25 Animated Films Celebrating Athletic Triumphs
25 titles
- 1
Princess MononokeMovie · 1997 · 134m · Adventure, Fantasy, AnimationPrince Ashitaka of the Emishi is cursed by a vengeful boar god and journeys west seeking a cure. His travels force him to confront the clash between those who want to protect the forest and those who seek to exploit it. He meets San, a fierce protector of the woods, and Lady Eboshi, a determined leader aiming for prosperity by using the forest's resources. Ashitaka must now navigate the conflict between these opposing forces, searching for a way to find balance between nature and humanity.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.3 - 2
Soccer AidMovie · 2001 · 125m · Animation, Family, FantasyA young girl named Chihiro finds herself in a bewildering world inhabited by spirits. After her parents are mysteriously transformed, she must find the strength within herself to rescue her family.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.5 - 3
The Disappearance of Haruhi SuzumiyaMovie · 2010 · 162m · Animation, Comedy, Science FictionA week before Christmas, Kyon finds himself in a reality where the SOS Brigade never formed. He's an outsider, with Mikuru and Yuki failing to recognize him, and Haruhi and Itsuki seemingly gone without a trace.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.8 - 4
Gundam Wing: The Endless WaltzMovie · 1998 · 90m · Drama, Animation, Science FictionOne year after the Earth Sphere Unification War, a fragile peace exists between Earth and the space colonies. The Gundam pilots, no longer needed as warriors, have decommissioned their mechs and sent them to be destroyed. This peace is shattered when Relena Darlian, now a government official, is kidnapped by a rogue colony seeking total domination.
The Gundam pilots and their allies must reunite to protect the peace they fought for. As conflict escalates, the struggle between Earth and the colonies continues, testing their resolve in their pursuit of lasting harmony.
This sequel explores perseverance, sacrifice, and humanity's resilience during war, combining action with reflections on peace and power.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 5
Cardcaptor Sakura: The MovieMovie · 1999 · 81m · Fantasy, Animation, AdventureSakura Kinomoto, a Card Captor, travels to Hong Kong with her friends Tomoyo and Syaoran Li. What starts as a game becomes a dangerous quest when they realize their host has sinister plans. This ancient enemy wants revenge on Clow Reed, the creator of the Clow Cards.
While battling this foe, Sakura and her friends learn more about Clow Reed's past and Sakura’s connection to him. This journey tests their friendships and changes their understanding of the cards and the world they protect.
The film explores loyalty, courage, and finding oneself, delivering action and heartwarming moments that keep audiences engaged until the end.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.7 - 6
Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: RebellionMovie · 2013 · 117m · Mystery, Animation, FantasyAfter Madoka sacrificed herself to save all magical girls from a terrible fate – erasing the witches from existence – despair now takes the form of creatures called nightmares. Homura Akemi, a magical girl, continues her solitary fight, hoping for the day she can see Madoka smile again.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.7 - 7
The Cat ReturnsMovie · 2002 · 75m · Adventure, Fantasy, AnimationHaru saves a cat from an accident and discovers it's not just any cat – it's the Prince of the Cats.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 8
Summer WarsMovie · 2009 · 114m · Animation, Science FictionKenji Koiso, a teenage math prodigy, takes a summer job in his crush Natsuki's hometown. He discovers her family is gathered for their matriarch's 90th birthday and is asked to pretend to be Natsuki's fiancé. Simultaneously, Kenji's efforts to solve a complex mathematical problem inadvertently trigger a collision between our world and a parallel one.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 9
Blood: The Last VampireMovie · 2000 · 48m · Animation, Fantasy, HorrorIn Japan, Saya, a powerful vampire hunter and an original vampire herself, is dispatched by her government liaison, David, to Yokota High School on Halloween night, posing as a student. Her mission: to hunt vampires. Saya requests a new katana from David. She soon rescues the school nurse, Makiho Amano, from two vampires disguised as classmates, and Makiho witnesses Saya's battle against the formidable demons.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8 - 10
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) AloneMovie · 2007 · 101m · Animation, Science Fiction, ActionFollowing a devastating event known as the Second Impact, the city of Tokyo-3 faces relentless attacks from colossal beings called Angels, who aim to destroy humanity. Young Shinji is tasked with battling these Angels by piloting advanced, enigmatic mecha known as Evangelions. This film revisits the initial six episodes of GAINAX's acclaimed 1996 anime series, released as "Evangelion: 1.01" on DVD and "Evangelion: 1.11" in a version featuring extra scenes.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.6 - 11
Macross Frontier: The Wings of FarewellMovie · 2011 · 115mContinuing the story from the last film, Ranka's career takes off, but Sheryl's health declines quickly following a collapse during a live show. Meanwhile, different groups are secretly trying to control the Vajra by exploiting the singing talents of both women. As the Macross Frontier fleet engages in its final battle against the Vajra, Alto must choose between Ranka and Sheryl.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 12
The Garden of WordsMovie · 2013 · 46m · Animation, Drama, RomanceTakao, a young man training to be a shoemaker, skips school to sketch shoes in a Japanese garden. He encounters Yukino, an older woman, and they begin meeting unexpectedly, only on rainy days. Their connection deepens as they share their lives. However, the rainy season is ending.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.6 - 13
Millennium ActressMovie · 2002 · 87m · Drama, Animation, RomanceDocumentary filmmaker Genya Tachibana seeks out the elusive actress Chiyoko Fujiwara, who disappeared from fame years ago. Giving her a key she believed lost, Genya unexpectedly unlocks not only the long-hidden truths of Chiyoko's past, but also reveals something about himself.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 14
Ghost in the Shell: The New MovieMovie · 2015 · 100m · Science Fiction, AnimationA virus that turns people into violent, ghost-like beings, called Fire-Starter, is rapidly spreading. Following the assassination of the Japanese Prime Minister, Major Motoko Kusanagi and her specialized team are tasked with finding the origin of the outbreak.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 15
Ghost in the ShellMovie · 1995 · 83m · Action, Animation, Science FictionIn 2029, technology has blurred the lines between the real and digital worlds, giving people new abilities but also new risks, especially brain hacking. A mysterious hacker known as The Puppetmaster has increased their activity, now targeting political matters. So, Section 9, a special team of law enforcement officers with cybernetic enhancements, is tasked with stopping this elusive enemy and discovering their identity. Their goal is to capture The Puppetmaster and protect society from the dangers of digital control.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9 - 16
Ghost in the Shell 2: InnocenceMovie · 2004 · 100m · Animation, Drama, Science FictionDetective Batou is tasked with solving a string of murders committed by gynoids – highly advanced, doll-like cyborgs. Each gynoid malfunctions, kills its victims, and then self-destructs. It appears their core programming activates to safeguard their manufacturer's data. However, in one gynoid that Batou personally disabled, a single file remains: a voice uttering the plea, "Help me."IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 17
K-On! The MovieMovie · 2011 · 110m · Animation, Family, AdventureAs graduation approaches, the Light Music Club is on the verge of disbanding, with everyone except Azusa moving on. Determined to make the most of their time together, the remaining members embark on a final vacation to London. This trip becomes a journey of friendship and self-discovery, culminating in one last performance as the club.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.9 - 18
PaprikaMovie · 2006 · 90m · Animation, Science Fiction, ThrillerChaos erupts when a device enabling therapists to enter patients' dreams is stolen. The only one who can retrieve it and prevent disaster is a young therapist named Paprika.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.8 - 19
La Maison en Petits CubesMovie · 2008 · 12m · Animation*La Maison en Petits Cubes* follows a grandfather who builds his house with blocks to keep the rising floodwaters at bay, triggering a cascade of cherished memories.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 20
Cardcaptor Sakura: The Sealed CardMovie · 2000 · 80m · Animation, Adventure, FantasyWith all the Clow Cards secured, Sakura Kinomoto, the new Card Master, is preparing for the town festival play. But strange things are happening in Tomoeda – including the disappearance of Sakura's cards – caused by a new evil. Sakura and Syaoran must work together to uncover the source of these disturbances and protect their town.IMDb 7.7TMDB 8.1 - 21
Pokémon: The First MovieMovie · 1998 · 85m · Animation, Family, AdventureThis animated film follows Mewtwo, a bio-engineered Pokémon who wants to prove its strength. Mewtwo plans to gather famous Trainers and their Pokémon – including Ash Ketchum and Pikachu – for a unique battle.
Mewtwo challenges these skilled Trainers to a high-stakes showdown. The story explores themes of power, freedom, and identity through the characters' interactions.
The film balances dramatic moments with the humor characteristic of Pokémon. Alongside exciting battles, viewers will see the emotional journeys of the characters as they grapple with their motivations and the impact of their choices. Ultimately, the story invites audiences to consider the deep connection between people and their Pokémon partners.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.9 - 22
The Girl Who Leapt Through TimeMovie · 2006 · 98m · Fantasy, Animation, DramaSeventeen-year-old Makoto Konno discovers she can jump back in time. At first, she uses this ability to fix her grades and avoid embarrassing moments. But she quickly learns that altering the past has unexpected consequences, and she must ultimately use her powers to determine the future for herself and her friends.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 23
Jin-Roh: The Wolf BrigadeMovie · 1999 · 102m · Animation, Drama, RomanceThis intense drama follows a counter-terrorism operative grappling with the emotional fallout of a young girl's suicide bombing. While undergoing retraining, he becomes entangled in the intricate dynamics and rivalries within the police department. The girl's sister emerges as a significant presence in his life, and their mutual grief forges an unforeseen connection. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and strength as the protagonist confronts his emotional wounds and seeks a path toward healing and a fresh start.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4 - 24
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam - A New Translation II: LoversMovie · 2005 · 98mIn Universal Century 0087, the civil war between the AEUG and the Titans rages on. Kamille encounters a mysterious girl named Four, a "cyber-Newtype" serving the Titans, whose presence deeply saddens him. Driven by grief, Kamille fights to reach space where the new mobile suit Zeta Gundam awaits. Simultaneously, Paptimus Scirocco, a powerful figure from Jupiter, joins forces with the Titans. And a third power, the Zeon remnants of Axis, begins to assert itself. Featuring enhanced animation and a theme song by GACKT, this is the second part of the Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam feature trilogy, focusing on the tragic relationship between Kamille and Four.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 25
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State SocietyMovie · 2007 · 105m · Animation, Action, ThrillerSet in 2034, two years after the events of Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG, the story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi. She has departed from Public Security Section 9, an elite counter-terrorism and crime-fighting unit focused on cyber warfare. The team, now consisting of 20 field operatives, is led by Togusa.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.4
