Anime, a form of Japanese animated entertainment, has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with its diverse storytelling, vibrant characters, and breathtaking visuals. Within this realm of animated creativity, certain films have risen to exceptional heights, not only in terms of artistic achievement but also at the box office. In this exploration of the “15 Highest Grossing Anime Movies”, we will delve into the content, characters, and reasons behind their unprecedented success.
“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” (2020)
“Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” took the anime world by storm in 2020, becoming a cultural phenomenon. This film continues the story of Tanjiro Kamado and his comrades as they battle demons aboard a mysterious train. The movie’s breathtaking animation, fluid fight sequences, and captivating characters, such as the fan-favorite Zenitsu, endeared it to fans worldwide. However, some critics noted its limited character development and a storyline that could be seen as somewhat predictable. Still, its stunning visuals and thrilling battles more than made up for these shortcomings.
“Your Name” (2016)
“Your Name” is a modern classic that tells the story of Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies and attempt to unravel the secrets of their connection. The film’s beautiful animation and emotionally resonant narrative, combined with the endearing characters of Taki and Mitsuha, made it a global sensation. Some critics argued that the body-swapping concept wasn’t entirely original, but its execution and the exploration of human connection struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
“Weathering with You” (2019)
“Weathering with You” follows Hodaka and Hina, two young people who discover the ability to control the weather. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film boasts stunning visuals, intricately designed cityscapes, and a touching narrative. While the plot somewhat predictable, the film’s emotional depth, poignant themes of sacrifice, and a complex relationship between the two protagonists were universally acclaimed.
“Spirited Away” (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, “Spirited Away,” takes viewers on a magical journey with Chihiro as she navigates a mysterious and enchanting world. The film’s intricate storytelling, imaginative characters like No-Face and Haku, and its richly detailed world-building have solidified its place as an all-time classic. Although the plot is complex, its intricate world and unforgettable characters continue to charm audiences.
“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)
In “My Neighbor Totoro,” two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, encounter forest spirits while adjusting to life in the countryside. This Studio Ghibli gem is celebrated for its simplicity, innocence, and a sense of wonder that captivates audiences of all ages. While it’s slow-paced, its charm lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia and a childlike sense of adventure.
“One Piece Film: Stampede” (2019)
“One Piece Film: Stampede” is a love letter to fans of the long-running “One Piece” series. The film’s major advantage lies in its ability to bring together a vast array of characters from the series, creating a true celebration of the franchise. However, this abundance of characters can also be seen as a drawback, as it might overwhelm viewers unfamiliar with the series. The film’s action sequences are a highlight, with Luffy, Zoro, and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates facing formidable foes. Despite some criticism of its chaotic pacing, “Stampede” manages to capture the spirit of adventure that has made “One Piece” so beloved for years.
“The Wind Rises” (2013)
“The Wind Rises” is a departure from the fantastical worlds typically associated with Hayao Miyazaki’s work. Instead, it delves into the real-life story of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japan’s Zero fighter plane. The film is visually stunning and historically accurate, showcasing Miyazaki’s mastery of animation. However, it also faced criticism for potentially romanticizing war due to its portrayal of Horikoshi’s passion for aircraft design during a time of conflict. This controversy adds complexity to the film’s themes, making it a thought-provoking addition to Miyazaki’s filmography.
“Dragon Ball Super: Broly” (2018)
“Dragon Ball Super: Broly” reintroduced the iconic character Broly to the “Dragon Ball” franchise, offering a fresh take on his origin story. The film’s primary strength lies in its jaw-dropping, high-energy battles, which are a trademark of the series. However, some fans felt that the plot and character development were lacking compared to other entries in the franchise. Nevertheless, the film’s appeal lies in its action-packed sequences, especially the epic showdowns between Broly, Goku, and Vegeta.
“Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai” (2018)
“Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai” (also known as “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas”) is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of life, death, and friendship. The film’s advantage lies in its emotional impact, as it navigates the relationship between the main characters and the discovery of a diary belonging to a terminally ill classmate, Sakura. However, some viewers found its approach to be emotionally manipulative, as it leans heavily on the tearjerker trope. Despite this criticism, the film’s focus on cherishing life’s fleeting moments resonates deeply with many
“Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet” (2021)
“Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet” is part of the long-running “Detective Conan” franchise, known for its clever mysteries and iconic characters. While some fans felt the film followed a formulaic plot structure seen in previous installments, its advantage lies in keeping the spirit of the series alive. Conan’s deductive skills and the suspenseful mysteries maintain the franchise’s legacy, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.
“One Piece Film: Z” (2012)
“One Piece Film: Z” continues the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as they face off against the formidable former Marine Admiral, Z. The film excels in its thrilling action sequences, with the Straw Hat crew pushed to their limits. However, it faced criticism for adhering to a somewhat formulaic plot structure, a common trope in many “One Piece” films. Despite this, the film remains a solid entry in the franchise, offering fans the high-stakes battles and camaraderie they love.
“Stand by Me Doraemon” (2014)
“Stand by Me Doraemon” is a heartwarming journey that merges the beloved robotic cat Doraemon with a heartfelt narrative. The film brings Doraemon and his young friend Nobita Nobi on a time-traveling adventure filled with nostalgia. While the film relies heavily on fans’ fond memories, it capitalizes on its advantages by tugging at the audience’s emotional strings with endearing characters and a powerful message about friendship and perseverance. However, its disadvantage lies in its limited appeal to those unfamiliar with the original series, potentially alienating new viewers who may not fully grasp the significance of the characters and their relationships. Nevertheless, its strong emotional core and a sense of nostalgia make it one of the highest-grossing anime films in Japan.
“One Piece Film: Gold” (2016)
“One Piece Film: Gold” takes the Straw Hat crew to the glamorous Gran Tesoro, a massive casino ship run by the enigmatic Gild Tesoro. While some fans appreciated the change of scenery and the exploration of themes related to wealth and power, others felt that the film’s plot lacked the depth and emotional resonance seen in previous “One Piece” installments. Nonetheless, the film still delivers the fun and adventure that fans of the series have come to expect.
“Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale” (2017)
“Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale” explores the fusion of virtual and real worlds as players encounter augmented reality challenges. The film’s strength lies in its thrilling action sequences and visually impressive AR battles. However, it faced criticism for its treatment of female characters, particularly Asuna, whose role was diminished compared to her character in the original series. Despite this issue, the film expands on the themes of the “Sword Art Online” franchise, combining gaming elements with emotional storytelling.
“Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” (1997)
“Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion” provides a complex and surreal conclusion to the iconic series, featuring characters like Shinji Ikari and Rei Ayanami as they navigate psychological and existential challenges. The film’s advantage lies in its deep philosophical themes and artistic ambition, pushing the boundaries of what anime can explore. However, its complex narrative and abstract imagery can be polarizing, with some viewers finding it confusing while others appreciate its thought-provoking nature.
The “15 Highest Grossing Anime Movies” have demonstrated the power of storytelling, animation, and fandom in captivating audiences and achieving remarkable box office success. Each of these films, from the enchanting works of Hayao Miyazaki to the action-packed adventures of “One Piece” and “Doraemon,” has contributed to the global appeal of anime. These movies stand as a testament to the creativity and passion of the anime industry and continue to inspire and entertain generations of fans around the world.
