Top 50 Most Popular Sci-fi Anime Movies Of All Time
Anime is the most popular form of animation with young crowds. The variety of stories, the quality of animation, and the sheer reach of anime series and movies are astounding.
In fact, the popularity of anime is such that popular Hollywood movies have also been adapted into anime-influenced animation series, including The Matrix, Resident Evil, etc.
In the ‘Most Popular’ list’ today, we will share the most popular anime movies from the sci-fi genre.
This list includes movies only and includes anime series that have made movies based on their characters. This is simply so that we can narrow down the scope of selection.
From the vast ocean of sci-fi anime movies, we bring a few shining gems of anime that have withstood time and are popular even today.
You can watch these movies on Netflix and refresh your memories or simply pick a story you like to watch afresh.
1. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2012)
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is the final film of the Rebuild of Evangelion series, which is a part of the famous Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise.
The film, which was the highest-grossing film of the franchise, was written, produced, and co-directed by Hideaki Anno.
After the destruction caused by the fourth Impact has mostly been stopped, protagonists Asuka Shikinami Langley, Shinji Ikari, and Rei Ayanami travel to the survivor settlement Village 3 to recuperate.
As Nerv forces prepare to bring about a new Impact, Shinji decides to help avert it by piloting an Evangelion.
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2. Gantz-O (2016)
Gantz-O is a film based on Hiroya Oku’s manga series Gantz. It was directed by Yasushi Kawamura and written by Tsutomu Kuroiwa.
The film debuted in English at the Tokyo International Film Festival and even won the Excellence Animated Film Award at VFX-JAPAN Awards.
In the film, people who have died recently are revived and given high-tech weapons to fight an army of monsters in Tokyo and Osaka.
Protagonist Masaru Kato, who is killed in a subway knife attack, reawakens in a room with others, including Reika, Yoshikazu Suzuki, and Joichiro Nishi.
They are then sent on their next mission by an orb known as ‘Gantz.’ Kato learns that each team is given two hours to kill every monster in the city.
Failure leads to the death of the team members, and points are awarded for killing each monster. The story proceeds with Kato and the team meeting new people and working together to fight monsters.
3. Akira (1988)
Akira is a cyberpunk action film and is the best-known work of director Katsuhiro Otomo. The movie was written by Otomo and Izo Hashimoto and is based on Otomo’s manga series of the same name.
The film was the most expensive anime film of its time. Akira is considered one of the greatest films ever made in its genre and has had a significant influence on popular culture both in Japan and worldwide.
The film tells the story of a dystopian future where Neo-Tokyo is built on artificial islands after Tokyo is destroyed.
Amid rampant corruption and anti-government protests, the protagonist Shotaro Kaneda’s best friend, Tetsuo Shima, meets with a motorcycle accident and is taken away by the government.
He is found to possess the same powerful telekinetic abilities as Akira, who was responsible for the event that destroyed Tokyo.
The Colonel of the Self-Defense Forces directs his forces to kill Tetsuo in order to prevent the chance of another such event from taking place.
The film then explores Tetsuo’s search for Akira, his rampage through Neo-Tokyo, and Kaneda’s efforts to stop him.
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4. Castle In The Sky (1986)
Castle in the Sky or Laputa: Castle in the Sky is known as one of the greatest Japanese animated films ever made.
It was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and was the first film produced by the iconic Studio Ghibli.
The movie gained positive reviews and won the Animage Anime Grand Prix in 1986. An airship is attacked by pirates, who are looking for a blue crystal pendant in the possession of Sheeta, a kidnapped orphan girl.
She is rescued by an orphan boy, Pazu, who takes her to his home. He shows her a picture of Laputa, a legendary floating city.
Sheeta reveals that she is a descendant of the Laputan royal family. The remaining movie revolves around Sheeta discovering the powers and significance of the pendant and her and Pazu’s efforts to keep evil government agent Muska from getting ahold of the pendant.
5. Wonderful Days (2003)
Wonderful Days, or Sky Blue is a South Korean sci-fi film written and directed by Kim Moon-Saeng. The film uses photo-realistic CGI-rendered backdrops, which were shot with traditional motion control techniques but later processed to appear graphic.
Wonderful Days was screened at various film festivals, including Venice Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and Sundance Film Festival.
The story takes place in 2142 when human civilization is in bad shape due to environmental destruction and pollution.
A process called carbonite extraction is required to create a reaction and generate energy for survival. This extraction is the job of the people who live in a wasteland outside the technologically advanced city of Ecoban.
The film showcases the story of the main protagonists, Shua, Jay, and Cade, as they deal with pollution, environmental catastrophe, and class conflict.
6. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is a sci-fi film based on the ever-popular anime series Cowboy Bebop. It is known as Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven’s Door in Japan.
It was directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, who also directed the original series. Writer Keiko Nobumoto and the voice actors were among the other staff of the original series, who also worked on the film.
The movie, set around episodes 22 and 23 of the series, takes place on Mars in 2071. After Earth is left barren after a disaster, humans settled elsewhere in the solar system.
Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Ed, and Ein have legalized bounty hunters who travel on the spaceship Bebop.
After an unknown person releases a new pathogen on Mars, the government puts out a bounty for the capture of the culprit.
The rest of the movie follows the bounty hunters’ individual efforts to catch the culprit and how they work together to stop the spread of the pathogen.
7. Paprika (2006)
Paprika is a sci-fi psychological thriller based on a 1993 novel of the same name. It was directed by Satoshi Kon and was his final feature film before his death.
The animation of the film was directed by Masashi Ando, known for films such as Kimi No Na Wa and Spirited Away.
The film was screened at several film festivals, won many awards, and was also an influence on Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film Inception.
The plot revolves around the device ‘DC Mini’ which allows the user to view other people’s dreams. When this device is stolen and starts being misused to cause nightmares for people, research psychologist Dr. Atsuko Chiba uses her dream world alter-ego ‘Paprika’ to investigate and find the culprit.
As dreams and reality begin to merge, Paprika must fight the culprit and stop him from gaining unlimited power over the world.
8. The Empire of Corpses (2015)
The Empire of Corpses is a science fiction fantasy story written by Project Itoh. This fantasy story combines the elements of English horror story characters with historical figures to create an entertaining new story.
In this alternate world, Victor Frankenstein created his monster and gave him a soul. However, instead of demonizing him, this monster was converted into a workforce.
Corpse reanimation is a restricted technology, and as expected, many eager scientists and doctors attempt to illegally create one.
9. King of Thorn (2009)
King of Thorn is a science fiction manga series written by Yuji Iwahara. It was adapted into the anime Kazuyoshi Katayama and produced by Studio Sunrise.
The film is a science fiction horror story about a widespread epidemic that threatens humanity. As a mysterious new ailment afflicts humanity, scientists are unable to find a cure.
They decide to cryogenically freeze people till a cure is discovered. Once the subjects wake up, they find a very different and scary new world.
It is different from the one they left behind and now, they have to figure out what happened. The manga series was listed among the 10 best science fiction series ever.
The anime version was also praised for producing entertaining and good horror and science fiction twists from time to time.
10. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a film based on a story of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui.
It was adapted into the anime science fiction romance film by Mamoru Hosoda. The film was met with critical praise, including the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
The film story is about a young girl, Mokoto Konno, who inherits the ability to time travel from her aunt, Kazuko Yoshiyama.
She begins to use it randomly and irresponsibly to rectify small mistakes in her everyday life. The twist is that Mokoto Konno only has a limited number of time leaps, and she has to use her remaining opportunities wisely.
11. Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG – Individual Eleven (2006)
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is based on an anime series with the same name and produced by Production IG.
It was a manga series written by Masamune Shirow and adapted into a film by Kenji Kamiyama. The film was very successful critically and commercially.
In this film, there is a new criminal organization called Individual Eleven. It is up to the elite Public Security Section 9 team to investigate and apprehend the criminals.
Major Kusanagi, Batou, Ishikawa, Togusa, and the teamwork to piece together and follow in their footsteps. This video was the most critically acclaimed instalment of the series.
12. Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
Dragon Ball Super: Broly is based on the Dragon Ball series and is written by Akira Toriyama. This film is the third film where the creator of the series, Toriyama is directly involved.
It is a reboot of Dragon Ball Z: Broly – Legend of the Super Saiyan. The film follows the timeline of the Dragon Ball universe, where Goku and Prince Vegeta are not the only super Saiyans.
A new super Saiyan is born, and his name is Broly. When these three meet, it has been destined to create a huge confrontation and battle for supremacy.
The film was received well in Japan, with an approval rating of 92.7%. Worldwide audiences also liked the film giving it an average rating of 6.9.
13. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)
Neon Genesis Evangelion was an anime TV series that was written by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax and Production IG.
The series was very popular, and the film End of Evangelion acted as an ending and epilogue to the series as well.
In this film, we follow three colleagues, Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Soryu. They all work at the Human Instrumentality Project and Shinji is the pilot of the mecha, Evangelion.
These mechas are stuck in a battle with an unknown entity called Angels. What happens with these mechas and the pilots, who are the real winners and losers, and who are angels, becomes the plot of the film.
It was a very successful money-spinning franchise.
14. Metropolis (2001)
Metropolis is a science fiction anime based on a manga series of the same name by Osamu Tezuka. The film was written by Katsuhiro Otomo, famous for Akira, and directed by Rintaro.
The film is set in a dystopian world where class oppression and greed are prevalent. Humanity has been co-existing with robots for many years, but robots are looked down upon.
Most people are jobless as robots have taken over most work, and corrupt organizations are employing various means to keep humanity poor and purposeless while they can rule.
A private investigator and his nephew, who is chasing after a mad scientist. This mad scientist is involved in human trafficking, and his arrest warrant is pending.
However, now the investigators uncover a more sinister plot to wipe out humanity.
15. Steamboy (2004)
Steamboy is a science fiction anime film made by Sunrise Studios and written by Katsuhiro Otome. This was the second anime film written by Otome after Akira, and the film had a very high budget with 180,000 drawings and 440 CGI cuts.
The film follows the work of Lloyd Steam and his son, Edward, in locating a source of pure mineral water that gives unlimited energy to steam engines.
In their research, they face hurdles and sabotage to their work and overcome them step by step.
16. Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul (2020)
Made in Abyss is a manga series that was adapted into an anime series and film. The story was written by Akihito Tsukushi and serialized into ten tankoubon volumes.
The film was also adapted into a live-action film in 2022. In the film Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul, we find Riko and Reg have descended to the 5th layer of the Abyss.
Along the way, they befriend Nanachi and have to fight their way through the 6th level of the abyss.
17. Stand by Me Doraemon (2014)
Stand By Me Doraemon is based on the manga series Doraemon and the anime series Doraemon: Gadget Cat From The Future.
The film was very successful and became one of the highest-grossing anime films in Japan and across the world.
Doraemon is a robotic cat from the future that is sent back in time to help Nobita Nobi succeed in gaining the affection of Shizuka Minamoto.
Doraemon helps Nobita fight off his bullies, Gian and Suneo, and he also helps Nobita woo Shizuka.
18. Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015)
Psycho-Pass is an anime series that is an anime science fiction crime thriller. It is set in a dystopian world where Akane Tsunemori of the Public Safety Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigation is on the lookout for foreign terrorists.
When Tsunemori finds an image of Shinya Kogami, she sets out to apprehend him in the SEAUn region. She uncovers a new plan by Sibyl Systems to take control of the latent criminal monitoring system.
Together, Kogami and Tsunemori take down the conspiracy.
19. Steins;Gate: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu (2013)
Steins;Gate is a Japanese anime series that tells us about a mad scientist Rintaro Okabe and his team. The anime series was, in turn, developed based on a video game with the same name.
The film Steins;Gate: The Movie- Load Region of Déjà Vu is about the same world and begins where the series ended.
In the film, Rintaro Okabe travels back and saves Kirusu Makise and Mayuri Shiina. He returns to his world line at Steins;Gate and starts to experience visions from alternate world lines.
Later, they realize the side effects of time travel and struggle to undo the damage.
20. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is based on the manga series Kerberos Saga: Kerberos Panzer Cops. The film was adapted from this story, and it is an alternate reality science-fiction tale of a political thriller.
The story was written by Mamoru Oshii. In the tale, Nazi Germany won, and they took over Japan after the atomic bombing.
There continue to be isolated terrorist attacks and to contain them, the Nazis have appointed the elite Kerberos Panzer Cops, who are a metropolitan counter-terrorism unit with Kazuki Fuse at its helm.
21. Macross Plus (1995)
Macross Plus (1995) is an anime movie set in a futuristic world where humanity has colonized other planets. It follows a storyline similar to the anime series of the same name.
The story revolves around a rivalry between two former friends and talented pilots, Isamu Alva Dyson and Guld Goa Bowman, who are selected to test competing advanced fighter aircraft prototypes.
Their personal conflicts are further complicated by the reappearance of their mutual love interest, Sharon Apple, a virtual idol with a dark secret.
As the pilots confront their troubled past and face off in intense aerial battles, the movie explores themes of friendship, love, redemption, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
22. Redline (2009)
Reminder is a motor racing game with participants coming from different galaxies to win the Redline trophy. The protagonist JP also aims to participate and win it, but the mechanic, Frisbee, is a match-fixer who throws the race in others’ favour.
Despite all odds, JP qualifies for the Redline race on an alien planet. The problem is that the host plant has threatened to eliminate all participants of Redline and hopes to end the Redline races.
23. Galaxy Express 999 (1979)
Galaxy Express 999 is a sci-fi adventure thriller that was adapted from the manga series and the anime series of the same name.
It was based on the story by Leiji Matsumoto and adapted later on. The film begins with a world where intergalactic travel and harmony exist.
Many humans opt for their consciousness to be transferred to a mecha that will lead to immortality or unending life.
However, it is expensive, and it leads to power instability between the rich and the poor.
24. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing video game where the inhabitants fight Sephiroth, a maniacal antagonist who was created by injecting him with extraterrestrial DNA when he was a fetus.
The protagonists of the game are Cloud Strife and Company in the role-playing game, who have to stop Sephiroth.
In the earlier film, Sephiroth was stopped from sucking the lifestream from the planet while he destroyed the city of Midgar.
Now the remaining city of Midgar is rebuilding its home when they uncover a new plan to resurrect Sephiroth.
25. Time of Eve (2010)
Time of Eve is an original net animation that was later adapted as an anime film. It is based on the story by Yasuhiro Yoshiura, who also directed the film.
This science-fiction film is set in a not-so-distant future where androids have become commonplace like everyday tools and gadgets.
Rikuo Sakisaka has lived with androids all his life, and he treats them like any other machinery in his house.
That is until he notices subtle changes in his android behaviour. He sees a new phase in the activity log and cannot trace it to any known establishment.
The investigations throw up many surprises and revelations.
26. Your Name (2016)
Your Name is a romantic science fiction anime released in Japan under the title Kimi no Na Wa in 2016.
The story for this film was based on the light novel of the same name written by Shinkai. The film was the highest-grossing anime film of all time, with an earning of $380 million.
The story revolves around two Japanese youths, a boy from Tokyo and a girl from rural Japan, who are mysteriously connected.
They randomly keep swapping their bodies, exist in each other’s world, and live each other’s life until they start to bond and decide to meet.
27. Rakuen Tsuiho: Expelled from Paradise (2014)
Rakuen Tsuiho: Expelled from Paradise is a science fiction film by Gen Urobuchi and directed by Seiji Mizushima. It is a tale about a space station where all the inhabitants exist as a mental consciousness without any physical body to accompany it.
As a result, consciousness has connected with a digital virtual world and exists online. The trouble starts when their virtual world is hacked into by another entity called the Frontier Setter.
The virtual world is worried about the intentions and identity of this hacker and sends Angela to Earth to investigate.
28. Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack (1988)
Mobile Suit Gundam is a Japanese manga series that has been adapted into anime series earlier. The film series of Char’s Counterattack is the climax of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, which started with Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, and Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ.
The film marks the showdown between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, who were stuck in conflict for over a decade.
The film is well known for the mecha wars and military science fiction theme.
29. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection is a science fiction anime film based on the series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.
The story is about a fantasy world where a prince, Lelouch, attains a magical power of obedience from the mysterious CC and uses it to cause a rebellion with mecha battles.
In the film, the rebellion has reached a ceasefire, and peace has been restored. However, Zilkhstan is unhappy with peace, as their business of exporting militant warriors has been affected by this peace.
They try to restore the war and destabilize the United Federation of Nations.
30. Voices of a Distant Star (2002)
Voices of a Distant Star is a 2002 Japanese science fiction anime short film written, directed, and animated by Makoto Shinkai. It is a bittersweet and poignant tale of love, distance, and the passage of time. Shinkai’s minimalist animation style is both beautiful and effective, creating a sense of isolation and longing that perfectly complements the story.
The film follows the story of two childhood friends, Mikako and Noboru, who are separated when Mikako is sent into space to fight in a war against aliens. As they drift further apart, they communicate through email, but the messages take increasingly longer to reach each other, testing their bond and forcing them to confront their feelings for each other.
Voices of a Distant Star Voices of a Distant Star is a must-see for fans of anime and science fiction, as well as anyone who has ever experienced the pain of separation from a loved one.
31. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (2010)
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is the fourth film in the series based on the light novel of the same name, written by Nagaru Tanigawa.
It was very successful both critically and commercially. The film won the Animation Kobe Award and made huge profits too.
The story for this instalment picks up after the events of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Kyon comes to school to find that Haruhi and Itsuki Koizumi have disappeared, and there is no trace of their existence.
Kyon also notices that the events of the past novels seem to have not happened and he is the only character who remembers the past.
It is up to Kyon to restore the status quo.
32. Battle Angel (1993)
Battle Angel was named Gunnm in its Japanese version. It is a series inspired by the manga series Gunnm, which was created by Yukito Kishiro and adapted into an OVA by Hiroshi Fukutomi.
This OVA has two episodes titled Rusty Angel and Tears Sign. The film starts with Daisuke Ido working in the scrapyard and looking for useful parts.
The cyber physician finds a new perfect cyborg and restores her. This cyborg, Gally, suffers from amnesia but appears to be of superior make and strength.
As Ido restores Gally and encourages her to seek out her own path in life, they become aware that Gally’s future is filled with challenges.
33. Megalo Box (2018)
Megalo Box is a futuristic sports sci-fi anime series. It is based on the manga series Ashita No Joe and revolves around boxing matches, underground fights, and such an environment.
The series received positive reviews and was described as one of the coolest anime series ever. The series is about an underground streetfighter named Junk Dog.
He is very mysterious but has a reputation in underground fights. The setting is 21st-century Japan where boxing matches involve exoskeletons that protect the fighter’s body and hide their identity.
In this scenario, Junk Dog enters a boxing tournament called Megalonia to defeat the champion, Yuri.
34. The Animatrix (2003)
The Animatrix is a science fiction animated film series for adults and is based on The Matrix film series by the Wachowski sisters.
In The Animatrix series, we can view nine animated films that explain the back story and the working of The Matric and Zion.
If you are a fan of the Matrix films, The Animatrix is a watch film series as it has the voices of Carrie Ann Moss and Keanu Reeves in their roles as Trinity and Neo.
This series of nine films was released in 2003 and received positive reviews. Helen McCarthy included the film in 500 Essential Anime Movies and said it was a must-watch.
35. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014 -2015)
Parasyte: The Maxim is the anime version of the manga series with the same name. Parasyte was adapted into a live-action Japanese film in 2014, and simultaneously, Madhouse released the anime series in Japan in October.
The story for Parasyte is about an alien being that comes to Earth and tried to covertly take over humanity.
To give a clearer picture, a batch of alien symbiotes land on earth, and small worm-like creatures enter select humans through mouth or ear and take over the brain of the human host.
From here, they control the host to attain the alien’s objective. The protagonist, Shinichi, is a 17-year-old teenager who notices the parasite and bocks its entry into his mouth and ear, but the parasite enters his hand.
They both reach an uneasy truce to co-exist on earth and work towards avoiding and eliminating other parasites.
36. Summer Wars (2009)
Summer Wars is an anime film that effortlessly combines the ancient family clan system with a modern online world dominated by AI to create a sci-fi suspense drama.
The film won awards for Japanese Academy Prize for animation awards and was nominated for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International film festival.
A young math genius works part-time as a moderator in an online virtual reality world. One summer, his classmates invite him to get to his hometown, but disaster strikes when he is on vacation.
The math genius inadvertently causes a hack into the system by the Love machine, which causes widespread traffic outages and distortions.
How the chaos is handled forms the plot.
37. Saikano: The Last Love Song on This Little Planet (2006)
Saikano: The Last Love Song on This Little Planet is a 2006 Japanese science fiction anime film based on the manga series of the same name by Shin Takahashi.
It tells the story of Shuji and Chise, two high school students who fall in love in a world on the brink of war. However, Chise is a secret weapon, and her body is slowly deteriorating as she uses her powers.
Despite knowing her fate, Shuji and Chise choose to spend their remaining time together, cherishing each moment they have left.
The film was praised for its animation, music, and story. It was also praised for its handling of its mature themes, including love, death, and war. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it remains a popular anime among fans of the genre.
38. Origin: Spirits of The Past (2006)
Origin: Spirits of the Past opened to mixed reviews. While the CGI work and the music were praised, the plot line was described as weak and lacking depth.
This did not stop the audience from loving the film. The story revolves around a future where plant and tree druids have overtaken the earth.
They control the water sources and thus brought mankind to the brink of extinction. The remaining humans are divided into two broad groups, those that want to kill forests and those that want to go exist peacefully.
The fight is to see who prevails.
39. Patema Inverted (2013)
Patema Inverted is a different story that captured the imagination and attention of critics and audiences. They praised the new plot and described it as delightfully new with its concept of can we get along.
In the future, scientists conduct experiments to harness the power of various Earths and accidentally inverse the gravity. Years later, mankind has adapted to this new way of living, and they exist in isolated pockets and keep away from other pockets.
This changes when Patema stumbles upon a new colony of people that live with inverted gravity and befriends them.
40. Appleseed (2004)
Appleseed is a manga-inspired anime film. The manga series was created by Masamune Shirow and the 2004 film is loosely based on the original series.
However, the latest film has reinvented the original concept of the manga series. Appleseed is a utopian world where there are bioroids that are genetically manufactured clones.
However, they lack the capacity to procreate, and the protagonist hopes to rectify this defect. The film analysis and ponders on the existential crisis of such a life where there is no procreation.
41. Deca-Dence (2020)
Deca-Dence is an animation made by NUT. The series is set in a futuristic world where humans are a minority and cyborg colonies are ever-expanding.
This series was created and released in 2020 and came to represent the toxic capitalism that is prevalent across the world.
Deca-Dence is a game set up where the cyborgs can take up human avatars and fight matches without the risk of injury or death.
However, there is a shadow group that is closely monitoring all participants to look for dissidents and eliminate them.
42. Harlock: Space Pirate (2013)
Harlock: Space Pirate was released with the Japanese title Uchū Kaizoku Kyaputen Hārokku. The film received mixed reviews, with James Cameron praising the CGI and 3D animation used in the film.
This film is the most expensive Japanese anime film of all time. The plot of the film revolves around an intergalactic federation called Gaia Sanctions that aims to mislead everyone with a holographic image of clean and green earth and control them.
To sabotage their plan, Captain Harlock tries to reverse time and reset it back to its glory days.
43. Wings of Honneamise (1987)
Wings of Honneamise is also known as Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise. This anime movie is the debut production of Gainax, which went on to make other internationally reputed movies like Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The film received high praise from many acclaimed critics. The story revolves around an astronaut, Shirotsugh, who always dreamed of being a fighter pilot.
As he was not qualified for that job, he became an astronaut with the Royal Space Force. As he gets closer to his dreams, he comes into conflict with the source of his inspiration and what happens next is the rest of the story.
44. Memories (1995)
Memories is an anthology film series made by Studio 4°C. The film series has three different short stories written by Satoshi Kon and Otomo.
The critics were highly appreciative and praised Memories by including it in the list of 100 best Anime movies of all time.
Memories consist of three stories, namely Magnetic Rose, Stink Bomb, and Cannon Fodder. Among them, Magnetic Rose, directed by Koji Morimoto and written by Satoshi Kon, received high critical praise.
It is the story of a maniacal opera singer who creates a haunting legacy that attracts passing ships with a distress signal that destroys the ships creating a graveyard around itself.
Cannon Fodder and Stink Bomb are the other two stories that have an equally ironic and bittersweet storyline.
45. The Irregular at Magic High School: The Girl Who Calls the Stars (2017)
The Irregular at Magic High School: The Girl Who Calls the Stars is a captivating anime film that takes place in a world where magic and technology coexist.
Based on the popular light novel series, this movie follows the story of Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba, siblings enrolled in a prestigious magical high school.
In this movie, a new threat emerges as a mysterious girl with extraordinary powers appears, capable of manipulating the stars themselves.
The film combines stunning animation with intense action sequences, showcasing the intricate magic system and the Shiba siblings’ remarkable abilities. It explores themes of power, discrimination, and the strength of familial bonds.
46. Patlabor: The Movie (1989)
Patlabor: The Movie is a part of the Patlabor series created by Headgear. The film was directed by Mamoru Oshii and animated by Studio Deen and I.G. Tatsunoko. The film is a futuristic tale about a revolt by Mecha called Labors. To accommodate more citizens, Tokyo city is reformed and expanded using man-made islands, and the whole construction is undertaken by labourers.
They are managed from the central island called The Ark. Trouble starts when the labourers start to misbehave, and a conspiracy to cause the labour rebellion is uncovered.
47. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
Children Who Chase Lost Voices is an anime film based on a story written and directed by Makoto Shinkai.
The film is also famous for the name Journey to Agartha and is based on an old Aztec deity who is the keeper of the dead.
A young girl, Asuna, discovers the lost world of Agartha, the land of the dead souls, and meets fascinating creatures and legends along the way.
One day she is rescued by Shun, who injures himself by fighting a mythical creature. While looking for Shun, Asuna enters Adartha and meets Shin, Mr. Morisaki, etc.
48. Silent Möbius (1991)
Silent Möbius is based on a manga series with the same name. It is a 12-volume series that tells us about an all-women protection force called AMP.
This manga series was created by Kia Asamiya and it has been adapted into a film and an anime series.
The film opens with an officer, Katsumi Liqueur of the AMP team, fighting and defeating a Lucifer Hawk. She then narrates the past in a flashback that tells us about her identity.
Katsumi Liqueur has the hidden ability to control the super-dimensional gateway. She comes to Tokyo to visit her mother and gets caught in a fight with Lucifer Hawks, and the AMP team was to hire her as a fighter.
Her mother uses that hidden power to kill the attacking Hawks and uncovers the same power in Katsumi.
49. Short Peace (2013)
Short Peace is a film series made up of four short films directed by four different Japanese directors. The film series was made by Sunrise Studios, and a video game was also developed based on it.
The four films in the series are Possessions, Combustible, Gumbo, and A Farewell to Weapons. Each of these films is set in a different period of Japanese history and tells a fantasy tale of spirits, oni, etc, and the final film is set in the future during the Third World War where men are battling robotic tanks.
Two of the short films in this series were nominated and won awards. Combustible won the Grand Prize at the 16th Japan Media Arts Festival.
Possessions was nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the Academy Awards.
50. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is a movie based on the video game Final Fantasy by Hironobu Sakaguchi. The film series was directed by Sakaguchi and it is one of the costliest films that was based on a video game.
Sadly, it was a box office bomb. The film is the first in the series, and the story revolves around the efforts of scientists Aki Ross and Doctor Sid to contain an alien virus.
Earth is ravaged by an alien race called The Phantoms, about whom little is known. They overran earth, and humankind has been contained into small and guarded ‘barrier cities’.
The film was rendered by Square Pictures and it used the first photorealistic computer-animation technique.