30 Overrated Anime Movies Everyone Seems To Like

Over the past few decades, anime movies have become incredibly popular around the world, with many becoming well-known favorites. While most receive positive reviews and perform well in theaters, they aren’t always perfect and not everyone loves them. Discussions often arise about whether popular, highly-anticipated anime films live up to the excitement. Looking at different opinions helps explain why some movies are considered disappointing by certain viewers. This list takes a look at several critically and commercially successful anime films that have still faced criticism.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Chihiro accidentally enters a spirit world and finds herself working at a bathhouse in order to free her parents from a curse. The award-winning film, a global favorite, is known for its incredible creativity, though some viewers find the ending a bit confusing. The movie’s change from the busy, stressful scenes at the bathhouse to the peaceful train journey is a noticeable shift in speed. This beloved classic from Studio Ghibli is so popular that it often outshines other important films by director Hayao Miyazaki.

‘Your Name.’ (2016)

A popular anime film tells the story of two Japanese teens who unexpectedly switch bodies, creating a strange and powerful connection between them. Director Makoto Shinkai was celebrated for the film’s beautiful animation and moving story. While many loved it, some viewers felt the way the characters traveled through time and the coincidences driving the plot were a bit too easy. The romance between the characters is based on a spiritual connection that isn’t fully explained, but the film was a huge success, becoming one of the highest-grossing anime movies ever made.

‘A Silent Voice: The Movie’ (2016)

This film follows a former bully who tries to make things right with a deaf girl he used to torment in elementary school. It’s a story about forgiveness and mental well-being, told with a unique visual style. While many appreciate the film’s portrayal of characters with disabilities – a significant step forward for Japanese animation – some viewers feel that the supporting characters’ journeys to redemption aren’t fully developed and that the movie’s length causes pacing problems compared to the original manga it’s based on.

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

In the film, Prince Ashitaka is pulled into a conflict between people who are rapidly industrializing and the ancient gods who protect the forest. It’s well-known for its strong message about nature and its nuanced view of right and wrong. Some viewers find the complex mythology hard to understand without knowing the background stories. The film also features more intense action than most other Studio Ghibli movies. For a long time, it was the highest-earning film ever made in Japan.

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)

Sophie is turned into an old woman by a spell and goes to the wizard Howl for help. This movie version of the story, originally written by Diana Wynne Jones, takes many creative freedoms. Many viewers and critics feel the story’s message about war doesn’t quite fit with Sophie’s personal journey. The rules of magic also seem to shift whenever the plot demands it. However, the animation of the castle is widely praised as a stunning achievement in the world of animated films.

‘Akira’ (1988)

Set in a futuristic Tokyo, this movie follows a teenage biker who suddenly develops telekinetic powers, putting the entire city in danger. It’s famous for being one of the first anime films to appeal to adult audiences in the West. However, the movie is based on a massive manga series, and condensing all that story into one film leads to a somewhat confusing ending. Many characters from the original manga were either left out or had smaller roles to make the movie fit a reasonable length. Despite this, the incredibly detailed hand-drawn animation is still considered groundbreaking even today.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

In a futuristic, cyberpunk world, Major Motoko Kusanagi pursues a shadowy hacker called the Puppet Master. The story delves into deep questions about what defines a person and the nature of consciousness. While thought-provoking, some find the movie’s conversations to be overly explanatory and the story unfolds at a deliberately slow pace. Those expecting constant action might be disappointed by the slower second half. However, this film heavily influenced the creators of The Matrix.

‘Weathering with You’ (2019)

Okay, so I recently watched this anime film about a high school kid who escapes to Tokyo and ends up meeting a girl with this incredible ability to manipulate the weather. It’s by the same director as Your Name., and honestly, it’s visually stunning – really carries that same beautiful aesthetic. However, a lot of critics, and I kind of agree, feel like the central problem wasn’t quite as compelling as in his previous movie. The way the story wraps up also got me thinking – it definitely makes you question whether choosing your own happiness is always the right thing to do, especially when bigger issues are at stake. Oh, and the music! Radwimps did the soundtrack, and it’s absolutely gorgeous – it really adds to the whole experience.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

A young girl journeys across Japan, tasked with closing strange doors that are unleashing natural disasters. The story unfolds as a road trip, showcasing stunning landscapes and a colorful cast of characters she meets along the way. While the film was a box office hit and even earned a Golden Globe nomination, some viewers felt the romantic connection between the main characters wasn’t as well-developed as in other films by the same director. Additionally, the plot’s repeated focus on closing doors can become a bit predictable in the middle of the movie.

‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)

This beloved film follows two sisters who find magical forest spirits while their mother is in the hospital. For many, it’s a cherished childhood memory and the iconic symbol of Studio Ghibli. While popular, some critics note the story doesn’t have a typical villain or strong central conflict. Instead, it unfolds as a series of connected moments, prioritizing a dreamy atmosphere over a fast-paced plot. In Japan, its cultural significance is similar to that of classic Disney films in Western countries.

‘Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train’ (2020)

Tanjiro and his friends team up with a skilled swordsman to fight demons on a speeding train. The movie became a huge hit in Japan, becoming the country’s highest-grossing film ever during the pandemic. While many enjoyed it, some feel it works better as a continuation of the TV series than a complete movie on its own. The film’s most impactful emotional moments depend on a character viewers hadn’t known for very long. It’s also been widely praised for its stunning animation and visual effects, thanks to the studio Ufotable.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ (2021)

Yuta Okkotsu attends a special school to learn how to manage a dangerous curse that follows him. This movie takes place before the main story and features a new main character. While it expands on the world and sets up future seasons of the show, some viewers feel it relies too heavily on common anime story elements without adding much that’s new. The story moves very quickly, leaving little time to develop characters beyond the main one.

‘5 Centimeters per Second’ (2007)

This film tells the story of a young man dealing with separation and heartache over several years. It’s broken into three parts that show how time passes and relationships change. Reviewers often note that there isn’t much conversation, and the story relies heavily on the character’s thoughts. While some viewers find the ending disappointing or overly bleak, the film is well-known for its incredibly realistic sets and lighting.

‘The Garden of Words’ (2013)

The film centers on a shoemaking apprentice who develops a connection with an older woman they meet during rainy mornings in a park. While visually stunning – particularly its depiction of rain, which many consider groundbreaking for animation – the movie is relatively short, leaving some character backgrounds and motivations underdeveloped. The age gap between the two main characters has also led to some viewers questioning the nature of their relationship. Ultimately, the film touches on feelings of isolation and the challenges of expressing oneself.

‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’ (2006)

This movie centers around a teenager who discovers she can time travel and initially uses this power to solve everyday problems. However, she soon learns that even small changes to the past can have unexpected and significant repercussions. While entertaining, some viewers have pointed out that the rules of time travel aren’t clearly defined, and the film’s abrupt change in tone from comedy to drama can be a bit unsettling. Despite this, it was a critically acclaimed film, winning awards such as the Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year.

‘Wolf Children’ (2012)

This film follows a mother raising her two half-human, half-wolf children after their father passes away. The story explores the challenges of being a parent and the children’s journey to understand who they are. Some viewers have noted that the way the characters transform isn’t always clearly explained, and the ending has proven divisive among fans. Despite this, it’s still one of director Mamoru Hosoda’s biggest box office hits.

‘Paprika’ (2006)

This movie centers around a therapist who uses technology to enter her patients’ dreams, hoping to resolve their emotional problems. It’s a visually stunning and dreamlike film that blurs the line between what’s real and what’s happening inside the mind. While many praise its creativity, some viewers find the story becomes confusing towards the end, and the constant imagery can be a bit much if you like simpler narratives. It’s well-known for inspiring the popular film Inception.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

A famous singer leaves the music industry to pursue acting, but a dangerous fan begins to obsess over her. The movie looks at how celebrity affects people and how easily the line between a public image and a private life can disappear. While some find the violence and scary psychological elements to be too intense, it’s widely considered a brilliant animated psychological thriller. The story isn’t told in a straightforward way, which can make it hard to tell what’s actually happening versus what’s imagined.

‘Ponyo’ (2008)

This animated film tells the story of a goldfish princess who runs away from her underwater home and becomes friends with a boy who lives by the sea. It’s inspired by The Little Mermaid, but with a simpler storyline than many other films by the same director. While beautifully animated with detailed, flowing ocean scenes, some viewers feel the movie’s environmental message isn’t as strong or well-integrated as in his previous works.

‘Redline’ (2009)

This film features a thrilling, unlawful race with drivers from all over the galaxy. It was a massive undertaking, taking seven years to create using over 100,000 individually drawn images. While visually striking, many critics feel the story is somewhat weak. The characters are familiar types who aren’t explored deeply amidst the fast-paced action. Despite its flaws, the film has become a beloved favorite thanks to its distinctive look and exciting music.

‘Promare’ (2019)

In a futuristic city bursting with neon and striking geometric designs, firefighters pilot massive robots to fight mutants who control fire. While visually exciting, the movie’s relentless energy and constant yelling can be overwhelming. The story itself is fairly predictable, following a familiar pattern from the director’s previous films. This was Studio Trigger’s first full-length feature film.

‘One Piece Film Red’ (2022)

The Straw Hat pirates go to a concert by a globally famous singer with a hidden link to Shanks. The movie features numerous musical performances, which make up a large part of its length. While it was a huge box office hit – becoming one of the franchise’s most successful films – some viewers thought the musical style took away from the series’ usual action and adventure. The villain is a brand new character driven by a past trauma.

‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ (2018)

The new film features Goku and Vegeta facing off against a strong Saiyan who was banished to a distant planet. It also officially incorporates a beloved character from past movies into the main storyline. While the plot isn’t the main focus, the movie is known for its long and impressive fight scenes, which take up most of the second half. Some viewers may find the changes between classic 2D animation and modern 3D effects a bit jarring. However, the film is widely appreciated for expanding on the lore of the Saiyan race and providing a more nuanced look at the character of Broly.

‘Summer Wars’ (2009)

This animated film follows a mathematical prodigy who unintentionally unlocks a security code, unleashing a dangerous artificial intelligence. The story blends a family’s life in the Japanese countryside with a thrilling, high-stakes fight against the AI. While visually impressive, some viewers found the main conflict wrapped up a bit too easily with a game of Koi Koi. The film also features a large family cast, which can make it hard to keep track of everyone and their connections. It made history by winning the inaugural Golden Leopard for animation at the Locarno International Film Festival.

‘Belle’ (2021)

This movie tells the story of a timid girl who finds fame as a singer within a huge online world, while also on a quest to find a legendary creature. It’s a fresh take on the classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ tale, reimagined for today’s digital world. However, some reviewers feel the film doesn’t address a sensitive issue – child abuse – with enough care or focus, and that the shifts between the exciting virtual scenes and everyday life feel abrupt. Despite these criticisms, the film was a hit at the Cannes Film Festival, earning a standing ovation for its stunning visuals and music.

‘Castle in the Sky’ (1986)

This animated film follows two children on a quest to find a mysterious city in the sky, all while trying to escape pirates and government officials. It was the very first movie made by the renowned Studio Ghibli and set the style for many of their future films. While still beloved, some viewers today might find the story unfolds a bit more slowly than modern adventure movies. The bad guys aren’t as deeply developed as the villains in later films by director Hayao Miyazaki, but it’s still a hugely important early example of steampunk in Japanese animation.

‘Whisper of the Heart’ (1995)

The movie centers on a book-loving girl who realizes another boy has been reading all the same books as her. It’s a sweet and realistic story about growing up, exploring creativity, and dreaming about the future. Some critics feel the movie isn’t as striking as Studio Ghibli’s fantastical films because it’s grounded in everyday life and doesn’t have high stakes. The romance between the characters follows a familiar pattern common in shojo manga and anime, but it includes a visually interesting fantasy scene inspired by the artwork of Naohisa Inoue.

‘The Boy and the Beast’ (2015)

The film follows an orphaned boy who unexpectedly enters a fantastical world inhabited by creatures, where he’s taken under the wing of a stern warrior. The heart of the story lies in the developing bond between them. However, some viewers felt the introduction of a villain late in the movie felt rushed and didn’t quite fit. The film also explores the idea of inner demons, but some found this theme to be somewhat overused. Despite these criticisms, it was a huge hit in Japan and was released in many countries around the world.

‘Bubble’ (2022)

Strange, gravity-defying bubbles descend and capture a group of orphaned kids who compete in parkour challenges. The movie boasts impressive animation from the team behind Attack on Titan, but reviewers have noted a disappointing script and a lack of strong emotional bonds between the characters. While inspired by The Little Mermaid, many viewers find this new take doesn’t live up to the original story. It premiered worldwide on a popular streaming service, receiving a mixed response from both fans and critics.

‘Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time’ (2021)

‘Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time’ brings the decades-long ‘Evangelion’ series to a close, offering a final resolution for Shinji Ikari and the other pilots. While many praised the film for giving these beloved characters a satisfying ending, some viewers felt the movie relied too much on self-referential storytelling and breaking the fourth wall. Others found the technical explanations of the final events to be complicated and hard to understand.

Share your thoughts on these popular anime movies in the comments.

2026-01-06 16:48