30. Ponyo: IMDb (7.6) 2008
Plot: Fujimoto, a former human turned wizard, lives in the ocean with his daughter Brunhilde and her sisters who look like goldfish with human faces. One day, Brunhilde floats away on a jellyfish and gets trapped in a glass jar near a small fishing town. Ponyo wants to be human and starts transforming with Sōsuke’s help. This causes an imbalance in nature and leads to a tsunami. Eventually, Ponyo becomes fully human and stays with Sōsuke while they face challenges from Fujimoto and the forces of nature. In the end, their love for each other prevails as Ponyo successfully transforms into a human.
My Recommendation: “Ponyo” is a lovely and magical animated movie that captivates people with its beautiful drawings and touching story. It has adorable characters and shows an amazing underwater world, making it a joyful experience for everyone. It offers a refreshing break from reality and takes you into a world full of imagination and awe.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Released Date: July 19, 2008 (Japan), August 14, 2009 (United States)
Runtime: 101 minutes
Distributor: Toho (Japan), Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (United States)
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: $203.2 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
29. The Secret World of Arrietty: IMDb (7.6) 2010
Plot: A boy named Shō recalls the summer week he spent at his mother’s home with his great-aunt, Sadako, and the maid, Haru. One night, Shō sees Arrietty, a Borrower girl hiding in the plants. Arrietty’s father takes her on her first “borrowing” mission to get sugar and tissue paper but they’re interrupted when Shō sees Arrietty. Haru captures Homily but with Shō’s help, they rescue her and escape. The Borrowers leave in search of a new home while Shō hopes for their survival during his upcoming operation.
My Recommendation: “The Secret World of Arrietty” is a movie that takes you on an exciting adventure in a tiny world. The characters face difficulties but show bravery and friendship. The animation is stunning, and the story is touching. People of all ages will enjoy this magical journey, which combines fun with meaningful ideas about relationships and finding your place in the world.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay), Mary Norton (novel)
Released Date: July 17, 2010 (Japan)
Runtime: 94 minutes
Distributor: Toho (Japan), Walt Disney Pictures (International)
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: $146 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
28. When Marnie Was There: IMDb (7.6) 2014
Plot: Anna Sasaki, a 12-year-old girl with low self-esteem, lives in Sapporo with her foster parents. She has an asthma attack at school and is advised by the doctor to go somewhere with clean air. While exploring an abandoned mansion near a salt marsh, Anna meets Marnie, a blonde-haired girl who becomes her secret friend. Through their friendship and the discovery of Marnie’s diary, Anna learns about her own family history and finds closure in her identity.
My Recommendation: When Marnie Was There” is a moving story about friendship, feeling alone, and finding yourself. The animation is lovely, and the plot is touching. It tells a captivating story that stays with you even after the movie ends. I highly recommend watching it.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Producer: Yoshiaki Nishimura
Writer: Keiko Niwa, Masashi Ando
Released Date: July 19, 2014
Runtime: 103 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: $37.4 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
27. Only Yesterday: IMDb (7.6) 1991
Plot: Taeko Okajima, a 27-year-old unmarried woman from Tokyo, decides to visit her sister’s in-laws in the countryside. On the way, memories of her school days resurface. Upon arrival, she is surprised to see Toshio picking her up. With Toshio’s support, Taeko gains clarity and chooses to stay in the countryside instead of returning to Tokyo. It is hinted that a relationship blossoms between them.
My Recommendation: “Only Yesterday” is a touching movie that explores growing up, remembering the past, and feeling nostalgic. The story takes us on a heartfelt journey through the main character’s memories of the past and experiences in the present. With its emotional storyline and beautiful animation, it’s a recommended choice for people looking for self-reflection and strong emotions.
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Isao Takahata
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Isao Takahata
Released Date: July 20, 1991
Runtime: 118 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: $900,000 (approx.)
Where to watch: HBO Max
26. 91 Days: IMDb (7.6) 2016
Plot: The story of ’91 Days’ is set in 1921, during the prohibition era in America. The Vinetti mafia family comes to the Lagusa household with a plan to kill everyone and destroy the place. Angelo Lagusa, the main character, manages to hide and sees his family being murdered. He escapes and goes into hiding for 8 years. Then, he receives an anonymous letter revealing the identities of those responsible for his family’s murder. This leads him on a path of revenge.
My Recommendation: “91 Days” is an exciting story of revenge that takes place during the time when alcohol was prohibited. It combines crime, drama, and tragedy in a seamless way. The plot is complex, the characters are morally unclear, and the atmosphere is intense. It’s a captivating show that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. It’s best suited for mature viewers.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiro Kaburagi
Producer: Taku Kishimoto
Writer: Taku Kishimoto
Released Date: July 9, 2016 – October 1, 2016
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Production Company: Shuka
Where to watch: HBO Max
25. The Cat Returns: IMDb (7.6) 2002
Plot: Haru Yoshioka is a quiet high school student who can communicate with cats. One day, she saves a cat from getting hit by a truck. It turns out the cat is actually Prince Lune of the Cat Kingdom. As thanks, the cats give her unwanted gifts and offer her marriage to the Prince. Haru doesn’t want this, so she seeks help from Muta, a big white cat. Muta takes her to meet Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, a living cat figurine, and Toto, a stone raven brought to life. Together they go on an adventure to rescue Haru and stop the forced marriage in the Cat Kingdom.
My Recommendation: “The Cat Returns” is a fun and enchanting animated movie. It takes you to a magical world where cats can talk and exciting things happen. The characters are lovable, and the story is full of imagination. It’s a feel-good movie that both kids and grown-ups will enjoy, especially for a cozy evening watching films.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiroyuki Morita
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Reiko Yoshida
Released Date: July 19, 2002
Runtime: 75 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $54 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
24. Porco Rosso: IMDb (7.7) 1992
Plot: In 1929, Porco Rosso, a cursed fighter pilot with a pig’s head, defends a ship from pirates. One of the pirates, Curtis, falls in love with a woman named Gina who loves Porco. Curtis shoots down Porco’s plane but he survives. They fly back together to avoid arrest by the secret police. Curtis challenges Porco to a duel for Gina’s love but they end up fighting on the ground instead. Porco wins and flies away while Fio kisses him goodbye.
My Recommendation: “Porco Rosso” is a captivating movie that combines adventure, romance, and aviation. It takes place in the Adriatic Sea during the time between the World Wars. The film has charming characters, beautiful animation, and tells a compelling story about redemption and finding one’s true identity. If you’re a fan of anime and want to watch something special and heartfelt, “Porco Rosso” is definitely worth seeing.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Released Date: July 18, 1992
Runtime: 94 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $32 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
23. Ninja Kamui: IMDb (7.7) 2024
Plot: After Higan, a former ninja who escaped his clan, went into hiding in rural America, he faced a sudden attack by assassins. They sought revenge for his betrayal and inflicted gruesome harm on him and his family. Sadly, Higan’s wife and son did not survive the assault. Determined to seek justice for his murdered loved ones, Higan embraced his ninja skills once again. His ultimate goal was to bring down the very clan that had shaped him in the past.
My Recommendation: “Ninja Kamui” is an exciting story set in ancient Japan. It tells a tale of honor, betrayal, and strength. The animation is impressive, and the action scenes are intense. It transports you into the world of ninjas and samurais. The characters are interesting, and the plot is intricate, making it a must-watch for anime fans who want thrills and depth.
Genre: Action, Drama, Adventure
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Sunghoo Park
Producer: Joseph Chou
Writer: Shigeru Murakoshi
Released Date: February 11, 2024
Runtime: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
Distributor: E&H Production
Production Company: Sola Entertainment and Adult Swim (Toonami)
Where to watch: HBO Max
22. Bungo Stray Dogs: IMDb (7.8) 2016
Plot: The story is about a young adult named Atsushi Nakajima who saves a detective named Osamu Dazai from drowning. Atsushi discovers he has the power to turn into a white tiger and joins the Armed Detective Agency to fight dangerous crimes. He becomes a target of the Port Mafia and recruits Kyoka Izumi, who is being forced to kill. The agency faces trouble but eventually proves their innocence with the help of Ranpo Edogawa. They defeat their enemies, stop vampires, and end the reign of Fyodor.
My Recommendation: “Bungo Stray Dogs” is a cool anime that combines superpowers and references to famous books. It tells a complex story with interesting characters and has great animation. The plot moves at a good pace, keeping viewers interested. It has action, humor, and drama, making it a must-see for fans of anime who want something meaningful and entertaining.
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Mystery
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Takuya Igarashi
Producer: Bones
Writer: Yoji Enokido
Released Date: April 7, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll, Funimation (for English dubbed version)
Production Company: Bones
Where to watch: HBO Max
21. Konosuba: IMDb (7.8) 2016
Plot: After an embarrassing death, Kazuma Satou, a Japanese teenager who avoids work and school, meets a goddess named Aqua. She offers to bring him back to life in a parallel world with game-like features where he can go on adventures and fight monsters. They form a group with two other members: an explosion-obsessed magician named Megumin and a crusader who enjoys pain called Darkness. Although their abilities are not ideal, they try to live comfortably but end up encountering the Devil King’s generals and having to battle them.
My Recommendation: “Konosuba” is a funny anime that combines fantasy adventure with comedy. It follows Kazuma and his unusual friends on silly quests that are full of laughter and surprises. The show has lively characters and clever jokes, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to be entertained and have a good laugh.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Takaomi Kanasaki
Producer: Rie Ogura, Shunsuke Saito
Writer: Makoto Uezu
Released Date: January 14, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 20-25 minutes per episode
Distributor: Kadokawa Corporation
Production Company: Studio Deen
Where to watch: HBO Max