The past fifty years have been full of some of the greatest stories ever told, and one evolving medium has gotten more popular than ever during this time: anime. Shows like One Piece and Demon Slayer push the boundaries of storytelling, animation, and creativity, but there are more than just shows; anime movies are also influential works that define cinema.
All the greatest anime films have come out in the past half-century, which is why this list will rank ten anime movie masterpieces from the last fifty years. Based on elements such as originality, writing, animation, popularity, critical acclaim, consistency, influence, and overall quality, these ten masterpieces are must-watch classics that range from action extravaganza to subtle psychological drama.
10
‘The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl’ (2017)
Masaaki Yuasa is an avant-garde mastermind with some of the best films in this genre, but his best is arguably The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl. A university student is trying to win the affection of his crush by connecting their red strings of fate, but all she wants to do is have fun and go wherever fate takes her, which is usually away from him.
This anime film is one of the most visually stunning experiences fans will ever watch, taking them through a stunning version of Kyoto that feels mystical, cultural, and full of adventure. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl features a magnificent romance, beautiful animation, and touching themes, making it one of the most underrated animated movies ever.
9
‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ (2025)
Most of the movies on this list are original works, but sometimes a film set after a series is too good, as is the case with Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. Set after the events of the first season of Chainsaw Man, Denji faces a difficult choice between choosing who to fall in love with, all the while battling against a bomb devil that wants his heart, literally.
As it is a sequel, this movie can’t be any higher, but it is still a masterwork of animation and tragic storytelling. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc features some of the best action and animation in modern cinema, paired with a bizarre series of events that make other anime seem rather tame. It is a gorgeous masterpiece with a flawless depiction of its characters and the tragedies they face.
8
‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)
Studio Ghibli is the most prolific anime studio, so fans can expect a few of their films on this list, starting with Princess Mononoke. When a prince goes into the forest to find a cure for the curse on his arm, he encounters a war between a princess and a witch, helping the former in the battle to protect the forest and her land.
Studio Ghibli is known for its atmospheric storytelling, but Princess Mononoke is its most action-packed adventure yet, making it one of the greatest fantasy adventure movies ever. From a dramatic narrative imbued with environmental themes to its fleshed-out characters and stellar animation and backgrounds, Princess Mononoke features the best of the studio’s aesthetic while having a distinct style.
7
‘Redline’ (2009)
To be among the all-time best in the medium, anime movies need some sort of story, but there are exceptions, including Redline. One racer dreams of being cool and winning the titular race, and when he finally gets his chance, he does everything to achieve it. However, the host planet is home to a corrupt government with secrets it wants to keep hidden, and therefore plans to stop the race.
There isn’t a more high-octane film than Redline, which will have fans convinced they’re on the trip of their life. With mesmerizing animation and a distinct art style, this movie is a feast for the eyes that fans can’t help but indulge in. The plot keeps getting crazier by the second, until it’s evolved into a chaotic mess that only feels fitting. Redline is a crowd pleaser that will give fans what they didn’t know they wanted.
6
‘A Silent Voice’ (2016)
Kyoto Animation is a daring studio with some of the most iconic anime series under its belt, as well as a legendary anime film titled A Silent Voice. Years after bullying a classmate for being deaf, Shouya is plagued with guilt. A chance to make amends presents itself, and Shouya seeks out the same girl to find a way to make things right.
A Silent Voice is one of the most well-put-together anime movies, with its directing, editing, music, sound design, animation, and voice acting merging perfectly to create a masterful, heartwarming yet demanding experience. It is an excellent story about redemption, evoking a touching feeling that’s no less emotionally impactful. A Silent Voice will have viewers bawling their eyes out, but leaving them feeling complete.
5
‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)
As mentioned, Studio Ghibli will have a few entries on this list, but the next one is as far from its whimsical, melancholic signature style as possible. Grave of the Fireflies follows a young boy and his sister as they travel across the wasteland in war-torn Japan, doing whatever they can in order to survive.
If you want a truly intense cry, then this movie is perfect for you. Even then, this bleak anime film is best enjoyed only once, especially if you want to remain mentally intact. Grave of the Fireflies is arguably the best story Studio Ghibli has put together, which also makes it one of the best war movies of all time. It is a touching, horrific meditation on the cost of armed conflict, and does exactly what it needs to do: be a tragic anti-war film that will make viewers cry.
4
‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)
Mamoru Oshii is a legendary director in the medium, and his magnum opus is undoubtedly Ghost in the Shell. Motoko leads an elite squad as they search for a mysterious criminal in this cyberpunk world, who leaves all of his victims without their memories. However, when it turns out that the mystery involves Matoko and her past, things get too personal.
This movie isn’t the most manga-accurate, which will perhaps be an issue for purists. Indeed, a 2026 remake is set to adapt the story more faithfully. However, the changes made the 1995 version a lot more mature and philosophical, accentuating the story’s psychological themes and enhancing the cyberpunk aesthetic. Ghost in the Shell is a genre-defining classic that shaped the way sci-fi, cyberpunk, and anime movies are handled, meaning it has more than earned the status of masterpiece.
3
‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)
Satoshi Kon was one of the greatest minds in the anime industry, and his most influential work is Perfect Blue. When an idol leaves her group to pursue acting, she doesn’t find what she is looking for. From her former idol group becoming famous to uncomfortable filming roles to a creepy stalker, she can no longer tell the difference between reality and fantasy.
Perfect Blue is a flawless drama that will have fans questioning what is and isn’t real. It deals with topics far more disturbing than the average anime movie, but treats them with enough gravitas to make them compelling. With incredible attention to detail and many subtle changes, there is so much to explore in this film. Kon proves his predictive talent by creating a movie ahead of its time, with themes that have only aged better. Perfect Blue is shocking, gripping, and a stunning experience no one should miss.
2
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
The third and final Studio Ghibli movie on this list is Spirited Away, which many would say is their magnum opus. Chihiro and her family move to a new house, and behind it is an abandoned theme park. However, when her parents are turned into pigs, she must explore the supernatural resort and find a way to reverse the curse.
There isn’t a more iconic animated masterpiece than Spirited Away, which is one of the only anime films to win Best Animated Picture at the Oscars. The story is fun and whimsical, but the magical setting, creatures, and art are the highlights of this groundbreaking effort from Hayao Miyazaki. Spirited Away is a true spectacle that, through its hand-drawn animation, takes viewers into a world of wonder, childhood charm, and nostalgia.
1
‘Akira’ (1988)
Many were probably shocked not to see Spirited Away at number one, but another anime film is just as iconic: Akira. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the leader of a bike gang searches for his kidnapped friend. However, he gets wrapped up in a government conspiracy that turned his friend into a psychic weapon, threatening to destroy Tokyo again.
Akira changed anime forever; before it, anime was considered a kids’ medium in the West. This seminal picture changed minds quickly, proving it could be thrilling, mature, thought-provoking, and enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Like many of the movies on this list, Akira is a dazzling marvel of hand-drawn animation that remains one of the best. However, its psychological and philosophical nature makes it an even more compelling anime masterpiece.