Sometimes, you want to chill with some excellent anime, but you don’t want to go through the trouble of watching an entire series. So, what do you do? Why not check out an anime movie? For those who don’t know, anime refers specifically to Japanese animation. These stories (both in the form of TV shows and films) have become increasingly popular in recent years, and provide some excellent storytelling in just about every genre. If you’re looking for your next selection for movie night, why not check out one of these?
I’d like to preface this list by saying that there are so, so many excellent anime films, but, we’ll be limiting this list in a few ways. Of course, first and foremost, I’m only focusing on titles that are available at the library or in our digital collection. And I’m further limiting this list to films that I particularly love. So, don’t feel bad if you don’t see your favorite on this list. It might just mean that I haven’t had the chance to watch it yet.
Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
Lupin III is probably one of the most iconic anime series of all time. And this film is a great introduction to the series (and one which does not require you to know much about the characters or story in order to enjoy it). Lupin is a professional thief, who along with his friends, the gunslinger Jigen and the samurai Goemon, travels the world looking for the next big heist. After discovering that his latest theft resulted in a car full of counterfeit bills, Lupin and friends decide to track down the culprit behind it, and along the way, Lupin must rescue a young woman from a deadly marriage plot, and discovers a familiar face from his past. Not Rated
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
When a young witch comes of age, she travels away from home to practice her craft and prepare herself for her life as an adult. But, even though she’s excited about the prospect, young witch Kiki is not quite prepared for the realities of living in a big city or being on her own for the first time. As she struggles to acclimate herself to her new life, she soon finds the perfect niche as a broom-riding delivery girl. This charming film is one of my favorites by legendary director Hayao Miayzaki, and a great film for the whole family. Rated G
Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy (1997)
Dragon Ball GT is the neglected sequel to the wildly popular Dragon Ball Z, and personally, my favorite part of the franchise. While it’s technically not canonical, it’s a really quirky romp that is so much fun to watch. This film (which you can enjoy without having seen the rest of GT–although I recommend you at least watch Z) follows Goku Jr., the great-great-great-great grandson of the legendary hero, Goku. When his grandmother becomes sick, Goku Jr., who is a timid, gentle child, sets off on a quest to find a dragon ball, a legendary orb said to grant wishes (not realizing that he needs seven for a wish, not just one). Along the way, he encounters a whole host of threats, ranging from child-eating demons to his own schoolyard bully. This sweet story is a great reminder that power doesn’t just come from physical strength, but from the heart, as well. Rated TV-PG
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Three homeless strangers come together on Christmas Eve to take care of an abandoned baby found in a garbage dump. There’s Gin, an unemployed alcoholic struggling with his past, Hana, a washed-up drag queen, and Miyuki, a teenage runaway. Hana decides that the date and the discovery of the baby are a sign from God, and convinces the others to go on a quest to bring the child, now dubbed Kyoko, back to her mother. Along the way, all three will be forced to confront their own inner demons and the ugly parts of their pasts that they would rather keep hidden. This is ultimately an uplifting and powerful film, and one that I love to watch each year around Christmas and New Year, although it can certainly be enjoyed at any time. Rated PG-13
The Sword of the Stranger (2007)
A nameless swordsman becomes entangled in a deadly race between a young boy and the Chinese mercenaries who seek to capture him. Hired to be the child’s bodyguard, No Name must not only contend with the dangerous attackers, but also the European devil they have hired to help them, Luo-Lang, a tall, blond monster of a man, who just might be the greatest swordsman who ever lived. This beautiful anime is not for the faint of heart, but the animation and music are spectacular and not to be missed. While the film is technically not rated, there is a lot of violence and gore (although it is not gratuitous) so please keep that in mind. Not Rated
The Boy and the Beast (2015)
Kyuta, a young boy on the run accidentally slips through a gap between our world and the world of beasts. There, he becomes the apprentice to Kumatetsu, a gruff bear-like beast who is looking to further his political ambitions. Despite their conflicting personalities, the two develop a begrudging respect for each other. But, when Kyuta discovers the path back to the human world, and a life that he never realized existed, the two must confront the possibility of a life apart from each other, and what that means for both of them. Rated PG-13
