The Best New Anime Movies Of The Last Few Years

Anime films have become incredibly popular worldwide in recent years, with a noticeable increase in both big-name sequels and completely original stories. These movies expertly combine cutting-edge computer animation with classic hand-drawn techniques, attracting record-breaking audiences. Studios like Studio Ghibli, MAPPA, and Production I.G are leading the way, telling compelling stories across a wide range of genres like sports, fantasy, and sci-fi. These films showcase the best of modern Japanese animation and are having a growing impact on cinema around the world.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

‘The Boy and the Heron’ tells the story of Mahito, a young boy who relocates to the countryside after his mother tragically dies during World War II. He’s then drawn into a magical and secret world by a strange, talking heron – a place where life and death connect. This film is a special return for renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, and it thoughtfully examines themes of loss, family history, and the impact of an artist’s work. It’s beautifully animated with the classic, hand-drawn style of Studio Ghibli, and offers a very personal and moving story.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

Suzume is a film about a teenage girl who joins forces with a young man to close magical doors that are causing earthquakes all over Japan. Together, they travel the country trying to stop a major catastrophe. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the movie features stunning scenery and tells a story about overcoming shared pain. It combines traditional Japanese beliefs with a modern story of growing up.

‘Look Back’ (2024)

‘Look Back’ is a film based on a beloved manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. It follows Fujino and Kyomoto, two girls who become friends through their love of manga. The story shows how their friendship and competitive spirits change over time as they grow up, highlighting the hard work and dedication it takes to be an artist, and the powerful influence artists can have on each other. The film’s animation beautifully reflects the distinctive style of the original manga.

‘The First Slam Dunk’ (2022)

‘The First Slam Dunk’ is a movie that wraps up the popular basketball story, centering on the intense game between Shohoku High and the champion team, Sannoh. The film especially focuses on Ryota Miyagi, the team’s point guard, and reveals more about his past and family. It’s visually striking, using a special combination of 3D movement and 2D art to make the basketball action feel incredibly realistic. Importantly, the movie was written and directed by Takehiko Inoue, who also created the original manga.

‘Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle’ (2024)

‘Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle’ is a movie that finally shows the highly anticipated volleyball match between Karasuno and Nekoma High Schools at the national tournament. This game, nicknamed the “Dumpster Battle,” is the result of years of fierce competition and strong bonds between the players on both teams. The film focuses on the clever strategies used by both sides, and especially on the development of key players like Hinata Shoyo and Kozume Kenma. As a continuation of the ‘Haikyu!!’ series, the movie delivers a satisfying conclusion to a fan-favorite storyline.

‘Blue Giant’ (2023)

“Blue Giant” tells the story of Dai Miyamoto, a determined saxophone player who moves to Tokyo to pursue his dream of becoming a world-class jazz musician. He starts a band called JASS with a skilled pianist and a beginner drummer, and they work towards playing at the famous So Blue club. The film captures the excitement of live music and the dedication it takes to master an instrument. The original music in the film powerfully enhances the emotional impact of the story.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ (2021)

I’m so excited about ‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’! It’s a prequel that tells the story of Yuta Okkotsu, a high schooler who’s being tormented by the spirit of a girl he knew when he was younger, Rika. He gets noticed by Gojo, a powerful sorcerer, and gets invited to Tokyo Jujutsu High to learn how to manage his abilities and finally lift the curse. What’s really interesting is how the movie looks at love – it’s not always a good thing in this world of curses and magic. Plus, it was a huge hit in theaters and really fleshed out the awesome fighting system we love in ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’!

‘One Piece Film Red’ (2022)

‘One Piece Film: Red’ tells the story of Uta, a globally famous singer and the daughter of the well-known pirate Shanks. During a large concert, she tries to use her singing to build a world free from pain, which brings her into conflict with Luffy and the Straw Hat crew. The film combines exciting action sequences with lots of music and focuses on developing the characters’ feelings. It quickly became one of the most successful anime movies ever made.

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

This movie concludes the ‘Rebuild of Evangelion’ series, bringing a final ending to the popular franchise. Shinji Ikari and the other pilots fight for survival in a ruined world as the mysterious group NERV tries to trigger a catastrophic event called Final Impact. The story focuses on the characters’ emotional journeys and explores themes of what it means to connect with others. Director Hideaki Anno blends unique and classic animation techniques to finish this long-running story.

‘Belle’ (2021)

Belle tells the story of Suzu, a self-conscious teenager who gains popularity as a singer in a huge online world called U, using the avatar Belle. As she enjoys her virtual fame, she meets a mysterious and troubled character known as the “Beast” and sets out to uncover who he really is. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this film is a fresh take on the classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ story, updated for today’s digital world. It delves into topics like hiding behind online identities, dealing with past hurts, and finding the strength to be true to yourself.

‘Spy x Family Code: White’ (2023)

In ‘Spy x Family Code: White’, the Forgers’ winter vacation takes an unexpected turn when it becomes a mission with global consequences. Loid tries to advance Operation Strix, but Anya accidentally swallows a microchip holding dangerous secrets that could ignite a war. The movie successfully blends the series’ signature heartwarming family moments with thrilling spy action. It’s a standalone story, separate from the main manga plot, making it enjoyable for both dedicated fans and those new to the world of ‘Spy x Family’.

‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’ (2022)

‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’ tells a different story than previous films, putting the spotlight on Piccolo and Gohan instead of Goku and Vegeta. They must confront the newly reformed Red Ribbon Army, who have created two powerful androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, believing they are heroes. This movie is a first for the Dragon Ball franchise, being made mostly with 3D animation, and blends familiar elements with new, powerful transformations for Gohan and Piccolo.

‘Lonely Castle in the Mirror’ (2022)

“Lonely Castle in the Mirror” follows seven high school students who are skipping school and unexpectedly find themselves inside a strange castle after going through their mirrors. A girl wearing a mask, called the Wolf Queen, challenges them to find a hidden key within a year – whoever finds it will have a wish granted. While searching, the teens realize they all share similar problems with bullying and feeling anxious, and they begin to support each other. The movie is a touching story about overcoming hardship and the need for a place where you feel safe.

‘Inu-Oh’ (2021)

‘Inu-Oh,’ directed by Masaaki Yuasa, is a vibrant and energetic rock opera set in 14th-century Japan. The story centers on the unlikely friendship between Inu-Oh, a performer born with a striking appearance, and Tomona, a blind musician who plays the biwa. Together, they revolutionize the performing arts, creating a captivating new style of music and dance that breaks social boundaries. The film’s unique and flowing animation beautifully illustrates the power of art to transform lives and overcome attempts to silence it throughout history.

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

The movie centers around a local legend – the Urashima Tunnel – which supposedly makes your wishes come true, but takes years off your life as a price. When high schooler Kaoru Tono finds the tunnel, he joins forces with a new student, Anzu Hanashiro, to uncover its secrets. Both are searching for something they’ve lost, but they have to consider if getting it back is worth losing time. It’s a slow-paced, moody story about regret and how time slips away.

‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’ (2022)

‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’ is a coming-of-age story about three teenage friends, the ‘Don Glees,’ who go on an adventure in the forest. They’re trying to clear their names after being blamed for a wildfire, and their search for a lost drone turns into a journey of self-discovery and strengthens their bond before they each begin their adult lives. The film beautifully captures the feeling of growing up and realizing how big the world is, and it marks the feature film debut of director Atsuko Ishizuka.

‘Sand Land’ (2023)

‘Sand Land’ is an adventure based on a short story by the late Akira Toriyama. It takes place in a desert world where water is precious and controlled by a selfish king. The story follows Beelzebub, a demon prince, who joins forces with a human sheriff named Rao and a fellow demon called Thief to search for a mythical lake called the “Phantom Lake.” They travel across the landscape in a specially built tank, encountering challenges and discovering hidden political schemes. The film showcases Toriyama’s famous designs and his signature fun-filled adventures.

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

This new movie follows Asta and his friends as they confront four resurrected Wizard Kings who aim to obliterate the Clover Kingdom. Led by Conrad Leto, these former rulers believe society is too corrupt to fix and needs to be completely rebuilt. The film is packed with epic magical battles and showcases Asta’s unwavering spirit, despite his inability to use magic. It’s now available worldwide on streaming services, bringing the popular action series to a wider audience.

‘Maboroshi’ (2023)

‘Maboroshi,’ or ‘Alice and Therese’s Illusion Factory,’ is set in a town frozen in time after an explosion at a steel mill. The townspeople are not allowed to change anything, hoping to restore normalcy. When middle school student Masamune and his classmates meet a silent, mysterious girl, their unchanging world begins to unravel. Directed by Mari Okada, the film delves into the struggles and desires of youth, and the difficulties that come with change and growth.

‘Pompo the Cinephile’ (2021)

‘Pompo the Cinephile’ offers a colorful and engaging look at how movies are made, seen through the perspective of Gene Fini, who works for a famous producer named Pompo. Though she seems unassuming, Pompo recognizes Gene’s potential and gives him the chance to direct his own movie. The film explores the challenging process of filmmaking, the skill of editing, and the dedication it takes to create something truly special. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the world of cinema and the people who bring it to life.

‘Sing a Bit of Harmony’ (2021)

The movie centers around Shion, a new student who’s actually a highly advanced AI. She’s been sent to a regular high school to see if she can blend in and, more importantly, to cheer up a lonely girl named Satomi – and she tries to do this by suddenly breaking into song! Satomi and her friends work to hide Shion’s robotic identity while navigating the challenges of her unusual behavior. It’s a sci-fi story with musical numbers that explores what it truly means to be a friend.

‘Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop’ (2021)

“Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop” is a cheerful and visually striking romantic film about two teenagers who struggle to connect with others. Cherry is a quiet boy who uses haiku to express himself and avoids talking, and Smile is a girl who hides her braces behind a mask. They meet at a local mall one summer and team up to help an older man find a missing record. The movie has a bright, colorful, pop-art style and tells a sweet story about finding connection.

‘Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko’ (2021)

This heartwarming story follows Nikuko, a lively and outgoing mother, and her more reserved daughter, Kikuko. They live on a boat in a small seaside town, and Nikuko’s energetic personality sometimes makes things awkward for Kikuko as she goes through middle school. As Kikuko grows up, she begins to understand her mother’s history and the strength of their connection. The film is known for its realistic emotions and distinctive animation style.

‘Drifting Home’ (2022)

‘Drifting Home’ tells the story of a group of sixth-graders who get mysteriously transported along with an abandoned apartment building to the middle of the ocean. As they struggle to survive and find their way back, the kids are forced to face memories connected to the building. The film uses this fantastical situation to explore themes of letting go of the past and embracing the future.

‘The Deer King’ (2021)

‘The Deer King’ is a sweeping fantasy story set after a devastating war between two great empires. Van, a soldier haunted by the conflict, and a young girl named Yuna both survive a strange disease carried by wild dogs, and surprisingly become immune. They are hunted by Hossal, a talented doctor who believes Van’s blood holds the key to a cure. The film blends medical mysteries, political power struggles, and age-old myths within a stunningly realized world.

‘Psycho-Pass: Providence’ (2023)

‘Psycho-Pass: Providence’ is a key installment in the series, continuing the story of Inspector Akane Tsunemori and her team at Public Safety Bureau. They’re investigating a dangerous group called the Peacebreakers, who are trying to disrupt the Sibyl System by searching for a mysterious document. The movie explores the ethical and legal problems with a society that uses automated psychological analysis to maintain order, and it brings back beloved characters while shedding light on the events of the third season.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway’ (2021)

As a huge Gundam fan, I was really excited for ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway,’ and it didn’t disappoint. It takes place twelve years after ‘Char’s Counterattack,’ and focuses on Hathaway Noa – Bright Noa’s son, if you know your Gundam history! He’s leading a group called Mafty, and they’re taking pretty drastic steps to try and force the Earth Federation to clean up its act. What I really appreciated was how complex the politics were, and the mobile suit battles felt incredibly realistic. It’s also the first movie in what’s planned to be a three-part series, based on the novels by the original creator, Yoshiyuki Tomino, which is awesome.

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

Okay, so this movie picks up right after Kaguya and Shirogane finally share that first kiss, but honestly, it doesn’t make things easier! If anything, it throws them for a loop. They’re trying to figure out what their relationship is now, and it all happens around Christmas. What I really loved is that it digs a little deeper into what’s going on inside their heads – their insecurities and how scared they are to really be themselves with each other. It’s still super funny, don’t get me wrong, it has that classic timing the series is known for, but it also gets surprisingly emotional and real.

‘The Concierge’ (2023)

“The Concierge” is set in a one-of-a-kind department store called Hokkyoku, where all the shoppers are extinct animals. The story follows Akino, a new concierge trainee, as she tries to meet the unusual and challenging requests of these customers, hoping to prove herself. With a delightful and imaginative visual style, the film explores themes of environmentalism and excellent customer service, offering a gentle but thought-provoking perspective on the connection between people and nature.

Share which of these cinematic experiences was your favorite in the comments.

2026-02-10 17:19