The Best New Anime Movies Of The Last Few Years

The landscape of animated feature films has expanded significantly with a surge of high-quality releases from Japan. Fans have enjoyed a diverse selection of genres ranging from sports dramas and fantasy epics to intimate slice-of-life stories. Renowned directors have returned with masterpieces while beloved franchises have continued to break box office records globally. This collection highlights the most notable cinematic achievements in the medium from recent times.

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

Mahito Maki moves to the countryside following the tragic death of his mother during the war. He discovers an abandoned tower and encounters a talking grey heron that claims his mother is still alive. The boy enters a fantastical world shared by the living and the dead to uncover the truth about his family. Hayao Miyazaki directs this hand-drawn fantasy that explores profound themes of grief and legacy.

‘Suzume’ (2022)

A high school girl named Suzume Iwato discovers a mysterious door standing alone in ruins. She opens it and inadvertently causes disasters to occur across Japan through similar portals. Suzume joins forces with a young man transformed into a chair to close the doors and prevent further cataclysms. Director Makoto Shinkai delivers a road movie that blends supernatural adventure with the memories of real-world locations.

‘The First Slam Dunk’ (2022)

Ryota Miyagi plays as the point guard for the Shohoku High School basketball team and faces the champions from Sannoh High. The film explores his painful past and the loss of his older brother which fuels his passion for the sport. Detailed match sequences showcase the intensity and strategy of high-level basketball. Takehiko Inoue directs this adaptation of his own manga with a distinct blend of 3D and 2D animation styles.

‘Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time’ (2021)

Shinji Ikari wanders through a desolate red earth with Asuka and Rei after the near-apocalyptic events of the previous film. The group finds refuge in a settlement of survivors while WILLE prepares for a final confrontation with NERV. Shinji must confront his father Gendo to determine the ultimate fate of humanity and the Evangelions. This movie serves as the definitive conclusion to the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ (2021)

Yuta Okkotsu is haunted by the cursed spirit of his childhood friend Rika who died in a tragic accident. He enrolls in Tokyo Jujutsu High under the guidance of Satoru Gojo to learn how to control his massive cursed energy. Yuta faces a threat from Suguru Geto who wishes to eliminate all non-sorcerers. The prequel film establishes key characters and lore for the popular series.

‘Blue Giant’ (2023)

Dai Miyamoto moves to Tokyo with the singular goal of becoming the best jazz saxophone player in the world. He forms a trio called JASS with a talented pianist and a novice drummer to conquer the local jazz scene. The group faces the harsh realities of the music industry as they strive to perform at a prestigious club. The film uses dynamic animation to visualize the intensity and passion of live jazz performances.

‘Look Back’ (2024)

Fujino is a fourth-grader who publishes a comic strip in the school newspaper and garners praise from her peers. She discovers a rival in a truant student named Kyomoto who displays exceptional artistic skill. The two girls form a partnership to create manga that spans their adolescence and early adulthood. This adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga examines the dedication and sacrifices required for artistic expression.

‘Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle’ (2024)

Karasuno High School finally faces their longtime rivals Nekoma High in a highly anticipated match at the Spring Nationals. The game is a battle of contrasting styles with Karasuno’s aggressive offense meeting Nekoma’s ultimate defense. Kenma Kozume and Shoyo Hinata test their friendship and skills in a match that allows no do-overs. The film concludes one of the most significant arcs in the sports series.

‘Spy x Family Code: White’ (2023)

Loid Forger takes his pretend family on a weekend winter vacation to secure a cooking recipe for his daughter Anya. The trip goes awry when Anya accidentally swallows a microchip containing dangerous state secrets. The family must navigate military threats and comedic misunderstandings to save the world while maintaining their cover. This original story captures the charm and action of the hit television series.

‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’ (2022)

The Red Ribbon Army returns with new ultimate androids named Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. Piccolo and Gohan must step up to defend Earth while Goku and Vegeta are away training on another planet. The conflict leads to the awakening of new transformations and the return of a massive threat. The movie utilizes a cel-shaded CGI style to bring the intense martial arts battles to life.

‘Inu-Oh’ (2021)

A cursed dancer named Inu-Oh forms a partnership with a blind biwa priest named Tomona in 14th-century Japan. They perform electric rock-musical numbers that captivate the masses and challenge the traditional establishment. Their fame grows rapidly as they seek to break the curse through their innovative performances. Masaaki Yuasa directs this psychedelic rock opera that reimagines historical figures.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom’ (2024)

Kira Yamato and his allies continue to fight for peace in a world torn by conflict between Naturals and Coordinators. A new organization called Compass is established to intervene in battles and monitor the fragile ceasefire. The team faces a conspiracy from the Foundation that threatens to plunge the world back into chaos. This film serves as a sequel to the popular early 2000s mecha series.

‘Sand Land’ (2023)

Sheriff Rao recruits the demon prince Beelzebub and his friend Thief to find a legendary spring in a desert wasteland. The trio travels across the scorching sands in a tank while fighting the Royal Army. They uncover the truth about the water shortage and the corrupt king controlling the supply. Akira Toriyama wrote the original manga that blends vehicular combat with humor.

‘Maboroshi’ (2023)

An explosion at a steel factory freezes a town in time and prevents the residents from aging or changing. Masamune creates a bond with a mysterious feral girl who holds the key to the town’s condition. The teenagers struggle with their repressed emotions and the stagnation of their existence. Mari Okada writes and directs this romantic fantasy about the desire to grow up.

‘The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes’ (2022)

Kaoru Tono discovers a rumored tunnel that grants wishes but ages the user significantly in exchange. He teams up with a transfer student named Anzu Hanashiro to investigate the tunnel and reclaim what they have lost. The two develop a close bond as they conduct experiments during the summer break. The film is a melancholic sci-fi romance centered on time and regret.

‘Lonely Castle in the Mirror’ (2022)

Seven junior high students who refuse to go to school are transported through their mirrors to a castle on an island. A girl wearing a wolf mask tells them they can find a key that will grant one wish. They spend a year interacting in the castle and uncovering the connections between their lives. The story deals with themes of bullying and social anxiety with a fantasy twist.

‘Goodbye, Don Glees!’ (2022)

Three outcast teenagers named Roma and Toto and Drop form a club called Don Glees. They are accused of causing a forest fire and embark on a journey into the mountains to prove their innocence. The expedition tests their friendship and forces them to confront their fears about the future. Atsuko Ishizuka directs this original coming-of-age adventure set in the Japanese countryside.

‘Pompo the Cinephile’ (2021)

Gene Fini is a production assistant who works for the famous B-movie producer Joelle Davidovich Pomponette. She unexpectedly picks him to direct her next script which turns out to be a serious drama. Gene must navigate the chaos of film production and make difficult artistic choices to complete his masterpiece. The movie is a vibrant love letter to the art of filmmaking and editing.

‘Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko’ (2021)

Nikuko is a boisterous and food-loving single mother who moves frequently with her reserved daughter Kikuko. They settle in a sleepy fishing port where Kikuko navigates the social pressures of middle school. The film depicts the complex but loving relationship between the contrasting mother and daughter. Studio 4°C animates this slice-of-life drama with lush backgrounds and expressive character acting.

‘Sing a Bit of Harmony’ (2021)

A beautiful transfer student named Shion Ashimori arrives at Keibu High School and immediately starts singing to Satomi Amano. Satomi discovers that Shion is an AI in the testing phase who is determined to make her happy. The classmates try to keep Shion’s identity a secret while her innocent antics bring them closer together. This musical school drama combines sci-fi elements with teenage romance.

‘Drifting Home’ (2022)

Kosuke and Natsume play in an apartment complex that is scheduled for demolition. The building is suddenly transported to the middle of a vast ocean with the children trapped inside. They must scavenge for resources and work together to survive while the complex drifts through mysterious waters. Studio Colorido animates this survival adventure that explores childhood memories.

‘The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie’ (2022)

Futaro Uesugi serves as a tutor for the Nakano quintuplets and helps them improve their grades. The sisters compete for his affection during their school festival as graduation approaches. Futaro must finally make his choice and reveal which of the five sisters he will marry. The film concludes the romantic comedy series with emotional resolve for each character.

‘Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends’ (2022)

Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane struggle to define their relationship after their first kiss. The student council members navigate the confusion of Christmas while hiding their true feelings. The story delves into their insecurities and the masks they wear to protect their hearts. This theatrical release adapts a pivotal arc from the manga.

‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Movie – Scarlet Bond’ (2022)

Rimuru Tempest gets involved in a conspiracy surrounding the Queen of the nation of Raja. He encounters a surviving Ogre named Hiiro who has a connection to Benimaru. The group works to remove a curse poisoning the land and its ruler. The movie expands the world of the isekai series with new characters and political intrigue.

‘Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King’ (2023)

Asta and the Magic Knights face the return of Conrad Leto who was the previous Wizard King. Conrad revives three other past Wizard Kings to destroy the Clover Kingdom and rebuild it according to his vision. Asta must overcome his lack of magic to stop the overwhelming power of the legendary leaders. The movie features high-octane battles and showcases the history of the kingdom’s leadership.

‘Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween’ (2022)

Detectives Sato and Takagi dress up for a wedding exercise that gets interrupted by an assailant. Conan investigates a connection between a past bombing case and a mysterious escaped criminal. The investigation leads to a climax in Shibuya involving a dangerous liquid explosive. This entry in the long-running franchise highlights the police academy characters.

‘Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine’ (2023)

Engineers construct a facility called the Pacific Buoy to connect security cameras worldwide. The Black Organization targets the facility to steal a new face recognition technology. Conan must protect Haibara when Gin and the other agents close in on her location. The film broke box office records for the franchise with its tense underwater setting.

‘Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram’ (2024)

Kaito Kid sends a notice that he intends to steal a Japanese sword from a repository in Hakodate. Conan and Heiji Hattori travel to Hokkaido to stop the thief and uncover a murder mystery. The plot involves hidden treasure from the Edo period and a deadly arms dealer. The movie focuses heavily on sword fighting and the rivalry between the detectives and the thief.

‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ (2021)

A cult known as Humarise plants bombs across the globe that cause quirks to go out of control. Deku and Bakugo and Todoroki work with pro heroes in different countries to locate the explosives. Deku is framed for a crime and goes on the run with a local boy named Rody Soul. The film takes the heroes outside of Japan for an international operation.

‘My Hero Academia: You’re Next’ (2024)

A mysterious fortress appears and consumes a city while a villain resembling All Might declares himself the new symbol. Deku and his classmates must confront this imposter and his organization known as the Gollini Family. The students face overwhelming odds as they protect civilians from the chaotic new threat. This film explores the legacy of All Might and the burden placed on the next generation.

‘Gridman Universe’ (2023)

Yuta Hibiki tries to confess his feelings to Rikka while a new kaiju threat emerges. Gridman returns to the digital world but the universe begins to collapse and merge with other realities. Characters from Dynazenon join the fight to save their world from total destruction. Trigger delivers a nostalgic and action-packed crossover that celebrates the tokusatsu genre.

‘Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid’ (2023)

Sakuta Azusagawa prepares for his girlfriend Mai’s graduation but suddenly finds himself invisible to everyone. He encounters a child version of Mai on the beach which triggers a new Puberty Syndrome. The story forces Sakuta to confront his feelings about family and his own past. This drama concludes the high school arc of the light novel series.

‘City Hunter the Movie: Angel Dust’ (2023)

Ryo Saeba takes on a job to protect a video creator who is being targeted by mysterious assassins. The case connects to Ryo’s dark past and the drug known as Angel Dust that turned his partner into a weapon. He must fight his former adoptive father in a battle that tests his skills and resolve. The film updates the classic 80s action series for a modern setting.

‘Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window’ (2023)

Totto-chan is expelled from her elementary school for being too energetic and disruptive. She transfers to a unique school where classes are held in old train cars and children are encouraged to be themselves. The film depicts her growth under the guidance of a headmaster who understands her potential. This adaptation of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s memoir is a heartwarming look at education and acceptance.

‘The Concierge’ (2023)

Akino starts her new job as a concierge at the Hokkyoku Department Store where all the customers are animals. She struggles to fulfill the difficult requests of the extinct species that visit the store. Akino learns the value of service and empathy through her interactions with the unique clientele. Production I.G animates this colorful and whimsical workplace fantasy.

‘The Colors Within’ (2024)

Totsuko is a high school student who can see the colors of people’s emotions. She forms a band with a girl who radiates a beautiful color and a boy who loves music. The three youths navigate their anxieties and express themselves through their songs. Naoko Yamada directs this visually soft and expressive film about connection and creativity.

‘Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction’ (2024)

A massive alien mothership hovers over Tokyo for three years without launching a major attack. Kadode and Ontan try to live normal high school lives despite the constant military presence and existential threat. The story blends slice-of-life comedy with sci-fi commentary on society’s reaction to crises. This two-part film adapts Inio Asano’s critically acclaimed manga.

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