The best fantasy anime movies coincide with some of the medium’s most well-known and highly-regarded titles, and understandably so. After all, the anime medium, defined by its endless creativity, imaginative stories, and distinctive fictional worlds, provides the perfect canvas for storytellers to create fascinating fantasy tales that immediately captivate viewers and keep them immersed throughout their runtime.
When it comes to fantasy anime movies, two distinct categories can be recognized. First, there are movies based on existing franchises, which often tell adjacent stories, linking events or otherwise expanding the depth of their worlds. Then there are standalone ones, which tell contained stories that are not meant to be continued in any way, providing complete experiences in and of themselves. Whether they fall under urban fantasy, high fantasy, or any other subgenre, these movies are excellent for fans of epic stories, unrealistic worlds, and magic.
10 Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023)
Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Yuuki Tabata, & Directed by Ayataka Tanemura
Abandoned on the doorsteps of a church and raised together by a kind priest, Asta and Yuno grow up sharing the same dream, that of becoming the Clover Kingdom’s most powerful mage, but are separated by their abilities. While Yuno is gifted with unprecedented potential, Asta seems to have no affinity for magic whatsoever. Eventually, the two of them receive their own Grimoires and embark on individual, life-changing journeys. But then, the fate of the kingdom itself is threatened, as four of the previously banished Wizard Kings come together to destroy it.
Often undeservingly overlooked and branded as a generic shōnen title, Black Clover is actually highly underrated and surprisingly original. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King only provides more of what fans love about the series, from intriguing three-dimensional characters and exciting story developments to brilliantly animated, dynamic, and creative magical duels. The newly introduced characters are understandably not as well-developed as the established cast, but this does nothing to take away from just how entertaining the movie is.
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9 Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
Original Movie Produced by P.A. Works & Directed by Mari Okada
Despite looking nearly identical to humans, the mythical Iorphs live far away from the lands of humanity, spending their time peacefully weaving Hibiol, a magical cloth which has the ability to tell stories. But when the Mezarte army suddenly assaults the city of Iorph, with the aid of their tamed dragons, the Renato, Maquia is forced to flee, losing her home and tranquil life and finding herself alone in an unfamiliar place. However, she then comes across someone who is in the same situation as her, an orphaned human baby, and decides to raise him as her own, naming him Ariel.
Although the world of the movie is not explored to the same depth as other parts thereof, acting mostly as a backdrop for the Maquia’s journey, struggles, and development, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is set in a truly unique and beautiful world, whose complexity allows for endless stories to be told. One can’t help but wonder and speculate about the different races, such as the Iorph and Renato, and viewers are bound to be mesmerized by the stunning artwork and animation, which only further bring the imaginary landscapes to life.
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8 KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! – Legend of Crimson (2019)
Produced by J.C.Staff, Based on the Light Novel by Natsume Akatsuki and Kurone Mishima, & Directed by Takaomi Kanasaki
After dying unceremoniously in a truck accident, high school student Kazuma Satou is given the extraordinary opportunity to be reborn in a fantasy world. Enlisting Aqua, the goddess who reincarnated him, in his party, Kazuma goes on to befriend other eccentric people, including the chuunibyou Megumin and the perverted Darkness. Now, as Yunyun, Megumin’s old friend and rival, receives a mysterious letter, the party must make their way to Megumin and Yunyun’s hometown, the Crimson Demon Village, and prepare for new adventures.
Fans of the fantasy genre are likely to appreciate isekai anime, which typically provide entertaining escapist experiences, and KonoSuba is one of the best examples thereof. As a parody of this popular theme, it subverts common tropes to emphasize comedy above all else. Replicating and condensing the formula of the series, KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! – Legend of Crimson proves likewise amusing, but also makes an effort to expand the world, exploring new interesting areas.
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7 The Boy and the Beast (2015)
Original Movie Produced by Studio Chizu & Directed by Mamoru Hosoda
Nine-year-old Ren is an unforunate orphaned boy, who is desperate to find a real home and loving family. Aimlessly wandering through the confusing streets of Shibuya, Tokyo, he comes across Kumatetsu, a likewise lonely bakemono who guides him into the beast realm of Shibuten. Although Kumatetsu initially sees Ren, whom he later names Kyuuta, as a chance for him to further his own goals, requiring an apprentice to prove himself as a worthy lord of the realm, the two might just find that their fates are more intertwined than they thought.
Although its relatively grounded nature makes it more of an urban fantasy anime, rather than a high fantasy one, The Boy and the Beast brilliantly depicts two parallel yet interconnected worlds, not too dissimilar from the classic Spirited Away. However, it is far from a copy of the latter, exploring this idea from a completely different perspective, and emphasizing the unique relationship of the two protagonists above all else. Moreover, despite presenting itself as an adventure-oriented title, it eventually reveals itself to be profoundly emotional as well.
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6 One Piece Film Z (2012)
Produced by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Eiichirou Oda, & Directed by Tatsuya Nagamine
Right before his death, the late King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger, announced the existence of the One Piece, a treasure of unimaginable value, whose acquirer is going to become the new Pirate King. Coveting this title, the young and inexperienced Monkey D. Luffy embarks on an epic journey, gathering loyal allies and overcoming various challenges on the way. As the Straw Hat Pirates make their way into the New World, a new threat is discovered. The “Dyna Stones“, greatly destructive weapons, are stolen, and everyone is on alert, chasing after Z, a former Marine Admiral.
One Piece represents one of the most celebrated and popular fantasy series ever, and rightfully so, having shaped many childhoods and inspired numerous anime fans and creators. Although the franchise includes various movies which expand the world of the series, there is no clear winner, with each fan having their own favorites. However, One Piece Film Z is generally regarded as one of the better additions to the franchise, presenting an incredibly compelling villain and maintaining the entertaining formula that fans have come to adore.
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5 Millennium Actress (2002)
Original Movie Produced by Madhouse & Directed by Satoshi Kon
As the prestigious yet bankrupt Ginei Studio is set to be demolished, filmmaker Genya Tachibana decides to take this chance to create a commemorative documentary about the studio’s legendary actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who mysteriously disappeared at the pinnacle of her career. Dragging along the unwilling and cynical camera operator Kyouji Ida with him, Genya sets out to interview Chiyoko, returning her favor of granting his request with an important key, that the actress had long believed to be lost forever.
Although this title does not represent the fantasy genre in the traditional sense, lacking mythical creatures, epic adventures, and magic, Millennium Actress instead focuses on the way memories affect one’s perception, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, and taking viewers along on a deceptive journey that disregards the boundaries of space and time. Beyond the captivating art and unique storytelling method, this film is a sincere work full of passion that stretches the possibilities of cinema.
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4 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train (2020)
Produced by ufotable, Based on the Manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, & Directed by Haruo Sotozaki
Having tragically lost his father, Tanjirou Kamado has lived a difficult but peaceful life, tirelessly working to support his impoverished family. But one day, as he returns from selling charcoal, he finds a painful, petrifying sight. His entire family was mercilessly slaughtered by a cruel demon, save for his younger sister, Nezuko, who was turned into a demon herself. Seeking to protect his sister and prevent similar tragedies, he joins the Demon Slayer Corps. Now, as the group faces a powerful new threat, they board the Infinity Train, led by the Flame Hashira, Kyoujurou Rengoku.
Showing no hesitation to depict the necessary deaths to further advance the story, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train sets itself apart from typical shōnen fantasy stories by including high stakes and genuinely tense moments. Understanding exactly what made the series as popular as it is, this movie also continues to deliver dynamic and engaging action scenes bolstered by incredible animation and remarkable sound design, making every strike that much more impactful.
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3 Suzume (2022)
Original Movie Produced by CoMix Wave & Directed by Makoto Shinkai
Suzume Iwato is an ordinary high school student, living a peaceful life in the quiet and uneventful town of Kyushu. One day, as she makes her way to school, she comes across Souta Munakata, a mysterious man looking for doors in abandoned areas. Unexpectedly finding a door in the ruins, Suzume opens it and finds an otherworldly sight. Shocked, she leaves quickly, without thinking about closing the door she opened. As she soon learns that open doors bring disasters from the other side, Suzume joins Souta to close them and subdue the evil threatening Japan.
Not too dissimilar from Makoto Shinkai’s other titles, Suzume tells a deeply emotional story, whose fantastical elements set it apart, making the experience that much more engaging and compelling. Although it is not without its flaws, the creative story, memorable music that perfectly sets the mood, and, above all, gorgeous animation that easily competes with some of the industry’s most prominent titles, allow this movie to stand out and deliver an unforgettable experience.
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2 Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion (2013)
Original Movie Produced by Shaft & Directed by Akiyuki Shinbou and Yukihiro Miyamoto
Madoka Kaname is a regular middle school girl, whose life is changed when she is approached by Kyuubey, a mysterious being who offers her the chance to become a magical girl and have any wish granted, in exchange for fighting malevolent witches. Eventually, Kyuubey is revealed to be an alien Incubator, making contracts with girls and collecting their emotional energy to prevent the heat-death that would occur when the universe reaches maximum entropy. Madoka becomes the “Law of Cycles” and changes the fate of magical girls, yet Homura can’t help but feel uneasy about her current reality.
Still considered one of the best anime sequel movies even a decade later, Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion is a masterpiece that constantly subverts expectations and tactfully explores thought-provoking themes in a creative, Kafkaesque setting. The original series became a phenomenon thanks to its incredibly complex and captivating story, and the movie only further delivers on that aspect. Moreover, the unique art style and animation also contribute to the enjoyability of its fantastical world.
1 Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Produced by Studio Ghibli, Based on the Novel by Diana Wynne Jones, & Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Sophie is a quiet, ordinary girl living a simple life and working at her father’s hat shop. One day, she finds herself in unexpected trouble, only to be saved by the beautiful wizard Howl. As the Witch of the Waste learns of their connection, she curses Sophie out of jealousy, turning her into an old woman. Seeking to reclaim her youth and freedom, Sophie decides to climb aboard Howl’s moving mechanical castle, embarking on a life-changing journey full of eccentric companions and surprising events.
All Studio Ghibli movies, especially those directed by Hayao Miyazaki, are outstanding in their own right, employing supernatural or fantastical elements to tell profound yet entertaining stories that never fail to reach one’s inner child. While each anime fan is sure to have their own favorite title, Howl’s Moving Castle is easily one of the most recognizable, thanks to its memorable characters, amazing music, and wonderful magical world. As such, it is not only one of the best fantasy anime movies, but also one of the best anime movies of all time.
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