5 Anime Films That Cinephiles Should Watch

It's February now and my eyes and soul have recently been the victim of assault and battery by Sony's Madame Web (2024). The film had such a profoundly negative impact on me that it drove me away from films momentarily and back to anime, a passion that has yet to ignite fully this year. But as I scrolled aimlessly through the new anime releases of 2024, I thought I might compile a short list of anime films that may appeal to my cinephile peers who don't watch anime as often as they do films, and perhaps provide them with some recommendations that suit their tastes.

From the anime: A Silent Voice (2016).

*Disclaimer: I will be focusing on lesser-known anime films wherever possible in this list.

Tekkonkinkreet (2006)

A film with a striking visual language and art style, Tekkonkinkreet (2006) is based on the manga by Taiyo Matsumoto. Set in the fictional city of Treasure Town, the story follows two street kids named Black and White as they navigate the criminal underworld and confront powerful forces threatening to destroy their home. With its striking animation and gritty atmosphere, this anime film is a unique and compelling work of art. I would compare it in some ways to Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse because of its unique animation style and great detail in its storytelling.

Mirai (2018)

A gem of a film by Mamoru Hosoda, Mirai (2018) tells the story of a young boy named Kun who encounters magical experiences when his sister from the future visits him. Kun learns valuable lessons about empathy, understanding, and the interconnectedness of past, present, and future through his interactions with various family members across different time periods. It's a beautiful film that raises some poignant questions about time and familial bonds.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

If you like to draw, paint or picture art, this film was made for you. While it does appeal to many people, this film's visual style is unlike any other Studio Ghibli film ever made. Directed by Isao Takahata, this film is based on a Japanese folktale about a mysterious girl discovered inside a bamboo stalk. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, Princess Kaguya's true identity and destiny are revealed, leading to a touching exploration of love, sacrifice, and the fleeting nature of life.

Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015)

For those of you who might want a good action/thriller/sci-fi anime film to watch, Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015) is not too shabby. I would highly recommend you check out the series as well if you enjoyed this film because it really has a wonderful set of character arcs in this Blade Runner-esque anime film. It follows a team of law enforcement officers as they investigate a terrorist threat that threatens to destabilize society which is run by an Artificial Intelligence programme.

The Anthem of the Heart (2015)

Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, The Anthem of the Heart (2015) is a touching coming-of-age story about a girl named Jun who is unable to speak due to a childhood trauma. When she joins a musical theatre group at her high school, she forms bonds with her fellow classmates and learns to express herself through song. Filled with heartfelt moments, memorable characters, and themes of healing and self-acceptance, this film is a poignant exploration of the power of music and friendship.