Everyone has been told that nothing in this world is perfect. However, some fans may debate these claims after watching a life-changinganime, such asAttack on TitanorFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End. While anime shows are more popular, anime movies possess a higher caliber, featuring prestigious storytelling and remarkable animation that elevate these works into genuine masterpieces.
There are many incredible anime movies, but some prove to be flawless, which is why this list willhighlight ten anime movies that are perfect from start to finish. It will base the ranking onquality and consistency, writing, story, animation, voice acting, enjoyability, fan opinion, and critical acclaim. These ten anime movies are all perfect in their own way and should be on any anime fan’s must-watch list.
10’Dragon Ball Super: Broly' (2018)
Directed by Tatsuya Nagamine
Dragon Ballis a timeless series with multiple sequels and spin-offs, includingDragon Ball Super, which in turn spawned several movies, includingDragon Ball Super: Broly. Narrowly escaping the Saiyan genocide, Broly goes on a quest of blind revenge against Goku and Vegeta after Frieza finds him, resulting in a large-scale brawl with the fate of the world at stake.
Dragon Ballis the most important animein history, but fans don’t think of it when imagining a perfect series. However,Dragon Ball Super: Brolydelivers over an hour of pure intensity and magnificent fights to create a flawless action movie. Sure, the story and themes may not be noteworthy, but that isn’t what the movie is trying to offer.Dragon Ball Super: Brolyisa masterclass in action and entertainment that never slows downthe pace.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly
9’Look Back' (2024)
Directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Most fans knowTatsuki FujimotoforChainsaw Man, but he also has many prestigious one-shots, with one of them becoming a movie.Look Backfollows two kids and their love for drawing, except they are on entirely different popularity spectrums. However, their passion for art brings them together, starting a life-long friendship and bond in this anime drama.
Look Backis a deeply emotional film with nuanced writing and animation, effectively portraying thoughts, feelings, and story developments without relying too heavily on dialogue. As one of the highest-rated animated movies on sites like Letterboxd, even film buffs agree thatLook Backisa once-in-a-lifetime anime experience that doesn’t stumbleonce throughout its entire runtime.
8’Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp' (2024)
Directed by Tatsuya Oishi
It may be cheating to includeKizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp, considering it is a compilation movie. Still, the original trilogy is too good to leave out, and this movie condenses everything into one perfect narrative. Serving as the starting point for theMonogatari Series, this movie sees Araragi try to escape the confines of being a vampire by fighting dangerous foes.
Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vampmay have some rushed pacing and excluded scenes from the trilogy, but it makes up for it by delivering a complete film that uses the strengths of each movie. From itsdreamlike moments to its distinct editing, unique dialogue, and gorgeous animation, this movie is a profound experience that combines romance, gore, and complex insight into a character’s feelings.Koyomi Vampis gruesomely beautifuland jam-packed with emotion, action, love, and weirdness.
Kizumonogatari -Koyomi Vamp-
7’A Silent Voice' (2016)
Directed by Naoko Yamada
Romance, drama, and slice-of-life are arguably the most common types of films in anime, andA Silent Voicecombines them to create a picture-perfect viewing. As a child, Shouya bullied Shouko for being deaf, but years later, he wants to amend for his cruelty after meeting her again, prompting a heartwarming journey of redemption and kindness.
A Silent Voicestands at the pinnacle of drama anime, thanks to its heartfelt story and outstanding production. The animation, direction, voice acting, and writing are all perfect, making viewers cry tears of joy after witnessing one of the most moving anime films.A Silent Voiceis thebest anime film of the 2010sby a considerable margin, and its modern approach has made it the benchmark against which future animated dramas are measured.
A Silent Voice
6’Angel’s Egg' (1985)
Directed by Mamoru Oshii and Yoshitaka Amano
For its 40th anniversary,Angel’s Eggis receiving a 4K restoration, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, a testament to its prestige. The film follows two unnamed characters, a highly possessive girl with an egg and a boy who often dreams of a bird. They form a bond while wandering the desolate and bizarre landscape, wondering what will hatch from the egg.
As the oldest movie on this list,Angel’s Egghas held up phenomenally, dazzling viewers with itsdeeply symbolic plot that changes meaning depending on the viewer. Its gorgeous art style is both haunting and captivating, and its story inspired acclaimed series such asBerserkandHollow Knight. With little dialogue,Angel’s Eggcaptivates with its stunning scenery and complex plot,making it a standout anime film.
Angel’s Egg
5’Spirited Away' (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
It was only a matter of time until Studio Ghibli found its way onto this list, but it may shock fans thatSpirited Awayis so low, considering it is arguably the greatest anime movie of all time. When Chihiro and her family discover a resort for spirits behind their new house, she finds that her parents have been turned into pigs. Now, she must navigate the mysterious location and find a way to save her parents.
Spirited Awayis one of the most critically acclaimed anime films,boasting remarkable hand-drawn animation, a wholesome coming-of-age story, and a whimsical vibethat can captivate anyone. It is one of thebest anime films from the 2000s, thanks to its flawless story and animation, both of which are among the most respected in anime history.Spirited Awayis a timeless classic, the main factor in Ghibli’s rise to dominance in modern cinema and a true testament to the unparalleled power of animation.
Spirited Away
4’Perfect Blue' (1998)
Directed by Satoshi Kon
Satoshi Konwas one of the most well-regarded anime directors, responsible for classics such asPaprikaandTokyo Godfathers. However, his magnum opus is undoubtedlyPerfect Blue, which offers profound and unsettling insight into the Japanese entertainment industry. It is about an idol wanting to break out into acting, but facing traumatizing backlash and hate.
Kon’s staple style of blending reality and fantasy reaches its peak inPerfect Blue, creating a hallucinatory experience that culminates ina cinematic achievement. This psychological thriller is bothdifficult to watch and impossible to look away from, as its riveting drama demands constant attention.Perfect Blueis Satoshi Kon’s best filmand a masterpiece through and through, with absolutely no flaws.
Perfect Blue
3’Grave of the Fireflies' (1988)
Directed by Isao Takahata
Studio Ghibli’s next film on this list is noticeably missing that “Ghibli vibe,” asGrave of the Firefliesopts for a bleak and depressing story over the usual whimsy fantasy. It is about a brother and sister roaming the barren landscape of post-war Japan, and is actuallybased on true events, except the author changes the ending to what he would have wanted: to die with his sister instead of living.
Grave of the Firefliesis impossible to rewatch due to its profoundly depressing nature, but that is precisely what makes it flawless. This movie is one of themost effective anti-war films, telling the bleak tale of a brother and sister helplessly wandering through post-war Japan in search of survival.Grave of the Firefliesaches with sadness and beautiful storytelling, which makes ita compelling anime war film.
Grave of the Fireflies
2’Akira' (1988)
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
1988 proved to be a phenomenal year for anime movies, because followingGrave of the FirefliesisAkira, one of the most critically acclaimed anime films. After a nuclear bomb destroys Tokyo, the city is reborn with crime and corruption taking over. However, all that matters to Kaneda is saving his friend Tetsuo, who is the product of a psychic experiment.
Akiraisn’t just perfect; it is also one of themost important films in anime history, introducing the Western audience to the capabilities of Japanese animation. From its mature plot, imaginative world, spectacular animation and art style to its legacy and status as a cultural icon,Akirais anunforgettable anime film that has made an indescribable impact. This movie is unparalleled in most categories, boasting a complex story and innovative animation, making ita compelling masterpiece.
1’Princess Mononoke' (1997)
The third and final Studio Ghibli film is also the number one movie on this list.Princess Mononokeis a classic Ghibli film that follows the titular character fighting against the evil Lady Eboshi, who wishes to destroy the forest. However, a prince stumbles upon this conflict, helping Princess San protect nature while trying to reverse the curse on his arm.
Fans may be shocked thatPrincess Mononokeis at the top spot, even if it is outstanding, because other films have better animation or story. However,Princess Mononokeexcels in every individual category, leaving no lacking elements, and that is what makes it perfect. It is one of thebest anime movies from the 1990sdue to its complex characters, essential themes, superb animation, nuanced story, compelling setting, and thrilling action.
