In this article, we embark on an exciting journey through 10 best anime that not only tell stories but make the heart beat faster and the soul empathize.
Anime films are not just another product of the entertainment industry, but the result of a cultural experiment that began in Japan and gradually took over the world. These are not just stories; they are entire worlds created by brilliant directors, each bringing something unique to the genre.
In our selection, we decided to gather 10 emotional and, most importantly, diverse films to showcase the distinctive styles of masters and explore the variety of approaches in anime. Why these particular films? Because each one has become not only a significant milestone in the director's career but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. From philosophical reflections to touching love stories, these films will help you see the world of anime—and perhaps yourself—in a new light.
«Akira» (Katsuhiro Otomo, 1987)
No list would be complete without «Akira». The film is based on the manga of the same name by Katsuhiro Otomo. The director was the creator of the original, who loosely adapted the first three volumes of the source material. It influenced other anime, manga, music, and Western pop culture. Works like «Ghost in the Shell» and «Evangelion» were inspired by its visual style and philosophical themes.
In music, «Akira» influenced electronic and hip-hop genres: tracks from the film were used in remixes, Kanye West referenced the anime in his music videos and albums. «Akira» became a cult phenomenon: its elements can be seen in films like «The Matrix» and «Inception». Kaneda's motorcycle design became iconic, and the film itself is often cited as a source of inspiration for modern futuristic works. After so many decades, even fans are amazed at how it still permeates geek culture.
The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo in 2019, where chaos and corruption reign. Teenager Kaneda witnesses his friend Tetsuo gaining supernatural abilities after an accident involving a secret military experiment. Tetsuo, gaining uncontrollable power, begins to destroy the city, and Kaneda tries to stop him to save their friendship and prevent disaster. At the heart of the plot is a struggle for power, humanity, and the consequences of unlimited strength.
The dark and masterfully animated film «Akira» demonstrated the potential of the anime industry, especially for international audiences. It was one of the first anime to gain widespread recognition outside Japan. It was shown in theaters worldwide, including the US and Europe, helping the genre break out of its niche market. Its mature elements and overall quality were highly praised, proving that animation can be used not only for children but can also tackle complex themes such as power, technology, and human nature. Becoming a major hit, the film paved the way for the localization of more anime around the world.
«Perfect Blue» (Satoshi Kon, 1998)
Satoshi Kon is known for his ability to play with the viewer's perception, and «Perfect Blue» is a prime example. Kon masterfully blends everyday scenes, such as commuting to work or meeting friends, with fantastical elements, like sudden performances on stage before thousands of spectators. «Perfect Blue» laid the foundation for his future masterpieces, such as «Paprika» and «Tokyo Godfathers», and showed that anime can be not only entertaining but also deeply philosophical.
The film tells the story of a young woman who, trying to escape her problems, begins to live a double life. It is one of Satoshi Kon's early works where he masterfully combines realism with elements of a psychological thriller, creating an atmosphere that keeps the viewer in suspense until the very end. In the finale, when everything seems to fall into place, Kon leaves the viewer with a question: what was real, and what was merely a figment of imagination?
The title speaks for itself—this is a story about sadness, loneliness, and attempts to find one's place in the world. The heroine Mima evokes both sympathy and anxiety, and her internal conflicts are shown so subtly that the viewer involuntarily begins to empathize with her. The anime film leaves a feeling of light melancholy and makes one think about their own life.
«Spirited Away» (Hayao Miyazaki, 2001)
Most fans will agree—much of what Studio Ghibli produces is metaphorical gold. One of the studio's masterpieces, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, is «Spirited Away». It combines a fantastical world, deep symbolism, and an engaging plot.
The story follows a girl named Chihiro who enters a mysterious world of spirits. To save her parents, who have been turned into pigs, she is forced to work at a bathhouse for ghosts. The film touches on themes of growing up and losing oneself. The protagonist, finding herself in the spirit world, must work at a bathhouse for ghosts to save her parents. She has to give up her name, symbolizing the loss of identity. However, through trials such as helping Haku and caring for Yubaba's baby, Chihiro not only finds strength but also matures, gaining confidence and understanding of who she is.
So much happens in this story that it's impossible to wrap one's head around it all. But the film fully engages the viewer thanks to its overwhelmingly superior animation, which combines visual beauty and psychological depth. Every frame is filled with details: from the movement of water in the river to the subtlest expressions on characters' faces.
The atmosphere of the spirit world, created by , not only captivates but also conveys the inner experiences of the characters. It is this combination of technical mastery and emotional richness that makes the claim of a 'masterpiece' so plausible.
On December 7, possibly the last anime by the brilliant Hayao Miyazaki, 'The Boy and the Heron', will be released in official Russian theaters. In this regard, our editorial team decided to briefly tell why
Open materialThe film is suitable for both children and adults, as everyone will find something for themselves. With its timeless themes of resilience, «Spirited Away» is an unparalleled work of art from beginning to end.
«The Girl Who Leapt Through Time» (Mamoru Hosoda, 2006)
«The Girl Who Leapt Through Time» is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui and to some extent a continuation of the original work. The film became iconic thanks to its touching story about time, friendship, and growing up.
Makoto Konno, the niece of the novel's protagonist, discovers that she too can time travel after an accident. With this new ability (literally) to leap through time, Makoto can avoid being late and even get better grades at school by going back and correcting her answers. However, she soon learns that these abilities also have rather serious consequences.
Mamoru Hosoda is one of the most famous directors of modern anime, whose works are distinguished by deep emotional content and attention to detail. Just consider «Summer Wars», where he masterfully combines large-scale visual effects with a touching story about family. Or «Mirai from the Future», where through a fantastic plot about time travel, he tells a story about growing up and sibling relationships.
His works are always filled with warmth and subtle observations of human emotions, whether it's childhood jealousy, parental love, or fear of the unknown. But «The Girl Who Leapt Through Time» is an excellent story about a time loop and a fantastic coming-of-age tale, conveying the feelings of confusion that many teenagers experience when they reach the end of their formal education. Additionally, the film speaks about how our actions, no matter how insignificant, can have huge consequences for those around us.
«5 Centimeters per Second» (Makoto Shinkai, 2007)
«5 Centimeters per Second» became Shinkai's second feature film after «Voices of a Distant Star». The 63-minute film actually consists of three independent short stories and is a rarity in Shinkai's filmography due to the absence of science fiction or fantasy elements. The film won the Asia Pacific Film Festival Award for Best Animation and the Lancia Platinum Grand Prize at the Future Film Festival in Italy.
After finishing elementary school, Takaki Tono and his close friend Akari Shinohara are forced to part ways. They write letters to each other and find happiness again in being able to share their feelings. But as it happens, after some time, Takaki's family also has to move. So he decides to meet Akari, because afterward they will be too far apart and may never meet again. He sets off on a train journey with several transfers, but due to snowfall, their plans fall apart.
«5 Centimeters per Second» is one of the most realistic depictions of young love. We chose this work by Makoto Shinkai not only for its popularity but also for its emotional depth and ability to convey the subtle nuances of human relationships. Unlike his other films, which often feature fantastical elements, here the story focuses on ordinary people and their feelings. This makes the film relatable and understandable to anyone who has ever experienced separation or unrequited love. The unique structure of three novellas allows the viewer not only to follow the plot but also to reflect on how time and circumstances change us.
«Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light» (Takahiro Omori, 2011)
«Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light» is an adaptation of the manga by Yuki Midorikawa, which has already become a classic. The anime not only preserved the spirit of the original but also added visual magic that makes the story even more poignant. It is one of those films that shows how anime can be both simple and deep, childlike and adult.
The plot revolves around an ordinary schoolgirl Hotaru, who moves to the countryside and meets a mysterious boy named Gin. He lives in the forest, wears a mask, and claims he will disappear if touched by a human. Despite this, a friendship develops between them, which gradually grows into something more. But their worlds are too different: Hotaru grows up, while Gin remains a forest spirit who cannot follow her.
«Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light» is a film that transports the viewer to a world where every blade of grass and every ray of light is filled with magic. The story of the girl Hotaru and the mysterious boy Gin is not just a fairy tale about first love but a deep reflection on how important it is to cherish moments, even if they are fleeting.
Takahiro Omori created a visual masterpiece where every frame is a painting, and the atmosphere of the forest filled with fireflies leaves a feeling as if you yourself have visited this magical place. «Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light» is an ideal choice for those who want to immerse themselves in a world of tenderness, nostalgia, and gentle sadness.
«The Tale of the Princess Kaguya» (Isao Takahata, 2013)
Another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli—an adaptation of an ancient Japanese folk tale. The film received acclaim for its unique visual style reminiscent of watercolor paintings and its deep philosophical story. The work was nominated for an Oscar (Best Animated Feature) and a Saturn Award in the same category. The anime also won the Best Animation award from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.
«The Tale of the Princess Kaguya» is the story of a little magical girl who becomes a noble princess despite her desire for a different life. Raising heavy themes of adult expectations, mental health crises, identity, and family, this film is perfectly suited for the younger generation of millennials.
The anime draws inspiration from traditional Japanese art. The hand-drawn, painterly style of the film resembles ink paintings, which pair well with themes about the transience of happiness. Since «The Tale of the Princess Kaguya» was Takahata's final directorial work before his passing in 2018, the film's themes struck viewers even more deeply, simultaneously becoming a beautiful legacy for the career of a man who achieved outstanding artistic heights.
«A Silent Voice» (Naoko Yamada, 2016)
«A Silent Voice» is one of the few anime films that addresses the topic of disability and bullying with such seriousness and respect. Naoko Yamada created a visually stunning work. Every frame is filled with emotion: from the expressions on characters' faces to the smallest gestures. The animation particularly stands out, conveying subtle nuances of emotion, which is especially important in a film where the main heroine cannot speak.
Shoya Ishida, as a child, bullied a deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya. Years later, tormented by guilt, he tries to make amends and find a way to apologize to her. The film shows how one person's actions can affect another's life and how important it is to take responsibility for one's actions.
The story of Shoya and Shoko is an exploration of the human soul. «A Silent Voice» is not afraid to show how difficult it can be to understand another person, but how important it is to try. It makes the viewer reflect on their own actions and their consequences, leaving a feeling of light sadness and gratitude for the moments we have experienced.
«Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms» (Mari Okada, 2018)
The story of the anime film is taken from Mari Okada's own memoirs and inspired by her relationship with her mother. The film combines fantastical elements and deep drama. It raises complex questions about life, death, and accepting loss.
Maquia is a member of the Iorph, a special mystical race whose lifespan far exceeds human limits, as their bodies physically stop aging once they turn 14. The neighboring kingdom of Mezarte, coveting their longevity, attacks the Iorph to kidnap the princess. As one of the few survivors of the attack, Maquia finds a newborn human boy crying in the arms of his dead mother and decides to raise him, blending into the world of humans.
This beautifully composed film won a total of three awards—the BIFAN 2018 Children's Jury Award, the 2018 Golden Goblet Award for Best Animated Film, and the 2019 Annual Film of the Year Award—and continues to be a renowned work that focuses on learning to be grateful for the love and happiness one can experience in life, despite the inevitable pains that may arise.
«Inu-Oh: The Birth of a Legend» (Masaaki Yuasa, 2021)
Masaaki Yuasa is one of the most talented and original directors in the world of anime, whose works consistently captivate both television and cinema audiences. Among his notable projects are such vivid and unusual works as «Ping Pong the Animation», «Devilman Crybaby», and «The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl».
The director's latest film, «Inu-Oh: The Birth of a Legend», is a captivating rock opera with elements of a detective story, set in 14th-century Japan. Yuasa, as always, surprises with his unique style, combining vibrant animation, deep themes such as the struggle for freedom of expression, overcoming social barriers, and the power of art, along with unexpected musical choices.
The film tells the story of a reclusive and shamed dancer Inu-Oh, who befriends a blind musician named Tomona. These two, rejected by society, unite to overcome their hardships and create an unparalleled musical experience.
The action takes place during the Muromachi period, and the film masterfully recreates the atmosphere of that era. This is evident in the meticulously detailed costumes, architecture, and daily life of the characters: from traditional Japanese houses with thatched roofs to clothing characteristic of the 14th century. Even the musical instruments the characters use and their performance style correspond to the historical context. However, Yuasa adds modern elements, such as rock music, to emphasize the timelessness of the themes he raises. At the same time, the film is filled with the director's signature visual effects: elastic character designs and scenes where anything is possible.
The story begins as a fun and entertaining journey but gradually unfolds, reaching an incredible climax when Inu-Oh and Tomona's performance turns into something more than just music—a real revolution.
May this journey become for you not only a discovery of new stories but also an opportunity to better understand yourselves. Anime is not an escape from reality but a way to see it anew.
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