**Anime films** have gone from being a restricted niche to dominating global box offices at the start of 2026. While classics like Akira paved the way in the past, current productions have raised the technical and narrative level to unprecedented heights in world cinema. Therefore, we have selected the ten best works released between 2020 and 2025 that expanded the boundaries of Japanese animation with deep stories and breathtaking visuals.
The Japanese industry is living through a golden age with heavy investments in fluid animation and scripts that challenge traditional genres. As a result, the Brazilian public consumes these productions more and more in theaters and on streaming platforms. Furthermore, recognition at international awards like the Oscars proves that the genre has reached its definitive artistic maturity this decade.
## Ranking of the 10 best anime films
1. **‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023):** Master Hayao Miyazaki delivered a surreal and mesmerizing work that won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The plot follows Mahito on a journey of mystery and grief inside a magical tower.
2. **‘Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc’ (2025):** This production brilliantly blends juvenile romance with visceral action. The feature film adapts one of the most beloved arcs of the manga and delivers impeccable animation with impressive fight choreography.
3. **‘Look Back’ (2024):** At only 58 minutes, this film is a lesson in visual storytelling about the friendship of two children who draw manga. The story carries a realistic emotional weight that works as a love letter to art.
4. **‘100 Meters’ (2025):** This work uses the rotoscoping technique to create an immersive experience about racing competitions. The film focuses on the philosophy of dedicating an entire life for just ten seconds of glory on the tracks.
5. **‘Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.0 Thrice Upon a Time’ (2021):** The definitive conclusion to one of the most iconic franchises in history brought a satisfying and optimistic finale. The feature resolves complex themes about coming of age and rejects the despair of its predecessors.
6. **‘Gintama: The Very Final’ (2021):** The series’ farewell perfectly balances biting humor with moments of epic action. Every character gets their moment in the spotlight while trying to prevent the destruction of the world in an emotional final battle.
7. **‘Blue Giant’ (2023):** This musical journey about jazz transforms the sound of the saxophone into psychedelic visual sequences. Protagonist Dai’s dedication to music creates an immediate connection with anyone passionate about their profession.
8. **‘The First Slam Dunk’ (2022):** The franchise’s return after decades delivered a distinct and engaging visual style for sports fans. The film adapts the final arc of the national championship while exploring the dramatic past of player Ryota.
9. **‘Suzume’ (2022):** Makoto Shinkai uses natural disasters as a backdrop for a touching story about overcoming and guilt. The visuals are technically perfect, presenting Japan’s landscapes in a stunning and detailed way.
10. **‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ (2025):** The first part of the final trilogy broke box office records and proved the franchise’s power in theaters. The feature presents an epic fight inside an infinite castle with animation that redefines industry standards.
## Cultural Impact and Future
The success of these productions shows that Japanese animated cinema is not afraid to take risks with complex themes. From the visceral jazz of Blue Giant to the existentialism of Evangelion, every work on this list contributed to the growth of the medium. Thus, the Brazilian market continues to receive these titles quickly, ensuring that local fans follow global trends in real time.
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