Gearing up for an anime binge on Netflix? Make sure you queue up these anime films.
Anime’s sphere of influence has become well-globalized over the years, especially recently – the prevalence of online streaming services has certainly played a massive role in its seemingly unstoppable surge in popularity. Netflix has commissioned various anime projects in both serialized and movie form and has also obtained the rights to several other features.
Compared to series, anime movies can be harder to come by, particularly if they are not produced by a company like Studio Ghibli. Netflix’s selection of anime features provides an accessible entry point for those who have yet to dip their toes in Japanese animation, along with making it simpler for fans to track down new and older movies. What are the best anime movies on Netflix?
A recent addition to Netflix’s anime movie catalog, Drifting Home has a fascinating premise about a group of children who, after entering a strange apartment building, find themselves drifting on an expansive ocean removed from space and time. This concept is inherently exciting and allows plenty of room for intense action sequences and mystery; in execution, Drifting Home blends a lighthearted tone with heavy themes that deal with grief and forgiveness. This mix makes for an oddly structured film that slightly dulls the stakes of its premise.
With projects like Penguin Highway and Burn the Witch under its belt, Studio Colorido can be relied upon to deliver gorgeous animation that ranks among the best in the business. Story-wise, the company’s output tends to be polarizing, and Drifting Home is unlikely to change that perception. At two hours, the movie overstays its welcome, but there are more than enough high points to make this a trip worth taking.
Miyo Sasaki is an awkward teen with a complicated home life and a crush that she probably makes a bit too obvious. One day, Miyo meets a cat spirit who offers her a mask that will allow her to transform into a cat, an ability she uses to get close to her love interest.
Even with its supernatural twist, A Whisker Away’s narrative plays out like a straightforward love story about two teenagers who struggle to communicate effectively. Although not completely lacking in depth or insight, the movie is firmly driven by emotion rather than logic or analysis; as such, it is best to go in expecting a slightly unusual and charming rom-com. Where the movie really shines is in its animation, as Studio Colorido put together an absolutely gorgeous production.
Okko’s Inn flew under the radar when it came out in 2018, but it is well worth a watch for those seeking a smartly written slice of life that touches upon some tough subjects. After a family tragedy, Okko, a young girl, starts to work at her grandmother’s hot springs inn. Along with the standard guests, this inn also seems to welcome less orthodox visitors.
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Okko’s Inn falls in the “healing” anime subgenre of slice of life, so expect a slow-moving narrative and plenty of scenes of nature. However, this anime is literally about healing as it deals directly with its protagonist’s grief. The movie also handles this theme well.
The Gundam series can be difficult to jump into for the uninitiated since there are just so many series and movies to watch. Netflix covers a decent amount of content, including some classics such as Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. Hathaway’s Flash is the franchise’s most recent animated venture, and it is only the first entry in what will be a trilogy.
The animation is wonderful, and the plot has an interesting premise as it focuses on a group of terrorists led by Mafty. The film does require prior knowledge of the series to appreciate, particularly Hathaway’s backstory, but longtime fans of the mecha franchise should find a lot to enjoy here.
Split into three shorts with themes that are loosely connected, Flavors of Youth is primarily concerned with reminiscing on the days gone by. A Japanese-Chinese co-production, this anime is at its best when highlighting the unique taste presented by its Chinese culture. While none of the films deliver much in the way of surprises, they manage to be endearing and emotionally effective, particularly the final segment.
Doraemon is an institution, so anyone unfamiliar with the franchise might be hesitant to jump into two modern movies. The Stand By Me Doraemon films adapt some of the series’ stand-out short stories, and they are quite welcoming to newcomers. Both movies are coming-of-age stories, ones that deal with themes of family and anxiety.
Heartwarming, charming, and profound, these films serve as a testament to Doraemon’s longevity. They are so good, these movies might just inspire someone to track down the anime series (the 2005 one is pretty great) or one of the other 40+ movies. There are hundreds of reasons that explain Doraemon’s longevity, and Stand By Me highlights quite a few of them.
The final hurrah for the Kuroko’s Basketball anime, Last Game finds the Generation of Miracles reuniting to take on a U.S. team that looks down on Japanese players. Unsurprisingly, this film does not hold much value for those not familiar with the series; however, for fans of Kuroko’s Basketball, Last Game presents a rare opportunity to see the Miracles united as a singular force.
Solid animation, a thrilling final match, and a healthy helping of comedy, Kuroko’s Basketball The Movie: Last Game distills everything that was great about the sports anime into a digestible 90-minute sit. If nothing else, this sequel lets fans spend a bit more time with these iconic characters. There is no downside to that.
Mamoru Hosoda has cemented his place in anime history with Wolf Children, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, and The Boy and the Beast. Mirai doesn’t reach the same level as any of those movies, however, the 2018 release is still a fun watch with a wholesome message.
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Mirai is about Kun, a spoiled boy who begins to act out when his parents start to pay more attention to his newborn sister. In order to deal with these outbursts, Kun goes on imaginary adventures. Although a bit too formulaic at times, Mirai has great animation and a handful of supporting characters that complement Kun quite well.
Violet Evergarden helped establish Netflix as a legitimate anime streaming service, one that might not offer the quantity of Crunchyroll but can match its competitor in quality. Violet Evergarden: Eternity And The Auto Memory Doll tells the emotional tale of two sisters separated by space who are connected through Violet’s postal service.
The animation is unsurprisingly gorgeous, and the story’s warmth makes for a cozy watch. The film tackles the subject of family, and how it goes deeper than just blood.
Serving as an endpoint for the series, Violet Evergarden: The Movie is the perfect encapsulation of the anime’s strengths. The sequel contains three stories that are set in the past, present, and future; while they aren’t tied together all that tightly, the narratives act as a satisfying study of Violet’s development throughout the story.
Violet Evergarden: The Movie is a tearjerker that earns every emotional outburst. Along with a plot that hits hard and provides closure to both the protagonist and the audience, the film’s animation and music are also top-notch.
Tiger & Bunny is now available on Netflix, with season 2 of the anime debuting earlier this year. The entire franchise can now be streamed on the platform, and that includes 2014’s The Rising. A sequel to season 1, this movie introduces a new superhero, Ryan Goldsmith, as Barnaby Brooks’ partner, replacing the aging Kotetsu T.
