Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has left anime fans buzzing since its release, earning over $555 million worldwide as of September 23, 2025, making it the highest-grossing anime film of all time. The movie grabbed global attention with its stunning visuals and fight choreography, breaking records within a day of its debut and continuing to set new ones.
This wave of excitement proves anime’s growth from a niche subculture to a global phenomenon as it gains popularity. For decades, the anime industry has been pushing boundaries with imaginative worlds, unforgettable characters, and eye-catching sequences that leave viewers in awe. Audiences who are eager to explore more cinematic anime have hundreds to choose from.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
​Jujutsu Kaisen 0 follows Yuta Okkotsu, a teenager haunted by the cursed spirit of his childhood friend Rika, a powerful and monstrous entity that vigilantly protects Yuta. Set a year prior to the main series, the film details Yuta’s journey as he joins Tokyo Jujutsu High School and begins training under Satoru Gojo, the world’s strongest sorcerer.
As deadly challenges arise and past secrets come to light, the film creates a thrilling narrative that mixes action, humor, and heartfelt moments. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 stands out with its stunning animation and emotionally charged core, leaving fans wanting more of Yuta’s story. Fans of Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle can’t miss Jujutsu Kaisen or Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a canonical reimagining of the iconic Dragon Ball Z film villain, pitting Goku and Vegeta against the legendary Saiyan warrior. Broly’s immense strength exiled him from Planet Vegeta before its destruction, leaving him and his father to live isolated in Planet Vampa’s hostile, wasteland-like environment.
Through years of relentless training, Broly’s raw power became threatening enough to shift the balance of power when the Frieza Force found him, proving himself to be one of the most powerful foes in Dragon Ball. As a Saiyan with an aggressive fighting style and quick to adapt, Broly offers one of the most visually stunning battles in the series.
The film explores deeper themes of power, understanding, and the cycle of violence and revenge. Broly is both fast-paced and full of high-stakes action that is paired with an emotional core that makes the film stand out among Dragon Ball films.
One Piece Film: Red
One Piece Film: Red centers on the world-famous singer Uta, whose long-awaited concert attracts pirates, marines, and fans from all over. Using her Devil Fruit powers, she creates a peaceful “New Genesis” for the world, aiming to end the Great Pirate Era. In this virtual space, known as Uta World, she stays in complete control and manipulates her surroundings.
The film balances thrilling battles with musical elements, humor, and emotionally charged moments. One Piece Film: Red is not canon to the main storyline, making it accessible as a standalone film to fans who haven’t watched One Piece. With its emotional depth and memorable songs, the movie is a cinematic experience that everyone can enjoy.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next
My Hero Academia: You’re Next takes place between the sixth and seventh seasons of the anime, following Deku and class 1-A as they pursue villains who had escaped. However, their mission is completely shaken when a man who refers to himself as Dark Might takes the stage to assume the position of the Symbol of Peace.
He traps the students in a floating fortress where they face intense challenges while trying to save Anna, a powerful girl exploited by Dark Might, with the goal of putting a stop to the impostor and reuniting her and their new ally, Giulio. Together, they face off against dangerous enemies and test their teamwork and resolve before it’s too late.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next offers viewers stunning animation and intense action sequences. Its central villain and the story of Giulio and Anna are particularly enjoyable and keep audiences glued to the screen. You’re Next is the final film in the My Hero Academia franchise and earns its place as a standout film.
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie follows Spike Spiegel and the Bebop crew as they are drawn into an intense race against time when a deadly virus outbreak strikes futuristic Mars. Spike and his team begin on a mission to track down ex-military officer Vincent, the biological terrorist threatening their city with devastating nano-bots if his demands aren’t met.
The film takes place between episodes 22 and 23 of the original series. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is a masterclass in cinematic style and offers a unique visual experience for fans. Its striking animation quality and inventive visuals make it a film that fans of the series shouldn’t miss out on.
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke centers on a young warrior named Ashitaka, who was cursed by a demon while defending his village. Journeying west in search of a cure, he finds himself caught in a conflict between the forest gods and humans exploiting the land for its iron and resources.
Along the way, he meets San, a girl raised by wolves who fiercely protects the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who leads Iron Town with both ambition and pragmatism. As the conflict intensifies, Ashitaka attempts to mediate between nature and humanity, allowing the film to explore environmentalism, morality, and coexistence.
Princess Mononoke is among Studio Ghibli’s highest-rated films, packed with breathtaking animation and a rich storyline. Its characters are unforgettable, and the battles are epic and intense, making it a timeless masterpiece that anime fans can’t afford to miss out on.
Akira
Akira is set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo that was rebuilt after a catastrophic explosion decades earlier. The story follows teenage biker Kaneda as he finds himself caught in the center of political corruption, gang violence, and secret government experiments when his best friend, Tetsuo, is abducted by the government for a top-secret project.
As Tetsuo gains uncontrollable psychic powers, Kaneda races to save him and uncover the truth behind the experiment’s secrets. With intense action, suspense, and political intrigue, Akira remains one of the most groundbreaking anime films ever made. Exploring the consequences of unchecked power and the fragility of society makes it an unforgettable classic.
Its cyberpunk aesthetic, detailed world-building, and thought-provoking storyline make it stand out among anime film titles. Akira’s themes of identity, humanity, authoritarianism, and unchecked power, along with its stunning animation, make it a product years ahead of its time. Anime fans looking for the next film can’t afford to overlook Akira.
Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell is set in a futuristic world where humans and machines coexist. Major Motoko Kusanagi is a cyborg agent working for the Public Security Section 9, tasked with hunting cybercriminals and terrorists. When a hacker known as the Puppet Master appears, manipulating minds and systems alike, the line between humanity and machines begins to blur.
As Motoko digs deeper into the case, she’s forced to confront her own identity and make up as a cyborg. The pursuit of the Puppet Master leads her to question her own identity, the true meaning of humanity, and consciousness, ultimately leading the case in an unforeseen direction once the hacker is cornered.
Ghost in the Shell is another visually striking cyberpunk anime film that captivates the audience with its philosophical depth and intense action sequences. With its complex characters and exploration of powerful themes, the film captures something truly unique while pushing the boundaries of storytelling, making it an anime that can’t be missed.
Paprika
Paprika follows Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a therapist who uses the DC Mini to enter patients’ dreams, working as both a scientist and a dream detective under the code name Paprika. When the device is stolen, the boundary between the living world and the dreams begins to collapse, threatening all of society and threatening to destroy people’s minds.
Paprika is full of mesmerizing imagery and surreal landscapes that defy logic, turning the film into a visual masterpiece. The film is fast-paced as Paprika races against time and is full of psychological depth that has influenced countless filmmakers and creators worldwide. Both thrilling and immersive, Paprika is one of the best anime films ever made.
Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue centers on pop idol Mima Kirigoe, who abandons her music career to pursue acting, only to find herself drawn deeper into a disturbing cycle. As she takes on more roles, a mysterious stalker and a series of violent events push her mental state to the brink, causing the line between her public image and private life to fracture.