Many anime movies tell stories that stand on their own, such as the Studio Ghibli films or Akira. At the same time, there are plenty of noteworthy anime films based on television series, and these hits should not be overlooked.
Some of the most beloved anime out there, such as One Piece and Demon Slayer, boast movies that are in some ways improvements over their television counterparts. The longer runtime, bigger budget and more grandiose format that a movie provides allows these shows to take their stories to the next level, in terms of both animation and storyline.
10 Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Immerses Fans With Its Horrific Bioterrorism Storyline
Also titled Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is a fantastic continuation of the anime series, immersing the Bebop crew in a new adventure. When an evildoer begins spreading a fatal virus, the bounty hunters must bring the bioterrorist to justice.
The film is considered a must-see for several reasons. Whether one is a fan of Cowboy Bebop or not, the movie is a worthwhile watch due to its dramatic plot, stellar animation, immersive soundtrack, and the inclusion of one of the series' most compelling villains, Vincent Volaju.
9 Violet Evergarden: The Movie Offers a Fulfilling Ending to a Sentimental Series
It is always sad when a cherished anime series draws to a close, but Violet Evergarden: The Movie represents the best possible ending for the fantasy drama. The anime follows the titular Violet Evergarden during her work as an Auto Memory Doll, a role in which she meets new people and transcribes their life stories so they will never be forgotten.
The movie format was the correct choice for such an emotional, tear-jerking finale. After helping so many letter-writing clients heal, Violet Evergarden: The Movie allows Violet to revisit certain memories and people from her own past. She can finally rest in the peace and love she has been seeking, making the ending feel satisfying.
8 One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island Utilizes Horror and Relational Strain
There is no shortage of One Piece films, but One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island might just be the best and most distinctive. The film is deeper than many other One Piece anime episodes and movies, revealing tension between the Straw Hat Crew and a much darker villain than is typical for the series.
Baron Omatsuri is a real threat, not only because of how powerful and terrifying it is, but because it manages to turn the Straw Hat Pirates against one another. Because of its stark contrast with other One Piece projects, Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island stands out as a unique masterpiece.
7 Gintama: The Very Final Delivers the Perfect Send-off for Cherished Characters With a Hint of Humor
Gintama: The Very Final, as its title suggests, acts as the conclusion of Gintama's long-running story. Since the sci-fi anime ran for over 15 years and produced over 300 episodes, the finale had high expectations to live up to, and thankfully, it surpassed what fans even anticipated.
All the action and gripping fight scenes Gintama is known for are present in the movie, but it also weaves in comedic moments too, including an amusing twist at the end. Gintama has always balanced serious scenes with humorous parody, and that formula certainly comes across in Gintama: The Very Final, making it the perfect farewell for the series.
6 The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Is a Sci-Fi Time-Travel Gem With an Emotional Undercurrent
The 2010 movie, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, picks up where the anime series, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, left off. In the film, Haruhi Suzumiya, who may or may not be God, seemingly no longer exists, with virtually no one remembering her.
Kyon, a member of the SOS Brigade who kept Haruhi entertained, attempts to figure out the reason she vanished. During this pursuit, Kyon finds himself on an extremely complex quest in which he must decide whether to accept this new, calm existence or fight to get his old life with Haruhi back.
5 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train Introduces the Series' Most Courageous Hashira
The Mugen Train arc of Demon Slayer was depicted in both film and television format, but the movie is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience. The arc follows Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke as they board the Mugen Train to investigate the vehicle's mysterious magic that causes riders to vanish.
One of the greatest but most heart-wrenching components of Mugen Train is the final battle between Upper Rank Three, Akaza, and Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku. Rengoku's heroic spirit and refusal to give up clash with Akaza's tremendous power and thirst for revenge, creating one of Demon Slayer's best battles.
4 Attack on Titan: The Last Attack Completes the Anime With a Gruesome Final War
Attack on Titan's finale was momentous. The sheer magnitude of the Titans themselves can only be depicted on a movie screen, further hammering home just how intimidating the creatures are. Aside from the visceral horror the battles in The Last Act provide, it is also a story of sacrifice and the grave consequences of human conflict.
The ending of Attack on Titan cannot be described as happy, and immeasurable losses occur during the finale, including those of multiple main characters. Although it is gloomy and violent, Attack on Titan concludes with a faint sliver of hope for a better future, which its characters certainly deserve after all that has been ripped away from them.
3 Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Examines the Concept of Grief and the Sorrow of Letting Go
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 takes a brief break from the anime's main character, Yuji Itadori, in favor of a new hero, Yuta Okkotsu. Yuta lost his best friend, Rika Orimoto, very young in a car accident, but she never left his side, acting as a cursed spirit that both helps and haunts him at different times.
The film explores the pain of loss and the necessity of acceptance, as difficult as it may be. These themes also connect to another relationship in Jujutsu Kaisen, that of the one between Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru. Just as Gojo had to leave Geto behind when he turned to evil, Yuta must learn to free Rika's soul.
2 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle Delivers Battles With Deeper Meanings
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle is the highest-grossing anime film, and for good reason. With some of the most gorgeous animation ever, heart-racing combat, and multiple of Demon Slayer's best fights on display, it is easy to see why the film earned worldwide acclaim so quickly.
The clashes between Zenitsu and Kaigaku, Doma and Shinobu, and Akaza, Tanjiro, and Giyu are not just visually entertaining; they are charged with complex emotions like anguish and retribution. Akaza's backstory is one of the most harrowing parts of Infinity Castle, as the sorrowful circumstances that led him to become an Upper Rank demon are revealed for the first time.
What's the best action anime of the 2020s?
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Solo Leveling
- Chainsaw Man
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- Other (Name in Comments)
1 The End of Evangelion Proves Why Human Connection Is a Double-Edged Sword
Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the best anime of all time, and The End of Evangelion is no different, offering one of the greatest anime finales ever. There are multiple Neon Genesis Evangelion endings, and although The End of Evangelion is deeply tragic, it is the most beautifully written one.
The End of Evangelion provides the most expansive development for Shinji's character, as he realizes the importance of relationships with other people, despite the cost. The world of Evangelion is a catastrophic, painful one, but in the finale, Shinji discovers it is even worse when isolated, offering a touching life lesson within the heartbreak of the series' surreal final conflict.
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