34 Exceptional Animated Films
34 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
Complex x ComplexMovie · 2017 · 24mYui Kotani, a junior high student, has a peculiar fascination with men's underarm hair. She finds her classmate Masato Takeo's underarm hair particularly noteworthy, as it is the densest in their class.IMDb 8.0 - 4
The Sky CrawlersMovie · 2008 · 121m · Animation, Action, AdventureThe Kildren are young people who live forever as teenagers. Aware that each day could be their last, they fight a war – a conflict staged and controlled by adults for their amusement. However, accepting their fate, they make the most of every day.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 5
Giovanni's IslandMovie · 2014 · 102m · Animation, Drama, HistoryFollowing a catastrophic global war, the small island of Shikotan becomes part of the Sakhalin Oblast. On the still-scarred border of this isolated region, a fragile friendship develops between children from two different nations. They navigate language differences and the weight of past conflicts as they try to connect. Based on true events.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.5 - 6
White WolfMovie · 1990 · 83mA wolf raised on a farm kills the family dog, and to prevent its destruction, a boy named Lasset journeys with the wolf to a wilderness sanctuary 300 miles north. The film's soundtrack features only Dvorak's Serenade for Strings, making it a rare choice for an animated film. The story is simple with a predictable outcome, but the film's atmosphere feels genuine and emotionally resonant, particularly due to the music, which is scored for strings to emphasize emotional impact. It's a straightforward drama about the bond between a boy and his wolf, delivering on familiar emotional beats while remaining deeply enjoyable.IMDb 5.2TMDB 8.0 - 7
Doraemon: A Grandmother's RecollectionsMovie · 2000 · 27mWhile cleaning out the shed, Nobita's mother throws away his beloved teddy bear. Luckily, Nobita rescues it from the trash, reminding him of a precious gift from his grandmother. Thinking of her, Nobita asks Doraemon to take him back to when he was three years old and his grandmother was still alive.IMDb 8.0TMDB 6.6 - 8
Hotarubi no Mori eMovie · 2011 · 45m · Romance, Animation, FantasyOn a sweltering summer day, a young girl becomes lost in an enchanted forest, the domain of a mountain god and its resident spirits. A boy appears before her, but she's afraid to touch him, worried it will make him vanish. Thus begins a remarkable adventure.IMDb 7.8TMDB 8.3 - 9
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of ShamballaMovie · 2005 · 105m · Action, Adventure, AnimationMunich, Germany, 1923. Two years after Edward Elric was brought to this world from his own, leaving his country, friends, and brother Alphonse behind, he has been studying rocketry with Alphonse Heiderich – a young man who looks just like his brother – hoping for a way back home. His research has been unsuccessful, but helping a troubled gypsy girl sets Edward in motion a series of events that threaten both worlds. Meanwhile, back in his own world, Alphonse Elric delves deeper into the mysteries of alchemy, searching for a way to reunite with his older brother.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 10
Pom PokoMovie · 1994 · 119m · Adventure, Animation, FantasyAs cities expand and destroy their natural home, a group of raccoons in Tama Hills fight to survive as housing developments and shopping malls take over. With food and shelter disappearing, they team up for an unusual journey to take back their lost territory.
Along the way, they discover a hidden ability to transform. Through hard work, the raccoons learn to change their bodies and even become human, leading to funny situations. Working together, these determined animals realize that even when things look impossible, community and perseverance can help them overcome any obstacle.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 11
The House of the Lost on the CapeMovie · 2021 · 105mA mysterious elderly woman takes in a teenage runaway and a young orphan in her seaside mansion. When a frightening presence endangers their haven, the unlikely pair must overcome their anxieties and unite to protect their home.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8 - 12
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 - 13
Takano IntersectionMovie · 2021 · 7mIn a city, three strangers briefly cross paths.IMDb 6.5 - 14
Roujin ZMovie · 1991 · 80m · Animation, Drama, Science FictionThis drama centers on Mr. Takazawa, an elderly man cared for by Haruko, a dedicated nursing student. The Japanese Ministry of Public Welfare introduces Z-001, a new computerized hospital bed with robotic functions, designed to be more efficient than human nursing. Haruko questions whether the machine can truly understand and meet Mr. Takazawa's individual needs, believing in the importance of human connection in healing. The film examines the challenges of technology in healthcare, prompting reflection on the irreplaceable human elements of patient care.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 15
Miss HokusaiMovie · 2015 · 90m · Animation, Drama, HistoryA daughter struggles for recognition while living in the shadow of her celebrated father, fiercely pursuing her own path to success.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 16
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 - 17
Black Jack: The MovieMovie · 1996 · 93m · Animation, Drama, ThrillerBlack Jack is an exceptional surgeon known for his incredible skill. He faces a situation that challenges the limits of what's medically possible. With time running out and the pressure increasing, Black Jack must push the boundaries of medicine, risking everything in his relentless quest to save lives. This medical drama examines advanced surgical techniques and the unwavering determination of a man who will do anything to overcome the toughest cases.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 18
Okko's InnMovie · 2018 · 94m · Animation, Comedy, FantasyOrphaned at 12 after a car accident, Oriko Seki lives with her grandmother at the family's Onsen Ryokan, "Haru no Ya," sharing the space with a ghost named Uribou. Amidst the unusual circumstances, she begins training to become the next innkeeper. Initially resistant, Oriko gradually develops pride in the title and dedicates herself to her training, marking the start of her journey toward becoming a strong young woman.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.2 - 19
Summer Days with CooMovie · 2007 · 138m · Animation, Fantasy, ComedyOver 200 years after his time, a solitary Kappa survives in modern Japan and is discovered by a young boy named Koichi. Koichi secretly adopts the Kappa, whom he names Coo. Together, the unlikely friends search for remote locations, hoping to find other members of Coo's species.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.8 - 20
Wolf ChildrenMovie · 2012 · 117m · Animation, Family, DramaFollowing the sudden death of her werewolf lover in an accident, a woman is left to raise their two children. Their inheritance of their father’s traits creates unforeseen difficulties for her.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.2 - 21
Tokyo GodfathersMovie · 2003 · 92m · Animation, Drama, ComedyOn Christmas Eve, three homeless people in Tokyo find a newborn baby discarded in the trash and decide to search for the child's parents.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.9 - 22
Your Name.Movie · 2016 · 106m · Animation, Romance, DramaMitsuha and Taki are two teenagers with completely different lives. Then, one night, they inexplicably swap bodies. Mitsuha wakes up in Taki's body, and Taki finds himself in Mitsuha's. This strange body-swapping continues to occur unpredictably, forcing them to navigate each other’s lives.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.5 - 23
Kiki's Delivery ServiceMovie · 1989 · 103m · Animation, Family, FantasyA young witch begins her training with a year in a new community. While learning to fit in, she finds a way to become independent by using her magic to start an air courier business, delivering packages quickly. The film explores independence, friendship, and self-discovery as she faces challenges and successes in a world where magic is common.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 24
Crayon Shin-chan: A Storm-invoking Splendor! The Battle of the Warring StatesMovie · 2002 · 95mShin-chan accidentally travels through time and finds himself caught in the middle of samurai battles and political schemes, drastically altering the course of history.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 25
Looking for Magical DoremiMovie · 2020 · 92m · Animation, Comedy, AdventureA magic gem brings together three women: Mire Yoshizuki, a 27-year-old office worker in Tokyo; Sora Nagase, a 22-year-old college student; and Reika Kawatani, a 20-year-old who works part-time at an okonomiyaki shop in Hiroshima and freelances.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 26
Junkers Come HereMovie · 1994 · 103mHiromi projects an image of strength, but secretly struggles with emotional turmoil, particularly due to her parents' impending divorce. Her loyal dog, Junkers, offers unique comfort – he can talk and grant her three wishes.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 27
Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure in the South SeasMovie · 1998 · 91m · Animation, FamilyNobita and his school friends join a marine research project and set off on an expedition aboard a large deep-sea vessel, along with Doraemon, Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo. Their educational trip takes an unexpected turn when a space-time anomaly sends them back to the 17th century during a storm. Shipwrecked on an unfamiliar coast, they discover Doraemon's pocket has lost its powers.
The friends must now use their wits and work together to survive in the past and find a way back to their own time, restoring Doraemon’s abilities along the way. This exciting adventure is a story of friendship, problem-solving, and discovering history.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.6 - 28
Porco RossoMovie · 1992 · 93m · Family, Comedy, AnimationIn 1930s Italy, this animated film tells the story of Porco Rosso, a former World War I pilot transformed into a pig. He's the only pilot brave enough to fight sky pirates who are attacking ships in the Adriatic Sea.
Preparing for a major battle against a skilled American pilot, Porco Rosso teams up with a clever young mechanic named Fio Piccolo and seeks advice from his friend Madame Gina. As he fights to protect the skies and the seas, danger is always present.
The film explores themes of loyalty and friendship, set against beautiful Mediterranean scenery, and features exciting aerial combat. It's an adventurous, humorous, and thoughtful story, celebrating the history of flight and offering a memorable cinematic experience.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.8 - 29
Patlabor 2: The MovieMovie · 1993 · 116m · Animation, Science Fiction, ActionIn a future where advanced technology has created human-like robots called Labors, a special Japanese police unit works to keep the peace. Their mission becomes complicated by a growing conflict between civilian leaders and the military. When a terrorist attack is wrongly blamed on an Air Force jet, tensions rise, and the team must partner with a government agent to uncover the truth. Together, they race to expose the real perpetrators and prevent the chaos from escalating into martial law. This suspenseful story explores themes of trust, power, and the dangers of deception in a world dependent on advanced technology.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 30
The Tale of The Princess KaguyaMovie · 2013 · 137m · Animation, Drama, FantasyA bamboo cutter and his wife discover a tiny girl inside a bamboo stalk. She grows quickly into a beautiful young woman, captivating everyone she meets. However, she eventually faces a predetermined destiny.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 31
Children of the SeaMovie · 2019 · 111m · Animation, Fantasy, AdventureRuka is a young girl whose parents are divorced and whose father works at an aquarium. When Umi and Sora, two boys raised by dugongs in the sea, arrive at the aquarium, Ruka feels a connection to them and begins to discover she shares their unusual affinity for the ocean. Umi and Sora's unique abilities appear linked to increasingly frequent strange occurrences – like sea creatures appearing far from their usual habitats and aquarium animals vanishing globally. The true nature of the boys’ powers and these strange events remains unclear, and Ruka becomes involved in uncovering the mystery surrounding her new friends.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.1 - 32
ColorfulMovie · 2010 · 127m · Animation, Drama, FamilyAt the train station to die, a disheartened man is told he's been granted a second chance. He's reborn as 14-year-old Kobayashi Makoto, who recently died by suicide. Guided by a spirit named Purapura, the soul must uncover his biggest regret from his past life before his time in Makoto's body expires. He also has other tasks: understanding why Makoto took his own life and learning to appreciate this new life.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 33
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 - 34
The Place Promised in Our Early DaysMovie · 2004 · 90m · Animation, Adventure, DramaAfter a different outcome to World War II, Japan is split: the North is under Soviet control, and the South is controlled by the United States. A strange, tall tower has appeared within the U.S.-controlled South. Three high school students make a pact to fly over the border in a homemade airplane and discover the tower's secret.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6
