30 Best Anime Movies from the 2010s You Cannot Skip
The 2010s gave us a wave of anime movies that felt fresh and full of heart. Directors pushed their style, studios took bold swings, and fans got stories that stuck. From grounded coming of age tales to wild genre rides, there was something for every mood. These films are easy to love and even easier to recommend.
This list gathers standouts that continue to hit hard today. Some are quiet and reflective. Others are bright and kinetic. All of them bring strong craft and a clear point of view. If you missed a few the first time around, you have a great watchlist waiting.
‘The Secret World of Arrietty’ (2010)
This gentle adventure shrinks the world to the size of a leaf and makes it feel grand. You follow tiny Borrowers who live under the floorboards and learn how big small acts of courage can be.
The animation is bright and detailed, with sound design that makes every step feel alive. If you want a cozy story with real heart, ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’ delivers.
‘Colorful’ (2010)
A lost soul gets a second chance at life and learns what empathy really means. ‘Colorful’ handles heavy themes with a calm touch and gives space for quiet moments to land.
The art is soft and grounded, which keeps the story close to real life. It leaves you thinking about grace, regret, and the small choices that change everything.
‘From Up on Poppy Hill’ (2011)
Set in a seaside town, ‘From Up on Poppy Hill’ finds warmth in daily routines and first love. The school club house becomes a lively symbol of memory and hope.
Every frame feels like morning light through clean windows. It is a simple story told with care, and that simplicity is its charm.
‘Children Who Chase Lost Voices’ (2011)
‘Children Who Chase Lost Voices’ sends its young lead into a hidden land where myth and grief meet. The journey has grand scenery and a sweeping sense of discovery.
The film balances wonder with loss in a way that feels honest. It is an adventure that lingers because it knows the cost of moving on.
‘A Letter to Momo’ (2011)
After a family loss, a girl finds mischief and comfort from three quirky spirits. ‘A Letter to Momo’ blends gentle comedy with a touching look at healing.
The island setting is vivid and full of life. You end up loving the quiet beats as much as the playful ones.
‘Wolf Children’ (2012)
‘Wolf Children’ follows a mother raising two unique kids far from the city. It shows the mess and beauty of parenthood with patience and warmth.
The seasons pass and the family grows, both in age and in spirit. Few films capture the push and pull of letting go as well as this one.
‘The Wind Rises’ (2013)
A young engineer dreams of flight and learns what it costs to chase perfection. ‘The Wind Rises’ feels tender and complicated, with romance and ambition entwined.
The visuals float like the planes at its center. It asks big questions about art, work, and the world we build.
‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ (2013)
Painted like moving ink and wash, ‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ brings an old folktale to life. It moves with grace and quiet power.
The emotions soar without loud speeches. By the end, it feels like a memory you have always carried.
‘The Garden of Words’ (2013)
Rain falls, shoes are crafted, and two people find a gentle connection. ‘The Garden of Words’ treats small moments like treasures.
The city looks crisp and alive, with water that seems real enough to touch. It is short, focused, and deeply felt.
‘Patema Inverted’ (2013)
Two teens from opposing gravities meet and turn each other’s world around. ‘Patema Inverted’ plays with perspective in smart and thrilling ways.
The set pieces surprise you while the friendship holds the heart of the story. It is inventive but never cold.
‘When Marnie Was There’ (2014)
A lonely girl meets a mysterious friend by a quiet marsh. ‘When Marnie Was There’ keeps its secrets close and lets them unfold with care.
The mood is wistful and kind. It is a story about being seen and about finding where you belong.
‘Giovanni’s Island’ (2014)
After a war, two brothers face loss and change with stubborn hope. ‘Giovanni’s Island’ handles tough history through the eyes of children.
The artwork is gentle, which makes the pain feel even more human. It is heartbreaking yet full of grace.
‘The Last: Naruto the Movie’ (2014)
This entry gives longtime fans a heartfelt chapter that focuses on relationships and growth. ‘The Last Naruto the Movie’ balances action with tender character beats.
It rewards years of investment while standing strong on its own. The payoff is honest and satisfying.
‘The Boy and the Beast’ (2015)
A boy enters a hidden realm and trains under a rough mentor. ‘The Boy and the Beast’ blends coming of age energy with rowdy fun.
The fights crackle and the emotions land. It is a crowd pleaser with a real core.
‘The Anthem of the Heart’ (2015)
After a hurtful moment, a girl stops speaking and finds healing through music. ‘The Anthem of the Heart’ treats teen feelings with respect.
The performances feel bright and sincere. It is a sweet story about finding your voice again.
‘Your Name.’ (2016)
Bodies swap, lives intersect, and fate gets a second chance. ‘Your Name’ moves fast, but every beat feels clear and heartfelt.
The vistas glow and the humor sparkles. By the end it feels like you have taken a beautiful trip.
‘A Silent Voice: The Movie’ (2016)
A former bully tries to make things right with a girl he once hurt. ‘A Silent Voice’ looks directly at guilt and forgiveness.
The storytelling is patient and full of empathy. It invites you to listen and to grow.
‘In This Corner of the World’ (2016)
A young woman builds a life in a city under the shadow of war. ‘In This Corner of the World’ finds beauty in daily effort and small joys.
The style is soft and observant. It leaves a lasting sense of courage and care.
‘Lu over the Wall’ (2017)
A boy meets a playful sea spirit, and music shakes up a sleepy town. ‘Lu over the Wall’ bounces with energy and bright color.
The rhythm never drags and the set pieces sing. It is pure fun with a big heart.
‘Night Is Short, Walk On Girl’ (2017)
One long night turns into a wild chain of chance meetings and bold choices. ‘Night Is Short, Walk On Girl’ is freewheeling and full of wit.
The style twists and stretches in joyful ways. It feels like a celebration of curiosity.
‘Mary and The Witch’s Flower’ (2017)
A girl stumbles into a world of magic and learns how to stand on her own. ‘Mary and The Witch’s Flower’ gives classic fantasy a fresh spark.
The world feels lush and inviting. It is a comfort watch with spirit.
‘Fireworks’ (2017)
A summer day loops as two teens test what might have been. ‘Fireworks’ plays with time and young longing.
The mood is hazy and sweet. It is a quiet riff on choices and chance.
‘Flavors of Youth’ (2018)
Told in three parts, ‘Flavors of Youth’ explores memory through food, love, and family. Each segment has its own rhythm while sharing a gentle tone.
The details are crisp and tactile. It is a warm, reflective watch.
‘Mirai’ (2018)
A small boy meets future and past family members and learns to see beyond himself. ‘Mirai’ is playful and wise at the same time.
The scenes flow like real family life. It leaves you smiling and a little braver.
‘Liz and the Blue Bird’ (2018)
Two bandmates face a quiet turning point in their friendship. ‘Liz and the Blue Bird’ uses music and silence with equal skill.
The framing is delicate and precise. It is intimate and deeply moving.
‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’ (2018)
A shy boy befriends a lively classmate and learns to live with more heart. ‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’ balances humor with honest emotion.
The tone stays gentle even when the stakes rise. It is tender and sincere.
‘Penguin Highway’ (2018)
Strange penguins appear in a suburban town, and a curious kid tries to solve the puzzle. ‘Penguin Highway’ blends science play with wonder.
The mystery is fun and the characters feel distinct. It is clever without losing its warmth.
‘Okko’s Inn’ (2018)
After a loss, a girl runs an inn with help from friendly spirits. ‘Okko’s Inn’ welcomes you with kindness and calm.
It treats grief with a light but respectful touch. You finish feeling comforted.
‘Promare’ (2019)
Firefighters with flair face a blazing threat in a world that pops with color. ‘Promare’ is loud in the best way and full of style.
The action never lets up and every frame is bold. It is pure spectacle with a grin.
‘Weathering with You’ (2019)
A runaway meets a girl who can bring out the sun and finds a fragile kind of hope. ‘Weathering with You’ mixes romance with a touch of the extraordinary.
The city feels alive and the skies look stunning. It is a heartfelt story about choice and love.
Share the picks you love from the decade and tell us which favorites you would add in the comments.