Best Anime Movies

Last updated: August 18, 2026

With its lush visuals and memorable characters, anime has some of the most devoted fans around. Anime refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan. It's not necessarily a genre, so there's a huge range of stories in anime films -- and not all of them are kid-friendly. But whatever your child's age, you'll find something on this list. For younger viewers, there are Hayao Miyazaki classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, while teens might like edgier picks such as Ghost in the Shell. So whether you're new to anime or a longtime fan, enjoy some our favorites. And be sure to also check out our list of Anime TV for Teens and Tweens.

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Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

1990 G (105 minutes)
My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

1988 G (86 minutes)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

2009 G (103 minutes)
The Secret World of Arrietty movie poster: A large human boy looks at a miniature girl behind a jar
MOVIE

The Secret World of Arrietty

age 5+

Deeply felt anime about loneliness and friendship.

2012 G (94 minutes)
100 Meters movie poster: Togashi and Komiya run a 100-meter race
MOVIE

100 Meters

age 8+

Gripping, heartfelt sports anime inspires; mild language.

2025 NR (101 minutes)
Castle in the Sky Movie Poster
MOVIE

Castle in the Sky

age 8+

Exciting anime fantasy has some violence, peril.

1986 PG (125 minutes)
Howl's Moving Castle Poster Image
MOVIE

Howl's Moving Castle

age 8+

Charming Miyazaki fairy tale with surreal villains.

2005 PG (119 minutes)
Mary and the Witch's Flower Poster Image
MOVIE

Mary and the Witch's Flower

age 8+

Magical, intense adventure should delight tween Potter fans.

2018 PG (102 minutes)
Panda! Go Panda! Movie Poster
MOVIE

Panda! Go Panda!

age 8+

Classic anime is charming but quirky; pipe smoking.

2022 NR (72 minutes)
The Colors Within movie poster: An animated Japanese trio with instruments: Rui, Kimi, and Totsuko
MOVIE

The Colors Within

age 8+

Moving coming-of-age story about friendship and music.

2025 PG (100 minutes)
The Red Turtle Poster Image
MOVIE

The Red Turtle

age 8+

Beautiful word-free drama about castaway who finds love.

2017 PG (80 minutes)
From up on Poppy Hill Poster Image
MOVIE

From Up on Poppy Hill

age 9+

Inspiring, romantic coming-of-age tale about '60s teens.

2013 PG (91 minutes)
Okko's Inn Poster Image
MOVIE

Okko's Inn

age 9+

Anime ghost story set in Japan embraces grief.

2019 PG (94 minutes)
Poupelle of Chimney Town Poster Image
MOVIE

Poupelle of Chimney Town

age 9+

Charming steampunk fantasy encourages empathy, teamwork.

2021 PG (100 minutes)
Spirited Away Poster Image
MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

2002 PG (125 minutes)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Poster Image
MOVIE

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

age 9+

Beautifully animated Japanese folktale for older kids.

2014 PG (137 minutes)
5 Centimeters Per Second Movie Poster
MOVIE

5 Centimeters Per Second

age 10+

Tearjerker anime about first crushes, unrequited love.

2007 NR (63 minutes)
Belle Movie Poster
MOVIE

Belle

age 10+

Vivid anime has humor and heart and deals with big themes.

2022 PG (121 minutes)
Boruto: Naruto the Movie Movie Poster: Anime characters
MOVIE

Boruto: Naruto the Movie

age 10+

Thrilling anime film with fantastical fight scenes.

2015 PG (95 minutes)
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero poster showing anime characters in dynamic fighting poses with the logo below.
MOVIE

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

age 10+

Lots of fighting -- and laughs -- in brisk, thrilling anime.

2022 PG-13 (100 minutes)
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