As one of the biggest anime streaming services, Crunchyroll undoubtedly represents the main place used by fans to keep up with the latest series while searching for underrated gems that may have flown under the radar. While its movie catalog is not nearly as expansive, making it somewhat difficult to find feature-length films, the best anime movies on Crunchyroll should not be overlooked by any fan.
From timeless, influential classics that remain as impressive today as they were decades ago, to modern titles that range from underrated to well-known, there are plenty of anime movies for fans to watch. Whether one prefers fast-paced, action-packed films, or, on the contrary, slow and realistic dramas, there is something for everyone on Crunchyroll, proving once again just how versatile and diverse this medium can be.
10 Sword of the Stranger (2007)
Original Movie Produced by Bones & Directed by Masahiro Andou
During the turbulent Sengoku period, Japan was a war-torn country in a state of complete disarray, as most struggled to make ends meet. Kotarou, a young boy, and Tobimaru, his dog, are but a lone pair of petty thieves seeking to survive together. As they somehow find themselves targeted by China’s Ming Dynasty, who aim to perform a ritual of immortality, it might just seem like the end of the line for them. Thankfully, a fateful encounter with a ronin named Nanashi proves to be their salvation, as Nanashi becomes their bodyguard in exchange for a gem.
Sword of the Stranger is a remarkable historical movie known primarily for its beautifully animated, fluid swordplay. Yet, while the dynamic, engaging fights certainly represent one of the film’s highlights, it is far more than a visually impressive yet otherwise uninteresting product. With enough substance to match its style, the title also features a straightforward yet compelling story, brought to life by intriguing, well-developed characters.
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9 Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
Original Movie Produced by P.A. Works & Directed by Mari Okada
As a Iorph who lost her family at a young age, Maquia lives a peaceful yet lonely life among her people. Greedily seeking to learn the secret behind the Iorph’s apparent immortality, the kingdom of Mezarte invades them while riding captured Renato, powerful ancient dragons. Maquia is forced to flee her home, running away into a forest where she finds herself all alone, except for the unexpected companionship of an abandoned human baby. Despite knowing nothing of motherhood or human society, Maquia refuses to turn her back on the helpless baby.
Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms is as beautiful as it is touching, telling a profoundly emotional story about the ephemerality of life and the inherent hardships of motherhood. Beyond the captivating development of the central characters, who represent the core of this mesmerizing story, the world it’s set in is also complex and captivating. Moreover, to match the quality to the visuals, this title also features one of the best anime movie soundtracks, composed by the renowned Kenji Kawai.
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8 Sword Art Online the Movie: Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night (2021)
Produced by A-1 Pictures, Based on the Light Novel by Reki Kawahara and BUNBUN, & Directed by Ayako Kounou
Impressed and concerned by Asuna Yuuki’s tireless efforts toward studying and preparing for her high school entrance exams, Misumi Tozawa advises her to take a break and relax by joining her at the launch of the highly anticipated VRMMO Sword Art Online. Unfortunately, what seemed to be a fun game that could prove an easy distraction turns out to be quite the opposite – every player ends up trapped in the world of Aincrad, with no apparent way to escape. Moreover, dying in the game also means death in the real world.
Adding depth to a successful franchise, Sword Art Online the Movie: Progressive – Aria of a Starless Night is a retelling of the early events, which allows the story to feel more focused and realistic. While this movie is unlikely to change anyone’s overall opinion of Sword Art Online, fans are sure to enjoy the familiar yet refreshing experience, while newcomers are presented with an alternative beginning that some may find more compelling. As divisive as the franchise may be, this is undoubtedly one of the best fantasy anime movies.
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7 Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)
Produced by Bones, Based on the Novel by Seiko Tanabe, & Directed by Koutarou Tamura
Tsuneo Suzukawa is a hard-working university student driven by his passion for marine biology, above all. This passion motivates him to take any opportunity to earn money and save up to study abroad. As such, upon receiving the offer of being Jose’s caretaker, he readily accepts, despite being unprepared to deal with this task. Although her bossy attitude nearly makes him quit, Tsuneo eventually learns of Josee’s dream – to explore the outside world, a chance she’s missed out on due to being a wheelchair user, and the two find that they may have more in common than they thought.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish tells a fascinating, uplifting story about the importance of pursuing one’s passion, despite any potential struggles. Although it may be a bit too melodramatic for some viewers’ liking, those who appreciate timeless heartwarming romance stories are sure to find that this movie can easily rival the classics, not least of all thanks to the breathtaking art style and memorable soundtrack.
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6 Akira (1988)
Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, Based on the Manga by Katsuhiro Ootomo, & Directed by Katsuhiro Ootomo
A young boy’s psychic powers changed the course of history, leaving Tokyo in ruins while also causing the beginning of World War III. The rebuilt Neo-Tokyo is a completely different place, defined by violence and disorder. As Shoutarou Kaneda, the leader of a motorcycle gang, and Tetsuo Shima, his childhood friend, get caught up in an esper accident, leading to Tetsuo discovering his own powers, the two find themselves trapped in a complicated world that involves a mysterious organization and unexpected developments.
Often regarded as one of the best movies ever, earning a place among many fans’ lists of favorites, Akira is undoubtedly iconic and highly influential. Featuring an incredible visual and sound design that manages not only to hold up, but even continue to impress decades later, as well as an intriguing story that fans of the cyberpunk theme are especially likely to enjoy, Akira delivers a unique experience that could never be replicated in live-action form.
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Akira (1988)
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.
- Director
- Katsuhiro Otomo
- Release Date
- July 16, 1988
- Studio(s)
- Tokyo Movie Shinsha Co. Ltd
- Distributor(s)
- Toho
- Writers
- Katsuhiro Otomo , Izô Hashimoto
- Cast
- Mitsuo Iwata , Nozomu Sasaki , Mami Koyama , Taro Ishida , Tesshô Genda , Mizuho Suzuki , Tatsuhiko Nakamura , Fukue Itō , Kazuhiro Shindō
- Runtime
- 124 Minutes
- Budget
- $5.7 Million
5 Sing a Bit of Harmony (2021)
Original Movie Produced by J.C.Staff & Directed by Yasuhiro Yoshiura
Transfer students are bound to draw attention, but Shion Ashimori stands out for more than one reason; besides being a new mysterious student, she also happens to be an AI, tasked with proving that AI can live alongside humans, without revealing her true identity. However, Shion also seems to have a goal of her own, as she quickly befriends Satomi Amano, the daughter of Hoshima’s leading project manager, who created Shion herself. Satomi is a lonely girl who keeps her distance from her classmates, and Shion wants nothing more than to help her find true happiness.
At times reminiscent of the classic Disney movies that defined many childhoods, Sing a Bit of Harmony provides an experience that feels simultaneously familiar and innovative. Starting as a high-school drama, only to later shift its focus to the sci-fi aspect of the story, this film provides quite a few unexpected twists and turns that contribute to its identity and impact. Moreover, the gorgeous animation and exceptional music further elevate the experience, allowing this movie to stand out.
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4 Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021)
Produced by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami, & Directed by Seong-Hu Park
Yuta Okkotsu is a timid high school student doomed to live a tragic life, followed by his childhood friend, Rika Orimoto, who has turned into a curse. Anyone who bullies or picks on Yuta for any reason is sure to suffer from Rika’s vengeance, as she would even go as far as to eliminate those who wrong him. As Satoru Gojou, a powerful sorcerer who teaches at the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School, notices Yuta’s situation, he convinces the boy to enroll, hoping to help him turn his misfortune into a useful ability.
Adapting the prequel to the original series, and thus expanding on a beloved, award-winning franchise, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 provides everything fans love about the series while telling an entirely new, captivating story. Some viewers were not particularly impressed by the pacing, but the exceptional fights and choreography, bolstered by incredible production value, make this into a genuinely fascinating title. Moreover, the newly introduced character is intriguing as well, which should be no surprise, given Jujutsu Kaisen‘s plethora of well-designed characters.
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Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a supernatural action anime that follows high school student Yuuji Itadori as he battles against magical curses. After Yuji selflessly saves a classmate by taking a curse into his own body, he is discovered and trained by a powerful sorcerer named Satoru Gojo. Gojo, who also happens to be a faculty member at a high school, enrolls Yuji there to help him and other students prepare themselves against the supernatural forces that plague humanity.
- Cast
- Junya Enoki , Yuma Uchida , Yuichi Nakamura , Adam McArthur , Asami Seto
- Release Date
- October 2, 2020
- Seasons
- 3
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
- Franchise(s)
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Writers
- Hiroshi Seko
- Directors
- Sunghoo Park , Shōta Goshozono
3 Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)
Produced by Kyoto Animation, Based on the Novel by Ayano Takeda, & Directed by Naoko Yamada
High school seniors and best friends, Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki, are to perform a musical duet together, as part of a concert inspired by the “Liz and the Blue Bird” fairytale, a story of a young girl and a beautiful blue bird turned human. Yet, what seemed to be an intriguing piece that could bring out the two girls’ individual strengths almost turns into the reason for their friendship’s downfall. Struggling to play in harmony, the distance between them grows, with the only way to get back on track seemingly being the idea of finding themselves in their characters.
Liz and the Blue Bird tells a fascinating story about love, identity, and the importance of finding one’s own path in life. While its story is rather simple, the restrictive scope allows it to shine in terms of execution. Often taking the more subtle and less direct route, this film manages to reach viewers in a way that few others can, connecting with them on a deeper level. Of course, the rich visuals and splendid sound design only further add to the enjoyment factor, elevating this title.
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2 Wolf Children (2012)
Original Movie Produced by Studio Chizu & Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
As 19-year-old college student Hana encounters an enigmatic man who happens to attend one of her classes, she falls in love with him at first sight. Even after learning of his true identity as a werewolf, Hana pays no mind to the differences between them, and the two decide to start a family together, with Hana eventually giving birth to two wolf children, Ame and Yuki. As Hana’s lover suffers an untimely death, Hana decides to move to the countryside, hoping to give the wolf children a peaceful and safe life away from the complications of a busy city.
Wolf Children tells a profoundly emotional story about family and the journey of life itself. Despite its low fantasy elements, it’s a more realistic and touching story than most, exploring every facet of human life in a way that is sure to connect with viewers, making them smile one moment and empathetically cry genuine tears mere minutes later. Moreover, it approaches the concept of shape-shifting in anime from a unique perspective, having Ame and Yuki use their abilities in a way that reflects their stances on humanity.
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1 Your Name. (2016)
Original Movie Produced by CoMix Wave Films & Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Aspiring for new adventures and an eventful life, Mitsuha Miyamuzu dreams of living in Tokyo, a city known for its many opportunities and tendency to welcome all kinds of people. Meanwhile, Taki Tachibana is seemingly living Mitsuha’s dream life, balancing studies and hanging out with friends in gorgeous cafés while working part-time in a high-class restaurant. As the two suddenly awaken one day in each other’s body, they find themselves unwillingly embarking on what is sure to prove a difficult, life-changing journey.
As the quintessential example of a title that captures Makoto Shinkai’s unique anime essence, Your Name. tells a magical, iconic, and profoundly emotional story about fate that many viewers fell in love with at first sight. Although the story and characters are outstanding in their own right, it would be the visual and sound design that takes this title to the next level, as the director’s attention to detail and pursuit of perfection reverberate in every scene, making this not only one of the best anime movies on Crunchyroll, but one of the best movies of all time.
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