More and moreanimeproductions are becoming popular around the world, with many cinematic projects bound to become hits in the future as the industry keeps expanding. However, among the huge catalog of Japanese animated films currently available, some anime movies have stood out for their contributions to the industry as a whole.
The most influential anime films are critically acclaimed, pioneers among the available adaptations, having achieved international popularity, or have inspired other iconic works of fiction.The most influential anime movies are timeless masterpiecesunmatched in terms of story or animation that any fan of the medium should watch at least once to understand their prestige.
Animated by CoMix Wave Films; Based on the Original Story by Makoto Shinkai
Your Name
Your Name is a 2016 animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai. The story centers around two high school students, Taki and Mitsuha, who inexplicably begin to swap bodies. Set in both Tokyo and a rural town, the film explores themes of identity and connection as the characters navigate their intertwined lives. Through its rich animation and poignant narrative, Your Name captivates audiences with its exploration of fate and self-discovery.
Your Namehas some of the most detailed animation and photography in anime, highlighting stunning scenery, lighting, and perfectly integrated colors. However, beyond its technical aspects and deep use of Shinto symbolism, Makoto Shinkai’s most popular work won over viewers with its heartwarming love story and shocking twists.
Your Nameis the second highest-grossing anime film in history and a masterpiece of animation that earned international recognition on the same level as a Ghibli film. This impact boosted Makoto Shinkai’s name among the best anime directors, paving the way for his later worksWeathering With YouandSuzume,and inspiring similar animated films such asLost in Starlight.
Grave of the Fireflies
The first film by Isao Takahata as part of Ghibli,Grave of the Fireflies, expanded the animation studio’s field from lighthearted fantasies by Miyazaki to a more mature, realistic, and crude approach. With a tragically heartbreaking and depressing story,Grave of the Firefliesis regarded as one of the saddest films in history.
However, despite its haunting story,Grave of Firefliesis considered one of the masterpieces of Studio Ghibli andone of the best animated feature filmsof all time,receiving praise from the legendary director Akira Kurosawa, who rated it over Miyazaki’s movies.Grave of the Fireflieshas stood out among Ghibli’s movie catalog, becoming Isao Takahata’s magnum opus.
Animated by Madhouse and Gen Production; Based on the Manga by Keiji Nakazawa
Barefoot Gen
Barefoot Gen is an animated film released in 1992, based on the semi-autobiographical manga by Keiji Nakazawa. The story follows a young boy named Gen as he experiences the catastrophic aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. The film depicts his struggles for survival in the face of immense hardship and the enduring spirit of resilience amidst the devastation.
Going beyond the boundaries of anime and hailed as one of the greatest war films of all time,the impactfulBarefoot Genadaptationhas one of the crudest portrayals of the nuclear bombings in Japan that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, surpassing the disaster-based movies of the time by recounting the real testimony of a survivor.
Barefoot Genhas one of the most heart-wrenching and horrific scenes in fictionthat shows the devastating effects of nuclear bombs, giving an enduring, powerful message to viewers worldwide. This war film would also pioneer later anime films based on World War II, likeGrave of the FirefliesandIn This Corner of the World.
Animated by Animate Film; Based on the Original Story by Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Ninja Scroll
Ninja Scroll is a 1993 Japanese animated action thriller film set in feudal Japan, following the skilled ninja Jubei Kibagami. As he battles a series of deadly opponents, Jubei uncovers a plot involving a powerful clan seeking to overthrow the government. The film features dynamic fight sequences and explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the warrior code.
While less known than films likeAkiraandGhost in the Shell,Ninja Scrollwas also a big influence on popularizing anime targeting adults in the Westin the 90s, with the three of them being recognized as inspiration forThe Matrix.Ninja Scroll’s impact also contributed to the participation of Yoshiaki Kawajiri in the anthology filmThe Animatrix.
Ninja Scrollis a dark story set in the Edo period, showing a world filled with exciting martial arts that feel closer to supernatural powers. The film also has superb action sequences that don’t shy away from violence, becoming a masterpiece in animation believed to have influenced works such asNaruto,Basilisk:The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, and Sword of the Stranger.
Satoshi Kon’s most colorful and frenzied work,Paprika, takes viewers to the world of dreams with wonderful artistic surreal animation that masterfully conveys diving into consciousness and the distortion of reality. This quality production and story have madePaprikaone of thegreatest anime films of all time.
Paprika is also Satoshi Kon’s last project, in which he included references to his previous works,Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, andTokyo Godfathers.
Paprikais also popularly known as the inspiration behind the filmInceptionby Christopher Nolan. Its unique mind-bending dream world and dynamic sequences have been referenced in anime, like the hallway scene inJujutsu Kaisen. Paprika is also Satoshi Kon’s last project, in which he included references to his previous works,Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, andTokyo Godfathers.
Princess Mononokeis one ofStudio Ghibli’s highly awarded and critically acclaimed films, showcasinga relevant message about the conflict between man and naturethat has impacted popular culture and the animation industry over the years. A great example of the influence ofPrincess Mononokeis that the film contributed to thecreation ofAvatarby James Cameronand the animated seriesAvatar: The Last Airbender.
Likewise,Princess Mononoke’s iconic character design and fantastical world have also greatly influenced several video game franchises, such asThe Legend of Zelda,Soulframe, andOri and the Blind Forest.Princess Mononokeis also considered the movie that brought international recognition to Hayao Miyazaki’s work, paving the way for later Ghibli films likeSpirited Away.
Animated by Production I.G; Based on the Manga by Masamune Shirow
Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell explores the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public-security agent in 2029 Japan, assigned to track down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. As she delves deeper into the case, she confronts questions of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human. The film is directed by Mamoru Oshii and is based on the manga by Masamune Shirow.
TheGhost in the Shellfilm is an icon of the cyberpunk genre that blurs the line between human and machine, giving a look at the consequences of the use of technology. This unique setting, as well asGhost in the Shell’s visual style and action sequences, has been recognized as part of the Wachowskis' inspiration forThe Matrix.
Ghost in the Shellreceived a highly criticized Hollywood live-action adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson.
Additionally,Ghost in the Shell’s concept of a manipulated virtual reality can be seen in films such asSurrogates,A.I. Artificial Intelligence, andAvatar. Several media have also included references toGhost in the Shell, including theCyberpunk 2077franchise. This continues to buildGhost in the Shell’s legacy as one of the best sci-fi stories in fiction.
Animated by Madhouse; Based on the Novel by Yoshikazu Takeuchi
Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon. The film follows Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol who transitions to acting, only to find herself stalked by an obsessive fan and plagued by mental instability. As she grapples with her evolving career and identity, Mima’s sense of reality begins to blur, culminating in a suspenseful and haunting narrative.
Considered the magnum opus ofthe renowned Satoshi Kon,Perfect Blueis highly acclaimed as one of the best anime films, which hascaptivated fans around the world and has even influenced directors like Darren Aronofsky, who used almost identical shots and transitions in his award-winning filmsRequiem for a DreamandBlack Swan.
Millennium Actressby Satoshi Kon also shares many parallels with David Lynch’sMulholland Drive.
Perfect Blueis the story of an idol who begins to develop paranoia to the point of questioning her own identity and confusing her dreams and reality. Conveying the horrors of idol culture,Perfect Blueis a phenomenal psychological thriller and a timeless cult classic that garnered Satoshi Kon praise as one of the best anime directors in history.
Akira
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.
Akirais considered one of the best anime and science fiction films in history. Featuring one of the most legendary scenes in fiction, the Akira slide, which has been paid homage to in many films and series such asX-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Wars: Clone Wars,andPokémon,with the iconic bike making an appearance in Spielberg’sReady Player One.
Akirahas also inspired works such asThe Matrix,Blade Runner, andStranger Things. With a deep story full of corruption, violence, and innovative action scenes,Akiracreated a bridge to promote the arrival of more mature anime likeCowboy BebopandGhost in the Shell.This legacy makesAkiraa film that marked a before and after in animation.
Animated by Studio Ghibli; Based on the Original Story by Hayao Miyazaki
Spirited Away
Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, is an animated fantasy film that follows the enchanting journey of a young girl named Chihiro. Trapped in a mystical world after her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must navigate a realm filled with spirits and peculiar creatures to save her family.
Spirited Awayis the third highest-grossing anime movie in history and one of the most popular works by Studio Ghibli, so it’s only natural that the film has influenced many iconic works.According to KCRW, Pixar’sTurning Redwas inspired bySpirited Away, and there are similarities between Miyazaki’s film and works such asPan’s LabyrinthandNi no Kuni.
A beautiful coming-of-age movie filled with symbolism,Spirited Awaykeeps sparking debate decades after its release, being the only anime film to win anAcademy Award for Best Animated Feature FilmuntilThe Boy and the Heron’s victory in 2023.Still,Spirited Awaycontinues to be recognized by fans as the masterpiece of Hayao Miyazaki.
