Anime has been around for ages, with the medium only getting more popular with shows likeDandadanandJujutsu Kaisen. However, one of its best aspects is its animation and the spectacle that comes with it. Anime is unmatched when it comes to visually stunning animation, delivering beautiful, colorful, and imaginative worlds and stories. However, while series are more popular, anime movies are just as good but get more budget per minute.
This cost ratio significantly produces some of the most wonderful films one can see, proving that anime films are the peak of animation. But with so many astonishing works, it is hard to pick just one, which is why this list will rank the ten most visually stunning anime movies based on theiranimation, style, use of color, art style, imagery, aesthetic, and other striking techniques. These ten prove to go above and beyond simple good animation to deliver groundbreaking works.
10’The End of Evangelion' (1997)
Directed by Hideaki Anno and Kazuya Tsurumaki
Neon Genesis Evangelionis one of the most influential anime of all time, inspiring other series and shaping the sci-fi genre.The End of Evangelionis the finale movie, concluding the events of the series after fans weren’t satisfied with the anime ending. With his father’s schemes out of control, Shinji is the only one who can save the world but grapples with his own insecurities and trauma.
Both finales of this series are polarizing, butThe End of Evangelionis a great endingthat gives fans much more closure. What makes the film even better is its distinct style and 1990s sci-fi aesthetic, combing to create a visually gorgeous world with bright colors.The hand-drawn animation makes this movie a beautiful masterpiece that complements the story, creating an influential part of anime history.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
9’Demon Slayer: Mugen Train' (2020)
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki
Demon Slayermight be a relatively new series, but it is quickly becoming one of the most popular anime of all time. LikeThe End of Evangelion,Demon Slayer: Mugen Trainis a canonical follow-up movie, albeit not a finale, even thoughDemon Slayerwill conclude its final arc through a trilogy of films starting in 2025. Tanjiro and friends team up with a Hashira to investigate a string of murders connected to a train.
Demon Slayeris an important anime, but the movie is equally influential, starting the trend of canonical movie sequels. However, the best part of this movie is its dazzling animation. Overall,the animation ofMugen Trainis unmatched; from striking scenery to fluid animation during fights, this movie has it all for a modern battle shōnen. It could improve its style and colors, but the film is a masterclass of excellent animation.
Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
8’Violet Evergarden: The Movie' (2020)
Directed by Taichi Ichidate
This list seems to be following a trend, withViolet Evergarden: The Movieserving as a canonical sequel and finale to theViolet Evergardenanime series. Following the titular character learning emotion in a fictional post-war setting by writing letters, the movie sees her understanding the concept more. However, she searches for the one man who ever showed her love, wondering if he is still alive years later.
The film has a beautiful story and a bittersweet ending, establishing itself as one of the most emotional and greatest anime. The animation perfectly matches the plot and tone,delivering a gorgeous visual style with perfect attention to detail. Every frame is magnificent and stunning, with Kyoto Animation delivering one of thebest must-watch animeand an even better sequel.
Violet Evergarden
7’Akira' (1988)
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
Every positive anime movie list will always featureAkira, so it was only a matter of time until this iconic film made it onto this list. In the near future, Neo-Tokyo is overrun by gangs and corrupt politicians, prompting Kaneda to look for his friend Tatuso. After fighting politicians, gangs, and the military, Kaneda learns of the horrific experiments done on Tatsuo, resulting in a crushing finale and an epic battle.
Some fans may be surprised that it is so low, but this list ranks it based on visual appeal, not overall quality.Akirais an essential film for many reasons, being a 10/10 in almost every aspect. Its animation, scenery, imagery, and aesthetic all prop up the film, making it a visual spectacle on par with its revolutionary story.Akirais an essential hand-drawn filmwith incredible details, animation, and visual style.
6’Ghost in the Shell' (1995)
Directed by Mamoru Oshii
Ghost in the Shellis an important anime movie that inspired countless other films, the cyberpunk genre, and itsown essential anime series. When a criminal begins stripping memories of civilians in this cyberpunk world, it is up to Mokoto and her team to investigate the cause and catch the perpetrator. However, she encounters more than expected, uprooting a massive conspiracy involving her past.
Ghost in the Shellmay not be a dazzling anime with modern animation and bright colors, but it isa subtle masterpiece with fluid animation, attention to detail, and a distinct style. Its cyberpunk theme provides outstanding scenery and imagery, creating a well-thought-out and visually impressive world. It defined the cyberpunk genre with its aesthetic, establishing itself as one of the most visually stunning anime films.
Ghost in the Shell
5’Howl’s Moving Castle' (2004)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
It was only a matter of time before a Studio Ghibli film made this list, and what better movie thanHowl’s Moving Castle? Sophie is a hard-working girl who doesn’t dream of anything extravagant, but when the famous wizard, Howl, rescues her, a jealous witch puts a curse on her. Sophie and Howl trek through the kingdom in the moving castle in order to reverse the curse and bring her back to normal.
From its gorgeous background and mystical setting,Howl’s Moving Castleperfected its aesthetic, imagery, style, and scenery, making every frame look like it’s from a painting. This movie has one of themost visually stunning anime worlds, sucking viewers in with its whimsical setting and charming characters. The animation, attention to detail, and style set it apart from every other anime film.
Howl’s Moving Castle
4’Promare' (2019)
Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi
Studio Trigger is a famous animation company known for creating some of the most imaginative anime series, such asKill la KillandDungeon Meshi. Years in the future, burning mutants destroyed most of the world, but a group slowly rebuilt civilization to fight against these creatures. Galo sets off on a journey to fight a new terrorist group and learn the truth behind mutants, forcing him to question everything he once knew.
If fans want visual style and brilliant use of colors, thenPromareis the movie to watch. With some of thebest animation in anime, this is a vibrant movie with a gorgeous color palette and striking visual flair, creating one of the most appealing anime movies. The animation is top-notch, with over-the-top fight scenes and spectacles left, right, and center.Promareis a visual feast with in-your-face animation, delivering a relentless slew of aesthetics and styles.
3’Spirited Away' (2001)
LikeAkira,Spirited Awayis always going to feature on most anime movie lists because of its importance and quality.Spirited Awayis an essential animated film, highlighting hand-drawn work and winning an Oscar because of it. The film follows a girl moving into her new home who discovers an alternate world with a spa for spirits. She must traverse the spa resort and find a cure to save her parents.
While almost all Ghibli movies would be valid on this list,Howl’s Moving CastleandSpirited Awayare easily the most visually stunning. But this film takes the cake and a whole lot more, providinga visual feast to match the smorgasbord that is in this film. Besides the usual fluid animation, hand-drawn details, whimsical style, and fantastical aesthetic,Spirited Awayalso provides one of the most immersive anime experiences with its stunning visuals.
Spirited Away
2’Paprika' (2006)
Directed by Satoshi Kon
Satoshi Konwas the most influential anime film director, creating some of the most important anime movies in history. While many people considerPerfect Blueas his magnum opus,Paprikais just as good but more visually stunning. The anime follows a doctor who uses a device to enter people’s dreams and help sort out their issues, but she and her alter ego conflict, blending reality and fantasy until the two are indistinguishable.
Fans can seePaprika’s influence throughout many popular films, as Kon had a common theme of blending fantasy and reality. This film does so perfectly,matching its visual style and aesthetic with the story and themes, creating a coherent yet trippy phenomenon. From vibrant colors to imaginative imagery and a unique style,Parikais an important anime moviethat innovates through story and visual style.
1’Redline' (2009)
Directed by Takeshi Koike
Most of these anime films are mainstream masterpieces, butRedlineis the least-known movie on this list. Despite its lackluster story,Redlinedemands fans' attention and delivers one of the mostextraordinary anime film experiences. Redline is the universe’s most anticipated event. JP is eager to win the race despite the evil host planet’s plans to add even more chaos to the already hectic and dangerous event.
Redlineis a purely stylish film, from its art style, aesthetic, story, and themes. While the story is all over the place, confusing, and overall average,the film is meant to be a feast for the eyes that fans can’t help but indulge in.Redlineis the most visually stunning and essential anime films with its dynamic angles, fluid animation, contrast, bright colors, striking art style, visual aesthetic, imaginative world, and immersive scenery.
