Greatest Anime Movies (Revision Version)

[Lew]

100 Greatest Anime Movies (Revision Version)

Background: Japanese anime movies have a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, with the first known animated film, *Namakura Gatana*, produced in 1917 (See video below list). Anime, derived from the English word "animation," refers to a distinct style of animated films and series originating from Japan, characterized by vibrant visuals, imaginative storytelling, and diverse genres. The medium gained significant momentum in the post-World War II era, with pioneers like Osamu Tezuka, often called the "God of Manga," playing a pivotal role in shaping its modern form. Landmark films such as Hayao Miyazaki's *Spirited Away* (2001) and *My Neighbor Totoro* (1988) brought global recognition to anime, showcasing its ability to blend artistic innovation with profound narratives. Japanese anime movies remain a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for their ability to explore complex themes ranging from fantasy and science fiction to romance and social commentary.

Criteria: These Greatest Japanese Anime Movies were chosen and ranked considering their Popularity, Influence and Impact on Animated Cinema, Innovation, Originality, and Acclaim from both critics and the public.

List Begun: 2026-05-03

Link: https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/movi ... ovies.html

1. Spirited Away - Hayao Miyazaki (2001)
2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
3. Akira - Katsuhiro Ōtomo (1988)
4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
5. Princess Mononoke (1997)
6. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
7. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
8. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
9. Castle in the Sky (1986)
10. Your Name. (2016)

11. Perfect Blue (1997)
12. Ninja Scroll (1993)
13. Vampire Hunter D (1985)
14. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
15. The End of Evangelion (1997)
16. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train (2020)
17. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
18. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
19. Only Yesterday (1991)
20. The Wind Rises (2013)


21. Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
22. Barefoot Gen (1983)
23. Look Back (2024)
24. Metropolis (2001)
25. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
26. Paprika (2006)
27. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
28. Porco Rosso (1992)
29. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
30. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

31. Ponyo (2008)
32. Millennium Actress (2001)
33. Galaxy Express 999 (1979)
34. Wolf Children (2012)
35. Belle (2021)
36. Wicked City (1987)
37. A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)
38. Solo Leveling: ReAwakening (2024)
39. Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)
40. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

41. Robot Carnival (1987)
42. Mirai (2018)
43. The First Slam Dunk (2022)
44. Space Adventure Cobra (1982)
45. Suzume (2022)
46. Pom Poko (1994)
47. Belladonna of Sadness (1973)
48. A Thousand and One Nights (1969)
49. Dan Da Dan: First Encounter (1924)
50. Penguin Highway (2018)

51. One Piece Film: Red (2022)
52. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)
53. Fist of the North Star (1986)
54. In This Corner of the World (2016)
55. The Colors Within (2024)
56. My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)
57. Promare (2019)
58. Inu-Oh (2021)
59. The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon (1963)
60. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)

61. Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise (1987)
62. Robotech: The Movie (1986)
63. Angel's Egg (1985)
64. Sword of the Stranger (2007)
65. Urotsukidôji: Legend of the Overfiend (1989)
66. Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie (2021)
67. Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017)
68. Nutcracker Fantasy (1979)
69. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
70. Ocean Waves (1993)

71. Blood: The Last Vampire (2000)
72. When Marnie Was There (2014)
73. Weathering with You (2019)
74. Sakura Wars: The Movie (2001)
75. The Boy and the Beast (2015)
76. Conan the Future Boy: The Big Giant Robot's Resurrection (1984)
77. Spy x Family Code: White (2023)
78. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)
79. The Garden of Words (2013)

80. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)
81. Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)
82. The Cat Returns (2002)
83. The Anthem of the Heart (2015)
84. Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (2024)
85. Patlabor: The Movie (1989)
86. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)
87. Patema Inverted (2013)
88. The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017)
89. The Animatrix (2003)
90. Redline (2009)

91. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
92. Memories (1995)
93. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To the Swordsmith Village (2023)
94. Midori (1992)
95. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
96. Steamboy (2004)
97. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
98. Tekkonkinkreet (2006)
99. The Imaginary (2023)
100. Lensman (1984)

10 Best Anime Movies from 2025

1. Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle
2. Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc
3. Princess Principal: Crown Handler
4. JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death - The Movie
5. Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye
6. Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise
7. 100 Meters
8. Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved
9. The Last Blossom
10. All You Need Is Kill

Let me know of any errors or additions or ranking changes
Thanks, Lew

[Dubrow555]

Okay so now we are talking................ANIME BABY!!!!!!!

[Zach]

Lew, my initial impression is that the list leans too heavily toward very recent films near the top, while longtime celebrated and influential classics such as Vampire Hunter D, Perfect Blue, Ninja Scroll, The Castle of Cagliostro, and Metropolis seem placed surprisingly -- and I’d argue indefensibly -- low.

It also seems that some key works are missing altogether, including Barefoot Gen, Galaxy Express 999, Robot Carnival, A Thousand and One Nights, Cleopatra, Legend of the Overfiend, Fist of the North Star, Space Adventure Cobra, Blood: The Last Vampire, and Patlabor: The Movie.

[Fido]

Yeah, Perfect Blue at 59 is pretty crazy

[ManPerson]

I'd swap out Boy and The Heron, Only Yesterday and Look Back for Your Name Howl's Moving Castle and Castle in the Sky in the top 10.

Along with everything else that's been suggested.

[Lew]

Take another look.
I added and moved per your suggestions.
I also added a few more. Up to 125. Plus more from 2025
One more round of suggestions and I'll put up the list.

Updated: Feb 1, 2026

1. Spirited Away - Hayao Miyazaki (2001)
2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
3. Akira - Katsuhiro Ōtomo (1988)
4. Grave of the Fireflies(1988)
5. Princess Mononoke(1997)
6. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
7. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
8. Your Name. (2016)
9. Castle in the Sky (1986)
10. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

11. Ponyo (2008)
12. Perfect Blue (1997)
13. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
14. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)
15. Only Yesterday (1991)
16. Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
17. Barefoot Gen (1983)
18. Vampire Hunter D (1985)
19. The Red Turtle (2016)
20. Look Back (2024)

21. Ninja Scroll (1993)
22. Metropolis (2001)
23. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
24. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
25. Paprika (2006)
26. The Wind Rises (2013)
27. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
28. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
29. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
30. Porco Rosso (1992)

31. Robot Carnival (1987)
32. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
33. Millennium Actress (2001)
34. Galaxy Express 999 (1979)
35. Wolf Children (2012)
36. Belle (2021)
37. Solo Leveling: ReAwakening (2024)
38. A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)
39. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train (2020)
40. Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (2007)

41. Mirai (2018)
42. The First Slam Dunk (2022)
43. Space Adventure Cobra (1982)
44. Suzume (2022)
45. Pom Poko (1994)
46. Inu-Oh (2021)
47. A Thousand and One Nights (1969)
48. Dan Da Dan: First Encounter (1924)
49. Penguin Highway (2018)
50. The Colors Within (2024)

51. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)
52. Fist of the North Star (1986)
53. In This Corner of the World (2016)
54. My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)
55. Promare (2019)
56. The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon (1963)
57. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
58. Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise (1987)
59. Robotech: The Movie (1986)
60. Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie (2021)

61. Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017)
62. Nutcracker Fantasy (1979)
63. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
64. Ocean Waves (1993)
65. Blood: The Last Vampire (2000)
66. When Marnie Was There (2014)
67. Weathering with You (2019)
68. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
69. Sakura Wars: The Movie (2001)
70. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021)

71. Belladonna of Sadness (1973)
72. Conan the Future Boy: The Big Giant Robot's Resurrection (1984)
73. Spy x Family Code: White (2023)
74. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)
75. One Piece Film: Red (2022)
76. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)
77. Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)
78. The Cat Returns (2002)
79. The Boy and the Beast (2015)
80. Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle (2024)

81. Urotsukidôji: Legend of the Overfiend (1989)
82. Patlabor: The Movie (1989)
83. Patema Inverted (2013)
84. The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017)
85. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Tsuzumi Mansion Arc (2021)
86. Angel's Egg (1985)
87. The Animatrix (2003 - 9 animated stories)
88. Redline (2009)
89. Cleopatra (1970)
90. Memories (1995)

91. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To the Swordsmith Village (2023)
92. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
93. Midori (1992)
94. Steamboy (2004)
95. The Imaginary (2023)
96. Anne of Green Gables: Road to Green Gables (2010)
97. Summer Wars (2009)
98. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)
99. A Letter to Momo (2011)
100. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

101. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To the Hashira Training (2024)
102. Tekkonkinkreet (2006)
103. When Marnie Was There (2014)
104. Bubble (2022)
105. Ride Your Wave (2019)
106. Drifting Home (2022)
107. The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (1992)
108. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
109. Stand by Me Doraemon (2014)
110. One Piece: Stampede (2019)
111. The Anthem of the Heart (2015)
112. Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017)
113. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
114. Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer (1984)
115. Maroko (1990)
116. Wicked City (1987)
117. Lensman (1984)
118. Attack on Titan: The Last Attack (2024)
119. Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama (1993)
120. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Mt. Natagumo Arc (2020)
121. Noel's Fantastic Trip (1983)
122. The Garden of Words (2013)
123. To the Forest of Firefly Lights (2011)


-----2025 anime movies
• Demon Slayer - Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle
• Virgin Punk
• Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage
• Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye
• 100 Meters
• Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc
• Princess Principal: Crown Handler
• Detective Conan: One-eyed Flashback
• JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death - The Movie
• Zombie Land Saga: Yumeginga Paradise
• Lupin the IIIrd the Movie: The Immortal Bloodline
• Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid
• The Last Blossom
• The Rose of Versailles
• Dive in Wonderland
• ChaO
• Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers
• Kaitō Queen
• Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing

[ManPerson]

All of Satoshi Kon's films (Perfect Blue, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers and Millennium Actress) seem a bit low.

[Fido]

Mirai and Solo Leveling are there twice, and they may not be the only ones.

[Lew]

How about now?

[ManPerson]

Belladonna of Sadness and Angel's Egg could be higher as well.

[Zach]

My gut feeling is that some of the more recent titles are still slightly high. For instance, I'm not so sure Your Name. is quite deserving of a top 10 placement, though maybe it's close. Likewise, Ponyo looks too high, currently above all-time greats like Vampire Hunter D and Ninja Scroll. Overall, it's an improvement over the first draft, for sure.

[Sherick]

Yeah Ponyo at 11 is nonsense, and I think The Red Turtle and Porco Rosso might be benefitting too much from the Ghibli association.

[Zach]

Also, Wicked City is waaay too low. Top 50, at least.

I could see Legend of the Overfiend higher, too.

[Tim]

I am actually not opposed to Your Name being in the top 10. Huge popularity of course, strong acclaim as well, ranked almost within it's decade (2010s) top 50 on the Man's update, which I am certain only applies to the current top 6 of all the anime movies here.

[Lew]

I made the page.

Look at the first post above.
Let me know of any errors or additions or ranking changes.

https://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/movi ... ovies.html

[Sherick]

Hey I really like the layout on this one!