With dozens of anime movies released every year, fans of the medium have an array of fully animated features to enjoy. Since the turn of the century, Pixar alone has made and released more than twenty animated films – not to mention other industry giants like Disney and DreamWorks Animation.
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But even among the sea of movies, there are a few that stand out. From their unparalleled art direction to their innovative and refreshing ideas, these one-of-a-kind anime films are truly worth your love and time.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009)
Masterfully crafted by Wes Anderson (Grand Hotel Budapest), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) is one of the best of Anderson’s career. As clever and cunning as its titular character, the stop-motion animated film is an absolute joy from start to finish, with Anderson’s distinct visual style and wit making it a truly unique viewing experience.
The movie is based on Roald Dahl‘s 1970 children’s book of the same name, and follows the titular Mr. Fox (George Clooney) and its exhilarating flight frenzy.
‘Waltz with Bashir’ (2008)
It goes without saying that the animation is not only intended for children. Those of you who know this may know the incredible Waltz with Bashir. A documentary, an anti-war film and an autobiography all rolled into one, Waltz with Bashir is a gripping account of the lasting effects and horrors of war.
Waltz with Bashir proves that there is no limit to the harrowing stories animation can tell. The film follows a veteran Ari Foman as he attempts to reclaim his memories of his harrowing experiences as a soldier in the 1982 Lebanon War.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
Not only is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse one of Sony Pictures Animation’s best films, it could very well be one of the greatest animated films of all time. With a groundbreaking visual style that honored the webslinger’s comic book origins, it’s easy to see why this animated film ranks among the most beloved Spider-Man films.
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The film follows teenager Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) and his debut as the new Spider-Man from New York. When the sneaky Kingpin (Liev Schreiber) threatens to destroy the fabric of the multiverse itself, Miles is joined by various Spider-People from across the infinite Spider-Verse.
‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)
The third and final installment in a trilogy of Irish animated fantasy films, wolf walkers proves that animation has never been better than it is today. Directors Tom Moore and Ross Stewart, this underrated and breathtaking film was an international co-production. It won several awards upon its release, including five Annie Awards, and received several other BAFTA and Oscar nominations.
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wolf walkers begins when the young girl Robyn (Honor Kneafsey) befriends the mischievous wildling, Mebh, a member of a tribe said to have the ability to turn into a wolf at night.
‘Range’ (2011)
Realized by Verbinsky Mountains (of Pirates of the Caribbean celebrity), Interval is a great example of what it means to be truly unique. This animated western from Nickelodeon features a talented and starring cast, which boasts the voices of Johnny Depp (Corpse bride), fisherman’s island (Gatsby the magnificent), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man: No Coming Home), Bill Nighy (About time) and more.
With each of its characters, vistas, and villains as unforgettable as it gets, Interval is a good time for animation fans and movie buffs. The film follows Rango (Depp), a chameleon who accidentally finds the desert town of Dirt, a town populated by animals in need of a sheriff and protector.
“Your Name” (2016)
Whether you are an anime fan or not, Kimi no Na wa (known more widely as your name) is a touching fantasy adventure film as dazzling as it is grounded.
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your name explores the bond between Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, two Japanese high school students who begin to swap bodies without explanation. However, your name isn’t just filled with your average body swap movie hijinks; the animated feature has been praised for its excellent music, stunning visuals, and emotional depth to the bond between the protagonists.
“Shrek” (2001)
Everyone knows Shrek like the animated comedy that turned the fairy tale upside down. It’s not widely known that it’s based on a novel of the same name, as the 2001 animated film sparked its own fandom.
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As raunchy and irreverent as it was hilarious, this fantasy comedy adventure film spawned a popular franchise of movies and shows, though nothing quite close to the quality of the original 2001 release. Shrek begins when the titular ogre Shrek (Mike Myers) finds his house occupied by fairytale creatures. To restore the privacy of his home, he must rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) for Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) using a talking donkey (Eddie Murphy).
‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)
More than a tale of man against nature, Princess Mononoke is a must-see film. Set in a busy Muromachi Japan, the film follows Prince Ashitaka, who finds himself embroiled in a war between the spirits and the ruthless humans who threaten their forest domain.
From the visionary director Hayao Miyazaki and the talented artists of Studio Ghibli, Princess Mononoke easily ranks as one of the greatest animated films of its time. While each of Studio Ghibli’s films holds a special place in the hearts of fans, Princess Mononoke greatly expanded the scope of the company’s influence in the west.
‘Coraline’ (2009)
Based on the scary children’s novel by The sand man author Neil Gaiman, Coraline is a stop-motion horror film that is sure to scare any kid. It features the vocal talents of Dakota Fanning (Once upon a time in Hollywood), Ian McShane (John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum), keith david (DC League of Super Pets) and more.
Coraline transcends its source material with its colorful take on the original tale. It tells the story of its titular character discovering a world in her new home, unaware that the idyllic “other world” holds more sinister secrets.
“Entergalactic” (2022)
In 2022, entergalactic realized the potential of adult animation. It tells a familiar love story that audiences thought they’d seen before, but its characters and visuals are so full of life that the film may have kickstarted its own genre.
From the American musician Kid Cudi and Netflix, entergalactic is a sight to behold. It tells the story of Jabari and Meadow, two neighbors who find themselves in love.
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