Grab the Popcorn: These Are the 10 Best Anime Movies Since 2020

Anime films have gone from 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 bar to unprecedented heights in world cinema. That is why we selected the ten best works released between 2020 and 2025 that pushed the boundaries of Japanese animation with deep stories and breathtaking visuals.

The Japanese industry is living a golden age with heavy investment in fluid animation and scripts that challenge traditional genres. As a result, audiences consume more and more of these productions in theaters and on streaming platforms. Moreover, recognition at international awards like the Oscars proves the genre has reached its definitive artistic maturity this decade.

Ranking of the 10 best anime movies

1. The Boy and the Heron" (2023): Master Hayao Miyazaki delivered a surreal and mesmerizing work that won the Oscar for Best Animation. 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 youthful romance with visceral action. The feature adapts one of the most beloved arcs of the manga and delivers flawless animation with impressive fight choreography.
3. Look Back" (2024): At just 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 rotoscoping to create an immersive experience about sprint racing. The film focuses on the philosophy of dedicating an entire life to just ten seconds of glory on the track.
5. Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" (2021): The definitive closing of one of the most iconic franchises in history brought a satisfying and optimistic conclusion. The feature resolves complex themes about growing up and rejects the despair of its predecessors.
6. Gintama: The Very Final" (2021): The series farewell perfectly balances sharp humor with moments of epic action. Every character gets a moment in the spotlight as they try to stop the destruction of the world in an emotional final battle.
7. Blue Giant" (2023): This musical journey about jazz turns the saxophone’s sound into psychedelic visual sequences. Protagonist Dai’s dedication to music creates an immediate connection with anyone passionate about their craft.
8. The First Slam Dunk" (2022): The franchise’s return after decades delivered a distinctive and engaging visual style for sports fans. The film adapts the final national championship arc while exploring the dramatic past of player Ryota.
9. Suzume" (2022): Makoto Shinkai uses natural disasters as the backdrop for a touching story about overcoming grief 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 battle inside an infinite castle with animation that redefines industry standards.

Cultural Impact and Future

The success of these productions shows Japanese animated cinema is not afraid to take risks on complex themes. From the visceral jazz of Blue Giant to the existentialism of Evangelion, each work on this list contributed to the medium’s growth. That way, audiences keep receiving these titles quickly, ensuring local fans follow global trends in real time.