KPop Demon Hunters took the world by storm with its captivating story, vibrant visuals, catchy music, and its message about self-acceptance. The story is rooted in Korean mythology, demonology, and K-pop, but because the movie targets an American audience, its exploration of these elements feels rushed and doesn't do them justice. This makes KPop Demon Hunters fall rather flat.
Several anime movies on Netflix take these elements and offer a much richer experience, featuring much more nuanced characters and expansive world-building. They take the time to develop a real story and their characters. From mainstream hits to underrated movies that deserve more attention, KPop Demon Hunters pales in comparison to these must-watch films.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya! Retells a Classic Through Music and Love
Shingo Yamashita's directorial debut reimagines the folktale The Tale of Princess Kaguya in a modern context, with a Gen Z audience in mind. There have been several adaptations of the classic story, but none as charming as Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
While the story has a few plot holes, the vibrant animation, the character arcs, and the fun concept more than make up for that. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! wraps elements of musicals and fantasies into a heartwarming slice-of-life narrative.
It follows a high school student, Iroha Sakayori, who meets Kaguya, who claims to be from the Moon. They bond over their love for music and enter a streamer competition where the winners get to perform with Yachiyo, a virtual idol. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! is a refreshing retelling that involves a unique, queer romance.
A Whisker Away is a Unique Tale About Escapism
A Whisker Away tells the story of Miyo Sasaki, a 14-year-old who doesn't get along with her stepmother, Kaoru, and has an unrequited crush on a boy named Kento Hinode. When Miyo receives a magical Noh mask that transforms her into a cat named Taro, she uses it to spend time with Hinode.
However, after facing public humiliation and Hinode telling her he hates her, Miyo decides living as Taro is better and runs away. For fans who loved KPop Demon Hunters for Rumi's arc of self-acceptance, A Whisker Away is a must-watch.
It's more whimsical in tone, but deals with heavier themes of loneliness, learning one's true value, and using fantasy to escape. Miyo learns that permanently being a cat will not fix her problems, whether it's with Hinode or her stepmother, and that it is not worth losing her humanity. It also manages to be the perfect blend of magical and cozy.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Shows How Demon Hunting is Done
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has finally hit Netflix a year after its theatrical release. It was an overwhelming success, becoming the highest-grossing anime movie of all time and the seventh highest-grossing movie in 2025.
Demon Slayer is on a streak of creating the best anime movies, with both Mugen Train and Infinity Castle being immensely popular. Although Mugen Train still holds up, Infinity Castle is a one-of-a-kind spectacle that proved to be superior.
As a direct continuation of the fourth season, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle immediately raises the stakes. Each battle is mesmerizing to watch, with fluid movements and no detail spared.
The various backstories and deaths ensured that not a single dry eye left the theater, especially after Akaza's backstory, despite his being an Upper Moon. While pacing is the biggest criticism most fans have, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is one of the best anime movies ever, and it properly depicts the actual consequences of being a demon hunter.
Promare Brings Vibrant Visuals That Rival KPop Demon Hunters'
Created by Trigger, the studio that brought one of the greatest Netflix anime series to life in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Promare is a treat for the eyes. The animation is its main selling point, with each frame featuring hyper-saturated colors. The movie rejects traditional realism and offers a distinct pop-art aesthetic. The character designs are also far more striking than most, with sharp, angular designs.
Promare might be cut from the same cloth as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, but it does lack an elaborate story. A new subspecies of pyrokinetic humans, known as Burnish, has emerged thirty years after a cataclysm caused half of humanity to spontaneously combust.
They are hunted by a special police force led by Kray Foresight. Galo, the main protagonist who is part of that force, slowly becomes disillusioned with their mission as he realizes Kray's true intentions. Promare guarantees fast-paced action, stunning mecha designs, and a great soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano.
After reading this article, which movie are you most interested in watching (or rewatching) next?
- Cosmic Princess Kaguya!
- A Whisker Away
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
- Promare
- KPop Demon Hunters
When you choose an anime movie, what matters most to you?
- Deep, well-developed characters and relationships
- Rich world-building and mythology
- Stylish, eye-catching animation and visuals
- Emotional impact and tear-jerker moments
- Fun vibes, music, and pure entertainment
multi-answer Select all that apply Which elements from the movies mentioned here are you actively looking for in your next watch?
- Queer or unconventional romance
- Coming-of-age and self-acceptance themes
- High-stakes demon hunting and intense battles
- Cozy, magical escapism
- Bold, experimental art style and animation
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