuki Motohiro, Naoyoshi Shiotani
Cast: Kana Hanazawa, Tomokazu Seki, Hiroshi Kamiya, Ayane Sakura, Kenji Nojima.Psycho-Pass: The Movietakes place in a future dystopian society where a system called “Sibyl” monitors and determines an individual’s propensity to commit crimes. When a terrorist plot threatens the stability of this system, former detective Akane Tsunemori and her team are dispatched to the war-torn Southeast Asian country of Shambala Float. This standalone film expands upon the intricate lore of thePsycho-Passseries, masterfully introducing a new setting while maintaining the series' signature philosophical themes. The dynamic between Akane and her enigmatic counterpart, Kougami, is a standout element, enhanced by the exceptional voice acting. With positive critical reception, the movie expertly weaves together action, suspense, and thought-provoking storytelling, making it a remarkable addition to thePsycho-Passuniverse.Watch on Crunchyroll
Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale
Run Time: 1 hr 59 min |Director: Tomohiko Itō
Cast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Haruka Tomatsu,Ayana Taketatsu, Kanae ItōSword Art Online: Ordinal Scaleis an official part of theSword Art Onlinestoryline. It follows Kirito, Asuna, and their friends navigating a new augmented reality game called “Ordinal Scale.” Set in a world where the boundaries between virtual and reality blur, players' memories and experiences from the virtual world begin to vanish. As they uncover the truth behind these disappearances, Kirito, and his companions face a formidable challenge that threatens not only their memories but also their lives. The film balances action-packed sequences and character-driven moments, diving into the antagonists' motives and ultimately building up to an exhilarating and extended climax. What makesOrdinal Scalespecial is its ability to deliver a solid original story that keeps fans engaged and satisfied while offering an exciting narrative that captivates viewers and leaves them craving more adventures in the SAO universe.Watch on Crunchyroll
The Stranger By The Shore
Run Time: 59 min |Director: Akiyo Ohashi
Cast: Taishi Murata, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Kanae Itō, Yū Shimamura, Sayaka NakayaThe Stranger by the Shoretells the heartfelt story of Mio and Shun, who share an instant connection. Despite initial apprehension, they soon develop a natural bond that brings them personal growth. However, their encounter is fleeting; it takes three years for them to reunite.The Stranger by the Shoreprimarily centers around their second meeting as they confront their deep-seated trauma, confront their feelings, and embrace their genuine love for each other. This anime film is a powerful character study, delving into the depths of Mio and Shun’s journeys and their evolving partnership. As they navigate their genuine love for one another, the movie captivates viewers with its stunning animation and breathtaking natural environments, creating a visually immersive experience that beautifully complements the exploration of their emotions and relationships.Watch on Crunchyroll
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Run Time: 1 hr 38 min |Director: Hiroyuki Okiura
Cast: Yoshikatsu Fujiki, Sumi Mutoh, Hiroyuki Kinoshita, Eri SendaiJin-Roh: The Wolf Brigadetakes place in an alternate post-war Tokyo where a special police force, known as the Wolf Brigade, maintains order amidst civil unrest. The film unfolds deliberately, emphasizing atmospheric world-building and nuanced character moments over explosive action sequences. It showcases the beauty of hand-drawn animation, intricate character designs, and a captivating musical score that seamlessly complements the narrative. What makesJin-Roh: The Wolf Brigadespecial is its commitment to creative control, which allowed the creators to craft a thought-provoking story filled with subtle and crafty twists. The film’s distinct art direction and attention to detail create a visually stunning experience. At the same time, its exploration of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of choice adds depth and resonance to the narrative.Watch on Crunchyroll
Run Time: 59 min |Director: Hikaru Yamaguchi
Cast: Shōgo Yano, Yuma Uchida, Masatomo Nakazawa, Takuya Eguchi, Shintarō AsanumaGivencenters around the journey of the band “Given” as they navigate through themes of grief, loss, and the process of moving on from a failed romantic relationship. Building upon the events of the series, the film delves into the emotional struggles of the band members, particularly focusing on the guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama and the bassist Mafuyu Sato. Through heartfelt music,positive queer male representation, and introspective moments,Givendelicately portrays the healing power of friendship, love, and the pursuit of one’s passion, highlighting the significance of embracing new beginnings and finding solace in the face of heartbreak. This poignant exploration of emotional growth and personal transformation, combined with the film’s captivating animation and the heartfelt performances of its characters, makesGivena truly special and resonant experience.Watch on Crunchyroll
