When I talk to people about anime, 80% of the time, it’s about a TV series. The content that gets missed entirely is anime movies and what a shame. There are so many anime movies that I have watched throughout the years that have taught me important life lessons. For that reason, here are my top 6 anime movies and why they’re worth a watch.
1. Wolf Children
The film follows a 19-year-old university student named Hana falling in love with a young man who turns out to be a werewolf. The couple eventually ends up living together and having children. When an unfortunate tragedy occurs, Hana is left widowed and needs to find new innovative ways to take care of her human-wolf hybrid children.
The movie perfectly shows the daily struggles of a young single mother. Who is trying to provide the best possible life for her family. While also showing the importance of letting your children make their own life decisions. Hana is not perfect, but she’s a great mother. Watching this movie will give you a deeper appreciation for your parents and the sacrifices they made for you.
2. Her Blue Sky
The story follows a young couple: Akane and Shino. The young couple plan to travel to Tokyo after graduating high school. When a tragic accident takes the lives of both Akane’s parents. She has no choice but to give up her travel plans and take care of her younger sister Aoi. Shino decides to go to Tokyo to chase his dreams.
Thirteen years later, a teenage ghost of Shino manifests upon adult Shino’s return to his hometown at 30 years old. The once aspiring musician (Adult Shino) becomes nothing more than a backup guitarist in a band. Ghost Shino becomes disappointed upon seeing how he turned out and that he didn’t end up with his sweetheart Akane.
I love this movie because it reflects how life changes over time. The teenager who wants the perfect life versus the adult who wants to make a paycheque. What if you were to confront yourself as a teenager again? Would they be happy to see how you turned out?
3. A Silent Voice
Shoko is a deaf girl who joins a new school, and her life gets turned upside down when a boy named Shoyo bullies her. When the bullying gets so bad, Shoko decides to transfer schools. When news gets out of these events, Shoyo becomes an outsider among his peers, who see him as nothing but a bully.
Fast forward a few years later, we see Shoyo reuniting with Shoko as a teenager. Shoyo has matured considerably and seeks forgiveness for his previous actions as a child. The film perfectly shows what bullied kids have to endure daily. As an adult, I could relate to Shoko through my own experiences. I highly recommend parents watch this movie with their children if they think they are mature enough.
4. A Whisper of the Heart
A classic studio Ghibli movie that follows the life of a 14-year-old girl named Shizuku who can’t think of a career she wants to do as an adult. After meeting a boy named Seiji, who aspires to become a violin maker. This further drives Shizuku to find a career that she enjoys. Ultimately Shizuku decides to become a writer and begins to write her first story.
This story is phenomenal, and I highly recommend it for teenagers to watch because it shows the importance of finding your passion when you are young and pursuing your dreams to the best of your ability.
5. I want to eat your Pancreas
A young teenage boy named Haruki learns that a popular classmate Sakura is suffering from a pancreatic disease and only has a set amount of time to live. The two form a beautiful friendship in the final chapter of her life.
I love this movie and have watched it several times. It teaches viewers to live life to the fullest every day, as we never know how much time we truly have. You’ll love Sakura and her outlook on life even when she is in such a grim situation. Everybody has something to be thankful for, like family and friends. It’s important to cherish those things while you can.
6. Your Name
A movie directed by Makoto Shinkai and one of the most successful anime films of all time. Following the lives of two teenagers named Taki and Mitsuha. Who randomly switch bodies and have to live the other’s life. Throughout the movie, the two fall in love but not before learning of a catastrophe they must prevent.
This movie looks incredible and has a unique story that perfectly shows what it means to be young and in love. I’ve watched this movie several times, and it gets better every time.
Any movies you would recommend to me?
That wraps up my top 6 anime movies that are a must-watch. Want to watch more movies? Here is a list of some of the films I missed that are also a great watch. Be sure to comment below, and do not forget to share this post with your fellow weebs.
