Pinning down the best anime movies is a challenge – and not just because there are countless classics out there. They may all fall under the same umbrella but they differ drastically in both visual style and subject matter, as the likes of Studio Ghibli cater to fantasy lovers while others, such as The First Slam Dunk and Look Back, are more grounded affairs.
The medium is bigger than ever, too, which means we're seeing more and more titles released each year. 2025 treated us to a new Chainsaw Man movie (check out our Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc review for more on that) and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, while 2026 has All You Need is Kill and more in store. Below, we rank the cream of the crop, to help you discover the must-see anime films that you should watch at least once. We promise there's something for everyone, with us offering up as much variety as possible. Alongside new releases and more obscure picks, the list below accounts for historical significance, general acclaim, audience reaction, and, of course, our own personal preference.
