In recent years, Japanese animation, or anime, has witnessed a surge in popularity in the West, captivating audiences with its diverse storytelling, rich visuals, and imaginative worlds. While TV series like Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia dominate weekly schedules, anime movies offer a unique and immersive cinematic experience that every film enthusiast should explore. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best anime movies that have left an indelible mark on the history of animation.
Handpicked Best Anime Movies To Watch in UK
With the top UK movie streaming options, set out on an exciting anime journey. Prepare yourself for engrossing narratives, breathtaking imagery, and magical cinema that will captivate you!
Spirited Away
- Director(s): Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer(s): Hayao Miyazaki
- Voice Over: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Release Year: 2001
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is a masterpiece in Japanese animation, seamlessly weaving together beauty, mystique, and folklore. It stands as a landmark, captivating audiences with its enchanting narrative and stunning visuals. The story revolves around Chihiro, a teenage girl thrust into a fantastical world where she must work in a bathhouse to save her transformed parents. Spirited Away’s international acclaim solidifies it as one of the finest anime movies ever created. Miyazaki’s artistry, coupled with the film’s intricate ties to Japanese mythology, makes it a must-watch for any animation enthusiast, leaving an indelible mark on the history of cinematic excellence.
Your Name
- Director(s): Makoto Shinkai
- Writer(s): Makoto Shinkai
- Voice Over: Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryô Narita
- Runtime: 106 minutes
- Release Year: 2016
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Your Name by Makoto Shinkai became a worldwide sensation and one of the highest-grossing anime films, securing its position as one of the best anime movies to watch in UK. A mysterious body-swap causes two high school students’ lives to take unexpected turns as this whimsical romantic story progresses. Shinkai’s signature themes of rain, natural disasters, and teenage romance are impeccably portrayed, contributing to the film’s visual brilliance. Your Name not only captivates with its unique narrative but also showcases Shinkai’s creative prowess, making it an unmissable cinematic experience for anime enthusiasts worldwide.
Princess Mononoke
- Director(s): Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer(s): Hayao Miyazaki
- Voice Over: Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka
- Runtime: 134 minutes
- Release Year: 1997
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke stands as a visually spectacular and emotionally charged journey set in a fantastical rendition of Japan’s late Muromachi period. This masterpiece delves into the epic struggle of a determined prince and a woman raised by wolves, united in their fight to save nature from impending destruction. Miyazaki’s unwavering dedication to the project, declaring he would finish it even at the potential ruin of the studio, underscores the film’s profound significance in the world of anime. Its thematic depth, breathtaking visuals, and commitment to environmentalism contribute to Princess Mononoke’s enduring status as a monumental work in cinematic history.
Perfect Blue
- Director(s): Satoshi Kon
- Writer(s): Yoshikazu Takeuchi (novel), Sadayuki Murai (screenplay)
- Voice Over: Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji
- Runtime: 81 minutes
- Release Year: 1997
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
One of the best anime movies to watch in UK is Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue, which deftly examines the hazy lines separating fact from fiction in the context of Japanese idols. This psychological horror chronicles the ascent of an idol into the world of acting, culminating in a startling plunge into a violent and stalker-filled realm. The film’s gripping and twisted critique of celebrity culture not only serves as a captivating narrative but also serves as a notable inspiration for the acclaimed Black Swan. Perfect Blue’s masterful storytelling and chilling examination of the pressures faced by celebrities make it an essential and impactful entry in the world of anime cinema for UK audiences and beyond.
Akira
- Director(s): Katsuhiro Ôtomo
- Writer(s): Katsuhiro Ôtomo (screenplay), Izô Hashimoto (screenplay)
- Voice Over: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama
- Runtime: 124 minutes
- Release Year: 1988
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo is regarded as a groundbreaking anime that completely changed how the West saw the genre. The futuristic Neo-Tokyo setting of the movie explores themes of chaos, rebellion, and remarkable telekinetic abilities. With its combination of graphic violence, breathtaking visuals, and a provocative story that considers the effects of unbridled power, Akira offers viewers a visceral experience. Widely considered a cinematic milestone, Akira has left an indelible mark on the anime landscape and is consistently hailed as one of the best anime movies ever created. Its influence cuts across cultural divides, ensuring its place in animation history as a timeless and significant masterpiece.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
- Director(s): Isao Takahata
- Writer(s): Isao Takahata (screenplay), Riko Sakaguchi (screenplay)
- Voice Over: Aki Asakura, Kengo Kôra, Takeo Chii
- Runtime: 137 minutes
- Release Year: 2013
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Isao Takahata’s The Tale of Princess Kaguya, among the best anime movies to watch in UK, unfolds as a visually stunning animated masterpiece rooted in a traditional Japanese tale. The story begins when a modest man finds a young girl inside a bamboo shoot. This leads to a beautifully animated examination of Kaguya’s feelings and her heartbreaking attempts to gain her freedom. When Kaguya fights her way out of the palace, the film’s beautiful animation blends in perfectly with the poignant narrative, and every frame captures the character’s suffering. In the realm of anime, The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a marvel that offers a distinct and profoundly moving visual experience.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
- Writer(s): Satoko Okudera (screenplay), Yasutaka Tsutsui (novel)
- Voice Over: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, Mitsutaka Itakura
- Runtime: 98 minutes
- Release Year: 2006
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
A charming coming-of-age fantasy, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Mamoru Hosoda chronicles the exploits of a teenage girl who finds she has the incredible capacity to travel through time. The movie deftly combines humor and important themes while navigating the fallout from this newfound power. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time goes beyond conventional temporal narratives as the protagonist struggles with the difficulties of changing time, providing a moving examination of the significance of living in the present. The film is a timeless gem in the anime canon because of Hosoda’s skillful storytelling and its enthralling charm, which captivate audiences with a cinematic experience.
The Wind Rises
- Director(s): Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer(s): Hayao Miyazaki
- Voice Over: Hideaki Anno, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Miori Takimoto
- Runtime: 126 minutes
- Release Year: 2013
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
The Wind Rises, which was once thought to be Hayao Miyazaki’s farewell film, is now recognized as a masterpiece of filmmaking that masterfully combines a moving story with the director’s most intense obsessions. The film tackles the moral quandaries that arise from developing destructive technologies while exploring the seductive beauty of invention. It is inspired by the life of World War II aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi. Even though Miyazaki intended for The Wind Rises to be his last film, it is still regarded as a timeless example of his masterful storytelling and artistic ability. As one of the best anime movies to watch in UK, this visually captivating and thematically rich film invites audiences to contemplate the dual nature of human ingenuity.
A Silent Voice
- Director(s): Naoko Yamada
- Writer(s): Yoshitoki Ōima (manga), Reiko Yoshida (screenplay)
- Voice Over: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yûki
- Runtime: 130 minutes
- Release Year: 2016
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
A Silent Voice delicately addresses the profound themes of bullying, growing up, and forgiveness. Adapted from Yoshitoki Ōima’s manga, the film traces the intricate journey of a high school student with impaired hearing, Shôko Nishimiya, and her former bully, Shôya Ishida, as he seeks redemption. Escaping the intricacies of interpersonal connections and the metamorphic influence of empathy, the story develops with exquisite delicacy. A Silent Voice is a powerful and emotionally resonant anime film that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. It is a poignant testament to the power of understanding and the possibility of change.
Paprika
- Director(s): Satoshi Kon
- Writer(s): Yasutaka Tsutsui (novel), Seishi Minakami (screenplay)
- Voice Over: Megumi Hayashibara, Tôru Emori, Katsunosuke Hori
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Release Year: 2006
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Paprika transports viewers to the fantastical world of dreams in a vibrant and mind-bending journey. Scientist by day, dream investigator by night, Dr. Atsuko Chiba uses a cutting-edge tool to delve into her patients’ subconscious and reveal its mysteries. With a narrative full of intrigue and imagination, this visually stunning film explores the strange and fantastical aspects of dreams. Paprika is an engrossing experience because of its inventive storytelling and bizarre imagery, especially for fans of surreal stories. For those seeking the best anime movies to watch in UK, Paprika stands out as a mesmerizing journey through the uncharted territories of the human mind.
Death Note
- Director(s): Tetsurô Araki
- Writer(s): Tsugumi Ohba (original manga), Takeshi Obata (original manga), Toshiki Inoue (screenplay)
- Voice Over: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong
- Runtime: Varies (TV Series)
- Release Year: 2006-2007
- IMDb Rating: 9.0/10 (for the TV Series)
A high school student named Light Yagami finds a strange notebook with lethal powers in the enigmatic world of Death Note. Light learns that the person whose name is written in the Death Note meets a horrible end as the night sky covers his surroundings. Light sets out on a risky mission, matching wits with the mysterious detective known only as “L,” driven by the desire to purge the world of criminals. Hearts are thumping and minds are racing as the suspense grows and it becomes more difficult to distinguish between vigilantism and justice. Every time the page turns in Death Note, a terrifying story about the hidden cost of power is revealed.
Naruto
- Director(s): Hayato Date
- Writer(s): Masashi Kishimoto (original manga), Masashi Kishimoto (screenplay)
- Voice Over: Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Kate Higgins
- Runtime: Varies (TV Series)
- Release Year: 2002 (for the anime adaptation)
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10 (for the TV Series)
Young Naruto Uzumaki lives in the secret village of Konoha, where his ambition is to become the best ninja in the world and gain the respect of his peers. Yet, unbeknownst to him, a powerful and malevolent force lies dormant within. Secrets come to light and destinies entwine as Naruto and his friends Sasuke and Sakura face the difficulties of ninja training. There are many dangers along the way, from dealing with strong opponents to learning the truth about his enigmatic past. Every episode showcases Naruto’s tenacity and fortitude, winning over hearts and motivating viewers to pursue their aspirations and find acceptance. The best anime movies to watch in UK may offer tales, but Naruto weaves an epic saga of courage, friendship, and the pursuit of one’s destiny.
Conclusion
As the anime genre continues to enthrall viewers everywhere, these films stand out as classics that have had a lasting influence on animation history. Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, these films offer a diverse range of storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and thought-provoking themes. So gather your popcorn and get ready to take a cinematic journey through the best anime movies to watch in UK.
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