The Best New Anime Movies Of The Last Few Years

Japanese animated films have become increasingly popular, with a lot of excellent movies being released recently. These films cover a wide range of stories – from exciting sports dramas and grand fantasy adventures to quiet, personal stories about everyday life. Both well-known directors and popular movie series are finding success with audiences around the world, and this collection showcases some of the best animated films Japan has created lately.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

After his mother dies during wartime, young Mahito moves to the countryside with his father. There, he discovers a mysterious, abandoned tower and meets a talking heron who tells him his mother might still be alive. This leads Mahito on a journey into a magical world where the living and the dead coexist, as he tries to learn the truth about his family. This hand-drawn animated film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, beautifully explores themes of loss and remembrance.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

Suzume Iwato, a high school student, finds a strange, solitary door in some ruins. When she opens it, she accidentally unleashes a series of disasters across Japan, all linked to similar doors. She teams up with a young man who has been magically turned into a chair, and together they travel the country to close these doors and stop the catastrophes. The film, directed by Makoto Shinkai, is a journey that mixes fantastical events with real places and memories.

‘The First Slam Dunk’ (2022)

Ryota Miyagi, the point guard for Shohoku High, battles against the powerful Sannoh High basketball team. The movie delves into his difficult history, particularly the loss of his brother, which drives his dedication to the game. It features exciting and realistic basketball scenes, highlighting both skill and teamwork. Directed by Takehiko Inoue, who also created the original manga, the film uses a unique animation style that combines 3D and 2D techniques.

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

Okay, so after the absolutely wild events of the last film, we find Shinji, Asuka, and Rei trekking across this really haunting, red landscape. They stumble upon a survivor’s settlement, but things aren’t exactly peaceful because another organization, WILLE, is gearing up for one last showdown with NERV. The whole movie really builds to Shinji finally facing his incredibly complicated relationship with his father, Gendo, and ultimately deciding the fate of everyone – and the Evangelions themselves. Honestly, this film feels like the true ending to the Rebuild of Evangelion series – a definitive conclusion that ties everything together.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ (2021)

Yuta Okkotsu is burdened by the ghost of his friend Rika, who died when they were children. He attends Tokyo Jujutsu High, where Satoru Gojo helps him learn to manage his powerful cursed energy. Yuta then faces danger from Suguru Geto, who wants to get rid of everyone who isn’t a sorcerer. The movie serves as an introduction to the characters and world of the popular series.

‘Blue Giant’ (2023)

Dai Miyamoto travels to Tokyo determined to become a world-class jazz saxophonist. He starts a band called JASS – with a skilled pianist and a beginner drummer – and they work to make a name for themselves in the city’s jazz clubs. As they chase their dream of playing at a famous venue, they quickly learn how tough the music industry can be. The film brings the energy and excitement of live jazz to life through vibrant, fast-paced animation.

‘Look Back’ (2024)

I’m so excited about this story! It’s about Fujino, this amazing fourth-grader who’s already a comic strip star at school. Then she meets Kyomoto, a bit of a rebel, but unbelievably talented at art. They end up becoming partners and creating manga together, following them through their school years and even into adulthood. It’s really a story about how much dedication and sacrifice goes into being an artist, and it’s based on a one-shot manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto – I’ve heard great things!

‘Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle’ (2024)

After a long wait, Karasuno High finally goes head-to-head with their rivals, Nekoma High, in a thrilling match at the Spring Nationals. The game pits Karasuno’s powerful attacks against Nekoma’s incredible defense. The match is a true test for Kenma Kozume and Shoyo Hinata, both as competitors and friends, with everything on the line. This game wraps up a major storyline in the series.

‘Spy x Family Code: White’ (2023)

Loid Forger takes his fake family on a winter getaway, hoping to get a cooking recipe Anya will love. But things quickly go wrong when Anya accidentally swallows a tiny chip filled with top-secret information! Now, they have to deal with dangerous enemies and a lot of funny mishaps, all while trying to keep their identities secret and save the world. This story perfectly captures the fun and excitement of the popular TV show.

‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’ (2022)

The Red Ribbon Army is back, this time with powerful new androids called Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. With Goku and Vegeta training elsewhere, Piccolo and Gohan are left to protect Earth. Their fight against the new androids unlocks incredible new powers and revives a dangerous, long-forgotten enemy. The movie features a unique, animated CGI style that makes the action-packed battles even more exciting.

‘Inu-Oh’ (2021)

In 14th-century Japan, a dancer named Inu-Oh, who is under a curse, teams up with a blind musician named Tomona. Together, they create incredibly energetic and modern performances that become wildly popular, even though they go against the norms of the time. As their fame rises, they hope their unique shows will finally lift Inu-Oh’s curse. This visually stunning rock opera, directed by Masaaki Yuasa, offers a fresh take on the stories of historical figures.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom’ (2024)

Kira Yamato and his friends are still working towards peace in a world divided by war between Naturals and Coordinators. A new group, Compass, has formed to help stop fights and keep a shaky truce going. However, the team uncovers a dangerous plot by a shadowy organization called the Foundation that could restart the conflict. This movie continues the story from the well-loved mecha anime series that first aired in the early 2000s.

‘Sand Land’ (2023)

Sheriff Rao teams up with the demon prince Beelzebub and a skilled thief to search for a famous spring hidden in a harsh desert. Traveling in a tank, the unlikely group battles the king’s army as they journey across the hot sands. Along the way, they discover the real reason for the water shortage – a greedy king who’s been controlling the supply. The story, originally created by Akira Toriyama in manga form, combines exciting tank battles with plenty of humor.

‘Maboroshi’ (2023)

A strange explosion at a steel factory has stopped time for everyone in a town, preventing them from aging or changing. A young man named Masamune connects with a wild, enigmatic girl who seems to hold the secret to what happened. As the teens grapple with their hidden feelings and the frustration of being stuck, this romantic fantasy explores the universal desire to grow up, written and directed by Mari Okada.

‘The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes’ (2022)

Kaoru Tono learns about a secret tunnel said to grant wishes, but at a steep cost: it rapidly ages anyone who uses it. He joins forces with a new student, Anzu Hanashiro, to explore the tunnel and try to recover things they’ve both lost. As they investigate over the summer, they become close. The movie is a bittersweet science fiction romance that explores themes of time and regret.

‘Lonely Castle in the Mirror’ (2022)

Seven middle school students who are skipping school find themselves mysteriously transported to a castle on an island – through their mirrors! There, a girl in a wolf mask tells them a key exists that can grant any wish. Over the course of a year, they live in the castle, get to know each other, and realize how their lives are connected. The story blends fantasy with real-life issues like bullying and feeling anxious around others.

‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’ (2022)

Roma, Toto, and Drop, three friends who don’t quite fit in, start a club called Don Glees. When a forest fire breaks out, they’re blamed and set off on a challenging hike into the mountains to clear their names. As they journey through the Japanese countryside, their friendship is put to the test, and they each have to face their anxieties about what lies ahead. The film is an original coming-of-age story directed by Atsuko Ishizuka.

‘Pompo the Cinephile’ (2021)

Gene Fini, a production assistant, gets a surprising opportunity when his boss, B-movie producer Joelle Davidovich Pomponette, chooses him to direct her new, surprisingly serious, script. He’s thrown into the hectic world of filmmaking, where he has to make tough creative decisions to finish the film. The result is a passionate and visually striking tribute to the craft of making movies.

‘Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko’ (2021)

I absolutely loved this movie! It’s about a mom, Nikuko, who’s just full of life and loves to eat, and her daughter, Kikuko, who’s much more quiet and shy. They keep moving around, and eventually end up in this small, peaceful fishing town where Kikuko has to deal with all the usual middle school stuff. It’s a really beautiful story about their relationship – they’re so different, but you can really feel the love between them. And the animation by Studio 4°C is just gorgeous – the backgrounds are so detailed and the characters are incredibly expressive. It’s a really heartwarming slice-of-life film.

‘Sing a Bit of Harmony’ (2021)

When Shion Ashimori, a captivating new student, arrives at Keibu High School, she immediately begins singing to Satomi Amano. Satomi soon learns Shion is a special AI – still being tested – and is dedicated to bringing joy into her life. Shion’s classmates work to hide her true nature, and her cheerful behavior helps them all become closer. This series blends science fiction with the familiar themes of high school romance and features plenty of music.

‘Drifting Home’ (2022)

Kosuke and Natsume are playing when their apartment building is magically moved to the middle of the ocean, leaving them stranded. They have to find food and supplies and rely on each other to stay alive as the building floats through unknown waters. This animated adventure from Studio Colorido is a story about surviving and remembering what’s important about being a child.

‘The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie’ (2022)

Futaro Uesugi tutors the identical Nakano quintuplets, helping them with their studies. As the sisters get closer to graduation, they all develop feelings for him, and a friendly competition for his affection begins. The story culminates in Futaro choosing one of the five sisters to marry, bringing a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the series for everyone involved.

‘Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends’ (2022)

After finally kissing, Kaguya and Miyuki find it hard to figure out what their relationship actually is. As Christmas approaches, the student council tries to deal with their confusing emotions while keeping their true feelings hidden. The movie explores their vulnerabilities and the facades they put up to avoid getting hurt, and it’s based on a key storyline from the original manga.

‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Movie – Scarlet Bond’ (2022)

Rimuru Tempest finds himself caught up in a plot involving the Queen of Raja. He meets Hiiro, an ogre with ties to Benimaru, and together they work to lift a curse that’s harming the land and its ruler. The movie adds depth to the world of the series, introducing new characters and complex political issues.

‘Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King’ (2023)

Asta and the Magic Knights are up against a powerful enemy: Conrad Leto, a former Wizard King, has returned. He’s brought back three other past Wizard Kings with the goal of destroying the Clover Kingdom and reshaping it to his liking. Asta, despite not having any magic himself, must find a way to defeat these incredibly strong leaders. The movie is packed with exciting battles and reveals the history of the kingdom’s rulers.

‘Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween’ (2022)

Detectives Sato and Takagi are participating in a wedding training exercise when they’re suddenly attacked. Conan begins looking into a possible link between an old bombing and a recently escaped criminal. The case eventually leads to a dangerous confrontation in Shibuya involving a powerful liquid explosive. This installment of the series puts the focus on characters from the police academy.

‘Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine’ (2023)

Engineers built the Pacific Buoy, a central hub connecting security cameras around the globe. A dangerous group, the Black Organization, plans to steal cutting-edge facial recognition technology from the facility. Conan races to keep Haibara safe as Gin and his team corner her. The movie’s suspenseful underwater scenes helped it become the highest-grossing film in the series.

‘Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram’ (2024)

Kaito Kid announces his plan to steal a valuable Japanese sword from a museum in Hakodate. Conan and Heiji Hattori head to Hokkaido to catch him, but they also find themselves investigating a murder. The case revolves around lost treasure from the Edo period and a dangerous weapons dealer. Expect plenty of sword fights and a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the detectives and the thief.

‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ (2021)

A dangerous group called Humarise is planting bombs worldwide that cause people’s superpowers to become unstable. Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki team up with heroes from around the world to find and disarm these explosives. However, Deku is falsely accused of a crime and forced to go into hiding with a young boy named Rody Soul. This adventure takes the heroes on an international mission outside of Japan.

‘My Hero Academia: You’re Next’ (2024)

A strange fortress suddenly appears and destroys a city, and a new villain who looks like All Might announces himself as the next great hero. Deku and his classmates have to fight this fake All Might and his group, the Gollini Family. They struggle to protect people from the resulting chaos. The movie examines what All Might meant to everyone and the pressure on those who follow in his footsteps.

‘Gridman Universe’ (2023)

Okay, so things are getting crazy! Yuta is finally trying to tell Rikka how he feels, but at the same time, a new monster shows up! Then, Gridman goes back into the digital world, but everything starts falling apart – like, realities are colliding and merging! And get this – the heroes from Dynazenon show up to help! Honestly, it’s a total blast from the past, packed with awesome action, and it’s just a really cool way to celebrate all those classic tokusatsu shows we love.

‘Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid’ (2023)

Sakuta is getting ready for his girlfriend Mai to graduate, but then a strange thing happens: everyone stops being able to see him. He meets a younger version of Mai at the beach, which starts a new case of Puberty Syndrome. As Sakuta tries to fix things, he’s forced to deal with difficult emotions about his family and his own history. This story wraps up the part of the series that focuses on their high school years.

‘City Hunter the Movie: Angel Dust’ (2023)

As a huge fan of the original series, I was really excited to see this new film! It throws Ryo Saeba into a case protecting a video creator who’s suddenly got assassins after them. But it’s way more than just a simple job – it starts digging up some seriously dark stuff from Ryo’s past, specifically involving the dangerous drug Angel Dust and how it affected his partner. The story culminates in a brutal showdown with his adoptive father, pushing Ryo to his absolute limit. Honestly, it’s a fantastic update, bringing all the classic action and energy of the 80s series into a modern setting.

‘Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window’ (2023)

Totto-chan gets kicked out of her first school because she’s full of energy and a bit of a troublemaker. She then goes to a very unusual school made up of old train cars, where kids are free to be themselves. The movie shows how she blossoms with the help of a kind and understanding headmaster who sees her potential. It’s a sweet and touching story based on Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s life, offering a fresh perspective on learning and being accepted for who you are.

‘The Concierge’ (2023)

Akino begins a new job as a concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store, which has a unique twist – all its customers are animals! She finds it challenging to help those customers, especially when they’re extinct species with unusual requests. Through these interactions, Akino discovers the importance of excellent service and understanding others. The series is a bright and imaginative workplace story brought to life with animation by Production I.G.

‘The Colors Within’ (2024)

I recently watched this beautiful film about a high schooler named Totsuko who has this incredible ability – she can see people’s emotions as colors. She ends up starting a band with two other students: a girl who just glows with a stunning color, and a boy who’s totally passionate about music. It’s really a story about how these three young people deal with their own worries and learn to express themselves through their music. The director, Naoko Yamada, creates such a gentle, visually stunning world, and it’s all about finding connection and letting your creativity flow.

‘Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction’ (2024)

For three years, a giant alien spaceship has loomed over Tokyo, but surprisingly hasn’t attacked. Amidst this constant, unsettling presence and heavy military activity, two high school students, Kadode and Ontan, attempt to navigate everyday life. The film is a unique mix of lighthearted comedy and thoughtful science fiction, exploring how people react to a major crisis, and is based on the popular manga by Inio Asano.

Share your favorite recent anime movie in the comments.

2026-02-06 06:19