Summary
- Anime offers unique, emotionally moving stories with captivating visuals.
- Lesser-known anime films like Summer Wars, Patema Inverted, and Jin-Roh deserve recognition.
- Films like Colorful, Tokyo Godfathers, and A Silent Voice tackle deep themes with heartwarming narratives.
Among its many successes, anime has introduced us to films full of visual charm, appealing plots, and powerful emotions. Even though major hit anime movies like Spirited Away and Your Name have made an impact around the world, there are many smaller Japanese animations that provide unique, or even better, experiences. They usually focus on unique tales and storylines that go against the norm, leaving a strong impression on people who watch them.
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In this article, we explore eight anime films that deserve more attention. Each film is known for using a special style to tell its stories and develop its characters. All of these films, regardless of whether or not the viewer is an anime fan, will offer emotional stories told with beautiful visuals.
This article may contain some minor spoilers for the movies mentioned below.
8 Summer Wars
A Digital Crisis With Real-World Stakes
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Directed by |
Mamoru Hosoda |
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Screenplay by |
Satoko Okudera |
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Story by |
Mamoru Hosoda |
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Studio |
Madhouse |
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Release date |
August 1, 2009 |
Summer Wars begins by telling viewers about Kenji Koiso, a math expert who finds himself caught up in a dangerous crisis online and offline. At Natsuki’s family estate, Kenji is led to believe he is dating her despite being her friend, only to confront an unfriendly AI.
The narrative in this film, crafted by Mamoru Hosoda, mixes ideas about families with exciting adventures on the internet. The focus on how family comes together amidst modern technology impresses the most. Although it is brilliant, Summer Wars tends to get eclipsed by Hosoda’s other acclaimed movies. That’s why anime fans who like sci-fi films with a warm story should watch it.
7 Voices Of A Distant Star
A Short Film That Leaves A Lasting Impact
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Directed by |
Makoto Shinkai |
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Produced by |
Makoto Shinkai |
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Written by |
Makoto Shinkai |
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Studio |
CoMix Wave Inc. |
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Release Date |
February 2, 2002 |
In this short film, Noboru and Mikako are companions, but they are separated when Mikako is sent into space to meet the threat of an alien force. As their separation grows, the time it takes them to receive messages increases, putting their feelings for each other to the test.
The story and artwork in this film were done single-handedly by Makoto Shinkai, who exhibited his early talent. The movie’s strong portrayal of the challenges that separate lovers truly connects with the viewer. Despite his other award-winning films, Voices of a Distant Star shows just how eloquently Shinkai can communicate great emotions through his drawings.
6 Patema Inverted
An Upside-Down World With Big Ideas
Patema Inverted
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- November 9, 2013
- Runtime
- 98 minutes
- Director
- Yasuhiro Yoshiura
- Cast
- Yukiyo Fujii, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Takaya Hashi, Shintarou Oohata, Shinya Fukumatsu, Masayuki Katou, Hiroki Yasumoto, Maaya Uchida, Hideyuki Umezu, Go Shinomiya, Yu Shimamura, Tomoyuki Shimura, Shunsuke Itou, Yuka Keicho, Genki Muro, Toru Sakurai, Kiyohito Yoshikai
In a world where places are affected by opposing gravity, Patema ends up on the surface, where the laws are different. At that point, she encounters a boy, Eiji, and together they rebel against social biases as they embark on a journey that defies the laws of physics.
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Created by Yasuhiro Yoshiura, this movie expands the sci-fi genre by combining gravity-defying scenes with themes about acceptance. The author uses an uncommon plot to examine differences within society and the power of understanding. Although the story is fresh and unique, and reviewers liked the film, few people have heard of Patema Inverted, so it remains a hidden favorite among those who enjoy animated films with deep meanings.
5 Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Man Vs Machine Vs Morality
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- November 17, 1999
- Runtime
- 102 minutes
- Director
- Hiroyuki Okiura
- Cast
- Yoshikatsu Fujiki, Sumi Mutoh, Eri Sendai, Hiroyuki Kinoshita, Kohsei Hirota, Yukihiro Yoshida, Ryuichi Horibe, Kenji Nakagawa, Yoshisada Sakaguchi, Tamio Ohki
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is set in a different post-war Japan and revolves around Kazuki Fuse, who belongs to an elite paramilitary group. Having experienced trauma while on a mission, he enters political schemes and reflects on what it means to be human, as the world around him seems tense and filled with unclear moral boundaries.
Mamoru Oshii wrote the movie, and he addresses identity and how a community can control its citizens by manipulating their thoughts. The film's intense story and melancholy tone make it unique and allow it to reflect on principles of psychology within a political climate. Even though not everyone will relate to it, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is a thought-provoking film that ought to be recognized by a wider audience.
4 Colorful
A Beautiful Meditation On Depression And Identity
Colorful
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- August 21, 2010
- Runtime
- 127 min
- Director
- Keiichi Hara
Upon death, a soul is able to live again by taking possession of the body of a teenage boy who had killed himself. While he gets used to his new life, he finds out about the many mysteries of the boy’s past, which help him discover himself and feel better about his previous actions, leading to a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Colorful focuses on serious subjects such as depression and what life is truly worth with great understanding. The film invites viewers to consider the decisions they make in their lives. Although the movie is very thought-provoking and emotionally moving, it hasn't received the love and attention it deserves, and should be praised for effectively tackling a subject not often explored by major film releases.
3 Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms
A Heartwrenching Story You Won’t Forget
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 20, 2018
- Runtime
- 115 Minutes
- Director
- Mari Okada
- Cast
- Manaka Iwami, Miyu Irino, Yuuki Sakurai, Ai Kayano, Yuki Kaji, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Rina Sato, Yoko Hikasa, Miyuki Sawashiro, Tomokazu Sugita, Misaki Kuno, Hiroaki Hirata, Jo Bin, Yuki Kurimoto, Junnosuke Shishido, Taichi Iwakawa, Hiroshi Iwasaki, Keisuke Komoto
Maquia, part of an extended-lifespan race, must leave her land after it is attacked. After finding a baby, she decides to raise him, making this film into a heartwarming story of motherhood, love, and the years that pass.
Director Mari Okada brings out the challenges and short-lived aspects of life in Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms. Emotional trials and the film's unique visual style ensure that it’s enjoyable to watch. Although it hasn’t yet received the attention it deserves, people are slowly acknowledging its excellence. The film celebrates love and its costs as something people remember after watching it.
2 Tokyo Godfathers
Christmas Spirit In The Unlikeliest Of Places
Tokyo Godfathers
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 5, 2003
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Aya Okamoto, Yoshiaki Umegaki, Tohru Emori, Satomi Korogi, Mamiko Noto, Ryūji Saikachi, Kyôko Terase, Rikiya Koyama, Hiroya Ishimaru, Koichi Yamadera, Akio Otsuka, Yusaku Yara, Seizô Katô, Shozo Iizuka, Hidenari Ugaki, Chiyako Shibahara, Mitsuru Ogata
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
- Director
- Satoshi Kon
Gin, Hana, and Miyuki lose their home and shelter for Christmas. While searching the city, they find an abandoned baby. In their effort to locate the child’s parents, the trio encounters mysteries and difficulties and meet people they would never have expected to connect with.
This film, directed by Satoshi Kon, combines humor and heartwarming drama about family bonds. Its unique portrayal of people on the edges of society and their kind natures makes it unique. Despite its brilliance, Tokyo Godfathers remains one of Kon's lesser-known works, and is well-deserving of greater recognition for its warmth and humanity.
1 A Silent Voice
A Journey Of Redemption And Understanding
A Silent Voice
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 17, 2016
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Taichi Ishidate, Naoko Yamada
- Cast
- Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki, Kensho Ono, Yûki Kaneko, Yui Ishikawa, Megumi Han, Toshiyuki Toyonaga
Shoya Ishida wants to make amends by reaching out to Shoko Nishimiya, whom he mistreated as a child because she is deaf. This movie tells the story of their efforts to forgive, which is highlighted by themes of bullying, disability, and how people grow as individuals.
While it has been praised for its moving stories and well-developed characters, the film has definitely received less recognition than it rightfully deserves due to being overshadowed by other major films during its release year. A Silent Voice shows how humans can affect one another and open themselves to positive changes, making a great impression on people who watch it.
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