Netflix is quietly emerging as a leader in providing the best anime movies and series in the OTT world. The streamer giant’s library is filled with multiple genres, including but not limited to romance, action, sci-fi, adventure and more.
It contains the Studio Ghibli classics as well as popular modern anime like Demon Slayer and Black Clover. Unsurprisingly, it is becoming a topmost choice for anime lovers seeking a good series or a film.
The growing popularity of anime worldwide has led to many beginners scouring Netflix to watch top-notch anime movies and series that will provide them with the best visual experience. To save you from experiencing choice overload, we have curated a list of the 15 best anime movies to watch on Netflix.
The list caters to all types of audiences looking for a variety in the genre — from a romantic ride with A Silent Voice to a sci-fi showdown with The End of Evangelion.
15 best anime movies on Netflix that are worth your time
1. Spirited Away (2001)
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Japanese title: Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
IMDb rating: 8.6
Genre: Fantasy and adventure
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino and Mari Natsuki
Runtime: 2 hours and 5 minutes
Chihiro Ogino, a 10-year-old, gets trapped in a magical realm after her parents get cursed for eating food that was meant for the gods. The young girl must navigate the mystical world and all the otherworldly creatures existing in it to free herself and her parents.
The visual significance of the film can be reflected in its creation of many mystical beings like Haku, a young boy with the ability to transform into a dragon and No-Face who can absorb personalities. Chihiro’s journey from being a spoiled child to braving the treacherous magical land is truly mesmerising and inspiring.
One of the best classics from Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away is a landmark anime film in both Japanese and global cinema. It holds much cultural significance to Japan’s society by drawing on Shinto beliefs, folklore and traditional customs. It also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
If you are new to anime, it is one of the best anime films on Netflix to start your journey with.
2. Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl (2019)
Japanese title: Seishun Buta Yarō wa Yumemiru Shōjo no Yume o Minai
IMDb rating: 8.2
Genre: Romantic supernatural drama
Director: Sōichi Masui
Voice cast: Kaito Ishikawa, Asami Seto and Inori Minase
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
The CloverWorks film is a sequel to the anime television series Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (2018). It adapts the sixth and seventh volumes of the light novel series.
Based on the Dreaming Girl arc, the film continues the story of Sakuta Azusagawa and his relationship with his girlfriend, Mai Sukurajima. The sudden reappearance of Shoko Makinohara becomes the main twist of the movie.
Tackling themes of love, friendship and tragedy, the movie beautifully portrays life and death. It struck a good balance of romance, drama and supernatural elements, making it an entertaining yet emotional watch.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
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Japanese title: Hauru no Ugoku Shiro
IMDb rating: 8.2
Genre: Family and fantasy
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura and Akihiro Miwa
Runtime: 1 hour and 59 minutes
Making our best anime movies on Netflix list is yet another Studio Ghibli production. The critically acclaimed film is loosely based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones.
The story centres around 18-year-old Sophie Hatter whose ordinary life is flipped upside down after she meets an enigmatic yet charming wizard Howl. Subsequently, she gets cursed and transforms into an old woman. In a bid to find a cure, she leaves her village and stumbles upon Howl’s moving castle.
The movie is an adventurous ride filled with enchanting visuals and entertaining characters. The narration plays on the themes of love, sacrifice and self-discovery. It is a whimsical journey that you simply should not miss out on.
4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train (2020)
Japanese title: Gekijô-ban Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Ressha-hen
IMDb rating: 8.2
Genre: Action and fantasy
Director: Haruo Sotozaki
Voice cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Hiro Shimono and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Runtime: 1 hour and 57 minutes
It is not easy to please a well-established fandom with a movie of an ongoing and globally popular anime series. But Ufotable made it possible by offering a direct sequel to the first season of the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba as a movie.
The film is based on the Mugen Train arc. Picking right up from the end of the first season, the movie follows the journey of Tanjiro Kamado with his demon sister Nezuko. He is accompanied by his friends from the Demon Slayer Corps, Zenitsu and Inosuke. They are all tasked with accompanying Kyojiro Rangoku.
Considering the vast fanbase of the manga and the series, it is unsurprising that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train became one of the highest-grossing anime films ever. The film showcased some of the most intense battles. The emotional depth became a highlight of the movie.
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)
Japanese title: Shin Seiki Evangerion Gekijō-ban: Air/Magokoro o, Kimi ni
IMDb rating: 8.1
Genre: Apocalyptic science fiction
Director: Hideaki Anno
Voice cast: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, and Yûko Miyamura
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 mins
The film follows Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu who pilot giant robots to defeat enemies called Angels threatening humanity. It also centres around the Human Instrumentality Project, where human souls are merged into a single divine entity.
The End of Evangelion serves as an alternate ending to the television series Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995 to 1996). The final two episodes of the series stirred up controversy for their introspective ending. The film was meant to provide closure to the fans. It is divided into two parts and provides a dramatic conclusion to the story from the series.
Quite ahead of its time, The End of Evangelion‘s bold approach to storytelling and thematic depth won over the audience. Not to mention, the animation still remains groundbreaking.
6. A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)
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Japanese title: Koe no Katachi
IMDb rating: 8.1
Genre: Romance
Director: Naoko Yamada
Voice cast: Mayu Matsuoka, Saori Hayami and Aoi Yūki
Runtime: 2 hours and 9 minutes
Based on the manga of the same name by Yoshitoki Ōima, A Silent Voice is a must-watch film for people of all ages. It centres around Shoya Ishida, a confident young boy who bullied a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya. His actions led to Shoya transferring out of school.
Burdened with regret, Ishida becomes a social outcast. However, he gets a chance at redemption after reaching out to Shoya. The film beautifully yet sensitively explores their deepening bond and blossoming love for each other.
A Silent Voice sensitively approaches the heavy themes of bullying, disability, redemption and personal growth. The beautiful animation adds soul to the film.
7. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Japanese title: Tenkū no Shiro Rapyuta
IMDb rating: 8
Genre: Fantasy and adventure
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui and more
Runtime: 2 hours and 4 minutes
One of the most beloved classics in anime history, Castle In The Sky centres around Pazu, a boy who works in a mining town, and Sheeta, a girl with a magical crystal pendant. Pazu and Sheeta embark on an adventurous journey to uncover the secrets related to her pendant.
Castle In The Sky is the first movie produced by Studio Ghibli. Even after over four decades, the movie is popular among anime lovers as it is a cornerstone of anime cinema. Apart from setting a standard for the studio, the movie dealt with many unique and heavy themes like anti-militarism, pacifism, nature vs. technology and more.
The rich world-building, innovative narration, brilliant visuals and complex characters set a benchmark for anime films. It continues to capture new generations of viewers.
8. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Japanese title: Kaze no Tani no Naushika
IMDb rating: 8
Genre: Fantasy and adventure
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Sumi Shimamoto, Gorō Naya and Yōji Matsuda
Runtime: 1 hour and 57 minutes
The Topcraft film is set in the post-apocalyptic world, exploring the devastating aftermath of the Seven Days Of Fire that destroyed industrial civilisation. A young princess of the Valley of the Wind, named Nausicaä, embarks on a journey to find a way where nature and humans can coexist. However, she must face the militaristic Tolmekian empire that carries an attack on Valley of the Wind.
Apart from its profound nature vs. man theme, the film deeply explores the political turmoil along with the environmental and pacifist themes. The story will resonate with many by showcasing brave emotions like courage, empathy, and sacrifice for the greater good.
It is one of the most influential anime films in the world and has successfully stood the test of time. The detailed animation and imaginative designs will take you on a whirlwind ride of the fantasy world. It is one of the best anime movies on Netflix to watch if you love old-school classics.
9. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
Japanese title: Kimi no Suizō o Tabetai
IMDb rating: 8
Genre: Romance
Director: Shin’ichirô Ushijima
Voice cast: Mahiro Takasugi, Lynn, Yukiyo Fujii and Yuma Uchida
Runtime: 1 hour and 48 minutes
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is one of the best romantic films on Netflix for all anime lovers. As weird as the title sounds, the film is just as beautiful and poignant.
Based on the light novel of the same name by Yoru Sumino, the Studio VOLN film follows the story of a socially awkward high school student Haruki Shiga and Sakura Yamauchi. The latter secretly suffers from a terminal pancreatic disease. The film beautifully explores their unique dynamic while playing on the themes of life, death and tragic love.
The heartfelt story and the strong character development in the movie will intrigue you. The film managed to sensitively handle the heavy themes with stunning animation. There are several moments of humour, sorrow and joy, all perfectly crafted to enhance the emotional weight of the movie.
10. Paprika (2006)
Japanese title: Papurika
IMDb rating: 7.7
Genre: Thriller and sci-fi
Director: Satoshi Kon
Voice cast: Megumi Hayashibara, Tōru Furuya and Tōru Emori.
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Based on the 1993 novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui, Paprika is set in the near future where one can enter and explore the other’s dreams. Like every great invention, this device is at risk of being misused and exploited as it can easily manipulate people’s minds.
Paprika was praised for its complex narration and stunning visuals. The film delved deep into exploring the boundaries between reality and dreams, offering a unique experience to the viewers. The inventive storytelling paired with groundbreaking animation created a dreamlike visual experience for the viewers.
The Madhouse, Inc. production explores psychological themes in detail. After watching the movie, you might sit down to ponder or question your understanding of reality.
11. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023)
Japanese title: Burakku Kurōbā: Mahōtei no Ken
IMDb rating: 7.4
Genre: Action and fantasy
Director: Ayataka Tanemura
Voice cast: Gakuto Kajiwara, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Kana Yūki and more
Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Based on Yūki Tabata’s popular anime and manga series Black Clover, the movie won many hearts for staying faithful towards the source material.
The film is set in an alternate timeline with a new village named Conrad Leto, which takes place outside the canonical events of the manga. Leto aims to destroy the Clover Kingdom to create a new world order. On the other hand, Asta Yuno, a Magic Knight must protect the Clover Kingdom.
The intense battles are enhanced with stunning visuals. The dynamic character designs enchanted fans. Although the movie received a positive reception at large, some fans felt the new antagonist could have been explored more in the film. Nonetheless, the film continued to thrive on the original themes of friendship, perseverance and power from the manga and the series.
12. Mary and The Witch’s Flower (2017)
Japanese title: Meari to Majo no Hana
IMDb rating: 6.8
Genre: Fantasy
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Voice cast: Hana Sugisaki, Ryunosuke Kamiki and Yūki Amami
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Based on the 1971 children’s novel The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart, Mary and The Witch’s Flower is one of the best anime movies by Studio Ponoc to watch with kids on Netflix.
It follows the story of a young girl named Mary Smith who is staying with her great-aunt Charlotte in the countryside. Mary’s innocent life takes a magical turn after she stumbles upon a mysterious flower. She is soon transported to a magical school for witches.
The film beautifully blends the themes of adventures, self-discovery and magic. It encapsulates all the profound themes in the spirit of classic fantasy storytelling. The whimsical world-building and charming characters are its highlights.
13. A Whisker Away (2020)
Japanese title: Nakitai Watashi wa Neko o Kaburu
IMDb rating: 6.7
Genre: Fantasy and romance
Director: Junichi Sato and Tomotaka Shibayama
Voice cast: Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae and Hiroaki Ogi
Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes
The literal meaning of the original title is “Wanting to cry, I pretend to be a cat”. Although the title sounds comical, the film is anything but. The visually enchanting movie deals with profound themes of love, identity and self-discovery.
It follows the story of Miyo Sasaki who secretly harbours feelings for her classmate, Kento Hinode. Behind her quirky persona, Miyo hides the pain of dealing with her family’s strained dynamics. She stumbles upon a mask that transforms her into a cat.
Produced by Studio Colorido in collaboration with Toho Animation, the film moves forward by beautifully exploring the themes of conflict with self-identity and escapism. The charming animation coupled with emotional storytelling makes A Whisker Away one of the best anime movies on Netflix.
14. Flavors of Youth: International Version (2018)
Japanese title: Shikioriori
IMDb rating: 6.6
Genre: Romance
Director: Yoshitaka Takeuchi, Haoling Li and Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing
Voice cast: Taito Ban, Mariya Ise and Minako Kotobuki
Runtime: 1 hour and 15 minutes
The anthology film comprises three short stories set in different parts of China. All three short stories are directed by different directors. The film explores the profound themes of love, nostalgia and the passage of time through its enchanting visuals and emotional storytelling.
Each story will transport you to a different world through its poignant narration. Each segment has its unique style and tone. The collaboration between the Chinese and Japanese studios Haoliners Animation League and CoMix Wave Films added an extra flair to the unique blend of cultures and styles.
15. Maboroshi (2023)
Japanese title: Alice to Therese no Maboroshi Kōjō
IMDb rating: 6.3
Genre: Science fantasy drama
Director: Mari Okada
Voice cast: Junya Enoki, Reina Ueda and Misaki Kuno
Runtime: 1 hour and 51 minutes
Last on our list of one of the best anime movies on Netflix is the 2023 sci-fi Maboroshi. Imagine living in a town where the flow of time has mysteriously stopped. This mysterious 2023 film centres around three main characters named Masamune, Atsumi and Mutsumi.
The English translation of the Japanese word Maboroshi is vision or illusion. It is set in a mysterious town where time has stopped after an explosion at a steel factory. No one ages there as the seasons don’t change. The trio work together to understand the phenomenon that struck their town.
The film delves into the themes of relationships, freedom, and scientific phenomena. It also explores fantastical elements with stunning visuals, which MAPPA Studios is proud of. They are known for producing the globally renowned anime series Jujutsu Kaisen.
(Hero and Featured Image: Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King and A Whisker Away/ IMDb)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Spirited Away and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train are some of the best anime movies on Netflix.
Spirited Away is the highest-rated anime movie on Netflix.
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is the best action anime movie on Netflix.
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Princia is an entertainment writer and pop culture addict whose eyes sparkle at the sight of true crime docu-dramas. In her free time, she consumes an unhealthy amount of Korean dramas and anime. She has previously worked for Mashable.
