The 2020s are officially more than halfway over, and the decade so far has been transformative for the anime industry, especially in cinema. Studios have pushed the boundaries of animation by creating storylines that capture audiences’ hearts and displaying an artistry that exceeds all expectations. From the early 2020s to 2026, anime has only continued to grow and evolve.
Many anime films from the past several years have earned critical acclaim, with several breaking global records. As anime steadily grows in popularity, anime films are becoming visionary projects that redefine what the medium is capable of. These are the films that have dominated the anime landscape, solidifying their place as the best of the decade so far.
12 Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero takes place after the Granolah the Survivor arc in the manga. The film mainly centers on Piccolo and Gohan as they face the Red Ribbon Army and its newly engineered threats. They face new androids and are pushed beyond their previous limits in a high-stakes battle without Goku or Vegeta.
The film is most known for its bold shift to 3D CGI animation and for centering on Gohan and Piccolo rather than the series’ two frontrunners. The film delivered stunning visuals and intense battles, and introduced thrilling character developments that fans are eager to see more of.
11 My Hero Academia: You're Next
My Hero Academia: You’re Next follows Izuku Midoriya and his classmates as they face a new threat from an impostor hero claiming to uphold All Might’s legacy. Calling himself Dark Might, this new villain leads a crime syndicate and challenges the heroes to protect civilians and save a captured girl named Anna, whose powerful quirk is exploited by the villains.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next has stunning animation, tight pacing, and memorable characters that helped the film earn critical acclaim. Many consider the film the second-best in the franchise, following the 2019 film Heroes Rising. With its intense battles and an emotional subplot between Giulio and Anna, You’re Next stands as an unforgettable entry in the My Hero Academia franchise.
10 Inu-Oh
Inu-Oh centers on a cursed, masked performer, Inu-Oh, and a blind musician, Tomona, in 14th-century Japan. The duo gains fame as they engage in rock-opera performances that help them break their curses and share forgotten stories while defying authorities that try to censor and suppress them.
The film is known best for its surreal animation style and musical elements. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa and produced by Science SARU, Inu-Oh is a powerful film that explores identity and expression in ways that are visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
9 The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes follows Kaoru Touno, a high school student who discovers the mysterious Urashima Tunnel. The tunnel is rumored to grant any wish at the cost of years of your life. Alongside his classmate, Anzu Hanashiro, Kaoru explores the tunnel with the hopes of reuniting with his deceased sister.
Critics have praised the film for its emotional storytelling and visually stunning animation. The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes is a coming-of-age story that explores grief, memory, and the passage of time in a way that is not only atmospheric, but deeply resonant and universal.
8 Belle
Belle follows Suzu, a shy high school student who lives a quiet life in her rural town, but finds confidence in the virtual world of U. There, she becomes a globally famous singer known as Belle, only to have her life disrupted by a shadowy figure known as the Dragon, leading her to confront her real-life struggles and discover the Dragon’s real identity.
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the film is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, exploring themes of trauma, self-acceptance, and connection against the backdrop of social media and a virtual world that intersect with reality. The film offers an unforgettable soundtrack that uplifts its story and themes, making it a visually and narratively moving film.
7 The First Slam Dunk
The First Slam Dunk follows Ryota Miyagi and the Shohoku High School basketball team as they face off against the powerhouse Sannoh Kogyo in the national championships. The film primarily centers on Ryota’s backstory and personal struggles as he and his team strive to win the championship.
The film is a prequel to the original 1993 Slam Dunk and revitalized the series, thrilling both longtime fans and newcomers to the story. The First Slam Dunk earned critical acclaim for its blend of 3D CG and 2D animation and universal themes of grief, resilience, and growth, all while delivering a realistic portrayal of basketball.
6 Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 continues Tanjiro Kamado’s story immediately following the Hashira Training arc. As the Demon Slayers fall into Muzan Kibutsuji’s Infinity Castle, they must face hordes of demons as well as the remaining Upper Rank demons, including Doma, Akaza, and the newly appointed Upper Six, Kaigaku.
With its cinematic sequences and emotional storytelling, Infinity Castle stands as one of the best anime films.
Infinity Castle shattered numerous records and currently stands as Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time and is one of 2025's top ten highest-grossing films worldwide. Fans and critics have praised the film’s gorgeous animation and fluid action choreography. With its cinematic sequences and emotional storytelling, Infinity Castle stands as one of the best anime films.
5 Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel film that follows Yuta Okkotsu, a high school student who is haunted by his childhood friend Rika, who has become a powerful, uncontrollable cursed spirit. When he’s recruited into Tokyo Jujutsu High, Yuta begins training under and alongside experienced sorcerers, working with them to battle against other dangerous curses and sorcerers.
The film takes place roughly a year prior to the events in the main series, offering greater insight into one of the series's most powerful sorcerers. Paired with its inventive battles and emotionally resonant storytelling, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a compelling addition to the franchise, standing as one of the highest-grossing anime films and beloved by countless fans.
4 Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc follows Denji, a young devil hunter, after he meets Reze, a mysterious and charismatic young woman who quickly becomes intertwined with his life. What begins as an innocent, blossoming romance between the two quickly spirals into danger and a high-stakes, life-or-death battle.
The Reze Arc stands out for its gorgeous soundtrack, animation, and emotionally moving storyline. Paired with fluid action sequences and the series's signature humor, the film was a thrilling experience from beginning to end, sharing themes of connection and desire. Critics praise Reze Arc for its cinematic weight and depth, earning the film a place among the best anime films.
3 The Boy and the Heron
The Boy and the Heron follows Mahito Maki, a young boy who moves to the countryside after the loss of his mother in a devastating fire during the war. While exploring the surroundings of his new home, he encounters a mysterious grey heron who leads him to an abandoned tower and a surreal, dreamlike world.
Created by Hayao Miyazaki, the film is celebrated for its beautiful hand-drawn animation, rich worldbuilding, and emotionally moving narrative. The Boy and the Heron is the second Ghibli film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature after Spirited Away, proving its mastery in combining fantastical imagery with powerful themes and depth.
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