Anime films have witnessed a significant surge in popularity in recent years, as they have gained wider recognition and mainstream appeal. Notably, action films stand as some of the finest productions in the industry, showcasing exceptional production quality that is unmatched.
While many original films, such as Studio Trigger's acclaimed masterpiece, "Promare," are renowned for their infectiously captivating nature, sequel films like those based on the Fate/stay night universe exemplify the artistry of skillfully crafting cinematic finales that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Toei Animation and Studio Trigger have consistently proven their prowess in crafting anime films that seamlessly combine action and animation in a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing manner. Their creations, from the adrenaline-fueled spectacle of "Princess Mononoke" to the breathtaking grandeur of "Sakura," showcase their unwavering dedication to excellence in every aspect of their production process.
Anime is a medium that thrives off of action, and anime movies have proven to be highly effective at capturing and conveying that idea to audiences.
10 Best Anime Movies to Watch: Among the countless masterpieces produced by anime studios, several movies stand out as exceptional cinematic experiences. Here are 10 highly acclaimed anime movies that showcase the pinnacle of animation and storytelling:
- Promare a Love Letter To Studio Trigger's History
- Attack on Titan: The Final Season
- Spirited Away
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
- Boruto: Naruto the Movie
- The Promised Neverland
- Ghost in the Shell: Kaguya-sama
- My Hero Academia: The Movie
- Attack on Titan: The Giant's Gate
Watch Princess Mononoke More Than Deserves Its Status As One Of Studio Ghibli's Best Films.
Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most influential names in animation, and comparing his movies, including The Boy and the Heron, alongside other works, showcases his enduring legacy in the field.Another older anime movie that stands out as a great action-focused movie is 1995's Ghost in the Shell. While primarily a cyberpunk crime drama, Ghost in the Shell still features exciting fight scenes with animation and choreography that still holds up almost 30 years later, and with a gripping story about what it means to be human, the movie has plenty to offer for people who wouldn't normally watch anime. Ghost in the Shell is still often regarded as one of the best anime movies of all time, and the execution of its action plays a big part in that.Ufotable's The Garden of Sinners is one of the best action productions by the studio, and the fifth film in the series, 2008's The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral. Paradox Spiral served as the perfect climax to The Garden of Sinners' overarching narrative. It achieved this by not only having some of the best animation and music in the franchise, but with a story that brought the mysteries and emotional beats of the franchise to their peak. Paradox Spiral was the first Type-Moon story, and with its success, Ufotable became a major success.Another Type-Moon adaptation that serves as an incredible action film is 2020's Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel III, a spring song. Heaven's Feel has always been the biggest story of the original visual novel, and Studio Ufotable's third installment of their adaptation perfectly showed why with an amazing soundtrack, the culmination of some of the best character writing in the franchise, and, most importantly, the most gorgeous animation to ever come out of any project from the studio. The film takes place at the end of the original Fate/stay night storyline, and in terms of story and visual aesthetic, there was no better way for that to happen.
While Digimon: The Movie is a chaotic mixture of elements, one of the follow-up films, 2000's Digimon Adventure: Our War Game!, is a testament to the director's vision and artistry, showcasing incredible action sequences, stunning visuals, and masterful direction, with Omnimon's debut being a shining example of his brilliance. This film remains one of the best installments in the Digimon franchise, showcasing Mamoru Hosoda's remarkable talent and solidifying his status as a cinematic powerhouse.
Jujutsu Kaisen has established itself as one of the most acclaimed anime productions in recent years, and its prequel film, 2021's Jujutsu Kaisen 0, showcased a level of artistry and execution that elevated the anime to an entirely new echelon. With a captivating narrative that enhanced the visuals and action-packed execution, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 achieved widespread acclaim.With how long the series has gone on, One Piece, naturally, has plenty of action films in its catalog, and the one that stands out as the best is 2022's One Piece Film: Red. The film was made to celebrate One Piece's 25th anniversary, and very appropriately, One Piece Film: Red has stunning and creative action from start to finish and features some of the best character writing in the entire One Piece franchise. The film perfectly encapsulates what makes One Piece so amazing in terms of both writing and action, and it's easy to see how it ended up becoming such a major hit.Another great action film from an anime franchise that boasts a wide range of film adaptations is 2018's Dragon Ball Super: Broly. The film marked the first official animated sequel to Dragon Ball Super, and considering its exceptional quality, Dragon Ball Super is a testament to the art and skill showcased by the Dragon Ball franchise. While Dragon Ball Super: Broly may be light on the main storyline, its dedication to emphasizing other key elements of the franchise is commendable.
Release Date: April 25, 2009
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi
Cast: Tetsuya Kakihara, Katsuyuki Konishi, Marina Inoue, Yukari Fukui
Runtime: 126 Minutes
Where To Watch It: Currently unavailable