When many Americans think of anime, they think of Naruto, One Piece or Pokémon — children’s series that gained mainstream popularity in the United States. But there’s way more to anime than kooky shows designed to sell merch.
These five anime movies, all available on Netflix, are touching and emotionally intelligent films — and we’ve picked out options that don’t require you to watch a whole show to know what’s going on. With high Rotten Tomatoes scores from both critics and audiences, these anime movies are definitely worth watching on Netflix.
5. ‘The Imaginary’ (2024)
Some things are universal, and the concept of imaginary friends is one of them. No matter where they live, kids will make up playmates that no one else can see. This movie asks the question, “What happens to those imaginary friends?” Rudger (Kokoro Terada in Japanese, Louie Rudge-Buchanan in English) is the imaginary friend of Lizzie (Sakura Ando, Hayley Atwell).
When an accident separates them, Rudger is determined to be reunited with his companion. He enlists the help of other Imaginaries to defeat a sinister force that seeks to steal the power of these magical playmates. The Imaginary, which has a 91 percent Tomatometer score, is a beautifully animated movie about the fleeting nature of childhood.
4. ‘Inu-Oh’ (2020)
Inu-Oh is a magical, demonic rock opera set in feudal Japan. (Yes, you read that right.) Tomona (Mirai Moriyama in Japanese, Sena Bryer, Carter Young and Jonathan Leon throughout the English dub), a blind musician, meets the deformed and cursed dancer who has named himself Inu-Oh (Avu-Chan in Japanese, Joshua Waters and Holden Thomas throughout the English version).
As the two form a musical partnership, their shocking new style has strange and even magical effects on the people around them. This wildly creative movie from prolific director Masaaki Yuasa (Ride Your Wave, Mind Game) will blow your mind in the best way — that’s why this Netflix anime movie has a 91 percent Tomatometer score.
3. ‘Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop’ (2020)
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is a coming-of-age romance about two teenagers, nicknamed “Smile” and “Cherry,” who find a connection during one magical summer. Cherry (voiced by Ichikawa Somegorō VIII in Japanese, Ivan Mok in English) is a quiet and reserved boy who prefers to write haikus rather than express himself aloud. Smile (Hana Sugisaki, Kimberly Woods) is an influencer who always wears a face mask and is ashamed to be seen for who she really is.
When the two teenagers connect online and in person, they help each other grow. The unexpected color palette and stylish animation make this movie an instantly engaging watch, and the sweet summer love story is universally relatable. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop holds a 100 percent Tomatometer score.
2. ‘Blue Giant’ (2023)
Blue Giant, based on the manga series of the same name, has a 100 percent Tomatometer score. Not bad for a movie about jazz! The story follows Dai Miyamoto (voiced by Yuki Yamada in Japanese, Seraphim Gavilán in English), a straight-laced high school student who discovers a passion for jazz saxophone.
Dai’s lack of talent is no match for his relentless enthusiasm, and as he works to put together a band, you can’t help but get on board with his dream. This movie is a blend of eye-catching art and big musical sequences, all anchored by lovable characters you really root for.
1. ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)
This critically acclaimed masterpiece is not for the faint of heart. It follows teenage Seita (voiced by Tsutomu Tatsumi in the original, Lucas Jaye in the Netflix dub) and his little sister Setsuko (Ayano Shiraishi, Luna Hamilton in the Netflix dub) as they try to survive without their parents towards the end of World War II.
A heartbreaking story combines with breathtaking animation to create a timeless film. It’s no wonder that this movie holds a 100 percent Tomatometer score. It’s a moving piece of art that holds an important place in Japanese history.
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