Netflix US has plenty of anime movies worth adding to your watchlist, but finding one that delivers a satisfying experience from beginning to end can be difficult. Fortunately, the platform has several outstanding films that deserve more attention, whether you’re in the mood for supernatural battles, emotional storytelling, sports drama, or beautifully animated adventures.
Some are connected to popular anime franchises, while others tell complete stories that newcomers can enjoy without any prior knowledge. From heartbreaking Studio Ghibli classics to unforgettable modern releases, these six anime movies offer some of the best viewing experiences currently available on Netflix US.
6Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Turns a Tragic Love Story Into a Battle
Yuta Okkotsu’s life takes a horrifying turn when his childhood friend, Rika Orimoto, dies in an accident and returns as a powerful Cursed Spirit. Unable to control her immense power, Yuta becomes a danger to everyone around him until Satoru Gojo brings him to Tokyo Jujutsu High. There, he meets Maki Zenin, Toge Inumaki, and Panda, who help him understand his abilities.
However, their lives take a dangerous turn when Suguru Geto launches an attack against the jujutsu world. With spectacular fight sequences and a surprisingly touching story, the movie is a fantastic addition to the franchise. It takes sixth place because its story is especially rewarding for existing fans.
5The First Slam Dunk Makes Every Moment on the Court Matter
You don’t have to be a basketball fan to enjoy The First Slam Dunk. The movie follows Ryota Miyagi, the point guard of Shohoku High’s basketball team, as he prepares for a crucial match against the reigning national champions, Sannoh Kogyo.
However, there’s considerably more to his story than what happens on the court. Through flashbacks, viewers learn about Ryota’s childhood, his relationship with his older brother, and the experiences that shaped his love for basketball. The match itself is incredibly exciting, with the animation making every possession feel important. It takes fifth place for balancing an engaging sports drama with an unexpectedly touching personal story.
4100 Meters Turns a Simple Sprint Into a Lifelong Rivalry Story
100 Meters follows Togashi, a naturally gifted sprinter who has spent his childhood winning every 100-meter race with little effort. Everything changes when he meets Komiya, a transfer student who is determined to become a better runner despite lacking natural talent. Togashi teaches him how to run, unknowingly creating a rival who will challenge him for years.
As the two grow older and meet again on the track, their shared obsession with winning begins to reveal different sides of their personalities. With striking animation and an engaging sports drama, 100 Meters takes fourth place for turning a simple race into a deeply personal story about ambition and rivalry.
3Violet Evergarden: The Movie Makes Every Quiet Moment Count
Violet Evergarden: The Movie brings the emotional journey of its titular character to a beautiful conclusion. After serving in the military, Violet finds purpose in her work as an Auto Memory Doll, writing letters that help people express feelings they struggle to put into words.
However, she still cannot move past the disappearance of Major Gilbert, the person whose final words continue to haunt her. When she receives information suggesting that he might still be alive, Violet finds herself facing feelings she has spent years trying to understand. The film’s gorgeous animation and heartfelt storytelling make every moment count. It takes third place for delivering one of anime’s most touching character journeys.
2The End of Evangelion Brings Its Apocalyptic Story to a Close
Few anime movies leave an impression quite like The End of Evangelion. Serving as an alternate conclusion to Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s television series, the film follows Shinji Ikari as NERV comes under attack from the Japanese military while SEELE attempts to carry out the Human Instrumentality Project.
With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Shinji and the remaining characters face some of their most devastating experiences. The movie is filled with spectacular imagery, disturbing sequences, and emotionally charged confrontations that make its conclusion difficult to forget. It takes second place for its extraordinary ambition and unforgettable storytelling, although watching the original series beforehand is essential.
1Grave of the Fireflies Delivers a Heartbreaking Story of Survival
Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most heartbreaking anime movies ever made. Set during the final months of World War II, the film follows teenage Seita and his younger sister Setsuko as they struggle to survive after an American air raid devastates Kobe and leaves them orphaned.
With their home destroyed and nowhere else to turn, the siblings initially seek shelter with their aunt before attempting to live independently. However, the hardships of wartime Japan make even their simplest needs increasingly difficult to meet. Their bond becomes the heart of this devastating story. It takes the top spot for its extraordinary emotional impact, unforgettable characters, and deeply moving portrayal of childhood during wartime.
What are your thoughts on our list? We’d love to know in the comments below.
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Edited by:Souhardya Choudhury
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