Anime has blossomed into a global phenomenon, offering a unique mix of breathtaking visuals, complex storytelling, and profound emotional impact. The 21st century has ushered in a golden age for anime feature films, with directors exploring new boundaries to create unforgettable cinematic experiences. From the enchanting worlds crafted by Studio Ghibli to the innovative narratives of Makoto Shinkai, this list highlights the 30 best anime feature films of the 21st century that you need to watch.
Spirited Away (2001)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, “Spirited Away” is a magical journey into the spirit world, where a young girl named Chihiro must navigate a strange and mysterious realm to save her parents. The film’s stunning animation, rich storytelling, and deep emotional resonance have made it a timeless classic and a standout in the anime genre. Its universal themes of courage, identity, and resilience continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Your Name (2016)
Makoto Shinkai’s “Your Name” is a breathtaking tale of two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies and must navigate each other’s lives. The film’s stunning visuals, intricate plot, and poignant exploration of love and connection have made it a global phenomenon. Its blend of fantasy, romance, and emotional depth has resonated with audiences, making it one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, “Howl’s Moving Castle” follows the adventures of Sophie, a young woman cursed with an old body, and Howl, a wizard with a magical moving castle. The film’s enchanting world, complex characters, and themes of love and war make it a standout in Studio Ghibli’s impressive catalog. The stunning animation and imaginative storytelling continue to enchant audiences of all ages.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” is a charming and thought-provoking tale of a high school girl who discovers she can travel through time. The film’s exploration of the consequences of altering time, combined with its relatable characters and beautiful animation, make it a beloved entry in modern anime. Its themes of love, friendship, and the passage of time resonate deeply with viewers.
Paprika (2006)
Satoshi Kon’s “Paprika” is a mind-bending journey into the world of dreams, where a psychologist uses a device to enter and explore people’s dreams. The film’s stunning visuals, intricate plot, and exploration of the blurred lines between reality and dreams make it a standout in the genre. Its influence on films like “Inception” highlights its visionary storytelling and innovative animation.
Wolf Children (2012)
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, “Wolf Children” is a heartwarming and emotional tale of a young woman raising two children who can transform into wolves. The film’s beautiful animation, touching story, and exploration of motherhood, identity, and acceptance have made it a beloved favorite. Its emotional depth and relatable themes continue to resonate with audiences.
Weathering with You (2019)
Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful tale of a boy who meets a girl with the ability to control the weather. The film’s breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and timely themes of climate change and human connection make it a standout in modern anime. Its blend of fantasy, romance, and social commentary has captivated audiences worldwide.
A Silent Voice (2016)
Directed by Naoko Yamada, “A Silent Voice” is a poignant and powerful exploration of bullying, redemption, and the quest for forgiveness. The film’s stunning animation, complex characters, and emotional depth make it a standout in the genre. Its sensitive handling of difficult themes and its message of hope and healing resonate deeply with viewers.
The Wind Rises (2013)
Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Wind Rises” is a beautifully crafted biographical film about Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes during World War II. The film’s stunning animation, intricate storytelling, and exploration of dreams, love, and the harsh realities of war make it a poignant and powerful entry in Studio Ghibli’s catalog. Its historical context and emotional depth continue to captivate audiences.
Your Lie in April (2016)
While technically a TV series, the film adaptation of “Your Lie in April” is a beautiful and emotional exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of music. The film’s stunning animation, heartfelt story, and compelling characters make it a standout in modern anime. Its exploration of grief, passion, and the transformative power of art resonates deeply with viewers.
Millennium Actress (2001)
Satoshi Kon’s “Millennium Actress” is a mesmerizing blend of reality and fantasy, exploring the life of a retired actress through interviews that blur the lines between her films and real life. The film’s innovative narrative structure, emotional depth, and breathtaking animation make it a standout in the genre. Its exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time continues to captivate audiences.
5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)
Makoto Shinkai’s “5 Centimeters Per Second” is a poignant and visually stunning exploration of love and distance, told through three interconnected stories. The film’s beautiful animation, melancholic tone, and exploration of the bittersweet nature of young love make it a memorable entry in modern anime. Its themes of longing and separation resonate deeply with viewers.
Summer Wars (2009)
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, “Summer Wars” is a thrilling and heartwarming tale of a high school student who must save a virtual world from a malicious AI. The film’s stunning animation, engaging characters, and blend of action, comedy, and family dynamics make it a standout in the genre. Its timely themes of technology and human connection resonate with audiences.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Satoshi Kon’s “Tokyo Godfathers” is a heartwarming and comedic tale of three homeless people who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve and set out to find its parents. The film’s rich character development, beautiful animation, and blend of humor and heart make it a standout in modern anime. Its themes of family, redemption, and the power of kindness continue to resonate with viewers.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Directed by Isao Takahata, “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” is a visually stunning adaptation of a classic Japanese folktale. The film’s unique watercolor animation, emotional storytelling, and exploration of themes such as life, death, and the human condition make it a standout in Studio Ghibli’s catalog. Its artistic beauty and profound narrative continue to captivate audiences.
Redline (2009)
Takeshi Koike’s “Redline” is a high-octane, visually stunning racing film set in a futuristic world. The film’s incredible animation, thrilling action sequences, and vibrant characters make it a standout in the genre. Its adrenaline-pumping story and unique visual style continue to impress viewers.
Sword of the Stranger (2007)
Masahiro Ando’s “Sword of the Stranger” is a visually stunning and action-packed samurai tale. The film’s breathtaking animation, intense fight scenes, and compelling story make it a standout in modern anime. Its exploration of themes such as honor, loyalty, and redemption resonate deeply with viewers.
The Garden of Words (2013)
Makoto Shinkai’s “The Garden of Words” is a beautifully animated and emotionally poignant tale of an unlikely relationship between a high school student and an older woman. The film’s stunning visuals, heartfelt story, and exploration of themes such as loneliness, love, and personal growth make it a memorable entry in modern anime.
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)
Set in the universe of the beloved “Cowboy Bebop” series, this film follows the adventures of the Bebop crew as they hunt down a terrorist with a deadly biological weapon. The film’s stunning animation, gripping story, and iconic characters make it a standout in the genre. Its blend of action, noir, and philosophical themes resonate deeply with viewers.
Belle (2021)
Mamoru Hosoda’s “Belle” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” set in a virtual world. The film’s breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and exploration of themes such as identity, love, and the impact of technology make it a standout in modern anime. Its blend of fantasy, music, and social commentary has captivated audiences worldwide.
Tekkonkinkreet (2006)
Directed by Michael Arias, “Tekkonkinkreet” is a visually striking and emotionally powerful tale of two orphaned brothers trying to survive in a sprawling, decaying city. The film’s unique animation style, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as urban decay, childhood, and the struggle for survival make it a standout in the genre. Its blend of surrealism, action, and emotional depth continues to captivate viewers.
Metropolis (2001)
Rintaro’s “Metropolis” is a visually stunning and thought-provoking adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s classic manga. The film’s breathtaking animation, intricate plot, and exploration of themes such as class struggle, identity, and the impact of technology make it a standout in the genre. Its blend of retro-futurism, noir, and social commentary continues to resonate with audiences.
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Directed by Goro Miyazaki, “From Up on Poppy Hill” is a charming and beautifully animated tale of young love set in post-war Japan. The film’s rich character development, nostalgic setting, and exploration of themes such as family, heritage, and the impact of war make it a standout in Studio
Ghibli’s catalog. Its heartfelt story and emotional depth continue to captivate audiences.
The Cat Returns (2002)
Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, “The Cat Returns” is a charming and whimsical tale of a young girl who is whisked away to the world of cats. The film’s beautiful animation, engaging characters, and enchanting story make it a standout in Studio Ghibli’s catalog. Its themes of courage, identity, and the power of friendship continue to resonate with audiences.
Steamboy (2004)
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, “Steamboy” is a visually stunning and action-packed steampunk adventure. The film’s breathtaking animation, thrilling action sequences, and intricate plot make it a standout in the genre. Its exploration of themes such as technology, progress, and the impact of industrialization continue to resonate with audiences.
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, “The Boy and the Heron” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful tale of a young boy who embarks on a magical journey to find his missing mother. The film’s breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the power of imagination make it a standout in modern anime. Its blend of fantasy, adventure, and emotional depth has captivated audiences worldwide.
Suzume (2023)
Makoto Shinkai’s “Suzume” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful tale of a young girl who embarks on a journey to close mysterious doors that bring disaster to the world. The film’s breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the impact of natural disasters make it a standout in modern anime. Its blend of fantasy, romance, and social commentary has captivated audiences worldwide.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
Directed by Hideaki Anno, “Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time” is the epic conclusion to the “Rebuild of Evangelion” film series. The film’s stunning animation, intricate plot, and exploration of themes such as identity, trauma, and the nature of humanity make it a standout in the genre. Its blend of action, psychological drama, and philosophical depth continues to captivate audiences.
Inu-Oh (2021)
Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, “Inu-Oh” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful tale of a legendary 14th-century Japanese performer. The film’s breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and exploration of themes such as art, identity, and the power of storytelling make it a standout in modern anime. Its blend of historical drama, fantasy, and musical elements has captivated audiences worldwide.
Blue Giant (2023)
Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, “Blue Giant” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful tale of a young saxophonist who dreams of becoming the best jazz player in the world. The film’s breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and exploration of themes such as passion, dedication, and the transformative power of music make it a standout in modern anime. Its blend of music, drama, and personal growth has captivated audiences worldwide.
Wrapping Up
These twenty anime feature films represent the best of the 21st century, showcasing the diverse storytelling, stunning animation, and emotional depth that anime has to offer. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, these films are essential viewing. For more recommendations and where to watch these films, visit Hitplay.
Tags: Best Anime Films, Spirited Away, Your Name, Studio Ghibli, Makoto Shinkai, Hayao Miyazaki, Mamoru Hosoda, Satoshi Kon
