Best Anime Movies

Last updated: July 29, 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.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image

MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

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

December 20, 1990 1990 G (105 minutes)

See full review

My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image

MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

June 14, 1988 1988 G (86 minutes)

See full review

Ponyo Poster Image

MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

August 14, 2009 2009 G (103 minutes)

See full review

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.

February 17, 2012 2012 G (94 minutes)

See full review

100 Meters movie poster: Togashi and Komiya run a 100-meter race

MOVIE

100 Meters

age 8+

Gripping, heartfelt sports anime inspires; mild language.

October 10, 2025 2025 NR (101 minutes)

See full review

Castle in the Sky Movie Poster

MOVIE

Castle in the Sky

age 8+

Exciting anime fantasy has some violence, peril.

August 2, 1986 1986 PG (125 minutes)

See full review

Howl's Moving Castle Poster Image

MOVIE

Howl's Moving Castle

age 8+

Charming Miyazaki fairy tale with surreal villains.

June 10, 2005 2005 PG (119 minutes)

See full review

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.

January 19, 2018 2018 PG (102 minutes)

See full review

Panda! Go Panda! Movie Poster

MOVIE

Panda! Go Panda!

age 8+

Classic anime is charming but quirky; pipe smoking.

May 6, 2022 2022 NR (72 minutes)

See full review

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.

January 24, 2025 2025 PG (100 minutes)

See full review

The Red Turtle Poster Image

MOVIE

The Red Turtle

age 8+

Beautiful word-free drama about castaway who finds love.

January 20, 2017 2017 PG (80 minutes)

See full review

From up on Poppy Hill Poster Image

MOVIE

From Up on Poppy Hill

age 9+

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

March 15, 2013 2013 PG (91 minutes)

See full review

Okko's Inn Poster Image

MOVIE

Okko's Inn

age 9+

Anime ghost story set in Japan embraces grief.

April 22, 2019 2019 PG (94 minutes)

See full review

Poupelle of Chimney Town Poster Image

MOVIE

Poupelle of Chimney Town

age 9+

Charming steampunk fantasy encourages empathy, teamwork.

December 30, 2021 2021 PG (100 minutes)

See full review

Spirited Away Poster Image

MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

April 20, 2002 2002 PG (125 minutes)

See full review

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Poster Image

MOVIE

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

age 9+

Beautifully animated Japanese folktale for older kids.

October 17, 2014 2014 PG (137 minutes)

See full review

5 Centimeters Per Second Movie Poster

MOVIE

5 Centimeters Per Second

age 10+

Tearjerker anime about first crushes, unrequited love.

March 3, 2007 2007 NR (63 minutes)

See full review

Belle Movie Poster

MOVIE

Belle

age 10+

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

January 14, 2022 2022 PG (121 minutes)

See full review

Boruto: Naruto the Movie Movie Poster: Anime characters

MOVIE

Boruto: Naruto the Movie

age 10+

Thrilling anime film with fantastical fight scenes.

October 10, 2015 2015 PG (95 minutes)

See full review

MOVIE

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

age 10+

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

August 19, 2022 2022 PG-13 (100 minutes)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.