The unforgettable classics of the 1980s and 1990s laid the foundation for a new age of anime, which has delivered and continues to deliver masterpieces. The last decade or so has been a phenomenal time for anime fans as it’s been an epic rollercoaster ride of intense emotions, revivals, impeccable storytelling, and stunning visuals.

It’s safe to say that despite timeless classics like Spirited Away, Akira, and more opening the doorway to mainstream global popularity for anime, it’s the modern stories which have truly captivated the audience. The moment some of these anime movies hit the screens, they became instant classics. Fans knew that they’d be talking about Makoto Shinkai’s crowning achievements and the renaissance of fan-favorite series like Slam Dunk for decades to come.

10

A Silent Voice Tells the Story of the Bully

Streaming on Apple TV+

One of the most common portrayals of high school trauma and exploitation in anime is the presence of a stereotypical bully — someone made to be despised and easily cast as the villain. But A Silent Voice takes a much more profound approach by flipping that narrative and making the bully become the bullied. This anime film isn’t just a visual masterpiece — it’s an emotional torrent, tapping into feelings of guilt, shame, isolation, and the desperate need for redemption that many viewers can relate to on some level.

Shoya and Shoko represent two sides of the same coin, but the tragedy lies in their inability to fully help each other when needed. In the end, it all becomes about how one copes with the constant pain of being rejected and misunderstood. A Silent Voice is so thematically rich that one can’t escape from the gravity of its impact and the message it tries to convey.

9

Suzume Proves How Makoto Shinkai Has Perfected Modern Storytelling

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Suzume was the third installment in Makoto Shinkai’s thematic trilogy, cementing the famed director as the master of epic storytelling. One look at Suzume and fans will instantly be hit with nostalgia invoked by the dazzling visuals, the familiar ache of emotions, and the hard-hitting themes hiding in plain sight. Like Shinkai movies, Suzume isn’t without a clear purpose and portrays a message that may reignite painful memories for some, but it also gives hope of brighter days.

However, one particular thing that makes Suzume unforgettable is the use of fantasy elements to convey the bleakness of real-life events. Instead of irking the viewers by portraying destruction and devastation, Shinkai used vibrantly animated sequences and metaphors to keep the fans in his fantastical bubble.

8

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms Is a Timeless Tale of the Heartbreaking Side of Motherhood

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Understandably, fans would be inclined to compare Wolf Children and Maquia because of their thematic similarities. Both anime movies are poignant tales of motherhood told through the lens of high fantasy. However, the former is already a classic, which gives room for Maquia to shine on its own and resonate with the modern audience on a deeper level.

Needless to say, despite its fantasy setting, the timeless narrative about Maquia’s difficult journey from an orphan girl to a mother remains relevant and redefines the core themes. The highlight of this beautiful tale is ultimately Maquia’s resilience and dedication to raising Ariel. Despite their strained relationship because of her longevity, Maquia experiences motherhood in all its glory — both the happiness and the inevitable pain.

7

Josee, The Tiger and the Fish Deals With a Nuanced Exploration of Unconditional Love

Streaming On Crunchyroll

True love knows no bounds, whether physical or spiritual. However, in Josee and Tsuneo’s case, the obstacles were quite literal. As a wheelchair-bound girl, Josee never got to experience raw emotions or intimacy. However, when she met Tsuneo, her world started to fill with vibrant colors as she understood that being independent does not mean shutting people out.

Josee, The Tiger and the Fish may not be as bleak or emotionally nuanced as other modern anime classics, but its impact lies in its ability to be simple yet effective. At the core of it, it’s a heartfelt love story in which two opposite souls collide and teach each other meaningful lessons, like learning to live without fear or to chase one’s dream without the fear of failure dragging them down. Josee, The Tiger and the Fish is a deeply human tale that has rightfully become a modern classic.

6

Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron Became the Second Anime Movie to Win an Oscar

Streaming on HBO MAX

The Oscar-winning anime movie has several reasons for becoming an instant classic besides being a Studio Ghibli creation. From the vaults of the legendary director, Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron marked his return after a decade-long hiatus and also his second victory on the Oscar stage. However, one shouldn’t overlook the emotional weight and narrative prowess that the movie holds in favor of simply owing its success to being a Ghibli creation.

The Boy and the Heron is in a thematic masterclass of its own as it channels the signature Ghibli philosophies and themes like grief, war, family, death, and the bittersweet pain of growing up. On top of being artistically bold, Mahito’s story about his struggles after his mother’s death and dealing with otherworldly problems will forever resonate with the fans.

5

The First Slam Dunk Made the Story Accessible to Both New & Old Fans

Streaming on Netflix

The modern film adaptation of the classic anime, The First Slam Dunk, is a reinvention of a timeless story without falling victim to the outdated trend of retelling an already perfected story. On the contrary, the anime movie takes an incredibly relevant approach by adapting arcs from the manga without overwhelming the original story.

By focusing the story on a completely new protagonist in a fresh atmosphere, the movie offers an opening for new fans to join in without needing to commit to the entire franchise. It’s a standalone movie that can be enjoyed as it is, despite it being highly nostalgic to original fans. Rightly so, The First Slam Dunk is a prime example of how the rejuvenation of a classic tale should be in order to survive in a modern atmosphere without losing its credibility or former glory.

4

Weathering With You Is Littered With the Remnants of the Past

Streaming on HBO MAX

Even though one can’t deny the supremacy of Your Name, Shinkai’s Weathering With You managed to inspire the fans the same way as its predecessor. Channeling the same positive energy, depicting the bitter reality of life without overwhelming the audience, and keeping the innocence of young love alive are all the things that make Weathering With You another modern-day masterpiece.

The jolts of intense emotional reactions that this movie forces out of the audience are a unique ability that only Shinkai movies possess. As expected, Weathering With You tackles a serious real-life issue with a romantic and coming-of-age backdrop that transcends the arbitrary limitations and boundaries of the material world. The anime movie proves that where there is a will to love someone fiercely, there’s always a way out of the storm.

3

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Sets a New Benchmark for Modern Anime Filmmaking

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Like Jujutsu Kaisen 0, Mugen Train subverts the feature film trope by acting as a bridge between the series and future events. Picking up right after the events of Season 1, Mugen Train follows the main characters as they board a train and encounter one of the Twelve Kizuki. In terms of character development, plot progression, and emotional buildup, Mugen Train is an absolute masterpiece.

Mugen Train gives plenty of time for each character to shine without undermining their previous developments or milestones. Undoubtedly, the star of the show is Rengoku, who leaves a lasting impact on the audience. In its entirety, the anime movie was everything a feature film is supposed to be — not a redundant extension of the anime series but a unique cinematic experience with fluid action choreography and a dynamic plot.

2

Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie Sets the Bar High for Prequels

Streaming on Crunchyroll

Feature films existing within the same realm as a highly acclaimed and popular anime are often subjected to a hit-or-miss scenario. Movies of such caliber usually elaborate on already-aired episodes or are an extension of lesser-explored arcs. However, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 proved that a good feature film needs to add value or fill in the missing information from the current season’s timeline. The anime movie uniquely connects the events of Jujutsu Kaisen Seasons 1 and 2 while also extending into the territory of future arcs.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 isn’t about Yuji, Sukuna, or even Gojo Satoru himself; rather, it gives a much-needed background story to another pivotal character, Yuta, and the truth behind Geto’s death. The movie smartly connects the dots with why it shocked Gojo to see Geto at Shibuya and why Yuta will have a defining role in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3.

1

Your Name Is 1 of the Greatest Romantic Stories of All Time

Streaming on Crunchyroll

The Makoto Shinkai entry that reformed the face of modern romance, Your Name, has mesmerized viewers far and wide, even those who weren’t into watching anime before. From its jaw-dropping visuals to a breathtaking story, the beloved modern classic has gained immortality and will forever be remembered as one of the best anime movies in history.

Subverting expectations and practically rewriting the rules of young love, Shinkai delivered all his core elements amalgamated into a singular story that will greatly influence anyone who comes across it. Wrapped in mystery, romance, intense emotions, time travel, and universal themes, Your Name epitomizes everything that makes the anime world so great.