Anime is a highly respected medium that, over the years, has showcased award-winning art. Here are some of the best anime movies with amazing visuals.
People can be pretty picky about what movies they watch. This can range from genre or general preference to the length of the movies. However, there is another specific thing based on which people decide to watch a movie — visuals. This is especially true when it comes to anime. Truthfully, anime movies are the ones that experiment the most with their styles and visual depictions. Sometimes they end up with something decent, but at times, they can be one of the best representations of breathtaking visuals.
Anime artists and studios continue to push the envelope for just how beautiful the medium can be. More often than not, people fall in love with certain anime movies because of how incredible the animation is, with studios pouring a ton of money to ensure that every frame of animation is as perfect as it can get. This has resulted in the development and release of many anime movies that constantly push the boundaries of this medium to new heights and wow audiences time and time again.
Updated September 15, 2024, by Hamza Haq: Breathtaking visuals are not the only thing that makes an anime movie great—storytelling, art style, and good characters are the core of the experience—but it sure does help. Many older anime movies, ones that don’t have the best visual storytelling, are still classics and have their value, but would they be better if they were more crisp and clear? Of course! Luckily, with modern technology, the two things are not mutually exclusive. 1 A Whisker Away
Studio
Studio Colorido, Toho Animation, Twin Engine
Release Date
June 18, 2020
Where To Watch
Netflix
There are times when romance movies use a ludicrous premise to keep fans engaged, and that’s precisely the case with A Whisker Away. The show focuses on a high school teenager who tries to get closer to her crush, eventually finding a porcelain mask that turns her into a cat and lets her spend some time with the love of her life, who is unaware of the fact that both the cat and the girl are the same person.
After spending some time together, the heroine tries to establish that both individuals are the same person, leading to moments of pure and utter hilarity. A Whisker Away doesn’t shy away from tackling more dramatic scenes, but the levity and charming animation is what sell this experience to most viewers.2 Whisper Of The Heart
Studio
Studio Ghibli
Release Date
July 15, 1995
Where To Watch
Max
Studio Ghibli is a master of its craft known for animating some beautiful films, and Whisper of the Heart is no exception here. Featuring a screenplay from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, it’s easy to see why any fans of this studio’s work will love what Whisper of the Heart has to offer.
The ending may not strike a tone with many fans, but that’s a small price to pay for what is otherwise an unputdownable experience. The stellar animation breathes life into every scene and elevates this movie’s enjoyment factor to new heights.3 Flavors Of Youth
Studio
CoMix Wave Films, Haoliners Animation League
Release Date
August 4, 2018
Where To Watch
Netflix
It’s always nice to watch an anime film that treads new ground, and Flavors of Youth is a great example of the same. This movie is split into three self-contained stories that focus on the necessities of life — food, clothing, and transportation.
The character animation might be slightly rigid at times, but that’s never the focus of Flavors of Youth. Rather, it’s the amazing artwork and visual design that helps each story stand out on its own.4 Dragon Ball Z: Battle Of Gods
Studio
Toei Animation
Release Date
March 30, 2013
Where To Watch
Apple TV
After a lengthy hiatus, the fact that Dragon Ball was finally coming back with a new chapter in Goku’s story excited many people to no end. It helped that this movie lived up to all the hype, introducing a new form along with fresh new characters who have completely changed the scale of power wielded by fighters for good.
The battle between Goku and Beerus is a major highlight, with the beloved Saiyan putting it all on the line to save Earth from the Destroyer God. It’s an amazing chapter that marks the beginning of Super and lets fans enjoy a wealth of incredible battles that will make long-time fans feel all giddy inside.5 A Silent Voice
Studio
Kyoto Animation
Release Date
September 17, 2016
Where To Watch
Apple TV
Bullying is a serious issue, and A Silent Voice takes a look at how a man who bullied a deaf girl ends up regretting this heinous act for most of his life. It explores a wonderful friendship and deals with many powerful themes that will elicit a tear out of any viewer.
It helps that the movie looks incredible from a visual standpoint, elevating the quality of this cinematic experience. People interested in watching this movie should keep some tissues handy since they will shed many a tear throughout this emotional tale.
