Classic Anime Movies You Should Add to Your Watch-List

classic anime movies

Anime movies comprise entertainment, action, and a perfect storyline, which makes them a perfect pick. The amazing attention to detail and mix of action, drama, romance, comedy, and other genres makes them different from other movies. The Nike movies are an entertainment package that can make you laugh and cry at the same time. We have rounded up a list of classic anime movies that are the best of all time. 

Top Classic Anime Movies

Whether it is about action, comedy, or romance, classic anime movies are unrivaled. There are a lot of popular anime movies, which can make it difficult to find out the best ones. Here are some top anime movies of all time.

Spirited Away (2001)

IMDb – 8.6

Spirited Away is one of the top anime movies of all time. It revolves around the story of a young girl Chihiro who moves to the suburbs with her family. She discovers a world ruled by souls, Gods, and witches. At this place, humans are changed into beasts. Chihiro needs to save herself and her parents in this world from a cruel witch Yubaba. 

The movie features magnificent animation and inventive characters. It was the first animated movie of Japan to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. If you are in the mood of watching classic anime movies, then this one is a must-watch for you. 

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

IMDb – 8.5

When it comes to classic anime movies, no movie can match the level of the Grave of the Fireflies. This movie revolves around the story of a young boy and his cute little sister who struggle to manage their lives and survive during World War II in Japan. Moreover, the movie is emotionally beautiful and powerful. 

The mother dies in an American raid of firebombing, and their father is in the Japanese navy, so he is also away from them. It shows the struggle of the two siblings through many hardships and efforts to survive in a region that is torn apart by food shortage, war, and death. 

This anime movie is a perfect war drama and is one of the best sad anime movies that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. The movie features some mesmerizing images that are sad but powerful. It is among the best war films in the anime world.

Akira (1988)

IMDb – 8.0

Akira is the best classic anime movies of all time. It takes place in the dystopian style of Tokyo, built after a disastrous psychic explosion decades earlier. In this movie, Akira tells the story of a smart teenage biker Tetsuo. He has psychic powers and wants to unleash the imprisoned Akira. 

In this movie, a secret military project turns Tetsuo into a rampaging psychic psychopath. Now he can only be stopped by a group of psychics and two teenagers. Will they be able to stop Tetsuo? Watch the movie to find out. 

Princess Mononoke (1999)

IMDb – 8.4

Mononoke is among the best classic movies, which became a household name when it was released. This is one of the popular classic anime movies which revolves around the story of a prince Ashitaka who is on a journey to find a cure for the cure of Tatarigami. He gets caught in a struggle between a forest princess and a mining town which is slowly destroying the environment. 

This movie is a little bloody but profoundly amazing. It tackles various issues, namely conservation of environment and nature concerns. This anime movie will make you understand the negative effects humanity is causing to the environment. 

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

IMDb – 8.2

If you are looking for some good anime movies, then this one’s for you. It is one of the best anime to watch on Netflix. This movie shows the story of two young girls who shift to the countryside to stay close to their sick mother. They find out that their new home is in a magical forest with some amazing creatures. They start having adventures with the amazing forest spirits who are now their neighbors.

In the forest, they go on a series of adventures with the help of Totoro. The adventure trip helps them to understand the complex nature of life. The movie shows the wonderful journey of two girls and their adventures. 

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

IMDb – 8.0

The list of classic anime movies is incomplete without mentioning Ghost in the Shell. This animated movie inspired countless filmmakers. The movie revolves around Major Motoko Kusanagi, who tries to find a hacker named the Puppet Master. The hacker is present in a futuristic world where everything is interconnected by the use of electronic networks. The film is po[ular for its animation and action. Moreover, it also shows sensuality and gender identity in the futuristic society.

Paprika (2006)

IMDb – 7.7

This one is the latest movie in the list of classic anime movies and is based on a famous novel “Paprika” by Yasutaka Tsutsui. It revolves around the story of a popular research psychologist named Atsuko Chiba. She uses a revolutionary device in order to enter the dreams of her patients in order to help them. 

Soon, she gets stuck in a complicated dream plot that threatens her life and existence. Now only a young therapist named Paprika can handle and get her out of this situation. It is one of the best anime movies of all time. This anime movie is full of entertainment and will leave you awestruck. 

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)

IMDb – 7.9

This one is among the wildly stylish and popular neo-noir sci-fi series. It revolves around a terrorist with a plan to use a pathogen to destroy the population of Mars. On the other hand, a bounty hunter crew tries to stop this terrorist from decimating the population. 

This movie brings back the heroes of the popular series Cowboy Bebop. This movie was just an extension of this premise. If you love the series, then trust me, you will not be disappointed by this movie. It has the signature style of the series with an addition of amazing visual flares and musical scores. 

Nausicaa Of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

IMDb – 8.1

It is one of the best classic anime movies, and trust me; you will fall in love with it. This movie shows the adventures of a pacifist and warrior named Princess Nausicaa. She tries hard to stop the Tolmekia Kingdom from eliminating a jungle of big insects. In order to fight the kingdom, she uses a powerful and ancient weapon. 

This movie features an amazingly detailed environment that will leave you mesmerized. In addition to this, the story of the movie is also amazon, which makes it the top anime movie of all time. 

Perfect Blue (1997)

IMDb – 8.0

This anime movie revolves around a pop singer who sacrifices her career to become an actress. It is a thriller movie that tells the story of a pop idol, Mima Kirigoe, who gets stalked by an obsessive fan. Is this fan ghost from her past? Watch this movie to find out. 

This anime movie explores deep themes. It has amazing twists and turns, striking animation, and mesmerizing visuals, which makes it one of the best classic anime movies. Trust me, even after watching this movie; you will not be able to stop thinking about it. 

Castle in the Sky (1986)

IMDB – 8.0

If you love adventure movies, then this one is definitely for you. It tells the story of two young kids named Sheeta and Pazu. They have a magic crystal and are on an epic journey to find an airborne island Pauta. However, they are not alone in their journey. There are some airship pirates who are looking for Sheeta and the mysterious crystal. 

Later in this movie, you will learn about the origin of Sheeta and the mysterious island Laputa. This movie has amazing animation and an iconic storyline. It is one of the best anime of time and is a must-watch. 

Whisper of the Heart (1995)

IMDb – 7.9

This is among the best classic anime movies for people who love romance anime. It revolves around the story of two people, a girl named Shizuku who loves reading books and a boy Seji. Shizuku has a crush on Seji, who has already checked the books the Shizuku chooses to read.

This one is a cute romantic movie that will make you smile throughout the movie. 

Final Words

If you are a hardcore anime fan, then you should watch classic anime movies. These movies are the best anime of all time and are packed with entertainment. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket, some healthy snacks, and have some fun with these movies. Do share your experience with us by dropping a comment. 

Rashmi